The Breach

Image: Wikipedia

The siege had dragged on for six weeks, and several ferocious actions had taken place before the gates.  King Sigmund knew his troops could not sustain their encirclement of the fortress much longer as winter was approaching, and worse still – rumours of a relief column had reached him.  The king therefore ordered one final push against the great citadel.

In this would-be final assault, his heavy infantry broke through the outer trenches and skirting walls.  This in turn allowed the sappers to make a small breach on the south palisade.  Unfortunately, the hail of missiles from above drove back the cream of his assault force.

In desperation to exploit what might be his last chance of victory, he ordered his winged-hussars into the breach.  They fought bravely, but fell back.  General Stanislov managed to halt the retreat of his brave cavalrymen, and regroup them for another push.  As he did so, he sent a rider to the king for ask for reinforcements.  He was sure that his horsemen did not have the strength to attempt the assault again.

While he waited for the monarch’s reply, Paval Red-Cheeks, the king’s jester led a band of musicians, jugglers, and cooks; armed with little more than staves and clubs, into the contested opening.  It seems the adage is true, that fools rush in where angels fear to tread.

Padre

Fandango’s February Expressions #2: fools rush in where angels fear to tread.