July 24th, 1799

With Courrer and Anjou down, Obermann brought his troops back to Canclaux. Laupin was away, fighting in the tiny town of Rousille, when they arrived.

Francis was exhausted. He only wanted to take a bath, get rid of his soiled clothes, and sleep for days. But those plans were ruined right as he stepped into the city.

Commissioner Alonse Baptiste was waiting for him, next to a handful of officers of the national guard.

—Commander Forestier?

—Yes? —he removed his hat from his sweaty head.

—I have orders for your arrest.

—What? —general Santerre's indignation was instantaneous—. What do you mean, he's arrested?

—He's facing charge of wholesale executions, demolitions, thefts, pillaging, laying waste to numerous southern cities, famine and general disorder.

—You're out of your mind, young man. You cannot chain this brave soldier for following orders!

—I can, and I will, monsieur. And unless you wish to return to a life of servitude, you will silence your mouth, negro.

—How dare you to call him like that? —Charlie pushed the commissioner on the chest, and stood between him and his friends—. Y'all are pathetic, do you know that?! The audacity you have, to drag your fancy little asses from the comfort and luxury of the capital and come here, to this shithole, just so you can arrest a man who is fighting through the fire and the mud for your freedom! Do you realize the utter stupidity of what you're doing?...

—Do not lay your dirty hands on me, officer!

—Oh, don't worry. You'll die by my dirty sword, not by my fists...

—Charlie —Francis stopped his friend before he removed his saber from his scabbard—. Let's not shed more blood today.

—He can't arrest you!

—He's following orders too —the commander patted him on the shoulder—. Write to Laupin and to Laura. Make sure they know what is going on —he then looked at Alonse—. May I know where I'm being taken to?

—The prison of Varennes.

—There you go, Charlie. Let them know.

—Forestier, you cannot be serious... —general Santerre spoke next—. You can't give yourself away...

—Obermann knew something like this would happen soon. I assume he is being arrested as well.

—He is —the snobby commissioner replied.

—I will write to the Directory myself, along with general Munsch, Laupin and Arquette —Santerre shook his head—. This is beyond wrong!

Francis agreed, since he knew that it was. But he also knew he wouldn't run away from the Law. He had nothing to hide, and nothing to deny either. He did all that was demanded of him, after all.

So, he removed his belt and his guns from his waist, gave it to Charlie, and said goodbye to both him, Santerre and his men.

He allowed himself to be arrested and taken to the prison of Varennes without sharing a single complaint out loud.

His only regret was not writing another letter to Laura before he was captured. His only worry, not being next to her during the Duke's upcoming trial.