Chapter 100 The Looming Threat Within



After the signing of the armistice, Napoleon emerged from the opulent mansion where the historic document had been sealed. Stepping out into the crisp air, he was greeted by the sight of his soldiers, lined up in perfect formation, their eyes fixed on their esteemed leader with a mix of anticipation and hope.

These loyal men, battle-hardened and weary, knew all too well that negotiations for peace were underway. They had fought side by side with Napoleon, enduring the trials and tribulations of war, marching countless miles across treacherous terrains. Their tired faces bore the marks of determination, etched with the desire for respite and the longing to return to the warmth of their homes.

As they stood in formation, their uniforms bearing the scars of battle, their weary bodies yearned for a glimmer of news from their beloved commander. Uncertainty lingered in the air, for they knew not whether the two nations had reached a consensus. The weight of that knowledge hung heavy upon their hearts, for the prospect of resumed conflict loomed ominously in the distance.

Each soldier carried with them the memories of relentless engagements, the camaraderie forged in the crucible of war, and the dreams of a future free from the horrors of battle. Their tired eyes searched Napoleon's face for any sign, any glimpse of the outcome that would determine their fate. Would peace prevail, granting them a well-deserved respite, or would the drums of war continue to beat, beckoning them back into the fray?

Napoleon, aware of the weariness etched on their faces, understood the gravity of the moment. He shared their longing for reprieve and the urgent desire to return to the warm embrace of their loved ones. The burden of command weighed heavily upon him, for he knew that his decisions could shape the destiny of nations and the lives of these brave soldiers.

"Present arms!" came the resolute command from Murat, his voice cutting through the stillness of the moment. In perfect unison, the soldiers responded with swift precision. Muscles tensed, and with a fluid motion, their muskets rose to rest against their shoulders.

Napoleon nodded in satisfaction, and seconds after, he began.

"Army of Italy! I have come to inform you that the Austrians have signed a general armistice. Meaning that the guns shall fall silent, and the ravages of war shall be temporarily halted."

A collective sigh of relief swept through the ranks, mingling with the rustle of uniforms and the shuffling of feet. The soldiers' tired faces brightened, the lines of exhaustion momentarily replaced by expressions of cautious joy. Their weary eyes met those of their comrades, sharing unspoken words of relief and gratitude.

"Though this armistice offers temporary relief, remember that our duty is not yet complete. We must remain vigilant, for the seeds of lasting peace have been sown, but they require our unwavering dedication and resolve to blossom into fruition," Napoleon declared, his voice growing solemn. "Vive la République!"

Reubell sighed, his gaze fixed on the map of Europe spread out on the table before them. "I do not have concrete evidence to support such a claim, but we cannot ignore the signs. Napoleon's popularity among the people, his growing influence within the military, and now his conquests in Italy—these are all factors that cannot be overlooked."

"So...what should we do? Day by day, our influence in the country is slipping on our hands. It's only a matter of time before Napoleon takes matters into his own hands." Lepeaux asked, finally chiming in. "Oh not to mention the growing popularity of his wife Ciela Bonaparte. Combined, they will be a force to be reckoned with."

"Gentlemen," Barthélemy, cut off. "I wanted to disclose something to all of you. You see, I have received a letter from the United Kingdom from King Louis the Sixteenth. In that letter, he proposed that we return him to the throne in exchange for titles and lands."

"YOU DAMN ROYALIST!" Barras shouted, slamming his fist onto the table. The room fell silent, the tension thick in the air. Barthélemy raised his hand, gesturing for calm.

"Barras, please, let me explain," Barthélemy said. "I am not proposing that we abandon the Republic. I merely want us to consider all options available to us at this critical juncture. King Louis' letter presents an opportunity—a way to potentially stabilize the country and counter the growing influence of Napoleon. And rest assured, it would be a constitutional monarchy, where his role would be purely ceremonial, and the power of the government would still remain in the hands of the people...Along with five hundred francs and titles."

"We are supposed to be discussing what to do with Napoleon...but now that you have suggested that, it has come to my attention that many of the royalists have gained a significant number of seats in the Council of Five Hundred and the Council of the Ancients...you royalists are brewing something..."

"That is a grave accusation, Barras," Pichegru growled.

Barras' accusation hung heavy in the air, and the tension in the room escalated. The other members of the Directory exchanged uneasy glances, aware of the fragile balance of power within the government and the nation at large.

"Monsieur Pichegru, aren't you the one who conspired with the royalists in the past?" Barras continued, his voice laced with suspicion. "I find it quite convenient that you would come to Barthélemy's defense so readily. Perhaps you have a stake in this proposed return of King Louis."

Pichegru's face flushed with anger. "You dare to accuse me without evidence? I fought for the Republic, and I still believe in its principles. Do not mistake my past actions for treason. We are all here to discuss the future of France, not to throw baseless accusations."

"Oh this is quite something," Reubell chuckled. "Director Barras, let's put the matter aside about Napoleon and shift our attention to the royalist who threatens to destroy the Republic."

"Oh, the Republicans are at it again, executing those who are perceived as threats," Barthélemy interjected. "Just like in the reign of terror."

"You have given yourself away, Barthélemy, I'll see to it that the royalists and monarchists no longer hold any influence within the government."