The newly assigned aide de camp cautiously approached the table near the back of the tavern, the one by the fire frequented by the Marechaux and other high ranking officers of la Grande Armee. In his hand, he carried a dispatch, the encumbrance of seals and stamps affixed to it, gave credence to its import. He had faced the fire of the coalition guns many a time, but their fury worried him little in comparison to this group of warriors. Marechal Corbin, deep in thought, Marechal Knox espousing yet another forward thinking theory on the art of war (something about oscillation if he heard correctly), Marechal Kling, General Schmidgall, and several others. Stopping short of the table, the aide, softly cleared his throat.
"Sir? Monsieur le Marechal, I have the authorization from headquarters you requested. Shall I ..."
Swiftly cutting the young officer off in mid-sentence, Marechal Bardon spoke, " Sir, you had best get used to dealing with senior officers, and if you intend to get the attention of this lot, and our esteemed colleagues from the backwards thinking ancien regimes that assail the forces of liberty at every turn, speak louder. Go on. Just make the announcement. The Grande Armee is ascendant and you'd best get used to making these types of pronouncements, as I am sure many more will follow."
Outside, a deep baritone voice intoned the call to assemble:
Emboldened, the aide began reading.
Assembled officers of la Grande Armee, today is a day to celebrate the elevation of one of your own, an officer whose exemplary battle record remains one of the best in the Armee. He has met the stringent requirements of victory and service, and as a reward, is elevated to the ranks of la Vieille Garde.
General de Division, Grande Duc Ramon Cipressi, congratulations!
You have earned your passage in to the elite of the elite.
Sir, you are hereby ordered to present yourself to Marechal Knox, commandant de la Vieille Garde. There is a regiment of Chasseurs that is in need of a commander.
Congratulations, Sir!!!
Best of luck in your new command!!
