The Tavern door opens .........and in strolls a cloaked non descript chap, disheveled dark hair (are those hints of grey on the edges or just the light?), bare headed and unshaven. The cloak is French in cut, well worn and once of good quality, the boots are cavalry, English leather, muddy, but still of obvious quality.
He reaches the bar and gestures for the barman....speaks in broken French with a strange accent.
The chap turns to face the bar, opens his cloak and exposes a worn and faded French Dragoon officers jacket. The sword long and straight, belt well kept and scarred.
The Barman takes a deep breath and announces to the room -
"Gentlemen and spaniards. The Bar is open! Compliments of Colonel Mike Ellwood, who has returned to L'Emperor's service!
Colonel Mike Ellwood raises his voice -
"Gentlemen, after an unexpected departure and long absence in theatres south, I have returned to the European fronts. Give me a month to get back up to speed with the latest developments and I will be spoiling for a fight or two! Especially on these new battlefields that have appeared since my absence! For the moment the drinks are on me! Barman! Champagne for all French Officers! To all , Salute!
Long live L'Emperor!"
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