A winter in Smolensk, a sixth coalition TL

[Parmenion]

As the Grande Armèe coverged at Leipzig, the Coalition struggled to coodinate its movements across Germany. On the advice of General Moreau, it was decided that the army of Silesia should stamd and fight even if it was facing superior numbers, and the Army of Poland would "March itself into the ground." As the Tsar put it, to support Blucher as soon as possible. On the 21st Ney again attemped to hold off Barclay at Grimma, but once again was forced to retreat after a battle that cost both sides 2,000 men. Later that same day, Napoleon and the main body of his army joined Massèna at Leipzig's Northern suburbs.

Napoleon and Masséna commanded from their headquarters just outside Leipzig, the battlefield itself consisted of relatively flat ground between the Elster, and the shallow and easily forded Parthe stream. His forces were roughly arranged in an arrow, its head being centered on the village of Wiederitzsch. The imperial guard and Augereau's corps formed the shaft of the arrow, which Napoleon planned to save for the decisive assault.

To the South Ney's detachment hastily set up defenses of its own. Forming a small line between Gallows hill, and the Kolmberg ridge, Davout fortifying the village of Liebertwolkvitz in between. Despite his orders to delay Barclay, the Army of Poland was barely 18 hours march behind Ney. Blucher meanwhile, had been arguing furiously with Bennigsen, who favored a more defensive strategy. Blucher instead wanted to attack, and draw as many French soldiers onto himself as possible. In the end King Frederick William himself had to intervene, and personally ordered Blucher not to attack first. As darkness fell on the 21st, both side anxiously settled in for, what would be for many thousands of them, their last night on Earth...

______

Napoleon restless reclined in his chair, as Berthier quietly scibbled out tomarrows orders. "Ammunition?" The Emperor asked impatiently "We should be alright for a day, maybe a day and a half." Berthier replied "Damn Russians have us blocked out of Dresden." "Fuckers..." Napoleon muttered under his breath "I want you to send a letter to Vienna. Tell my father in we've won the battle- No... We won the war, we won the war." He stood and paced the room "And that if he wishes to belatedly forgo his treason, that I can promise some territorial rewards for his crown. "Yes sire, a bit premature though isn't it?" Napoleon shurgged "War isn't much besides violent deception, besides, he can't touch me, we're family now." "You funeral sire." Berthier chuckled. That darked Napoleons mood somewhat "We may beat Borodino tomarrow, win or lose." Napoleon sat again, for once, even war couldn't cheer him up...

 

[Parmenion]

On Thursday morning, July 22nd, the sun rose on a battlefield where almost half a million soldiers had assembled. As the morning dew was burnt off by a the beating summer heat, Napoleon oversaw the Northern sector. Blucher had formed up in the fields facing the French, though his army was outnumbered by almost 35,000 men. By 8am, with Sorbier still setting up his grand battery, Blucher decided to launch an attack of his own.

Yorck's Corps, supported by Russian infantry under Bernadotte, launched a full scale assault on Mockern. Marmont and his elite marines fought back stubbornly, and casualties soon mounted on both sides. Blucher had hoped that Napoleon would pull away reserves to defend Mockern, perhaps even abandon his attack altogether. But Napoleon refused to commit a single unit to reinforce Marmont, sending dispatches that made it very plain the marshal was on his own that morning. Before long the skirmishers and pickets outside the village were overwhelmed, and savage fighting in the streets swept back and forth.

______

"Time." The emperor demanded for umpteeth time that morning. "Fifteen minutes past nine sire." An aide called out. Napoleon grunted at that "Tell Sorbier if he doesn't start fire-" just then the roar of 150 guns rang out across the battlefield, the grand battery sending a hurricane of shot into the coalition ranks. "Now that's better" Napoleon remarked, as he turned his attention back to the French left "These animals..." he observed the Prussian attack "Have learned something." Berthier sat at a desk near Napoleon's horse "Well sire, who do you think they learned it from? You should be flattered." Napoleon grinned "That's true, that's true."

As Sorbier continued to blast the Russian lines, Napoleon ordered Bertrand and Augereau to advance, with Oudinot leading the young guard behind them. In support, Nansouty and Marshal Bessieres led I Cavalry Corps, 6,000 horsemen, in one of the great cavalry charges of the age. Bennigsen and Bernadotte's lead divisions were mauled, and their forward batteries taken. Blucher was forced to abandon his attack on Mockern to keep from being cut off, as the Army of Silesia was forced back. Bennigsen however conducted a masterful fighting retreat, ordering forward his reserves, and gradually yielding ground. Soult's Corps attempted to flank Blucher, but a brilliant charge by Prussian hussars nearly routed the French, who suffered huge losses. By 2pm, the French had advanced nearly a mile, but had been spent. Russian regular cavalry counterattacked the French right, and before long the French were forced to begin a retreat of their own by 4pm. With the Russians now closing on Wiederitzsch, Napoleon ordered Bessieres to launch another attack with the guard cavalry, supported by infantry of the young guard on both flanks.

The French counterattack stopped the Russians and Swedes cold, as they were thrown back in disarray. Marshal Oudinot had his ear shot through, but his young guardsmen had shattered the Swedish army. Critically, many senior officers were killed or captured, including seven generals. in a single day, the Swedish army had lost nearly a quarter of its strength, a devestating blow to the nation. In total, the first day's fighting at Leipzig had cost both sides about 25,000 casualties. Napoleon had failed to defeat the Army of Silesia, and overnight, the Army of Poland would arrive to the South. As dusk fell, fighting gradually tapered off across the line.
______

Marshal Oudinot pressed a crimson stained bandage to his ear as he strode about the corpse strewn battlefield, still giving orders "Keep all the light infantry committed until dark." He gestured North "I want sentries set up, they may try something." The young guardsmen were hardly older than the rest of the army, but they'd done well. The marshal still felt proud, even as his ear burned furiously "Perhaps you should have the surgeon look at that." One of his aides pleaded "Later, this is nothing much." He assured them. He saw many Swedish officers, some wounded, others standing about indignantly. "Sir!" A major called out. "I have... a prisoner you'll want to meet." "Another general?" Oudinot asked exitedly.

"No sir." Oudinot turned, and almost went slack jawed at what he saw "You, oh for fucks sake!" "Oudinot, it had to be you, the fucking moron." The former Marshal turned prince, spat back. Oudinot let out an exhasperated chuckle "This is perfect! Too perfect! The Emperor will love this!" "You ass." Bernadotte seethed. Oudinot called up an aide "See that the 'prince' here is escorted back to Leipzig, treat him with the respect of his position of course." "I'll see to it sir!" The aide called back as he offered a fresh horse to Bernadotte, who being out of alternatives, reluctantly mouted the horse and rode off. Oudinot now stood alone with the corpses of boys less than half his age, and with his enthusiasm crushed, walked off to see to his ear...

 

[Parmenion]

The streets of Leipzig were deserted, save for the occassional wagon of supplies and countless wounded. Storerooms, shops, churches, all had been converted into makeshift field hospitals, where the anguished wails of soldiers could be heard alongside the rhythmic thumping of saws chewing through flesh and bone. In the parlour of some absent German aristocrat, Napoleon wearily oversaw the reports on the status of his embattled army. Most of his marshals had assembled, but the most prominent of them was Oudinot, who'd come to show off his prize.

"Well, Duke of Reggio, you've certainly earned your pay this evening." Napoleon mused aloud as his marshals crowded around to see their former comrade "This is certainly quite a sight." Davout quipped from the back of the room "Though come to think, this should be a notable chapter in your illustrious career, right up there with your famed support at Auerstedt, or your legendary defense of Aderklaa. Bernadotte simply turned up his nose at Davout's barbs "You're an insufferable lot, all of you to a man." "And you're a beak-nosed little prick." Oudinot replied crudely, as Mortier snickered quietly behind him.

Napoleon stood as the room fell silent. "Oh Bernadotte, what to do with you, what to do with you." Berthier spoke up "I say we send a letter to the Tsar "We have the Prince of Sweden, and he'll be returned to his homeland, in how many pieces said return is conducted depends on you..." Napoleon chuckled "Tempting, but best not to start up that kingslaying nonsense again." He tapped Bernadotte on the chest "You're royal highness is free to leave." He pointed to Bessieres "Please have an escort provided for him." "Of course sire." Bessieres led the ex-marshal out into the street." "Is that wise, sire?" Massèna now spoke up, even as his health forced him to slump into his chair. Napoleon nodded "After Russia, all of Europe surely sees me as unreliable. This will show they can reason with me, it's a start at least."

He turned to Ney "Is Alexander here at last?" "Afraid so sire." Ney nodded grimly "At least the bulk of him is, my sentries have been at it the past three hours, they aren't letting up. "Alright, then here's what I'll do. Masséna, you'll forgive me if I relieve you tonight, you're in no shape to command "Of course sire, I'll try and make myself useful in town, somehow." Napoleon nodded "We're overextended in the South, Ney, I want everything you already have in a line between..." He glanced at a map "Probstheida and Sellerhausen. Wrede, Lauriston, finish the line to Connewitz."

The men nodded, though Davout stood once more "If I may be so bold, what is his majesties objective for tomarrow?" Napoleon frowed "We'll try and throw back one of the enemy armies, but if that fails we'll withdraw tomarrow night. Good night gentlemen." The officers took their cue, and filed out swiftly, a few muttering a reply, Marmont and Oudinot exiting last as they compared wounds. Nobody had the stomach for what they knew would come next...

 

[Parmenion]

As The Army of Poland arrived to the South of Leipzig in the evening of the 22nd, skirmishes broke out almost immediately between the light infantry of both sides. Ney wanted to cover his withdrawal North, and so continued to pour reinforcements into the night skirmish. The result was perhaps one of the largest night battles of the Napoleonic wars, with over 15,000 soldiers on each side participating in a confused brawl in the fields between Gallows Hill and Probstheida. By dawn, with his redeployment complete and his new corps securing his flank, Ney dared Barclay to come after him, and the Russian general was quick to oblige.

In the North, Blucher seemed ready to withdraw, though Napoleon wisely decided to wait before attacking. The withdrawal was a ruse, and seeing that the French weren't taking the bait, ordered Yorck to attack Mockern once more. Bennigsen meanwhile, supported by the released Bernadotte, already back in command of the Swedes, launched his own attack on Wiederitzsch. Close ranged artillery support meant the coalition losses were terrible, but by 10am, they'd managed to push their way into the village. East of Mockern, General Sander's Swedish division attempted to cut off Marmont, whose II Corps was in a savage struggle for the village.
______

"Say again!" Marshal Marmont screamed as the world seemed to be coming to an end around him. The roar of his own cannon mixed with crashing of wood and stone, as Prussian roundshot smashed through buildings and men alike, the streets full of crimson smears that had once been men. "Swedish troops are massing for an attack on our right! Sir!" The aide shouted back. Marmont scowled, he thought he'd seen war before, but this was ludicrous. All around him men scurried, some with purpose, others seemed dazed, stunned by the sheer brutality unfolding around them "Tell general-" As he prepared his order, a cannonball skipped down the street, reducing the aide to yet another bloody smear before he could even shriek, and misting down Marmont with blood and viscera in the process "Gah- Christ!" The Marshal struggled to compose himself, before spotting a major nearby "Tell General Delmas to wheel his division to cover right flank!" The Major seemed stunned "Now Major!" Marmont roared. The officer nodded and scampered off to find a horse, and Marmont turned back to his corps. He had just enough time to notice a black spot rapidly grow in his vision, before the shot ripped through his abdomen. He felt the odd sensation of the morning air on his entrails, before the world went black...
_____

To the South, Ney's skirmishers were repulsed in force, and heavy fighting broke out along entire line. In particular, Davout's corps in Probatheida came under attack from an entire Russian corps. Barclay intended to drive straight against the walls of Leipzig themselves, hoping to cut off as much of the Southern sector as possible. To the West, Connwitz fell after a short but bloody clash between Wrede and Baggovout's corps, though the Bavarian field marshal was able to form a new defensive line North of the town. Barclay's right flank now began its assault driving Maison out of Paunsdorf, and mauling Poniatowski to the South. There was a brief scare when Tsar Alexander himself had his horse killed under him, but he was uninjured.

By 3pm Napoleon was hard pressed on every front, even as he held on for dear life. Mockern finally fell, as Prussian and Swedish Cuirassiers nearly routed Nansouty's cavalry. Wiederitzsch briefly fell, forcing Napoleon to order up Mortier and the old guard to retake it, which was swiftly achieved. Marshal Oudinot was wounded by canister, but remained in command. The French did snag a late success that day, when Reynier's XII Corps outflanked his Russian counterpart, who was then charged down by guard cavalry. The French and allies had suffered another 25,000 casualties, the Coalition losing 33,000.

Napleon had intended to continue the fight the next day, but upon learning the scale of his losses, particularly in cavalry, he was persuaded to withdraw. Luckily, Marshal Masséna, who'd been too ill to command the North, had taken charge of the engineers. Two additional bridges were ready by midnight, and the Grande Armée began crossing the Elster bridge. Blucher was alerted to the withdrawl, and launched a frenzied pursuit. The Prussians even surged through the gates, and confused street fighting broke out in Leipzig. Marshal Davout had volunteered to lead the readguard, and checked Blucher long enough for the rest of the army to escape, and then ensured his own corps did as well. By 6am, the battle was over, and the French left behind a corpse-filled, traumatized city for the Coalition...

 

[Parmenion]

Dresden, July 25th, 1813​

It was a beautiful summer day in the Saxon capital, but not a particularly noteworthy one. Citygoers milled about, to their homes or shops or wherever else. Men in both Saxon white and French blue milled about the bustling streets, which were bustling more than usual, as many peasants from the country had fled to the safety of the fortress city. While the carnage of war remained at arms length for now, the fact that the town gossip had been replaced by mutterings of casualty reports and bread prices showed a quiet tension in the citizens.

Corporals Henri Lefèvre and François Dubois were among those out and about. With the Russian threat having moved North, and the city's defenses prepared, the garrison could afford some leisure. "Sounds like The Emperor and Tsar are about to go at it." Henri said apprehensively. "Mmm. Could already be." François replied, hardly paying attention. "Lucky us, I suppose." "Mhm- oh, have a look there my friend." Henri said, gesturing as he noticed a local women smiling at them down the street.

The soldiers approched her eagerly "Hello gentlemen!" She greeted them in surprisingly good French "Afternoon madame." Henri replied, smitten "Corporals Lefèvre and Dubois, our pleasure." The woman laughed "My, such lovely boys Napoleon has sent us! My name is Ms. Sophie Fischer." She extended her hand "Would you gentlemen help a lady home." Dubois eagerly took her offer "Of course madame! We French still have our honor." She led the two soliders down a handfull of blocks, before turning onto a small alleyway.

"Is this the place, miss?" Henri asked her "Certainly is." She replied plainly, and upon observing that the trio was alone, pulled out a dagger. In a fluid strike, Dubois was slashed through the throat, reeling to the ground as he drowned in his blood "You!?" Was all a startled Henri could mutter before she drove the blade deep into his stomach. Stunned, Henri gasped as he gazed down at the knife in his torso, the words "An Mein Volk" Etched into the blade. "Hell." She spat at Henri in his native tongue "Is far to kind for you, filth." The Frenchman stumbled, then the world faded out...

 

[Parmenion]

Lindenau, July 26th, 1813​

The small Saxon suburb had been turned into a horrific display. Men with every type of wound lay sprawled wherever there was space. Teenagers with limbs shredded by cannon or by the saws of their own surgeons were left in the blistering July sun, others crammed into stifling, reeking farmhouses and hovels. On the whole however the Grande Armèe remained on its toes, three corps guarded the destroyed bridge over the Elster and its environs, cavalry scouted the miles of riverbank North and South of Leipzig, all while Napoleon, sulking in his tent, considered his options.

Outside, General Duroc sat in irritated vigil, acting as the last line of defense if any would-be visitors had the rank or the indignation to disobey the guards. As the general unhappily contemplated the happenings of the past week, one of the aides rode up to him "Ah, General Drouot." Duroc greeted the aide "To what do I owe the pleasure?" "General Duroc." Drouot smiled tipped his hat "I have a guest for the Emperor waiting." Duroc raised an eyebrow "And pray tell, what guest thinks he can demand an audience with His Majesty, especially when he's asked not to be disturbed?" Drouot shrugged "Mere generals like us shall never know I'm afraid, a certain colonel of Austrian cuirassiers has a sealed message, from his emperor to our own." Duroc shrugged himself, before nodding "Bring him up then please."

Napoleon couldn't think of a time when he'd been in a more sour mood, well actually he could. Four years prior, when his best friend had been killed on the Danube, and a year later when he'd had to bid farewell to his first wife, perhaps he'd felt worse then, though the latest events were certainly in the running to compare. Now though, he had to put his passions aside, he had much to do. His mind was in a rapid fire debate with itself, running over option after option. We can't counterattack. Napoleon thought. Not across the Elster anyhow. We can't go North, Austria would pounce, we can't retreat, that would cost us Germany. We can't stay here, that will accomplish nothing. Napoleon racked his brain, letting out a frustrated growl, this wasn't going anywhere.

"Sire?" Duroc cautiously called into the tent. Napoleon turned to him with a look that could melt lead "I told you to leave me alone, Duroc, don't you turn into a fool now too." "My apologies sire, but there's an Austrian officer here, he's got a message from his emperor." Napoleon was surprised out of his melancholic rage "Oh? Well send him in." Duroc nodded, and ushered the Austrian inside. "So, what can I do for you Colonel...?" "Auersberg, your majesty." He replied. Napoleon invited the officer to sit, while he remained standing.

"His Majesty Francis I of Austria, has a personal letter for Your Majesty, your eyes only sire." The officer handed Napoleon a sealed letter, which he took wordlessly
_____

To The Emperor Napoleon​

I very urgently request your majesty to open negotiations with the Coalition, so that a peaceful and Stable Europe, free of suffering and dismal bloodshed, can be preserved. If Your Majesty does not accept this proposal, then as a sovereign I may be forced to take part in military action. I beg you to consider the cost in humanity of these dreadful war-Your father in-law, Francis I

Napoleon chucked bitterly, he'd been had by the Austrians again. "You may tell my counterpart" He seethed "That I will readily accept a ceasefire and opening of negotiations." He spat through clenched teeth. "Understood?" The colonel nodded "I understand, sire." "You're dismissed." The officer left without another word. Moments later, Napoleon called in Duroc "I want letters to Paris." He urged "Tell them to send every soldier they can spare." "Yes sire." Napoleon frowned "And tell the empress I'd like to join her in Dresden, she might get to see some family." The generals face fell, though the Emperor didn't notice "Anything else sire?" "Yes, have Marshals Oudinot and MacDonald switch commands. Oudinot is to hold Hamburg, MacDonald shall take the young guard." Duroc nodded "I'll inform Marshal Berthier, sire." Napoleon nodded a dismissal, and returned to his melancholy.

 

[Parmenion]

Near Merseburg, July 28th, 1813​

"Are you sure this is wise sire, especially at a time like this?" Marshal Ney asked quisitively "Michel Ney urging caution?" Napoleon retorted with a chuckle from his carriage "Maybe Dr. Larrey should have a look at you." "I can't fix whatever's worked its way into him!" Larrey called from his horse a ways up the column "I'm a physician, not a magician!" Napoleon let himself have a laugh at that, as Ney bristled on his own mount, trying his best not took offended "Anyway, I'm certain this is a good idea, I want to be as far North as possible when the armistice takes effect tomarrow." Ney nodded "Isn't there a risk that-" "Ney." Napoleon cut him off sternly "You're the last marshal I'll allow to lecture me on politics, I'll do my job, you do yours." Ney bristled as he rode back to the rear.

Nobody knew it, but barely a quarter mile away, in a patch of trees near the path the army marched on, the enemy lay in wait. Colonel Grekhov and his namesake regiment of Don Cossacks had been sore about missing the great clash at Leipzig, their mission had at first seemed quite mundane: Ford the Elster, conduct reconnaissance, raid targets of opportunity and then return. They'd managed that without much fuss, but what they hadn't expected was for the French to start North. That morning, they awoke to the sound of French drums and marching songs. The colonel couldn't believe it, the French were still operating in what they considered friendly country, and had marched right past the small woods where they Cossacks had encamped.

"Are you sure this is a good idea sir?" Grekhov's second in command asked in a hushed tone "Well.." The Cossack shrugged "It's certainly worth it. If we succeed, this war is over, or at least cut down a damn good bit. If we fail... well I doubt the Tsar will take much notice of losing a few of us." Suddenly a messenger arrived on foot "Sir! We've spotted what looks like Bonaparte's Headquarters, I saw his carriage myself, no indication we've been spotted." Grekhov nodded "Good, good. Get the men saddled up, not a peep until I give the order to charge."

Napoleon chaffed in the sweltering carriage "Anyway." He asked Berthier "What's this I hear about a Coalition regiment of defectors?" "I believe it's fabricated sire, a handful of officers perhaps, the rest are just Germans in our uni-" Their conversation was cut short, as the sound of thundering hooves and the terror inducing cry of "URAHHHHH!!!" filled the air. All eyes turned to the left of the road, as a tide of men and horses swept at lightning speed towards the French column.

"Aw for fucks sake." Was all Napoleon could say as the horde surged towards his column. Berthier was first out of the carriage "Draw swords gentlemen!" The marshal called as he drew his own "Defend your Emperor!" Napoleon plucked a ready pistol and sword from a box, before scurrying behind Berthier. He considered standing with his chief of staff, but thought better of it, rushing behind his carriage just as the sea of bloodthirsty horsemen came upon him.

It was carnage. Scattered soldiers fired wildly as lances and bayonets clashed. Napoleon watched the horses surge past his carriage, before wheeling around with frightening swiftness, all the while skewering whoever they could find. One horseman locked his eyes on the Emperor, charging headlong, spear in hand. Napoleon aimed his pistol and fired, missing wildly as the Cossack rushed him. A corporal shoved him aside, taking the lance thrrough the stomach as he was swept away, screaming all the while as the cavalryman dragged him downn the road.

Napoleon was almost offended he'd been ignored in favor of the corporal, before he realized: Without his trademark hat and chasseur's jacket, which he'd removed in the heat, he was hard distinguish from a camp follower or a cook. All around him though, men and officers were viciously fighting for their lives. Napoleon spotted Dr. Larrey, a saber in each hand fighting off half a dozen Cossacks as he defended a wounded officer.

Finally, the blowing of bugles heralded relief for the French. Ney was back, and with his typical reckless courage, led an ad hoc mix of cavalry and his own staff against the Cossacks. Napoleon couldn't help but grin as Ney dove into the fray, ripping one horseman straight off his mount, sabering him as he tried to stand. Finally under the onslaught of the French cavalry and infantry, they'd had enough. the Cossacks turned and galloped back into the woods, all the while under French fire.


Minutes later, as the soldiers were continuing to capture wounded Cossacks and collect their precious horses, Napoleon greeted Ney "You're as punctual as you are brave Ney." Napoleon said, the adrenaline still making his blood run hot. "I'll see you're rewarded for it." "Of course sire." Ney replied "I seem to have lost another horse, perhaps your majesty would indulge me with one of the mounts of these... brutes." "Take your pick by all means." The Emperor replied. "Sire." General Lebrun called out "We found their commander." He stepped over to Napoleon, flanked by a bearded and bloodied figure "Speak French?" Napoleon asked him "Bit of German." He said shaking his head. Napoleon nodded "You're a credit to you're people, you got stones." He gestured appropriately. The Cossack seemed confused, but nodded "General, please see the colonel is treated as his rank dictates." "As you wish sire." Labrun nodded and led him away.

Napoleon finally would find Berthier, nursing a nasty gash on his forehead "You look no worse for wear sire." the marshal grinned "Good showing Berthier, I need a favor though, between us." Berthier looked as his expression darked "Have Larrey make up a vial of poison, preferably something that works quickly..."

 

[Parmenion]

As the tentative armistice of Lindenau came into effect in late July, the Western European members of the Coalition took little notice of the ceasefire. Wellington's trinational army had essentially cleansed Spain of the French soldiers, the main body of Marshal Jourdan having fled across the Pyrenees. The only two remaining holdouts in North Spain were the port of San Sabastian, and the fort at Pamplona, each garrisoned with about 5,000 men.

Many had expected after his amputation at Vittoria, assuming he survived, Wellington would be honorably recalled and replaced. Wellington however, only reliquished command to Sir Thomas Graham for two days, he even famously continued to give orders during his actual amputation in Vittoria. The expectation had been that the wounding of the newly-created Duke of Wellington would slow up the British push North, but the duke replied when hearing that "What are you on about? I've never slown an army for one wounded man!". Pamplona and San Sabestian were ordered taken by August, the former only exceeding that by three days.

As Jourdan resigned and Napoleon's elder brother returned to Paris, Eugène de Beauharnais arrived at Saint-Jean on August 1st to take command. Following behind him were about 6,000 Italian and Neapolitan reinforcements, albeit they were mostly raw conscripts. Eugène's plan had been to strike across the mountains to relieve the fortresses in Spain, but Wellington bad been too fast for him. Nonetheless, his plan hadn't changed much, he still planned to assault the two Spanish forts, and keep France's frontier free of the enemy.

The French actually enjoyed a significant numerical advantage in the South, with about 75,000 French soldiers against 60,000 of the Coalition. These numbers however, masked the large and still growing gap in quality between the seasoned Anglo-Iberian army, and the already ragged French who were being reinforced by completely raw conscripts. Eugène even had to send a brigade to Bayonne to continue drilling, declaring it unsuitable for combat due to its utter lack of training. Morale had a similar contrast across the two sides, and French desertions soared as they reached friendly territory.

(Map of the Pyrenees front, unit positions are OTL)

Eugène launched his attack on the 4th of August, using onelhis Corps to storm the pass at Roncesvalles. The pass was taken after a short but bloody clash, with 1,500 casualties on each side. As the French attempted to move back into Spain however, Wellington and five divisions rapidly converged on General Gérard, forcing him to make a chaotic retreat that cost him 1,000 prisoners. Believing the British had fully committed, Eugène had Gazan's Corps attack Irun, directly across the Bidassoa. The river was held by the short tempered General Picton's division, who managed to delay the French in a full day of savage fighting, with another 3,000 casualties on each side. Gazan and Reille behind him finally crossed on the 7th, just as four more divisions arrived to save Picton.

Eugéne decided to confront Wellington directly, and that day the two armies clashed. The French nearly forced Wellington to withdraw, but the timely arrival of O'Donnell's Spanish division allowed him to launch his own counterattack that made the enemy retreat across the river once more. Eugène would try over the next month to outmanuver the British, but to no avail. While both cmanders had quickly learned new respect for one another, Eugène had suffered 15,000 casualties, and aside from inflicting similar losses on the Coalition, was in the same position he'd been in when he took command.

Wellington didn't have any grand offensive plans himself, not yet at least. With no other alternatives available, he intended to force France to divert as much of their attention and resources from Germany as possible. While few suspected it, the bloodiest days of the war in Southern Europe, still lay ahead...

 

[Parmenion]

To the Foreign Minister​

I am of the absolute agreement that this latest ceasefire is merely a concealment by my son in-law to allow his forces a respite, however you must consider (As you doubtlessly already have) our own military situation. I've been in ceaseless consultation with the commanding generals, and while they have given assurances that the army is capable of combat immediately, they believe it is prudent that at least another several weeks of training and mobilization occur, I shall not waste your time with this minutiae however.

As we discussed, our terms of restored access to the sea, the end of the French occupation of Germany, and the liberation of Galicia from the Poles, are all to be unconditional. If my French counterpart agrees to cede these territories, or perhaps even a great part of them, I would be elated to avoid the deaths of innumerable young Austrian soldiers. So long as you believe even the faintest hope of achieving this remains, endeavor to continue the negotiations. If on the contrary he seems to be merely attempting to impede our entry into the war, do not humor him a moment. God support you in your pivotal task

- Emperor Francis I

To my beloved Maria-Louisa​

I do wish circumstances permitted us to write more frequently, but I understand your duties are taxing. How's my grandson? I do hope you tell him about all of us, even if that's awkward at times like this. I'd loathe nothing more than for you to think my hostility towards your husband and I's respective crowns, extends to the two of you. I'm delighted you'll be visiting soon, your sisters all miss you

-Your dear father.

To my brother Charles​

I understand we've quarelled in the past, especially about the matters of state. I believe I've been too critical of your actions four years ago, you certainly commanded the army with more competency than I would! It is because of these regrets of mine that I write to you now. The number of men who have defeated Bonaparte on the battlefield can be counted on one hand, of those, the number who are still alive is even smaller. If you'll forgive my failures as a sovereign, and as a brother, I request you resume your prior posting with all the honor that is justly accredited to you. Please consider accepting my sincere request.

-Still your brother, Francis

 

[Parmenion]

Leipzig, August 26th, 1813​

The past weeks had been a constant effort by Napoleon to delay the inevitable. First, he'd had the reasonable excuse that his foreign minister had to arrive from Paris, and he'd ensured Maret took his time leaving for Germany. After that, he'd sent Caulaincourt to negotiate on his behalf, not on the fate of Central Europe, but rather, on every minute detail of the meetings themselves. Everything had been argued, discussed, and decided upon at a snails paste. Now however, the patience of the Coalition was at end, with the monarchs, and the Austrian foreign ministers demanding Napoleon personally negotiate if the ceasefire was to hold. Out of excuses, Napoleon reluctantly crossed the new temporary bridge over the Elster, to meet with Metternich.

In the parlour of a wealthy Saxon noble, the Emperor waited for the Austrian. He'd tried to read the expressions of the Austrian grenadiers who'd escorted Metternich, but their stoic expressions revealed little. Napoleon waited several minutes, before a knock on the door signalled the arrival of his opponant for today. The foreign minister stepped into the room, he gave Napoleon a perfunctory bow, to which the Frenchman replied with a nod.

"Your Majesty" Metternich began "It's an honor to finally make your aquaintance once again." He didn't attempt to sound genuine. "The feeling is certainly mutual." Nor did Napoleon "It's certainly a disgrace we've not been able to cooperate our talents before." Metternich squinted "Well, you've seemed more keen to use your talents to dismantle my state these past eight years, I've used my own to keep my nation alive." Napoleon frowned and took a step forward "I've done exactly what you claim to do, for my empire, the difference being only one of us is wearing trousers." He gestured to the German's breeches.

"Let us be frank." Metternich paced around the Emperor "Neither I nor my Emperor desire to see you deposed, executed, whatever fantasies you've concocted for yourself." "You'll watch how you speak to me, Österreichisch." Napoleon suddenly switched languages "If we are truly to be frank, so be it. You want territorial concessions, at no cost mind you, or you'll attack me." Metternich retorted "My Emperor wants returned to his kingdoms, the land you've taken in unjustly." The Emperor let out a belly laugh "Remind me who started that nonsense in '09?!"

Napoleon stepped forward again as to be nearly touching noses with Metternich "Nonetheless." He quietly spat "You leave me little choice, so I'm going to tell you what you're going to do." Metternich raised an eyebrow "The Coalition can have Galicia back, not Austria the Coalitions." He said quickly "I don't care who takes it. As for Germany, I may permit a national conference to discuss several alternatives to the Confederation. I'm also willing to return parts of Hanover to Prussia." Metternich saw clearly what Napoleon was doing "You realize that won't be sufficient?" He asked him "I realize, that you'll still have to bring it to the other sovereigns, and they'll have much to discuss." Napoleon now turned away "My calender is far more packed than yours will ever be." He gestured to the door.

Metternich took the hint, gave another obligatory bow, and stepped out. As he did so, he turned back to the Emperor "Peace and war lay in Your Majesties hands. Today you can still make peace, tomarrow it may be too late." Napoleon didn't reply...

A few hours later, back in Lindenau, Napoleon revealed all that had happened to his entourage "Do you think they'll accept that?" Caulaincourt asked him. Maret shook his head "Not a chance, but they'll have to talk it out, I'm sure Alexander will get greedy for Poland." "Not to mention that business with Hanover won't make England very happy." Napoleon concurred. Maret nodded "All it needs to do is last, till what?" "No later than mid November." Berthier replied "I doubt they'll want to muck around in Germany well into winter." "Which gives us until Spring to mobilize, train, work our way out of this mess." Napoleon finished. "In the meantime though, there's much to be done." Berthier groaned, he wouldn't be sleeping tonight.

 

[Parmenion]

Toulon, August 30th, 1813​

Almost all of the 30,000 inhabitants of the French port city had turned out that balmy summer day. A section of the harbor had been cordened off by the government, much to the chagrin of the mayor, who'd been forced by posterity to attend the event. A new vessel bobbed in the water, tied to the wharf that had been reserved for it. The craft was somewhat cigar-shaped, composed of resin coated oak about 30 feet long, with a nervewrackingly narrow and short hull. There had been some whispers of a new ship being developed and tested on the Seine, but almost nobody had any idea what they were looking at.

Nonetheless, the fanfare was a welcome respite from the mounting losses in Germany, or the collapse of the Spanish front. At the center of it all was David Bushnell, the man who'd conceived this new creation. The elderly American smiled as he gazed down at the strange vessel, before turning to face the crowd. "Attention! Attention everyone!" He called out "Today, all of you shall bear witness to the start of a new age of naval power! Britannia may rule the waves-" The crowd jeered, soured by the mere allusion of the British "But they have no sovereignty under them!" The people quieted, confused

"Oh! Yes indeed!" Bushnell gestured to a woman standing nearby "Madame Blanchard!" The crowds hushed tones got louder, many recognizing the name "Would you care to do the honor?" The aeronaut smiled as she took from Bushnell the ceremonial champagne. Before the roars of the people, she held up the bottle "I name this ship... Tortue!" She announced before smashing the bottle on the submarines hull.

The boat had been the result of more than two months of round the clock thinking, testing, postulating and building. Fulton's own design had been an invaluable benchmark to begin, and they'd managed to incorporate several of its features into the tortue, such as the keel ballast tank. Blanchard's Balloon experience had been key in designing the ballast pumps, which had to be accurate and precise. While the ship possessed a small hook at its rear, it woulen't be towing any mines today.

A young man in a naval officer's uniform stepped up to Bushnell "Will you be taking command, sir?" Napoleon had been kind enough to give Bushnell the rank of Lieutenant commander, though he had no desire to start a naval career "That's alright Lieutenant, the honor's all yours." Lt Favreau nodded with a grin, as he and Madame Blanchard followed the four "rowers" into the compact pressure hull. The crowd lurched over the docks to watch the vessel, as it slowly began to slip beneath the sea.

Suddenly, a rush of bubbles and foam erupted from the underside of the craft, and its slow rate of decent turned into an imprompt dive. The crowd gasped as the sputtering vessel vanished under the sea, and mom later, a final rush of air towards the surface indicated a rough meeting with the bottom. Seconds later Favreau emerged, sputtering, dragging an equally horrifed Blanchard up to the surface. The two of them were the only ones to come up. Helped by some citizens from the water, the duo sat by the wharf as the stunned crowd slowly dispersed.

Mr. Bushnell sheepishly approached them "I see my design has... has tragic results, I apologize." Madame Blanchard simply turned and began the walk to her hotel, sopping wet and traumatized. The lieutenant stayed, as the inventor looked down at where his creation, now lay as a graveyard "We'll need to retrieve the bodies, and the craft..." "I'll see to that sir, once I'm in a dry uniform that is." Bushnell nodded, excusing the officer, as he pondered his errors...

 

[Parmenion]

Even as peace negotiations continued at Leipzig, both France and the Coalition were frantically working to raise more troops. As part of the terms of the ceasefire, the various sieges in Prussia and Poland were not halted. While the Prussians had only been able to field a single Corps at Leipzig, concription and increased Russian support allowed them to free up more men. Additionally, the Prussians were also assisted by the Landwehr. Roughly equivalent to the French National Guard, the Landwehr augmented the Prussian army in a similar way, with each Brigade having one regiment of them. This meant that by September the Prussians had raised von Bülow's II Corps, and Kleist's III Corps, which were folded into the Coalition ranks.

The Russians received an additional corps as well, which was placed under Bernadotte's command. Another 50,000 Russian soldiers reinforced the worn down Army of Poland. Another 10,000 Russians were dispatched to garrison Warsaw and other Polish cities, as tensions slowly built between the Poles and their Russian occupiers. Among these new troops were more irregular cavalry from the east, such as the Bashkir and Kalmyk horse archers, who would soon join the Cossacks under the Russian banner.

The Austrian army had been preparing for war since Spring, and now fielded two seperate armies. The first was the five corped, 120,000 men strong Army of Bohemia, which had been promised Russian Support. This army was led by Archduke Charles, the younger brother of Emperor Francis. Charles was two years younger than Napoleon, but had almost as much experience as the Emperor. They'd briefly clashed in 1797, but their more famous encounter had been at the battle of Aspern in 1809, where Charles had defeated and nearly destroyed Napoleon's army. Napoleon avenged that defeat at Wagram weeks later, but the war ended up as his costliest victory to date. A second, smaller army on the Italian border, was led by Prince Schwarzenberg. Ironically, Schwarzenberg had been fighting for Napoleon less than a year prior, holding his southern flank in Russia before returning to Austria without Napoleon's permission.

Bernadotte, in addition to his new Russian Corps, was given a Corps of Prussian cavalry, and reinforcements from Sweden, though these were quite raw. Prussia also became the largest avenue through which massive British aid arrived. The support included nearly 10 million pounds in cash, hundreds of cannon, several million rounds of ammunition, and myriad other army supplies like boots and brandy. The Prussians also became the hosts of a British rocket company, led by Captain Bogue. Bernadotte's new Army of the North, meant Napoleon would be facing four large armies, if and when the armistice lapsed.

Napoleon's empire remained capable of turning out yet more forces as well. The German states, despite some tension developing, continued to faithfully contribute soldiers. Nearly 40,000 Germans reinforced him during the ceasefire, mostly shoring up his depleted corps. About 25,000 Italians arrived for a similar assignment, dispersed as individual regiments throughout the army. The Grande Armèe also received a second Corps of the Young Guard under Marshal Victor, and XVI Corps under General Vandamme. His cavalry wing, while still a pale shadow of its former glory, was reinforced by the fully formed II Cavalry Corps under General Sułkowski III Cav Corps led by August Caulaincourt, and IV Cav Corps under General Arrighi. In all, Napoleon had around 375,000 men in Germany, facing nearly 600,000 troops of the coalition.

With peace talks continuing, one thing was clear. If diplomacy failed, the bloodiest chapter in European history lay ahead...

 

[Parmenion]

Markkleeberg Manor, September 12th, 1813​

"As I told you, Marshal Berthier, our decision on this matter is final." Tsar Alexander let his frustration show. The quaint manor house just South of Leipzig, had become the de facto military HQ of the coalition, with all the respective army leaders gathered there. Archduke Charles had arrived as well, officially as another Austrian representative, but in reality he was there to establish Austria's position in the Coalition military structure, and to discuss their strategy for the expected campaign to come. Marshal Berthier had often served as one of Napoleon's representatives himself, and had come to Markkleeberg with demand after absurd demand, today was no different. "As the United Kingdom isn't party to this ceasefire, it should be quite obvious why their consultation on any matters pertaining to it isn't required. believe the Austrian Foreign Minister said as much yesterday."

"He did." Berthier nodded "And His Majesty rejected said explanation. His opinion hasn't-" The Tsar rose to his feet "When I want your Emperor's opinion, I'll require no assistance in inquiring for it." Alexander put himself in Berthier's face "Make this painfully obvious to your master, he can either accept our terms as they've been laid out, without a single alteration, or there will be a war." Alexander then sat back down, making a point not to look at the Marshal. "Very well then, if you'll excuse me, your Majesty, your Royal Highness..." Berthier bowed before stepping out.

"There will be war." The Archduke said, breaking the silence "I've talked with Metternich, Bonaparte isn't backing down, especially on Germany." "Then it's best we assume war's resumption is imminent, and to plan accordingly." Blucher said, his expression uncharacteristically calm "Agreed, I do think we're in a decent position though, once Austria enters the field, he'll be hard pressed to find anywhere he isn't outnumbered." The Tsar nodded "Is the Army of Bohemia ready now?" "Very much so Your Majesty, and full of veterans too, I suppose we should be thank Napoleon for helping us with that." Alexander chuckled "Indeed, indeed. Uh, the offer of Russian support still stands if-" "Ah, yes." Charles shook his head "I meant to mention, My Emperor accepts most graciously, so long as you'll vouch for their conduct when on Austrian soil." "My men are under orders to act no differently in Vienna than St.Petersburg, I swear on the honor of my house that any who defy that order shall suffer for it" The Archduke smiled "I won't doubt your word for an instint."

"Maybe we should look to strategy next." Bernadotte interjected "Agreed." Said Barclay "I think he's got eyes on Berlin. He kept marching North until the literal minute the ceasefire began, not to mention reinforcing Hamburg." Archduke Charles nodded "That wouldn't be atypical of him, in fact it's similar to what he did at Austerlitz. He's hoping Oudinot will hold off Blucher long enough for him to swing North towards Berlin, crush the Army of Silesia between those two forces." "And knock out Prussia." Blucher finished for him "Not while I can still hold a sword!"

"Quite right, that being so, here's what I suggest: General Blucher will advance on Hamburg." He faced the Prussian "Pay absolutely no mind to what the Corsican does, pretend he doesn't exist." Blucher nodded, the realization showing on his face "He'll assume I'm charging into Hamburg like an overambitious fool, and believing his plan is going flawlessly, he'll pursue." Now Barclay jumped in "Then the other three armies converge on him as at Leipzig, and we deal a decisive blow of our own." Blucher sighed "Goddamn it, that means I'll have to siege Hamburg. I'm 70, I don't have time for this!" Most of the room laughed, forgetting the gravity of their decisions for a moment.

"We should discuss command structure as well." Tsar Alexander commented, resulting in a sigh from the Archduke "I believe it's prudent if I remain in command of all Coalition forces in Europe." Charles rubbed his temples, realizing he'd need to be sensitive "Your Majesty, I have no doubt of your ability to do so, but considering my brother will doubtless be incensed, may I propose a compromise. If you allow me to take overall command over the four armies, you could still be required to permit any of my orders, as well as giving me alternative directives as you see fit." The Tsar considered it, then nodded "That should suffice, very well." Charles nodded

"I think I'll take the Army of Bohemia towards Dresden, give Bonaparte one more headache." Barclay looked concerned "Saint Cyr is quite dug in, are you quite certain you can take Dresden in short order." Charles nodded again "The city's walls were partially dismantled some years prior, not to mention Herr Metternich has been in contact with the Saxon king, seems he just may be willing to hold open the gate so to speak." At that Alexander smiled and stood, the rest of the men following his lead "Well then gentlemen, I'm content to let the ceasefire expire on the 25th, if nobody objects?" Nobody spoke "Let's pray this is over by Christmas." Nobody said it, but many had doubts about that...

Author's note: So I'm gonna shake things up a little here, partly because I'm curious what the people reading this want, partly because everyone likes a change of pace. What do YOU want me to write about in this TL? Any topic, any figure I'm slouching on? Any theaters you want me to go into more detail? If I can make it fit into the story, I will.

 

[Parmenion]

Near Halle, September 24th, 1813​

The oppressive heat of the German summer had finally begun to recede, and the quiet night was finally garnished with a refreshing chill. Napoleon's headquarters sat at the center of a sea of tents, all filled with soldiers enjoying their last peaceful nights sleep. Napoleon had summoned his corps commanders to receive their first orders. As usual, Napoleon had made them wait as he sequestered himself in his command tent with Berthier, as the officers gradually arrived to await their emperor. Davout and Oudinot sat off to one side, the former inspecting what was left of the latter's ear "I mean it still works." Oudinot mused "But god my wife won't be happy." Davout chuckled "If she complains, just ask if she'd have preferred you took in on your forehead." Both men laughed, as Bessières looked on grinning "You know." Oudinot told the cavalryman "Mortier's having a card game tonight, if you feel like your paycheck is large..." "Oh no no no..." Bessières politely waved him off "I'm in enough debt as it is."

A short time after all the generals had arrived, Berthier stepped out. "He's ready, gentlemen." he said dryly before returning inside himself, all the officers following him. Napoleon sag slouched by his desk, barely visible under a mound of papers and dispatches. After seeing the everyone was there, he stood "Well, there's been no word from Leipzig, and seeing as the ceasefire will expire in..." He checked his pocketwatch "54 minutes, I doubt we'll be getting another extension, my father in-law has no flair for the dramatic." Mortier let out a muffled chuckle "So, and I apologize for waiting for the literal eleventh hour, it's time to sort some things out. So, Maison, Poniatowski..." He gestured for them to approach, and they swiftly did "General Maison, for your exemplary Corps command, as well as over two decades of loyal service to France, I make you one of her Marshals, you've indisputably earned it." Napoleon then retrieved a small wooden box, and opened it for the general. He smiled, already knowing what was inside as he opened it, his marshal's baton "You have my eternal gratitude sire, I'll avail myself of this honor, I promise you that." "I have no doubt of that." The Emperor replied.

"Now, Poniatowski" "Sire" The Polish prince said quietly "As I told you months ago, I don-" "And I considered that, and I count the raised morale of Polish soldiers above your personal sentiments." The Pole scowled at him "If you refuse the marshalship of France, my people will see it as a slight for all time, not to mention I'll accept it as your resignation. So, Marshal Poniatowski, what will it be?" The prince glared at him "You can keep the baton, though I accept, sire." He gave a cursory bow, before stepping out, adding "Jebany dupek" under his breath.

"Anyway.." Napoleon moved on "Captain Wasowicz has it on good authority, that Blucher's moving East, while the Archduke pounces North." "An encirclement?" Ney suggested "Encirclement? No, no more of a large pincer I think." MacDonald nodded "Snatch the great cities of our flanks, flood Germany with Cossacks, and send us scurrying back across the Rhine." Napoleon laughed "He think's I'm Jourdan! That'll be the day. No, he takes me for a more 'sensible man', someone who won't see..." He ripped out a map of Germany, sprading it out for those assembled, and pointing to one of the largest names "Berlin, she's open, we can." Soult couldn't stay quiet any long "Open? Sire, Barclay, the Tsar" Napoleon rolled his eyes "Bernadotte. That could be 200,000 men-" "Against our 300,000. A decisive victory, then we stab Prussia in the heart. If that's not enough for peace then I'm not at fault for it."

"Ney." The marshal stepped forward "I want you to take 40,000 men, head towards Magdeburg. Try to shadow Blucher, you don't let him consolidate, you don't let him fall back on Berlin." Ney looked a bit daunted by that "Whatever you say sire, I'll leave in two hours." Napoleon nodded to signal his assent, and ney turned to leave "Everyone else will get their orders by daybreak, in the meantime see to your corps, France's fate will be decided in Germany in the next few weeks, act accordingly." The men assembled nodded, they knew well that a slaughter was coming...

 

[Parmenion]

As the Armistice of Lindenau was allowed to pass on September 25th, nearly a million soldiers began their various marches. While Napoleon with the main body of 240,000 men was forced to partially rely on wagon convoys to feed and supply his army, while Marshal Ney and two corps attempted to obstruct Blucher's Army of Silesia. While Napoleon had been able to reestablish his cavalry, Russian and Prussian light cavalry soon began to emulate the Cossacks, operating behind the French lines. Dispathes were stolen, supply carts robbed, and officers attacked. Marshal Oudinot and his small escort were even attacked, the marshal barely managing to escape with a lancehead stuck in his thigh.

As the Grande Armée worked it's way north, Bernadotte's new Army of the North along with the Army of Poland made a feint move south towards Dresden. Napoleon immediately recognized this as a ruse however, due to their slow rate of advance. The French were themselves slowed by bad weather, as frequent rainstorms turned poor roads to mud. At Anhalt on the 28th, Marshal Bessiéres and elements of the French Cavalry fought a massive and indecisive cavalry duel with the Coalition. With nearly 12,000 horsemen on each side, the battle of Anhalt was perhaps the largest cavalry battle in history. However with both sides infantry approaching, and neither wanting a main engagement, the cavalry of both sides broke off the engagement.

To the West, Ney had less success. With his detachment being barely a third the size of the Prussian army, he'd planned to circumvent Blucher and link up with Oudinot, but Blucher had expected that. Just South of Magdeburg on October 2nd, Blucher attacked Ney. The battle went well for the French at first, starting at 3pm, and with Ney forming a solid rearguard. But as dusk fell, a last minute Prussian cavalry charge shattered the French line. Chaos broke out in the rear, as German horsemen loyal to France were mistaken for the enemy and fired on. General Bertrand was mortally wounded, as Ney, who was busy personally leading the French cavalry, took little part in coordinating the retreat.

The battle of Magdeburg proved to be a serious debacle. The Prussians inflicted 12,000 casualties on the French, twice their own losses, while capturing 40 guns. Ney himself was wounded in the scalp, leading Napoleon to reprimand him with a simple message "My only criticism of the new Prussian army can be that they aim too high." While Ney did err, Blucher wasn't much better. Rather than either continuing the advance on Hamburg or doubling back to cover Berlin, he led the Prussians South to follow Ney. Napoleon recognized this, and had Ney fall back into the Harz mountains, hoping to play for time.

Barclay and Bernadotte had been hugging to Oder, trying to avoid detection by the French. While Napoleon knew neither their numbers nor locations, he was informed by spies of their presence between Cottbus and Frankfurt. He tried to out position himself between the two enemy armies and Berlin, but poor weather along with a brilliant cavalry screen by General Uvarov, allowed the Coalition to outmarch the French. The two Coalition armies took up a position in and around the town of Luckau, less than 50 miles from Berlin, daring Napoleon to attack, a challenge he'd happily answer...

 

[Parmenion]

Dresden Royal Palace, October 4th​

Despite the late hour, nobody in Dresden was asleep. Just a few miles to the South of the Saxon capital, nearly a quarter of a million men were preparing to storm it. The Garrison, along with their nominal French allies, was in the fight of their lives among the siege works and outlying villages. The ceaseless roar of Coalition and Imperial cannon wasn't unlike a never ending thunderclap, ominously rolling towards the city. While the fighting was still miles away, the air already reeked of powder smoke, a telling prelude of what the city awaited.

From the palace, Kind Frederick Augustus had a good view of the crowds fleeing North across the Elbe. A few officers shared the room with him, giving updates or awaiting orders, though many of them simply enjoyed the somber view with their king. "Your Majesty." A newly arrived, mud caked officer spoke "Strehlen has fallen, the great garden is being overrun, do you have any further orders?" The king took a long, deep breath "How long can we expect to hold the wall?" "Not longer than half an hour sir, their skirmishers outnumber our own at least a dozen to one, guard units among them." The king nodded "And is Marshal Saint Cyr still at the wall?" "He is sir." "Go fetch him at once then." The officer nodded and bounded out of the room.

The better part of an hour passed before the Marshal arrived, looking as frazzled as the Saxon officers. "Your Majesty, this really isn't a good time." He said curtly. The King nodded solemnly "I know, and forgive me for my lack of courtesy." He motioned to two of his life guards in the room, who promptly pointed their bayonets at Saint Cyr "The hell is this!?" He demanded "I'm afraid you'll have to be taken into custody sir." Saint Cyr shot the Saxon an indignant glare "On what charges?" "I lay no charges against you, but seeing as I've declared war on France, I believe you'll agree I have the right to take one of her Marshals prisoner." Saint Cyr now realized what was happening "You know you've doomed your kingdom, right? My Emperor doesn't take treachery well, and he'll make every effort to reduce Saxony to nothing more than an ugly word." The king stared into space for a long moment "Soldiers, please escort Marshal Saint Cyr to his accomodations, be sure to treat him as his rank dictates." The men nodded, and with a look of utter incredulity, he was led out.

The Saxon defection turned a bad military situation worse, as division sized holes soon appeared in the crumbling French line. As Saint Cyr was led down the streets of Dresden, absolute pandemonium had broken out. Civilians fled North, not even bothering to take what they could carry, criminals took advantage of the chaos, smashing in the doors of homes and shops, starting fires that added to the turmoil. Among all this, the Frenchmen was quickly whisked towards a local hotel, when suddenly one of his guards glanced down the street, shouting "Frösche! Frösche!"

The Marshal barely had time to register what was happening, before a rapid chorus of shots rang out, and his captors collapsed, smoke and blood spouting out of holes in their white uniforms. The men in blue soon came up to the Marshal, the captain leading them seemed stunned to have found his commander "Sir, the-" "No shit." Saint Cyr stopped him from stating the obvious "Well then sir, your orders?" "Well... I don't think it's prudent to stay here." He broadly gestured at his surroundings "Let's make for the Elbe, with luck we'll find more survivors, and a few of us just may see dawn! Let's move it boys!" The Marshal and his small command marched off to face the night...

 

[Parmenion]

Luckau, October 6th, 1813​

The small cottage that had been repurposed into the Coalition headquarters was packed. Two large army's staff and corps commanders, along with the entourage's of the Tsar and King of Prussia. "He's formed up about how you'd expect" General Barclay spoke "Waltersdorf for his left, Gossmar in the center, Frankendorf on his right." "I still say we should've started the attack today, there was ample time." Tsar Alexander interjected "Then was then, now is now" Bernadotte saved his fellow commander "And the latter has much more importance, on to tomarrow then?" Alexander nodded "Knowing him, he'll be spoiling for a fight, so I think we should expect an attack." For once, nobody could take issue with what he said

Barclay rolled with the Tsar's mood "We're certainly in good shape to precede him. This little hamlet on our left, uh... Freesdorf. We could set up quite the forward battery there, if we push out the French that is." Bernadotte smiled "I'm content to let Russia have that honor, in the meantime." He gestured to the Coalition right flank on their map "I can try to get a battery set up at Wittmannsdorf, assuming Bonaparte doesn't get the jump on me." Alexander made an agreeable noise, as he finished sizing up the map "It's a good enough plan to start with I'd say, we can work out the specifics on the field of honor!" The two army commmanders nodded, and without anyone needing to say a word, the whole group save the two monarchs slowly filed out.

"Something on your mind?" The Tsar asked Frederick in his native language "You remember Borodino... yes?" Alexander thought back to the terrible summer of the prior year "Of course! It took days for word to arrive on the results, I could eat, I couldn't sleep, it was terrible! I suppose you're in that position now, yes?" Frederick looked down "Yes... and I want to ask, what would you have done if Bonaparte triumphed, and you had to let him have Moscow?" The Russian scoffed "I would never permit my loss to be that Corsican dogs gain! I'd burn Moscow before I'd hand it over!" Frederick made sure the cottage was empty, as he sat and invited the tsar to join him.

"That's an easy promise to make now... but you weren't on the field at Borodino. I made the choice to surrender Berlin, rather than see my nation's soul burn, what does do to your perception of me?" "We're allies, I can't be entirely candid on that matter at present." His expression suddenly darkened "However, if you're suggesting what I suspect you are, forget it. I outrank you, King of Prussia, in every meaning of that term. I am the Tsar of Russia, I am the supreme leader of our alliance. Berlin's condition is no longer your consideration."

Frederick decided nothing would come from further discussing the matter, and stood and bowed as he began to exit "I'll let your brother have my guard units tomarrow, I'm sure he'll make good use of him." The Tsar nodded, his expression unchanged, and so the king left him to his ruminations...

 

[Parmenion]

​

Forces are listed from West to East

French forces: 195,000 men and 821 guns:​

IV Corps: Soult
XII Corps: Reynier
XI Corps: Augereau
IX Corps: Wrede
X Corps: Maison
XVI Corps: Vandamme
II Corps: Souham
XIII Corps: Poniatowski
III Corps: Davout

I Cav Corps: Nansouty
II Cav Corps: Sułkowski
III Cav Corps: Caulaincourt
IV Cav Corps: Arrighi

In reserve:
I Young Guard Corps: MacDonald
II Young Guard Corps: Victor
Old Guard: Mortier

Coalition Forces​

Army of the North: Bernadotte, 100,000 men and 530 guns​

Prussian II Corps: Bülow
Prussian III Corps: Kleist
Swedish Army: Stedingk
I Russian Corps:Kapzevich
XII Russian Corps: Yermolov
III Russian Cav Corps: Korf
IV Russian Cav Corps: Vasilchikov

Army of Poland: Barclay, 115,000 men and 590 guns:
Corps-Group Bennigsen:

III Corps: Baggovout
II Corps: Tolstoy
V Cav Corps: Uvarov
IX Corps: Osten-Sacken

Corps-Group Wittgenstein

VI Corps: Tuchkov
VII Corps: Saint-Priest
VIII Corps: Dohturov

In reserve: Imperial Guard: Constantine

Cossacks: Platov