There’s nothing quite like a real fire. Except, perhaps, fifteen or so of them. Displaying the sensitivity for which the Nabstrians are famed, the occupying troops engage in some serious efforts at urban renewal in Widenlau, breaking things, hitting small folk, and setting fire to anything that looks like it might make an entertaining conflagration - whatever a conflagration might be.
Ignoring the mayor, who seems like a boring chap anyway, Ziegler then details his troops to commence a vigorous frisking of the local village. The Bachscuttelers meanwhile, supported by the artillery, deploy on the perimeter of the village, with hussar outposts forward.
At 8.05, Colonel Nockenshoppes reports the presence of enemy light cavalry scouts that arrive up the road from the direction of Schrote. They maintain distance enough to keep Ziegler's forces under observation. By 8.25am, the enemy have been reinforced. The two lines of outposts flail uselessly at one another. Ziegler's troops gain no clear information on the enemy strength, but the enemy are probably just as blind.
In addition to some blisters and splinters, the Nabstrian plundering yields kegs of wine, which take up half a wagon; some chests of gold and silver, which take up a quarter of a wagon; and a probably blasphemous painting of the Virgin Mary cutting her toenails – the smallness of her dress, as she stoops over, no doubt adding to its artistic merit.
Having taken all that Widenlau has to offer, Ziegler decides that it is time to clear out of the province of Schrote - having indulged the troops with a little light plundering, he gives orders that his force will now march for the frontier along the agreed route at best speed!
At 8.25am, a messenger returns, compliments from Major Zchtiffi, written at 8.05am. The enemy are at Widenlau in strength. The enemy cavalry screen, supported by jager, has prevented detailed scouting of the enemy positions. It is clear, however, that the enemy are burning Widenlau. So it's not all bad news.
At 8.30am, the baron's messenger to Rimmer returns – with Rimmer’s force! The messenger set off on the fastest route, which was north towards Tinkel Mill. He encountered Rimmer’s force, returning from Hanamel Farm, just before Schrote bridge.
Rimmer reports that the emperor was not at the farm. However, he found upon searching it both a farmer and a night gown and cap of surprisingly luxurious quality, embroidered in gold with the word ‘G’. Rimmer has brought the farmer, who seems to have been subjected to a good rummaging. Though dishevelled, the fellow. named Matthias, has an alert and intelligent look about him, which is always suspicious in a farmer.
Hunchmausen orders the farmer put immediately to the question!
Meanwhile, he orders that Rimmer's troops are given a short rest. They are then directed to join the cavalry currently scouting and harassing the enemy at Widenlau!
No comments:
Post a Comment