บท 57: Chapter 57: Fear the enemy like a tiger
"Governor Bazil, I need to know the details about the battle at Suez, as detailed as possible," Delamari inquired upon meeting Bazil.
"The French artillery is very powerful!" Bazil blurted out in response to Delamari's question.
"In the battle at Suez, the French artillery dominated from the start. Even though our supported artillery units counterattacked, the effect was minimal. Murad's devastating defeat can be directly attributed to the French bombardment," Bazil explained, shaking his head as he relayed all he knew about the war at Suez.
"Really? The French cannons are that formidable? I have previously clashed with the Austrians and thought their artillery was quite powerful. It seems there is always someone better," Delamari reflected.
"After the war, I must travel to Istanbul and report to Sultan Mahmoud, urging him to intensify research on artillery. Otherwise, we will be at a disadvantage in future conflicts with Europeans," Delamari remarked after hearing Bazil's report.
However, Bazil was not in the mood to ponder Delamari's reflections. His primary concern was how to protect Syria. If not, his position as the Governor of Syria would be untenable.
"General Delamari, now is not the time for such discussions. The French are at our doorstep, ready to attack Syria at any moment. We need to find a way to stop them. If they capture Syria, it would be a disaster for the entire Ottoman Empire," Bazil stated urgently.
"Governor Bazil, rest assured, now that my Albanian Legion is here, we will not allow the French to continue their aggression unchecked. I will stop them here. They will not advance another step," Delamari assured Bazil.
"But the French are fierce. Can we really stop them?" Bazil asked, lacking confidence. He was a politician, not a military man, and he was genuinely afraid of the formidable French forces.
"Hmph! If even my Albanian Legion cannot stop them, then no one in the entire Ottoman Empire can," Delamari responded irritably, clearly displeased by Bazil's doubt of his capabilities.
"General Delamari, please don't misunderstand. I trust your abilities; I just... I just wish you could inform me about the military arrangements, so I can be somewhat reassured," Bazil pleaded, seeking some confidence from Delamari's plans.
Realizing his earlier slip of tongue, Bazil quickly waved his hands in explanation.
"Governor Bazil, don't worry. This time, I've not only brought the Albanian Legion but also thirty modern cannons, the very latest from the British. Their power is no less than that of the French. I believe if we engage the French with these in a cannonade, Napoleon will certainly not have the upper hand," Delamari reassured.
"Moreover, Sultan Mahmoud has already contacted Admiral Nelson, the commander of the British Mediterranean Fleet. He has promised that if we engage in battle with Napoleon, he will dispatch marine forces to attack the French from behind. No matter how powerful the French are, if their supply lines are cut, they will become a toothless tiger."
"How about that? Are you reassured now? I have made thorough preparations against the French!" Delamari spoke confidently to Bazil. He held a low opinion of Bazil, skeptical of the effectiveness of someone who showed timidity before the battle even began. Could such a person really not cause trouble here?
However, Delamari also realized there was little he could do about it. Although Bazil was weak, he was deeply trusted by Sultan Mahmoud and wielded significant influence, which was how he had secured the position of Governor of Syria in the first place.
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