Reincarnated as Napoleon II-Chapter 115: The Terms

Marshal Davout watched from his seat as Ahmed el-Kebir walked toward him. Just like other locals in the area, he wore a long white robe, dust-stained at the hem, and a wrapped turban that had come loose from the wind. A narrow sash held the robe at his waist. His sandals were coated with fine gray powder from the shattered walls.

Two attendants followed several paces behind him, carrying nothing but the white banner fixed to a wooden pole.

Davout did not rise.

Colonel Valence stood at his right. A detachment of infantry formed a quiet line behind them.

Ahmed stopped at the designated mark—ten paces from the French position.

He placed his right hand over his chest and bowed his head slightly.

"Sire," he said in clear French. "I am Ahmed el-Kebir, envoy of His Excellency, Hussein Dey of Algiers. I come under flag of truce."

"Where did you learn to speak French?"

Ahmed kept his hand over his chest.

"From trade, Marshal. I have dealt with your merchants for many years."

Davout studied him for a moment, then gave a short nod.

"Then you understand why we are here."

"I understand that your army stands on our hills," Ahmed replied. "And your fleet blocks our harbor."

Behind him, the white banner shifted in the wind. Smoke still drifted above the western quarter of the city, though the guns had fallen silent.

"What does your leader request?" Davout asked.

"A cessation of bombardment," Ahmed said. "And discussion of terms to prevent further destruction."

"Good. We will hear your terms first," Davout said, prompting him to speak.

Ahmed lowered his eyes briefly, then lifted them again.

"His Excellency, Hussein Dey, acknowledges that the Regency has wronged France," he said. "He is prepared to issue a formal written apology to His Imperial Majesty, Napoleon II, Emperor of the French."

Davout did not interrupt.

"The apology will recognize the offenses committed against French commerce," Ahmed continued. "The seizures of merchant vessels. The detention of sailors. The toleration of piracy along the coast."

A gust of wind tugged at the white banner behind him.

"In addition," Ahmed said, steadying his voice, "the Regency is prepared to repay the costs incurred by France in this campaign. Your war expenditures—fleet mobilization, troop deployment—will be compensated in agreed installments."

"Furthermore," Ahmed went on, "reparations will be paid for losses caused by maritime raids against French ships in past years. Claims may be submitted and reviewed. Payment will be guaranteed under seal."

Davout watched him without expression.

"And piracy?" he asked.

"It will end," Ahmed replied. "By decree of the Dey. Corsair vessels will be disarmed or destroyed. No ship sailing under the Regency’s authority will seize French cargo again. Safe passage will be guaranteed in writing."

"In exchange?" Davout asked.

"In exchange, the French army will withdraw from our territory once the agreed payments and guarantees are set in motion."

"You are asking for our departure," Davout said.

"Yes."

"After we have broken your field army. After we have taken your fortress. After we have positioned guns over your city."

Ahmed did not look away.

"Yes."

Davout leaned back slightly in his chair.

"You offer money and promises in return for withdrawal."

"That’s our terms, Sire."

"Well, I don’t think we can work on that, Ahmed. You see, our Emperor wants Algiers to be a territory of France. So we are not leaving here until that objective is met. That means we want your port, its fleet, the treasury, everything. And of course since it’ll be under our administration, we will include the departure of those Ottoman officials or your leaders or those high-ranking officials removed in that city."

Hearing that, Ahmed gulped. They wanted to take over the Regency of Algiers. Such a European moved, wanting to colonize a state. But that’s their term, and he has a job to deliver them to his leader.

"I acknowledge the French terms," he said. "I will return to the city and present them exactly as stated."

***

Inside the chamber, Hussein Dey stood near the central table. Agha Ibrahim and Mustapha ben Youssef waited beside him. The air smelled of smoke and powder.

"Well?" Hussein Dey asked.

Ahmed placed the sealed document on the table.

"They refuse withdrawal," he said. "France demands full transfer of authority. The port. The fleet. The treasury. All coastal batteries. Removal of Ottoman officials and all high-ranking administrators."

Silence fell.

"They want annexation," Ibrahim said flatly.

Mustapha exhaled through his nose. "I believe it’s occupation, not annexation."

"They will not settle for an apology or payment?" Ibrahim asked.

"No."

"If we refuse, we lose everything by force. If we accept, we lose authority but preserve the people." Ibrahim said again.

"They offered safe passage," Ahmed said. "For Your Excellency. For the officials. Under escort."

"With nothing?" Ibrahim asked.

"That was not specified," Ahmed replied. "Only removal from office."

Hussein Dey straightened.

"If we are to leave," he said slowly, "we leave with our families. And with our lawful wealth.

Mustapha glanced at him.

"You would accept?"

"I will not see Algiers leveled," Hussein Dey said. "Not when we cannot defend it."

He looked at Ahmed.

"Return to the French lines."

Ahmed met his gaze.

"What shall I tell them?"

"Tell them that we will honor the French terms. The port, the fleet, the treasury, and all batteries will be surrendered intact. The gates will be opened. But we require written assurance that the Dey, his household, and all departing officials may leave Algiers with their families and personal wealth without interference," Hussein said.

"If they agree," he said, "they can have the city."

Ahmed gathered the document and turned toward the stairwell again.

One hour later.

Marshal Davout sat where he had before.

Ahmed halted at the marked distance and bowed.

"I return with the decision of His Excellency," he said.

Davout did not gesture for him to sit.

"Speak."

"Hussein Dey accepts the French terms."

No reaction crossed Davout’s face.

"All Ottoman officials and high-ranking administrators will relinquish their posts," Ahmed continued. "There will be no destruction of arms or stores."

"And the Dey?" Davout asked.

"He requests written assurance," Ahmed replied. "He, his household, and the departing officials are to be granted safe passage. They will leave with their families and with their lawful personal wealth. They will not interfere with the transfer of the city."

"Lawful," Valence repeated.

"Personal property only," Ahmed said. "Not the treasury of the state."

Davout rose this time.

"Let’s do it."