Approaching the enemy

The move north was fairly uneventful, with a clear night navigation was relatively easy and the Freihussaren easily found the points where they would ascend the valleys onto the high slopes. Friedrich decided to accompany Lieutenant Hans von Pilsners troop to the north as it would have the greatest distance to travel. They clearly heard the church bell and it was agreed that the attack would take place at half past five in the morning.

Before moving out they checked that everything was secured so that nothing could accidentally make a noise. The horses hooves had been bound with rags and even their sabres were lashed to their saddles. About to give the order to continue Friedrich spotted that Mariusz still had his trumpet slung normally “We won’t be needing that today”. Once it was pointed out, Mariusz bound it firmly to his saddlebags.

As they moved off Friedrich hoped that Ilse would keep out of harms way. At least she had prepared a convincing looking letter that would be dropped in Lieutenant Otto von Zendabrau’s sabretasche at an appropriate moment.

As they arrived at the head of the valley, Friedrich heard the clock strike the quarter hour. But something didn’t seem quite right, turning to Von Pilsner he said “I’m going ahead to check, if I don’t return in time carry on without me.

He then led his horse cautiously up to the crest, through the faint early morning mist he could just see Marsfeld and also picquets posted around except nearby. Very odd he thought and leaving his hose tied he crept forward to the nearest wall and peered over. He quickly ducked back as he saw two bodies on the other side.

After checking all around, he looked again over the wall, and then opened a nearby gate so the Freihussaren could have easier access. As he was about to return to his horse he saw a figure in the distance creeping towards Marsfeld.

Otto von Zendabrau had had some problems ascending the valley as the stream bed was quite steep in places and was quite concerned when the clock struck the quarter hour, but immediately after Seamus O'Malley who was scouting ahead appeared and reported that they were almost in position.