Eagle’s Glory

The cheers around Aegron did not last long. Following his orders, the army quickly cleaned up the battlefield and began to prepare lunch on the spot.

After lunch, they did not care to wash away the smoke and blood from their bodies, and immediately set foot on the road back to Nafpaktos.

They defeated the enemy in front of them with inferior troops, and the victory they had just won was clear and unmistakable; but this did not mean that they won the whole battle, because there was still a desperate fight on Nafpaktos' side. end.

Compared with the scene when they just left Nafpaktos the day before yesterday, the military appearance of this army at the moment is much more embarrassed-many people's uniforms are covered with stains or even holes, and the military flags are also covered with smoke and dirt. But their steps were stronger and more brisk than before.

The victory in the battle of the ancient castle brought real psychological motivation. They embarked on the road to return to the teacher with incomparable confidence. Everyone firmly believed that when they went back, they would be the same as they were here. Bravely leveling the opponent, no one is willing to slow down and cast a shadow over the victory that has already been achieved.

Of course, before embarking on the journey to return to the division, Aigron did not forget to send a few horse-riding messengers to report victory to Nafpaktos at the fastest speed, encouraging Andre Davout, who was still there, to persevere. Hold on for the last time.

In this way, except for the very few who were left behind, the entire army set foot on the way home. They returned along the way they came with incomparable confidence and determination, and the wind reverberated between the hills, like a **** of war. The horn urged them to take the final victory.

In Nafpaktos at this time, the atmosphere was by no means so relaxed.

Under the command of Andre Davout, the defenders here had just repelled another onslaught of the enemy.

The **** of war is here to show off his prowess, and the **** of death is here to harvest souls.

Inside and outside their lines, there were many corpses that belonged to the two armies, and most of those once-beautiful buildings, under the ravages of artillery fire, had been reduced to rubble, with smoke that smelled of blood and gunpowder. , pervades all corners of this small port, and the corpses scattered around the fortress and the trench tell the tragic scene that happened here in a very real way.

Only the sea is still as blue and magnificent as before, ignoring another tragic slaughter that happened in front of it, and recording the bell of history with the gentle but firm sound of the waves.

Andre Davout, who had been entrusted by Aiglon, could not hear the sound of these waves of course at this time. All his energy had been placed on the enemy he faced.

In the past two days, he led his subordinates to defend this small port city with fearless courage and firm and fiery willpower.

At this time, his state was not good. In the past two days, he led his subordinates, using the few fortresses that already existed here as support, and then with the help of temporary fortifications, he repelled the enemy who had an absolute advantage. , and just now, he just repelled the opponent's latest round of attacks.

Although he is the commander of the defending army, his headquarters is only a few hundred meters away from the front line. Sometimes when the situation is most dangerous, he has to personally take people to the most dangerous part of the front line to fight with the enemy. Use your bravery as an example to inspire the morale of the defenders.

Under his leadership, although Nafpaktos always seemed to be in danger, it was still in the hands of His Majesty, like a small tree in the storm, although it had been crushed by the violent wind. Bent, but tenaciously nailed to the ground, unwilling to succumb to a tyrannical will.

Andre Davout couldn't help but feel fortunate that he had just endured another torment. With the help of binoculars, he observed the enemy's line and concentrated all his brain power to determine when and where the next attack would come from. where.

Seeing what he looks like now, people who are familiar with him may not recognize him - this young man who always keeps his cleanliness and pays attention to his appearance, but the military uniform on his body is already covered with dust, and he is cleanly shaved every day. The face is already unshaven, and some places have been smoked black.

This looks really embarrassing, but as long as he looks at his still bright eyes and the unyielding light from those bloodshot eyes, his friends can still recognize this young man full of ambition and pride. .

And his deputy, Edmund Dantes, was not much better at this time, and his body was also covered with dust. In the past two days, he, like Andre, took the lead in resisting the enemy's attack.

During these two days, the two of them, together with their subordinates, resolutely resisted an enemy that was several times their own, and never for a moment was weak.

During the duration of the battle, Andre Davout's whole mind was already on the battle between the two armies, and he had no time to think about other issues; and at this moment, in the gap just after the battle, Andre Davout Finally, I have the spare energy to worry about other problems.

The only question he cared about was that - what happened to His Majesty?

After His Majesty led the main force to meet the enemy, he kept sending letters to His Majesty, reporting the situation on his side, and at the same time receiving messages from His Majesty.

According to the news he received last night, His Majesty had already encountered the enemy and was about to start a decisive battle this morning, and until this time he had not received any new news.

But he has a hundredfold confidence, because he believes that His Majesty will be able to win, and then return to the division to solve the crisis here.

Now his task is to stay here and wait.

Taking advantage of the gaps in the battle, he took his deputy Edmund Dantès to patrol the places to appease the tired subordinates.

The two ignored the sporadic artillery fire and walked under the blue sky and blue sea.

It was already afternoon, and in order to relieve each other's pressure, they also chatted.

"If there was no accident, Your Majesty must have driven the enemy away by now." Andre Davout stood beside the breakwater, staring at the blue ocean in front of him. "He must be coming back to our teacher now."

"I also believe so." Edmund Dantes nodded heavily. "When he comes back, he will definitely reward you. You used your bravery and determination to make his plan come true."

"So do you," Andre Davout replied.

Then, he laughed half-seriously and half-jokingly, "And you must be the first on the list of awards, because you are the Count of Monte Cristo, a nobleman proclaimed by His Majesty, and logically speaking, your status should be higher than mine. Gao is right..."

His ridicule made Edmund Dantes slightly embarrassed.

Although he has the surname Davout, Andre is the nephew of Marshal Davout, not the heir to the marshal, so he does not have any title of title, just a follower - so if you look closely, he has been named an earl Edmund Dantes, his status is indeed higher than Andre.

"You are the commander-in-chief and the captain of your majesty's bodyguard. How can I compare to you? If this battle is successfully concluded, then your achievements must be higher than mine." Edmund Dantes laughed awkwardly. , "Furthermore, with your loyalty and merits, if His Majesty achieves a great cause, he will definitely give you the highest honor, whether it is a duke or a prince, you are worthy of it."

Although his words were deliberately complimented, they were generally close to the truth. If His Majesty returned to the throne, he would surely receive such a reward with Andre Davout's cronies and merits.

"I'm just joking, you don't have to take it seriously... I'm loyal to Your Majesty because it's my duty, not for any title or glory." Andre Davout couldn't help laughing.

But he soon became serious again, "Of course, although I am sincere and follow Your Majesty without asking for anything in return, but... if one day I can become a prince, it will be an honor worthy of being remembered from generation to generation, and I will surely be able to comfort you. The spirits of my father and uncle in heaven."

Then, he patted Edmund Dantes lightly on the shoulder, and continued to speak seriously, "Edmund, to tell you the truth, because I'm curious why Your Majesty values ​​you so much, I've come here these days. I have been watching you all the time, and finally I found out that you are indeed a brave and loyal person, worthy of being one of the best among us, so I understand why Your Majesty treats you so favorably - you deserve it. "

Andre's reassuring words made Edmund both happy and ashamed. He felt that he had not made a more outstanding contribution than Andre, at least not worthy of being knighted before him.

However, since His Majesty's gift has been given, it cannot be taken back, so no matter how embarrassed it is, I can only accept it. If you want to live up to your title of "Count of Monte Cristo", you can only show performance later, so as to be able to convince the public.

While he was still thinking, Andre Davout suddenly reached out to Edmund Dantes.

"Edmund, let's make an appointment."

"Agreed what?" Edmund Dantes asked in confusion.

While looking at Edmund, Andre said enthusiastically, "If we can survive this war, we will continue to serve His Majesty with the enthusiasm we have today. No matter whether His Majesty's career is successful or not, we will all We must follow him unswervingly, and we are united as one, no matter whether we are rising to the top or unknown, we will stick to our oath and carry out our loyalty to the end. Anyone who dares to betray or deceive His Majesty, we will impose the most severe punishment on him!"

Edmund Dantes was stunned for a moment, he did not expect Andre's loyalty to be so fanatical.

However, this was also what he had in mind.

His Majesty gave him the opportunity to be reborn, and gave him important responsibilities and honorary titles, leading him to move forward towards a great cause... These favors are like the incomparably blazing sunshine falling on his shoulders, which makes him flattered, he just thinks Repay this kindness with liver and brain.

So instead, he understood Andre's thoughts very well.

So, he stretched out his hand without hesitation, took Andre's hand, and then answered loudly, "Okay, we will be united and determined in the future!"

The two held their hands tightly, and the sound of the sea beside them was still the same, as if they were witnessing their oath.

The shadow of the sun slanted westward, and at this moment, several messengers on horses came galloping from the northeast.

coming!

The two of them looked at each other.

Their hearts were beating suddenly.

Although they were all full of confidence in His Majesty's victory, when they really faced the news from there, they couldn't help being a little nervous.

Soon, the messenger was greeted into the formation.

"We won." The messenger saw Andre Davout's first sentence, which was so simple and powerful, "Your Majesty has defeated the enemy and is leading the army back to the division."

With such a simple sentence, Andre's whole body seemed to lose strength, and his whole body was dominated by ecstasy.

He never doubted for a moment whether His Majesty could win the victory, but when he really got the good news, he couldn't help but be excited.

After all, His Majesty's adventure was successful, he won, and this also means that his persistence and sacrifice are worthwhile.

As long as His Majesty wins, those hardships and hardships are nothing.

He looked at Edmund Dantes, and at this time the other party was looking at him, and the two couldn't help but smile at each other.

At this moment, another burst of intensive artillery fire rang out from the enemy's formation, and the cries and fights lingered in front of the two armies again. It was obvious that the enemy had launched a new attack.

Andre first observed the situation before the battle, and then, Andre looked at the messenger again.

"Glory belongs to Your Majesty! Long live the Empire!" He first shouted a slogan, and then ordered the other party, "Go back and tell Your Majesty that I have completed the glorious mission he entrusted to him, and Nafpaktos is waiting for his return!"

Then, he said no more, but took Edmund Dantes to the front line.

The slaughter continued, and the messenger did not delay any longer. He immediately turned the horse's head and continued to gallop toward the east without stopping.

Andre Davout and Edmund Dantès rushed to the front line recklessly, resisting a new round of enemy attacks, and under their inspiration, the already exhausted defenders burst out again. With a new will to fight, he desperately resisted the enemy with some of the guards left by Aegron as the core.

Fierce fighting unfolded between fortresses, city walls and trenches. Although the front line was continuously compressed under the impact of the enemy with absolute superiority in strength, their positions were never broken through. The spirit is also constantly being exhausted.

Despite the difficulty, they persevered once again.

At this time, it was night, and darkness fell on the earth. The enemy's attack gradually stopped. Andre Davout and his men finally got a little space to recover their tired bodies.

Because Andre had spread the news that "His Majesty is about to return victoriously" throughout the entire army, everyone was filled with hope.

Just as Andre Davout was about to nibble on some dry bread for dinner, Edmund Dantès tugged at his sleeve and pointed excitedly east.

"Look! Andrei!"

Andre looked at the situation and saw a large number of torches in the distance, flashing on the edge of the night like a dense firefly.

The torch is like a long snake, winding beside the coastline, and it is impossible to see the edge at a glance.

Andrei closed his eyes slightly and almost burst into tears. He knew that the scene he was thinking about had finally become a reality - His Majesty led the army back.

"Remember our oath!" he cried to Edmund.