The cheers surrounding Aiglon 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 immediately set foot on the road back to Nafpaktos, regardless of washing off the smoke and blood.
Having defeated the enemy in front of them with inferior force, the victory they had just won was unmistakable; but this did not mean that they had won the entire battle, because there was still a life-and-death struggle on Nafpaktos' side. Finish.
Compared with the scene when they just left Nafpaktos the day before yesterday, the appearance of this army at this moment is much more embarrassing - many people's uniforms are covered with stains and even holes, and the military flags are also covered with soot and filth. But their steps were stronger and more brisk than before.
The victory in the Battle of the Castle brought real psychological encouragement. They embarked on the road back to the division with incomparable confidence. Everyone firmly believed that when they went back, they would do the same as they did here. Bravely leveling the opponent, no one is willing to slow down and overshadow the victory that has already been achieved.
Of course, before embarking on the journey back to the army, Aigron did not forget to send a few messengers on horseback to report the victory to Nafpaktos as quickly as possible to encourage Andre Davout who was still persisting there. Just hold on for the last bit of time.
In this way, except for a very few people who were left behind, the entire army embarked on the return journey. With incomparable confidence and determination, they returned along the way they came. The wind echoing among the hills was like the wind of the god of war. The horn urged them to win the final victory.
But at this time, the atmosphere in Nafpaktos was by no means so relaxed.
Under the command of Andre Davout, the defenders here had just repelled another enemy attack.
The God of War shows off his prowess here, and the God of Death harvests souls here.
Inside and outside their lines, many corpses belonging to the two armies were left behind, and most of those once beautiful buildings had been reduced to ruins by artillery fire, with smoke smelling of blood and gunpowder. , permeated every corner of this small port, and the corpses scattered everywhere beside the fortress and trenches truly told the tragic scene that happened here.
Only the sea is still as blue and magnificent as before, ignoring another tragic massacre that happened in front of it, recording the ringing of history with the gentle but firm sound of the waves.
Andre Davout, who was entrusted with the important task by Aigron, of course could not hear the sound of the waves at this time. All his energy was already focused on the enemy forces he faced.
In the past two days, he led his men to defend this small port city with fearless courage and firm and fiery willpower.
He was not in good condition at this time. In the past two days, he led his men, supported by the few fortresses that already existed here, and used temporary fortifications to repel the enemy who had an absolute advantage. He had attacked more than a dozen times, and just now, he had just repelled the opponent's latest round of attacks.
Although he is the commander of the garrison, his headquarters is only a few hundred meters away from the front line. Sometimes when the situation is the most dangerous, he has to personally lead people to the most dangerous areas of the front line to fight with the enemy. Use your bravery and fearlessness 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 His Majesty's hands, like a small tree in a violent storm, although it had been crushed by the violent wind. Bent, but firmly nailed to the earth, refusing to succumb to the tyrannical will.
At this time, Andre Davout could not bear to rejoice that he had just withstood another torture. He used the telescope to observe the enemy's line, concentrating all his brain power to judge when and where the next attack would come from. where.
Seeing his current appearance, people who are familiar with him may not recognize him - this young man who always keeps clean and pays attention to his appearance, but at this time, the military uniform on his body is already covered with dust, and he is shaved clean every day. His face was unshaven, and some places were already darkened by smoke.
He does look embarrassed like this, but as long as they look at his still bright eyes and the unyielding light emanating from those bloodshot eyes, his friends can still recognize this young man full of ambition and pride. .
And his deputy Edmond Dantès was not much better at this time, his body was also covered with dust. In the past two days, like Andre, he took the lead and resisted the enemy's attack.
During these two days, the two of them and their men resolutely resisted enemies several times their size, never showing weakness for a moment.
During the duration of the battle, Andre Davout's entire mind had been focused on the fighting between the two armies, and he had no time to think about other issues; but at this moment, in the gap just after the battle, Andre Davout Finally I have enough energy to worry about other problems.
The only question he was concerned about was—what's going on with His Majesty?
After His Majesty led the main force to meet the enemy, he continued to send letters to His Majesty, reporting the situation on his side, and at the same time, he continued to receive messages from His Majesty.
According to the news he received last night, His Majesty has encountered the enemy and is about to launch a decisive battle with them this morning. However, he has not received any new news until now.
However, he is a hundred times more confident, because he believes that His Majesty will be able to win and then return to relieve the crisis here.
Now his task is to continue to stay here and wait.
Taking advantage of the break in the battle, he took his deputy Edmond Dantès around to comfort his tired men.
The two people ignored the sporadic gunfire and walked under the blue sky and blue sea.
It was already afternoon, and in order to relieve each other's stress, they started chatting.
"If there are no accidents, His Majesty must have driven away the enemy by now." Andre Davout stood beside the breakwater, staring at the blue ocean in front of him. "He must be returning to our army now."
"I firmly believe so." Edmond Dantès nodded heavily, "When he comes back, he will definitely reward you heavily. It was you who used your bravery and determination to make his plan come true."
"The same goes for you," Andre Davout replied.
Then, he laughed half seriously and half jokingly, "And you must be number one on the list of awards, because you are the Count of Monte Cristo, a nobleman personally ennobled by His Majesty. Logically speaking, your status should be higher than mine. Very talented..."
His teasing made Edmond Dantes slightly embarrassed.
Although he has the surname Davout, Andre is the nephew of Marshal Davout, not the heir of the marshal, so he does not have any title, he is just a follower - so if you look closely, he has been made a count. Edmond Dantes, his status is indeed higher than Andre.
"You are the commander-in-chief and the captain of His Majesty's personal guard. How can I compare with you? If this battle is successfully completed, your achievements must be above mine." Edmond Dantès laughed awkwardly , "Furthermore, with your loyalty and merit, if His Majesty achieves great things, he will definitely give you the highest honor and title. Whether you are a duke or a prince, you are worthy of it."
Although his words are deliberately flattering, they are generally close to the truth. If His Majesty returns to the throne, with Andre Davout's status as a confidant and his outstanding contributions, he will definitely receive such a reward.
"I'm just joking, you don't need to take it seriously... I am loyal to His Majesty because this is my bounden 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 I can be a prince one day, it will be an honor worthy of being remembered by generations, and I think it will definitely be comforting. The souls of my father and uncle in heaven."
Then, he gently patted Edmond Dantès on the shoulder, and then continued to speak seriously, "Edmond, to tell you the truth, because I am curious about why His Majesty values you so much, I have come to visit you these days. I have been observing you, and finally I discovered that you are indeed a brave and loyal person, worthy of being an outstanding member of us, so I understand why His Majesty treats you so favorably - you deserve it. "
Andre's heartfelt words made Edmund happy and ashamed at the same time. 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 ashamed I am, I can only accept it. If you want to truly deserve your title of "Count of Monte Cristo", you can only perform well later to convince the public.
While he was still deep in thought, Andre Davout suddenly reached out to Edmond Dantès.
"Edmund, let's make a deal."
"What's the agreement?" Edmond Dantès asked puzzledly.
While looking at Edmund, Andre said enthusiastically, "If we can survive this war, we will continue to serve His Majesty with the same enthusiasm today. Regardless of whether His Majesty's career is successful or not, we will We must follow him unswervingly, we are united as one, we will stick to our oath no matter whether we are prosperous or unknown, and we will be loyal to the end. Anyone who dares to betray or deceive His Majesty, we will impose the most severe punishment on him!"
Edmond Dantès was stunned for a moment. He didn't expect Andre's loyal will to be so fanatical.
However, this was also what he had in mind.
His Majesty gave him a chance to be reborn, gave him important responsibilities and honorary titles, and led him towards a great cause... These favors were like extremely blazing sunshine falling on his shoulders, making him flattered. He only thought about I repay this kindness with all my heart and brains.
So he understood Andre's thoughts very well.
So, he reached out his hand without hesitation, took Andre's hand, and then replied loudly, "Okay, we will unite as one and remain determined!"
The two people held hands tightly, and the sound of the sea waves next to them was still there, as if to bear witness to their vows.
The sun was setting in the west, and at this moment, several messengers on horseback came galloping from the northeast.
coming!
The two of them looked at each other.
Their hearts beat suddenly.
Although they were all confident in His Majesty's victory, they still couldn't help but feel a little nervous when they actually faced the news coming from over there.
Soon, the messenger was welcomed into the formation.
"We won." The first words the messenger saw from Andre Davout were so simple and powerful, "Your Majesty has defeated the enemy and is leading his army back."
With such a simple sentence, Andre's whole body seemed to have lost all strength, and his whole body was dominated by ecstasy.
He never doubted for a moment that His Majesty could achieve victory, but when he actually got the news, he couldn't help but be excited.
His Majesty's adventure was successful after all, and he won, which also meant that his persistence and sacrifice were valuable.
As long as His Majesty wins the victory, those hardships and hardships will be nothing.
He looked at Edmond Dantès, who happened to be looking at him at this time, and the two couldn't help but smile at each other.
At this time, another burst of intensive artillery fire rang out from the enemy's formation, and shouts and fighting sounds once again lingered in front of the two armies' formations. It was obvious that the enemy had launched a new round of attack.
Andre first observed the situation in front of the formation, and then looked at the messenger again.
"Glory belongs to Your Majesty! Long live the Empire!" He shouted the slogan first, and then ordered the other party, "Go back and tell Your Majesty that I have completed the glorious mission he gave me, and Nafpaktos is waiting for his return!"
Then, without saying any more, he took Edmond Dantes to the forward position.
The fighting continued, and the messenger did not delay any more. He immediately turned his horse's head and continued galloping toward the east without stopping.
Andre Davout and Edmond Dantès rushed to the front line regardless of their own safety, resisting the enemy's new attack. Under their inspiration, the already exhausted defenders once again burst out. With a new will to fight, with some of the guard members left behind by Aigron as the core, they fought desperately to resist the enemy.
Fierce fighting took place among the fortresses, city walls and trenches. Although the front line was continuously compressed under the impact of the enemy with absolutely superior strength, their position was never broken through. In the repeated attacks and counterattacks, the enemy troops The spirit of the people is constantly being exhausted.
Despite the hardship, they persevered once again.
At this time, it was dark, darkness had descended on the earth, and the enemy's attack gradually stopped. Andre Davout and his men finally got a little space to recover from their tired bodies.
Because Andrei had spread the news that "His Majesty is about to return victoriously" throughout the army, everyone was full of hope.
Just as André Davout was about to nibble on some dry bread for dinner, Edmond Dantès tugged on his sleeve and pointed excitedly to the east.
"Look! Andre!"
Andre looked over and saw a large number of torches appearing in the distance, flashing like dense fireflies on the edge of the night.
The torch is like a long snake, winding along the coastline, and you can't even see the edge at a glance.
Andre closed his eyes slightly and almost burst into tears. He knew that the scene he had been thinking about had finally become a reality - His Majesty led his army back.
"Remember our oath!" he shouted to Edmund.
