Bartoltz quickly reached an agreement with the officers and ordered the vanguard to halt, assembling five kilometers north of Trento, ready at any moment to deal with a French Army surprise attack.
Bartoltz then wrote to Alvinzi, Commander-in-Chief of the Austrian Army, explaining the French Army's deployment near Trento.
The following afternoon.
Kreis Town.
At the head of the Austrian Army's marching column, Alvinzi handed the report from the vanguard to Marshal Leo, renowned as the "Spear of Southern Netherlands," and said gravely:
"Bartoltz believes the French intend to fight a decisive battle north of Mantua. With your extensive combat experience, do you think that is possible?"
Leo immediately put on a deeply thoughtful expression, though his mind was completely blank.
He had muddled his way into the title of marshal. Where would he have gotten any extensive experience?
Had His Majesty the Emperor not personally come to invite him back into service twice, he would have been ten thousand times unwilling to return to the front lines.
Especially to fight the French Army.
He knew the French fighting strength better than anyone. Most of his military achievements had been picked up by following behind Lefebvre's backside.
So he gave the advice his heart truly desired: "I believe we absolutely should not engage the French Army without making foolproof preparations."
He silently added: Even with preparations, we probably still won't be able to win...
Alvinzi nodded solemnly. "Your thinking is entirely in line with mine.
"Previously, General Würmser was too eager for success and split his forces into three columns marching south. Napoleon seized the opening and concentrated superior forces to crush his right wing.
"Though I do not know what trap Napoleon has set at Trento, the fact that we possess a numerical advantage has not changed.
"So long