The White Horse (Hanover AAR) Updated Dec 24

[Alwyn]

Welcome back! Gustav may be free at last, but what will this mean for Hans? This war with Sweden sounds like a risky venture for Hanover, especially with a new threat from the east.

[Caillagh de Bodemloze]

It's great to see this going again, Scottish King!

I was sorry Gustav was so traumatised he couldn't carry on, but I think you were right to do that - anything else would have been hard to believe. I'm interested to see where this goes next, especially with the changes you've had to make.

[RickyVilla262]

Great work Scottish King. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

[Scottish King]

Chapter 27: Back at it Again

The sun set once again at the end of another day of drilling. Hans was back once again with the 2^nd King’s Guard regiment. Everyone had heard about the Swedes and there was fear that they would swarm across the border from Denmark and occupy Bremen-Verden or worst. They might capture the capital and force the queen to abdicate. In any case, the army was preparing themselves for the inevitable clash with Swedish forces. Ten thousand new recruits were being trained to create the Hanoverian Grand Army. It was to replace the Hanoverian Expeditionary Force that had been shattered by the Austrians months before. Faith in the army that had been high following the capture of Vienna was almost non-existent. Most citizens in the capital feared that the Grand Army would meet the same fate as its predecessor. Fewer volunteers joined this time and conscription was introduced to meet the required number of men. Even a few members of the 1^st and 2^nd King’s Guard also didn’t return to duty and it for this reason that Hans found himself sitting in regimental headquarters with regiment commander.

“Are you sure you do not want to change your statement?” the commander said looking Hans dead in the eye, his blue eyes searching his.

“Um,” Hans started clearing his throat, “Yes, sir. There is nothing to change, sir.”

“So if I send someone to your hometown to inquire about your friend…um…Gustav, they will find him to be dead.”

Hans shifted in his chair. “Yes, sir.”

“Quite a convenient story as your friend’s body is at the bottom of a deep pit. No matter I’ll send someone to look into it. We need every man we can get that means no deserters. If I find out you are or have in anyway aided your friend in desertion you will be severely punished. You understand?”

“Yes, sir.”

The commander leaned back in his chair. “You’re a good soldier lad in one of the best regiments of the kingdom. I expect nothing but courage and honor from you and your comrades. We’ll most certainly need it in the times ahead. You may go now.”

Hans stood up, saluted and walked out of the headquarters into the cool night air and towards his quarters. Spring had arrived and soon the night would no longer be cold. It was a welcomed change.

“Sorry about your friend.”

Hans turned to see the Winking Soldier walking with his musket over his shoulder.

“Yeah,” Hans replied. “I just wished I could have done more.”

“I’m sure you did all you could. Once a person gets that low it’s hard for them to come back. Especially in our line of work. How are you doing?”

“It has been difficult but with all the training and drilling we’ve been doing, I don’t get much of a chance to think about it.”

“That can be a good and a bad thing. Just make sure you don’t let yourself follow in your friend’s footsteps. I’m always here if you need to talk.”

Hans smiled and thanked his comrade. They walked the rest of the way back to the barracks where Hans was staying.

“Do you by any chance ride,” the Winking Soldier asked as they stopped in front of the door to Hans barracks.

“Yes, of course. I’ve ridden horses ever since I was a young child. Why?”

The Winking Soldier leaned on his musket and thought quietly to himself for a moment.

“Come to the regimental headquarters tomorrow at first light. I might have a special job for you.”

“What is it?”

“Come tomorrow and you’ll find out but tell no one.”

“Of course, I’ll be there.”

“I’ll see you there then. Goodnight, Hans.” And with that the Winking Soldier began to walk away into the darkness.”

“Goodnight…wait.”

The Winking Soldier stopped and turned. “Yes.”

“Please accept my sincere apologies if you have, but I believe you never told me your name.”

The Winking Soldier smiled, winked at Hans and slowly disappeared into the night.

[Caillagh de Bodemloze]

Ooh. Intrigue, mystery, and the Winking Soldier. I really want to know what will happen next.

(I'm also interested to know what the investigation into Gustav's death will find - the authorities seem to be taking it more seriously than I'd have expected...)

It's excellent to see this going again, Scottish King. Welcome back.

[Scottish King]

Ooh. Intrigue, mystery, and the Winking Soldier. I really want to know what will happen next.

(I'm also interested to know what the investigation into Gustav's death will find - the authorities seem to be taking it more seriously than I'd have expected...)

It's excellent to see this going again, Scottish King. Welcome back.

Thanks Caillagh. It's good to be back. I've lost all the pictures I had associated with the campaign but I’ve managed to play back to where I was in the campaign so I should be fine on that front. I hope to get a rhythm going but we will see. I’m sure the investigation into Gustav’s death will confirm Hans’ story…or will it…

[Scottish King]

Chapter 28: The Mission

Hans arrived at regimental headquarters at the crack of dawn. Standing there was the Winking Soldier with two horses.

“Hello, Hans. Come let us have a quick breakfast and then we will be on our way.”

“That is very welcomed, sir since I didn’t eat this morning.”

Hans and the Winking Soldier walked into the regimental headquarters and sat down to a breakfast of eggs and warm bread.

“So what am I doing here?” Hans asked as he took another bite of his eggs. “I’ve been wondering what you’ve had in store for me all night.”

The Winking Soldier smiled. “An important mission my boy. We’re going to Denmark.”

Hans stopped eating. “Denmark? The army is going to begin marching to Denmark today?”

“No, no. I don’t know when the army is going to be moving out especially with all that’s happened…”

“What’s happened?”

The Winking Soldier shook his head. “Not here. I’ll tell you on the way into the city. Finish your breakfast. We have to get going.”

Soon Hans and the Winking Soldier were on their way. Once they had gotten some ways from the military camp the Winking Soldier began to speak.

“Yesterday, Christian Raabe was found dead in his home.”

“What! The commander of the Hanoverian Grand Army is dead. How? Was he-”

“We don’t know yet. As of yesterday the doctor still had not reached a suitable conclusion to the matter. His death as of now is being kept secret. I expect you to repeat to no one what I say to you. Understand?”

“Of course.”

“Good. I trust you Hans. That is why I chose you for this assignment.”

The two riders came to the top of a hill and the city of Hanover came into view. Most of the city was still in slumber but smoke from the ovens of those who had risen early could be seen rising from the roofs of the city.

“What is the assignment?” Hans asked as they stopped to look at their beloved capital.

“We are going to escort Otto Schiller, a diplomat to Denmark. We are going to make sure he gets there safely and back safely. With the possible assassination of the Raabe, there is obviously concern for his safety.”

“Of course,” Hans replied. “But if I may ask a question?"

“Go ahead.”

“How does a common soldier like yourself come to be chosen to guard Herr Schiller? I mean no disrespect but do they not have men in their service just for moments like these?”

The Winking Soldier smiled. “Of course they have men for a job like this. But how do they know they can truly trust them? I happen to know Herr Schiller personally. I am a man of many talents and they have brought me occasionally into contact with the men such as Herr Schiller from time to time.”

“The more I get to know you the more I realize I don’t know you at all. For example, I still don’t-”

“Come on lad,” the Winking Soldier shouted as he galloped suddenly away. “We don’t have much time. We need to be there by 8 o’clock.”

Hans watched the Winking Soldier gallop toward the city. After a moment, he sighed and galloped after him. ‘What an interesting turn of events,’ he thought to himself. ‘What an interesting turn of events.’

[Caillagh de Bodemloze]

So Hans is going to be a bodyguard... I'm guessing that's likely to be dangerous, given the circumstances. I wonder if we'll get to hear any of the diplomatic negotiations?

[Alwyn]

It's excellent to see The White Horse continuing! A mysterious death and a potentially dangerous diplomatic mission ... I'm excited to see what will happen in this new assignment.

[Scottish King]

So Hans is going to be a bodyguard... I'm guessing that's likely to be dangerous, given the circumstances. I wonder if we'll get to hear any of the diplomatic negotiations?

You most certainly will.

It's excellent to see The White Horse continuing! A mysterious death and a potentially dangerous diplomatic mission ... I'm excited to see what will happen in this new assignment.

I hope I won't disappoint. Update will be coming soon. If not, by Friday, then after the Memorial Day weekend (US holiday)

[Scottish King]

Almost 3 years ago...perhaps I should try to finish this.

[Alwyn]

Hi Scottish King, it's good to see you! It would be excellent if you continued this.

[Scottish King]

Chapter 29: The Mission Part 2

Hans had never ridden in a carriage before but the journey he was on now made him wish he had one now. It was either cloudy and overcast with a slight chill in the wind or just downright raining most of the trip making him wish he had stayed behind in the capital. The drilling had been monotonous but at least they could take a break and get out of the cold. On the road, they were on the move only stopping to rest the horses and grab a bite to eat. The diplomat, Herr Schiller, who was going incognito with just Hans and the Winking Soldier as companions, had made it clear they had to get to Hamburg as soon as possible. Whatever business he had there, Herr Schiller wanted to ensure no one knew where he was going or to be recognized. Hans didn’t know exactly what was going on, but it probably had something to do with the string of bad luck Hanover had been having. The future had once looked bright for Hanover when they had taken Vienna but the death of their recently crowned king, the destruction of the Hanover Expeditionary Force and the declaration of war by Sweden had made a bright future look uncertain.

Herr Schiller and Winking Soldier seemed to get along quite well. Hans suspected that there was some history there. The Winking Soldier was very secretive about himself, but he and Herr Schiller interacted in ways only old acquaintances would which meant the Winking Soldier had some connections in high places to rub shoulders with someone as high in society as the diplomat. It made the fact that the Winking Soldier was a line infantryman strange. Those types of guys usually got commissions and became some type of commissioned officer or joined the cavalry. Hans knew he had no chance of that. With little money or connections, the infantry would probably be his lot for the rest of his service. No chance of rubbing shoulders with the upper class in his future. So it took him completely by surprise when they stopped to rest their horses for the last time before reaching Hamburg and snack on some food that Herr Schiller began talking to him.

“You don’t talk much do you?”

Hans quickly swallowed his mouthful of cheese. “No, milord. Sorry if my silence offended you.”

Herr Schiller laughed. “Not at all my dear boy. I am counting on your silence after all. This all has to remain secret for as long as possible.”

“You can trust him,” the Winking Soldier said as he sauntered over after attending to the horses. “He’s a good lad.”

“I don’t doubt it.” Then turning back to Hans: “I’m in your debt. We have men we pay to do this, but I cannot be sure who to trust especially with everything going on but I’ll tell you mission so you know what’s at stake. I am going to meet a representative of Denmark. He secretly arrived in Hamburg last night. Hopefully. As you know their king is in exile after the Swedes took over the country. This is of great concern to us because the Swedes could march unimpeded into our territory from Denmark at any moment. We already have reports of raids into our country and we think they will move to invade properly soon. The only reason they have not is the Danish resistance to the Swedes occupation has severely hampered their efforts to fully supply and organize the invasion. But that cannot be counted on to continue much longer without support. So, my mission is to conclude an alliance with the Danish king’s in exile government, that will see us help them push the Danes out of Denmark and more importantly: guarantee their support when we invade Sweden.”

“Invade Sweden?” Hans said incredulously.

The Winking Soldier lightly chuckled. “Her majesty sure is ambitious. Especially considering our army’s last performance against a professional and superior force.”

“She feels that there is no other choice. If we manage to push the Swedes out of Denmark, unless it is a crippling defeat, they will simply regroup and invade again. So, we can either wait for the inevitable or go for the kill. Her majesty wishes to go for the kill. End it once and for all.”

“An expensive endeavor.”

“And a long one,” Hans said more bitterly than he meant. But he sensed no offense from Herr Schiller.

“You’re both right.” Herr Schiller fell silent for a bit lost in his own thoughts. Then taking a breath he turned and began walking back towards the horses.

“But first we have to get through this negotiation.”

[Scottish King]

Hi Scottish King, it's good to see you! It would be excellent if you continued this.

Hey, Alwyn! You're still around. Awesome! Talking about to my friend about this got me coming back here and reading it again. Also found a mod for custom battles that lets me replicate the old screenshots I lost so that gave me the motivation to start up again. Merry Christmas!

[Hitai de Bodemloze]

SK returns, its a Christmas miracle! Welcome back old friend; I'll endeavor to get all caught up with this in the new year