Three Emperors (9780062194138) by William Dietrich

to hell in one great fiery explosion.
    So I used the palm of my hand to ram the underside of his nose. The Austrian’s head snapped back, eyes crossing and blood spurting, and then I heaved up and let a knee come down on his hand.
    He howled, and his balance was gone with his grip. He hit the river with a splash and was gone.
    The fuse was spitting and smoking toward the keg. The nearest sappers were shouting warning. I bounded like a squirrel, reached the keg of gunpowder, and hacked with Talleyrand’s broken sword.
    The fuse sputtered out, sparks falling into the water.
    Shaking from relief and exertion, I made my way to the gunpowder kegs on the other side of the bridge and cut that fuse, too.
    The sappers cheered.
    I worked my way to the Austrian side of the river, dropped to the muddy bank, and clambered to the road above. To my relief, Murat and Lannes had the situation under control. French troops had reached the northern shore, the Austrians had lost their advantageous position, and French cavalry were clearing a wedge on the banks. The Austrians were too confused, and unready to resist. My stratagem had succeeded. We had the bridge, and the enemy was falling back.
    General Auersperg, boxed in by French troops, was furious. He pointed at me. “There’s the one! That’s the one who lied and tricked!”
    â€œThe English poet John Lyly said all is fair in love and war,” Murat replied. “I give you leave to rejoin your men, general, on the condition that you withdraw north to join your emperor. You can thank us that we haven’t kept you captive.”
    â€œWhat benefit is that? Francis will imprison me for losing this bridge.” The horror of what had happened was beginning to dawn on him.
    â€œThen be careful of Americans. They are a sly and wily people, violent and greedy, a nation of rebels, opportunists, and sharp traders.”
    This assessment seemed unfair, but before I could protest, the Austrian spoke up. “If I see that one again, I’ll shoot him.” Then Auersperg, flushed from humiliation, wheeled his horse and made for his own lines, calling his troops to fall in behind him. The French continued to pour across in a tide of blue and green.
    Murat turned to me. “ Mon Dieu , have you been in a sty?” He was still a peacock, his uniform spotless. I was half-soaked and muddy as a pig.
    â€œAn Austrian sergeant did his best to blow you up, and I had to stop him,” I replied. “I’m cold, sore, and frightened. Could I have some champagne?”
    â€œIt’s gone. But admirable pluck, American. And all’s well that ends well, Shakespeare said.”
    â€œI didn’t realize you were a student of English literature.”
    â€œI don’t care for books, but I like epigrams. They’re short.”
    â€œThis ends well if the capture of the Tabor Bridge gives me permission to go find my wife and son,” I pressed.
    â€œAbsolutely,” the marshal promised. “Once we’ve achieved final victory and there’s no danger of you doing the same kind of trick for the enemy, I’ll send you on your way.”
    â€œFinal victory!”
    â€œYou’re too valuable to wander about, Gage. Besides, the Austrians would simply kill you. You’re safest with us.”
    â€œI would be first in line to shoot him,” the humiliated and captive Colonel Geringer said.
    â€œI believe first in line would be General Auersperg,” I corrected, just to keep my enemies straight.
    â€œI don’t blame you,” Murat said to Geringer. “Gage is as empty of conviction as a lawyer, as pitiless as a doctor, and as greedy as a moneylender. In other words, a man of great use.”
    â€œMy loyalty is to common sense,” I protested. “I’m just trying to get to Prague. I seek reunion with my family.” And I wanted to stay several leagues in front of seductive and treacherous Catherine