‘Of course. But what can we do about it? Denmark is a small nation. Our army is no match for soldiers of France, or Britain for that matter, as I have discovered. If we defied the Emperor he would swallow us up in a matter of days. So we bide our time, and attempt to keep out of the wars of greater nations. Now you have brought war to us and we find ourselves caught between Britain and France without even the consolation of making a friend out of an enemy’s enemy.’

‘What’s that?’ Arthur looked at the Dane sharply.

‘Copenhagen is besieged by Britain and Denmark is besieged by France. Before I encountered your brigade, I had just been informed that a French army was massing on our border. I think their intention is clear enough. They mean to let you weaken our defences before marching on your rear, and taking Copenhagen the moment they have dealt with you.They could arrive within a week.Ten days at the most.’

Arthur nodded towards the militiamen watching them closely from a short distance away. ‘Did you say anything about the column to that officer?’

‘No. I will save it for his commander.’

Arthur felt his pulse quicken.This was bad news indeed and made it essential that the Danes surrender as soon as possible. He cleared his throat and continued calmly. ‘It would seem that Denmark faces a choice of giving way to us, or to France. I need not tell you that the consequences of the latter option are far more dire than permitting Lord Cathcart to remove your warships. Once we have those there is no purpose to our remaining on Danish soil. I doubt the French would leave your country quite so readily.’

Schmeiler thought on this a moment and then nodded slowly. ‘I think you are right.’

‘Then can I count on your assistance in helping to persuade the commander of the Copenhagen garrison to lay down his arms?’

‘I will not go that far,’ Schmeiler replied.‘But I will present your case fairly.’

‘Thank you.’

A quarter of an hour later a small party of horsemen reined in a short distance from Arthur and his two companions. Some were dressed in civilian clothes and one, their leader, wore a gaudy uniform. He saluted Arthur as he approached, and then frowned as he saw General Schmeiler. He addressed the latter sharply and there was a brief exchange before he turned his attention back to Arthur.

‘Sir, I am General Peymann, commander of the garrison. Whom do I have the honour of addressing?’

‘Major-General Sir Arthur Wellesley at your service, sir.’ Arthur touched the brim of his hat.

Peymann eyed him appraisingly.‘Is it true that your brigade defeated a division of regular troops?’