Sweden, 1630
At the port of Stockholm. Swedish soldiers were preparing their ships to sail to the island of Usedom.
“Are you sure about this?” asked Robert. “You know that the Holy Roman Empire has already taken control of almost every northern port.”
“Don’t worry, I’ve thought this through carefully — ever since Denmark attacked that damned empire,” replied Gustavus Adolphus, the King of Sweden.
Robert was still somewhat doubtful of Gustavus’s answer, since many ports in Germany had already fallen to the Holy Roman Empire. He returned to camp to retrieve his long rifle and load its ammunition.
Someone else arrived and did the same.
“This is a good rifle, and it suits me well. You know this weapon, don’t you?” the man said, showing his gun.
“A carbine?” asked Robert.
“Yes, correct. This is a carbine — a weapon used by cavalry,” the man answered.
“Why are you using that?” Robert asked, puzzled.
“Why? Of course I’m going to use it against those Catholic troops. Besides being short and light, it’s easy to carry when riding a horse,” he replied.
“No, that’s not what I meant. Aren’t we not using horses to fight those Catholic troops?” Robert asked again.
Suddenly, someone burst through the door.
CRASH!
“What are you two doing here? Fooling around? Hurry up! The ships are ready, we’re sailing now!” he shouted, then turned and left.
The man next to Robert quickly slung his rifle over his back. “Finally,” he said quietly, his voice and gaze serious. “See you on the battlefield, my friend.”
He rushed out of the camp. Robert was a little curious about him. He quickly slung his own rifle over his back and ran after the man.
“Wait!” Robert shouted as he chased him.
The man stopped. Robert grabbed his shoulder.
“What’s your name?” Robert asked.
“Me? George,” he replied, then immediately left.
They boarded different ships, so Robert and George had to separate for a while — at least until they met again on the battlefield.
Seeing the sails begin to rise one by one, Robert quickly ran toward his ship.
Robert managed to board just before it set sail. He looked around. Some soldiers looked ready for battle, while others seemed anxious and prayed for their safety.
The ship began to depart from Stockholm harbor, sailing along Sweden’s eastern coast and then across the Baltic Sea.
“Will our small number of troops really be enough to defeat the Catholic forces?” Robert murmured as he looked at the soldiers on his ship.
“Don’t worry, this will be a terrible war for the Catholic troops,” Gustavus Adolphus replied, patting Robert on the shoulder.
Robert jumped in surprise at Gustavus’s sudden appearance. He quickly turned around.
“H-how?” Robert stammered.
Gustavus quickly turned his head to the left — signaling Robert to look in that direction. Robert looked where he pointed. He was shocked and amazed by what he saw: a fleet of large ships, carrying many soldiers and horses. Not only on the left, but also on the right side.
A surge of spirit rose in his chest. Robert raised his hand and clenched it. “LONG LIVE THE PROTESTANTS!” Robert shouted.
The ships moved toward the coast of Pomerania and docked at Usedom island. Ships began unloading their troops. From 40 ships, at least eight thousand infantry disembarked, along with seven thousand cavalry and their horses.
Robert looked at the troops from far right to far left. He felt like something was missing. He tried to recall, and finally realized — George, the man he had met at the Stockholm camp, wasn’t there.
The sound of hooves approached from behind. Robert turned around and saw George arriving on horseback.
“Yo! My friend,” George greeted, raising his hand.
Robert opened his eyes wide, returned the greeting, and raised his hand too. “Yo! George.”
George rode his horse forward, then turned to face the troops. Robert wondered what George was doing.
George raised his rapier and said,
“Listen! King Gustavus has ordered me to lead all of you. He has also given the route we will take. So, you must obey my every command. No one is allowed to disobey — the King’s orders are absolute!” he declared loudly.
“Form up, now!” he commanded firmly.
The troops immediately formed ranks and began marching along the route guided by George. From Usedom island, they headed toward Wolgast. George ordered 1,200 musketeers and cavalry to sweep the area across Wolgast to clear and scout local fortresses there.