There had been no news of the Army of the Rhine since Napoleon had launched his offensive and the further he advanced into Austria, the longer his lines of communication had become. If the Directory’s strategy was being followed to the letter then the Army of the Rhine should be thrusting deep into Austria from the north.Yet there had been no word from General Moreau, nor any confirmation from Paris that Moreau’s progress was going ahead as planned.As the days passed Napoleon became increasingly anxious about the silence. If Moreau had been thrown back then the Austrians would be able to reinforce Archduke Charles and any reverse that Napoleon suffered so far from his bases in northern Italy could lead to the destruction of the Army of Italy.

‘What are those fools playing at, Berthier?’ Napoleon muttered, hands clasped behind his back as he stared out of the window of Hochosterwitz castle at the distant mountains. ‘It’s nearly a month since I last had news of Moreau. I tell you, the Directors have betrayed us again. Just one last push, by both armies, and we’d have Vienna.’

‘I’ve had a report from Murat, sir. One of our cavalry patrols reached the top of the Semmerling pass. They claim that they could see Vienna in the distance.’

Napoleon shook his head with disdain.‘Wishful thinking. But I know exactly how they feel. One last victory and the war would be over. Only we can’t have that without Moreau. What am I to do?’

Berthier had come to know his commander well enough to realise the question was rhetorical, and he kept his silence as Napoleon continued.

‘We dare not advance without Moreau in support. Yet we cannot remain here and permit the enemy to gather their forces and attack our supply lines . . .’ Napoleon was still for a moment, and then nodded, his decision made. ‘There is only one thing we can do.’

‘Sir?’

‘Offer the Austrians an armistice.’ He turned away from the window. ‘We must buy ourselves some time. But we must not look as if we need the ceasefire. We must be seen to be negotiating from a position of strength. I’ll offer the Austrians a five days’ armistice. Meanwhile we’ll advance and take Leoben. That should put the spur to their thinking. They’ll have to agree to terms then, just to stop us pressing even further into their homeland. Very well, Berthier, send a message to Archduke Charles.’