Chapter 409: A Tempting Offer Part I (1/2)
The frigate carrying the King of Austria arrived within the port of Gibraltar after several days of travel. During these past few weeks, thousands of Austrian men had gathered in the area, waiting upon their monarch to appear so that he could lead them into battle.
Berengar was dreadfully hungover after nursing away his worries with the sweet taste of liquor. Having stepped onto the beach of Gibraltar, the radiant sun shone down upon him, its warmth increasing his urge to vomit. One thing was sure; it would take him a few days to be fit for combat.
Thus, he stepped forward and rallied his forces around him. Realizing that he would require a few days of rest, Berengar had altered the plan. He would lead the Second Division to Granada where they would regroup with Sultan Hasan Al-Fadl within the city before advancing north and aiding their line of defense at the northern borders of the Emirate.
It took several days to arrive within the Capital City; however, when the 40,000 soldiers from Austria and Bohemia entered the gates, they were practically greeted as saviors by the local Moorish and Arabic populace. After all, these citizens had witnessed the might of the Austrian Army's First Division as they ruthlessly slaughtered the Aragonese and Crusader forces who had foolishly marched upon the city.
Berengar and his Royal Guard ultimately made their way to the Royal Palace to meet with the young Sultan in person. As they approached the magnificent stone building, Berengar dismounted from his horse, where he glanced upon Hasan, who had a broad smile on his face. The two young men shared a brief moment of friendship as they hugged before letting each other go. Berengar was the first to comment on the situation as he greeted his friend from the West.
”Hasan, it has truly been too long since we last met.”
the young Sultan nodded his head in response as he led Berengar and his Royal Guards into the depths of the Palace.
”Indeed it has, though I must say your complexion is paler than normal. Are you alright, my friend?'
Berengar instantly nodded his head in response, with a smirk on his face, revealing that he had overindulged on his journey to the Iberian Peninsula.
”I'm fine, just a little too much alcohol, you know how it is. After a few nights' rest, I will be ready to deploy to the frontlines.”
Hasan chuckled as he heard this before making a sly comment about the Austrian King's condition.
”Well then, I guess we will not be celebrating your arrival too fiercely. However, I do have something arranged for you that I think will be to your liking!”
Berengar was instantly curious as he heard this; just what did Hasan have in mind for tonight's entertainment? Nevertheless, he smiled in response and nodded his head.
”Well, then you have my thanks in advance.”
After walking through the halls of the Granadan Royal Palace, Berengar and Hasan arrived in the dining hall, where the two men sat down. While waiting for food to arrive, Hasan began to question Berengar about how he planned to wage this war against the Catholics.
”I've got to ask, we are heavily outnumbered, and the Iberians have begun to field Arkebuses and Falconets. Though I have personally witnessed the destructive power of your army, I must admit I am not hopeful for victory.”
Berengar smiled as he drank from the glass of wine in his hands; sometimes, a bit of alcohol was the perfect cure to a severe hangover. After taking a sip from the glass, he quickly revealed his intentions to win this conflict in the most efficient manner.
”The answer is simple, we form a trench line across your borders and outfit it with men and artillery. No matter where your enemies approach, they will have to cross through barbed wire and trench warfare to make any significant gains.
This conflict shall be primarily defensive; we must bleed the enemy dry and force them to the negotiating table. Such action will buy us time, and allow me to aid in the reconstruction of your army so that you can take the defense of your nation into your own hands.”
Hasan was surprised when he heard this; he expected Berengar's armies to march all the way to the borders of France. Hearing that they were fighting a defensive war brought great concern to the young Sultan.