It is early afternoon when the Commander of the Hanoverian Brigade rides up to the stables at the Rhine Tavern. Reining in his mount, he briefly stretches in the saddle before dismounting. Turning back to his horse, he retrieves a cloth wrapped sword that had been lashed to his saddle. Smiling as he hands over the reins, he gives the stable boy two schillings as he turns and strides toward the tavern door.
Entering the tavern, he is not surprised to find it rather sparsely occupied. Major battles are underway and many of the officers are dutifully engaged on the very same field from whence the Hanoverian Colonel has just returned. The red coated officer crosses the tavern and takes a seat in his usual chair, placing the cloth wrapped sword upon the table.
"Well, look what the cat dragged in early today", says a melodious female voice.
Turning to face the sound, the Colonel is one again struck by the staggering beauty of the tavern's barmaid, Helga.
"I told you I would return", replied the Hanoverian officer. "I always do."
"Yes, you are one of the most regular customers that I have", replies Helga. "So what will it be, the usual."
"Yes, the usual for me, but I will also need a bottle of Courvoisier and another of Margaux", says the Colonel. "I am meeting a Frenchman here today to give him a sword."
Helga stifles a small gasp. "Oh, Colonel Jones, I am so sorry to hear that. It is very rare indeed that you are forced to surrender your weapon."
The Hanoverian officer looks shocked for a brief moment before a grin slowly spreads across his handsome face. "Oh no, Helga, I am sorry to have alarmed you. It is not my sword which I am delivering today to a Frenchman, it is a Frenchman's sword which I have captured and wish to return. I only needed to borrow it for a brief period as proof of my latest victory. This particular sword belongs to the French General d' Division Guegan. I am certain that he will need it for his next battle. As is my habit, I never long retain the swords of honorable officers who stand the field until the end. I only keep the swords of those officers who fling them at me as they are running away."
"The good general will be along directly", continues the Hanoverian Colonel. "The Courvoisier will help him relax a bit after his ordeal. Then we shall enjoy the wine at our leisure. Who knows, perhaps others may join our celebration as well."
Reaching out for the sword, the officer carefully unwraps it from its cloth covering. Neatly folding the cloth, he tucks it inside his coat as he gives Helga a sly wink and says, "I will, however, keep his standard."
Cheers to David Guegan, an honorable French officer, and a pleasant companion for a game!
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