Advance!

From the vantage point of Schrote cathedral's spire, Kluck und Gluck's observer can see the enemy deployment. There are four enemy hussar squadrons. Three however, have dismounted: who knew that such things were possible? They even have carbines! Kluck hurrumphs - such things didn't happen in his day. This does mean that some of them have to remain as horse holders, though, so the dismounted units are weaker than they might otherwise be, and some have also lost some stragglers in their impetuous ride from the border. Two squadrons, it would seem, are set to advance towards the large field in front of them; and the other will clear the red building on the hill. The mounted squadron remains in reserve.

As soon as the encounter begins, an event, seemingly almost random, then occurs: despite the generally fine weather, rain clouds gather suddenly over Schrote, and a downpour begins. This reduces visibility and the effectiveness of long-range musketry.

Both of these are useful for Friar Conviction. As it turns out, advancing unannounced from the bushes, towards the Nabstrians, with his chopper in his hands elicits some threatening words and menacing behaviour. Listening intently to what God seems to be telling him, the friar decides that the Good Lord is probably encouraging him to make use of the cover provided by the rain to retreat back to the town and to hide in the shrubbery between the cart and the river.

(Above) 'Clear!' The red house on the hill is empty, and Third Squadron halts, waiting for the other two squadrons to occupy the houses to their front. In the middle of the three houses to the right, the Schrote civilians are now 'Vigilant' and can conduct some eighteenth century overwatch fire, if required. In the town hall, there is a mix-up over orders; or orders over a mix-up; or mix over an orders-up: Colonel Kluck intends that half his grenadiers should make their way stealthily to the right-most of the buildings if the enemy hussars move. Or sprint move if the building-most hussars-right stealthily. Or not. As it turns out, not.

Advancing, First and Second Squadrons see that the house to their right is loop-holed. (Above) Then a volley crashes out from it! Eight shots! But the enemy misses. As it turns out, the civilians are really, really bad shots.



The two squadrons ignore the enemy fire, and advance to the hedge. Another volley crashes out from the occupied house! (Above) Eight shots! But the Schrote militia miss again. As it turns out, the civilians are really, really, really bad shots. The Nabstrians shoot! Masses of shots! It turns out, though, that buildings provide really, really good cover from fire. Only one hit! But the hit causes a casualty! The enemy morale, however, seems to remain fine. The hussars are now close enough to see that the barricade in front is unmanned, and they cannot see anyone at the windows of the other house, to the left, to which the barricade is connected.

Pfanenstiel tires of this un-hussar like exchange of musketry. Ordering his subaltern to whip out a pair of coconut shells, the sound of which creates a reasonable approximation of  a cavalry charge, he gives orders for some decisive action! 
'Left-hand squadron! Charge into left-hand house; secure it; then give fire to right-hand building. Right-hand squadron: wave forwards squadron at Red House - who should assault the enemy-occupied building from rear, clearing the way for the mounted squadron!'