The weather is fine.
At 8am, Zeigler's column is finally in good order (not a phrase that could be uttered in Fenwick) and sets off, crossing the border into Schrote. The Nabstrian hussars, commanded by Colonel Pfanensteil, set off first at forced march pace, followed soon after by the Bachscuttel hussars and light troops, commanded by Colonel Amadeus von Goethe-Nockenshoppes. The main column follows up. Colonel Pfanenstiel is none other than Lord Michael Hieronymus Wilhelm-Franz Igor Rudolph Edelina von Pfanenstiel, the younger son of Michael von Pfanenstiel who won imperishable glory on the field of Nottelbad (and whose remains were brought home in a snuff box)
As the advance begins, Zeigler's staff officer, Major Seewurd salutes him. 'Colonel - is it your intention that the main column of our forces should pillage the places that we move through: that is, Bautzen, Wiffel, and Humpe?'
'Damn your eyes Seewurd!' replies the colonel. 'I can’t have the troops having fun while the Bishop is unaccounted for! Get the dogs on the March - we must make best speed to Schrote - they can have their fun there!'
So, no burning or pillaging on the advance, then.
Situation at 9am, Day One
The weather is fine.
At 8.15 approximately, the main column passes through Bautzen Um Trumpelheim. The village itself is entirely awake, thanks to the earlier passage of Zeigler's preliminary forces. The villagers look on in sullen silence, but there is no attempt to resist the march of the invading troops; thanks, no doubt, to the fact that Zeigler's troops have resisted the urge to loot the place. There is, however, quite a column of smoke arising from one of the cottages - the result, it turns out, of a failed attempt to bake some pies. There are, though, some vigorous hand gestures and fruity language once Zeigler's troops have passed out of the village.
The main column continues to make steady progress, and by 9am it is just short of Wiffel's Farm. All seems well.
The weather is fine.
At 8.15 approximately, the main column passes through Bautzen Um Trumpelheim. The village itself is entirely awake, thanks to the earlier passage of Zeigler's preliminary forces. The villagers look on in sullen silence, but there is no attempt to resist the march of the invading troops; thanks, no doubt, to the fact that Zeigler's troops have resisted the urge to loot the place. There is, however, quite a column of smoke arising from one of the cottages - the result, it turns out, of a failed attempt to bake some pies. There are, though, some vigorous hand gestures and fruity language once Zeigler's troops have passed out of the village.
The main column continues to make steady progress, and by 9am it is just short of Wiffel's Farm. All seems well.
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