Archduke Karl was awakened by the thick stench of sulfur.
The pungent odor made him want to cough, but he discovered that a roll of rawhide had been stuffed into his mouth. His hands and feet were bound as well, making even breathing difficult.
Whispers drifted in from outside. "Those cowardly, foolish Prussians actually surrendered after being frightened by ten thousand French troops!"
"Those idiots could have retreated to East Prussia and held their ground. The Allied Forces would soon have gone to help them."
"Now our north side is no longer safe..."
"Hmph. General Miliuss is on his way to Berlin. He might occupy it within a few days."
"Let's hope so. The soldiers are all talking about it now..."
Archduke Karl was not surprised by his condition. He had suffered from epilepsy since childhood, and every time he woke up, he would be tied to the bed and fumigated with sulfur.
The doctor waiting nearby noticed the movement and hurried to the bedside, bending down to ask, "Your Highness, you're awake?"
The people outside immediately crowded in upon hearing the news.
Prince Schwarzenberg, at their head, bowed to Archduke Karl. "Marshal, do you feel any better?"
After the guards untied him, Archduke Karl struggled into a sitting position. "I'm fine."
His head spun. It was probably the effect of the laudanum. He shook his head and asked Prince Schwarzenberg, "How long was I unconscious?"
"More than half a day, Marshal."
Archduke Karl frowned. Ignoring the doctor cutting open his arm to let blood, he found Chief of Staff Werneck among the crowd and ordered:
"Recall the troops heading for Amberg immediately. Leave only the Würmser Corps to continue surrounding Moreau. We have no more time to waste."
Prince Heeringen at his side said excitedly, "Are we going to