F or the almost 20 years that she lived in Mexico, one of my late mother's Irish friends frequently mentioned having a "No Day." A day with no social obligations, chores, tasks, or other work that interfered with whatever personal interests took one's fancy on the day in question. Since today -- a gray and chilly Saturday -- is Mom's birthday, the Grand Duchess is out with friends, and the Young Master is ensconced on the sofa in the TV room with a cold, yours truly is taking his own such No Day. I think Mom would approve of my decision to make the world go away, as the old Eddie Arnold song intoned, even if only for a little while. So, I will spend Saturday afternoon focused on that first squadron and small regimental staff of Eureka Saxon cuirassiers. These have stood waiting untouched over on the painting table for almost three weeks while we skied and otherwise gadded about with snowy, winter outdoor activities. I hope to share a painting update Sunday a
Major von Hirschbiegel moves some of O'Malley's Irish Grenzers into the building in the northwest of Pickelhaubewicz, meaning that all four buildings in the village have been garrisoned by Zichenauer troops.
Major von Hirschbiegel orders the 11th (Prinz Albrecht's) Hussars to wheel north to meet the attempted outflanking movement by Stollenian cavalry. 
It seems that a cavalry clash on the northwestern corner of Pickelhaubewicz is likely.
Here, we see a general view of the situation, taken from the the northwest. Why, it's a scene that could almost come from the pages of Charge! or The War Game!
Here is a second panoramic shot, this time looking toward the southwest. All of the troops deployed on the table are now in play. You'll see that the Wolmar-Bock Regiment, near the top center edge of the photograph, has come up behind Zichenau's Grenadiere zu Pferd and is presently being held in reserve by Major von Hirschbiegel. Even with artillery support, it looks to be a difficult task of dislodging the good Major's Newts and the Irish Grenzers, who are now comfortably ensconced inside all four village structures. Can the end be far off for Stollen's Colonel von Grundig and his ragtag assortment of troops? Surely, his superior, the craven General von Drosselmaier, would not be pleased with the way things have developed at Pickelhaubewicz. Von Grundig therefore makes the difficult decision to dispatch his aide, Major Rudolf Michael von Schenker, to the capital Krankenstadt. His mission? To carry a message, suggesting that it might be a good idea for the Grand Duke, his household, and the Stollenian government to vacate the city.
Comments
I'm sure that, if requested, Saxe-Bearstein would lend its aid . . . but is there enough time?
-- Jeff
Alls fair in love and war, eh?
Failing that, drive off that cavalry and then give those redcoats a whiff of grapeshot at close range. It worked for Napoleon.
Koenig Friedrich II of Germania still holds open his offer to dispatch some experienced officers to the aid of Stollen.
But seriously, maybe the Stollen government should send the field army a few more guns if they want to retake the town?
The Duchy of Tradgardland would be delighted to offer support in any way she can. There are some good commanders amidst those of less experience or interest with the Duchy of Tradgardland. The Duc de Padirac is currently in Scotland. When that affair ends ( perhaps an unfortunate choice of words knowing rumours regarding him at Court) he could be prevailed upon to help... He is interested in the science of the Earth and collecting the bones of ancient dragons -what we know now as fossils. Does the Duchy of Stollen offer opportunity for his interests to flourish as well as a chance for him to advise in a military capacity. Has Stollen ever contemplated raising a mixed Legion- the Duc is has much expertise in such areas.
best wishes
Alan
-- Allan
As it turned out, I went with 1 squadron light cavalry, 1 squadron heavy cavalry, 2 companies line infantry, 2 companies light infantry. Stokes chose 2 squadrons dragoons (Stollen has no light/heavy cavalry currently), 1 company line infantry, 2 companies light infantry, and 1 gun.
Doubtless all remaining guns and troops are being deployed to the riverbank that, if memory serves, forms the last barrier between this town and the capital.