Milan.
In Baron Tremeloni's villa, Marshal Boliue, recovering there, glanced at the report just delivered by Lieputai. A disdainful smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he spoke to the officer beside him:
"Tell Colonel Lieputai to agree to the French request not to destroy the bridge. Use this to delay them for another two days.
"We'll need that bridge when we move toward Alexandria later.
"In less than half a month, reinforcements from Genoa will arrive; instruct Colonel Lieputai to retreat to the Ticino River…"
He was still speaking when an officer stumbled into the room, breathless, and in a panic-stricken voice exclaimed, "Marshal, a French Army has been spotted in the southern suburbs—at least three or four thousand men… and they have quite a bit of cavalry with them…"
Boliue shot up from his chair and unconsciously made the sign of the cross over his chest.
Damnation, they're here again!