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THE DESERT OF THE TARTARS

Will you be gone long?

Yes, a long time.

Will you write?

I know you won't.

Please don't wait for me.

As you wish.

I understand.

I know what it means to you.

You're so lucky.

Every day, you'll hear the silver trumpets of Bastiano.

I don't know what the fortress is like.

Only that it's far away.

When I leave the Academy,

perhaps I'll be sent to Bastiano too.

You see that hill there?

After I cross it, I shall begin...

a new life.

Captain! Sir!

What is it?

Nothing, sir! I just wanted to salute you!

Who are you?

Lieutenant Drogo!

Go this way. The paths meet further down.

Captain Hortiz.

Lieutenant Drogo.

Heading to Bastiano?

I feared I'd never find the fortress, sir.

Why?

I think I took the wrong path.

Coming from that direction, certainly.

The mountains border the Northern Realm.

No army could cross them.

So what use would a fortress be?

Bastiano is further away, to the north.

A messenger should know his route better.

I'm not a messenger, sir.

I'm reporting for duty. It's my first posting.

Congratulations, lieutenant.

There's no better choice.

For two years, I suppose?

Pardon, sir?

Two years on the border count double for seniority.

I didn't choose Bastiano.

I was ordered there.

Odd...

Usually...

Give me a drink, Strauss.

What's odd, sir?

There are few volunteers for Bastiano these days.

That must explain your orders.

- A drink, lieutenant? - Please.

Thank you, sir.

Bastiano is a dead border.

As you'll see for yourself.

It wasn't much.

Just a tiny stone, sir.

What did he mean by a "dead border"?

The border lies beyond Bastiano.

A dead border with nothing behind it.

Absolutely nothing.

The Desert of the Tartars...

People say they came this way in the past.

A long time ago.

They destroyed the city and then rode on.

Perhaps it's just a legend.

I've been at Bastiano for more than 18 years.

I must say it's more beautiful inside than from here.

You're eager to arrive.

Ride on ahead.

Go on.

Halt!

Who goes there?

Lieutenant Drogo.

Posted to the fortress.

Reporting for duty.

Lieutenant Simeon.

Lieutenant Drogo.

Welcome to Bastiano.

Thank you.

Lazare!

Sergeant Major Tronk.

The lieutenant's horse.

I'll take you to Major Mattis.

Follow me.

It's not your fault

but I haven't received your posting.

I'm sorry, sir.

Colonel, meet Lieutenant Drogo.

In any case, I'm happy to welcome you to Bastiano.

We're proud to belong to what the Emperor calls

the most aristocratic guardian of the crown.

This garrison is a fine posting for an ambitious young officer.

As you'll see for yourself.

Go ahead, lieutenant.

Every position was ready to fire within six minutes, sir.

Six minutes, Mr Ratheneau...

Five minutes and forty-three seconds.

It's a pity you're leaving us.

As a soldier, I'll miss you.

If I may, as a soldier,

I'll miss you too, sir.

You may go.

An excellent officer

but good riddance all the same.

Do you wish to meet His Excellency now or at the mess tonight?

Tonight at the mess, sir. It'll be an honour.

Good evening, Mr Drogo.

I'm Rovine, I'm the doctor here.

I've already received your medical records.

Welcome to Bastiano.

Thank you.

Colonel,

allow me to introduce Lieutenant Drogo.

- Just leave. - I can wait for you.

Excuse me. May I take the lieutenant?

Come, Drogo.

I'm happy to be back here.

What ails Colonel Nathanson?

An old and glorious war wound.

Back when there were wars.

His spine. An iron corset.

He's the only one here who was ever under fire.

You need a city posting.

You come from the city... Help me to persuade him.

Stay well out of it.

Careful...

Ratheneau and Amerling's quarrels can be dangerous.

Gentlemen...

His Excellency.

You're back, Hortiz.

I hope your journey went well.

Thank you, Excellency.

Good evening, Nathanson.

Gentlemen.

My dear Nathanson, I'm glad to see you tonight.

I was told you were ill.

Let's sit down, colonel.

Gentlemen...

Carry on.

Please sit.

Lieutenant Drogo. He arrived this morning.

The major has my papers.

I request the honour of introducing myself.

I'm Jean-Baptiste Drogo.

Infantry lieutenant, at your orders.

Good evening, Excellency.

Good evening, gentlemen.

Good evening, Mr Drogo.

His Excellency Count Filimore, commander of the garrison,

invites you to join us.

Lieutenant Colonel Nathanson.

Good evening, I command your company.

Captain Hortiz.

Good evening, I command the garrison's artillery.

Captain Von Serm.

We've already met.

I'm Doctor Rovine.

Medical Officer Rovine.

Lieutenant Simeon, the oldest subordinate officer.

Lieutenant Simeon.

Good evening, I'm Amerling.

Lieutenant Von Amerling.

Good evening, Mr Drogo.

Lieutenant Von Ratheneau.

Lieutenant Munt. Good evening.

Lieutenant Munt.

Delighted, Mr Drogo. I'm Lieutenant Von Arnim.

Lieutenant Von Arnim.

Good evening, Mr Drogo. I'm Sarteris.

Lieutenant Sarteris.

Good evening, Mr Drogo.

Lieutenant Gruther.

Lieutenant Murnau. Good evening.

Lieutenant Murnau.

Good evening, Lieutenant Drogo.

Will you join us?

Thank you, Excellency.

Thank you, gentlemen.

I'm honoured.

You only really see the desert from that outpost there.

What can you see?

Nothing. Stones, sand and dust.

However, there are some men

who claim

to have seen riders on white horses.

Patrols from the Northern Realm?

Maybe not.

Where else would they be from?

The desert.

If it were true, the General Staff would know and would talk about it.

There are things they prefer to ignore officially.

Even Colonel Filimore never mentions it.

- As for Hortiz... - Captain Hortiz?

It was shortly after he arrived at Bastiano.

He was on duty at the outpost.

And suddenly he saw them...

Just at the edge of the mist.

Hortiz saw riders?

He even sounded the alarm.

He had a cannon fired.

A serious decision.

An officer like Hortiz

would never have taken it without being sure.

By daybreak, the riders had vanished.

So only he saw them.

He said earlier that Bastiano was a dead border,

leading to nothing.

He also spoke of a legend.

Yet he has stayed here. To wait.

To wait for what?

The enemy.

Be it from the Northern Realm...

or the desert.

He may not believe so strongly now

but he still waits.

Like the others.

Come and help me!

Hold him.

Try to keep him still.

What does he want?

He wants your hand over his mouth.

Hold him down. Keep him from moving.

You can let go now.

The drug works almost immediately.

It seems impossible.

What seems impossible?

In two days, I'll be in the city.

I'll never see this fortress again.

But you...

You'll go to see my family, won't you?

Listen...

There's still time if you...

No.

I told you: I like Bastiano and I'm well.

That's what you'll tell my mother anyhow.

Promise me.

What else can I tell her? The truth?

Go now.

Don't linger any longer.

I'll write.

Farewell.

So be it.

Your request surprises me, lieutenant, but I'll try to help.

Twice a year,

we all have a medical examination.

Me, Lieutenant Colonel Nathanson,

the colonel himself...

Everyone. That's the rule.

When your turn comes, I promise

you'll be issued with a negative report.

You can count on me. Does that suit you?

Perfectly, sir. I don't know how to thank you.

All right.

The next examination will be in four months.

Four months?

That's the best I can do, lieutenant.

Why don't I file a request then?

You'll be risking your career. Think about it.

A transfer request just after your first posting...

It could harm you.

With my solution, you have time to prove your worth.

Four months isn't the end of the world.

You're probably right, sir, but...

Thank you for your offer.

Keep it secret.

This arrangement must stay between you and me.

About turn!

Charge!

Lieutenant Drogo,

your platoon was ahead of Lieutenant Sarteris' at roll call.

He's been here longer than you.

Lieutenant Sarteris' platoon was late, sir.

Stick to your place.

Your men are well disciplined. Congratulations.

I regret your hasty decision to leave us all the more.

Don't be surprised.

Secrets aren't guarded as well as the fortress.

You know,

a lot of young officers have come here like you.

Those who choose to stay don't feel inferior.

It's not that, sir.

I had requested a different posting.

It was chance that sent me here.

Chance, lieutenant?

I used to believe that too.

But if chance exists, perhaps it wants you to stay.

Close ranks!

Close ranks, Private Lazare.

Lazare! Faster!

Move, you damn animal.

Old guard!

Attention!

Present arms!

Relief guard!

To the right!

Order arms!

At ease!

Your first duty here?

Yes.

It's boring but you get used to it.

Guards, to your positions!

Night falls early now.

Something will come from this darkness one day.

Colonel Filimore should be warned of the danger.

What danger?

You see Lieutenant Amerling's platoon?

They'll arrive at the fortress after dark.

Like us tomorrow.

Lieutenant Amerling has three different passwords.

Like you, sir.

The one valid when he left,

the one used here

and the one needed to return to the fortress

as the guard will have changed in the meantime.

What of it?

What if the officer with the passwords falls ill?

What will happen?

The old guard can't return to the fortress

since only the officer knows the password.

Surely the sentries would recognize them?

In the dark?

What if the old guard were attacked by surprise

and wiped out between the outpost and the fortress?

The enemy could then dress in our uniforms.

That's true.

Without the password, no one coming from the North,

no one, without exception,

can enter the fortress.

Tronk!

At your orders, sir.

I don't know... I may be mistaken...

But I think...

Alert!

What is it?

Back to your posts. Not a sound!

- Double the guard, corporal. - Yes, sir!

Lazare, join the lieutenant on the platform.

They can feel them.

What did you say?

The horses, they can feel them coming.

Who?

Shut up!

What could it be?

What should we do?

It's just a desert.

Miles and miles of desert.

Tronk...

Should I sound the alarm?

If I were you, I'd wait and see.

Firing the canon is serious.

In two minutes, the fortress would be ready for war.

I'd wait to see more clearly, sir.

What do you think, Tronk?

Nothing yet, sir.

Private, fetch the corporal then return to your post.

Yes, sir!

Tell me what you think now.

That horse isn't from the fortress, sir.

At Bastiano, as you may have noticed,

all the horses are black or bay.

So where is it from?

Relieve the night guard, corporal.

Strengthen the posts.

Put three gunners on the cannon, ready to fire.

Should I sound the alarm now?

Not yet, sir.

But we must be prepared to at any moment.

But that horse...

even coming from the desert, isn't a real danger.

But it could announce it.

From the Northern Realm?

Their horsemen have neverventured into the desert.

At least not until now.

Then speak their name, Tronk!

I want to hear you say it!

That horse...

is a Tartar horse.

Nothing will happen.

No one will come.

We'll simply have spent the day...

watching that horse.

Lazare, to your post.

Lazare, to your post I said!

I understand your disappointment, sir. But the border begins at our feet.

The slightest incident and...

Rules are rules.

What rules, Tronk?

That horse doesn't care about your rules!

All right, Tronk.

You're right.

I won't give the order to fetch that horse...

since the rules are against it.

The relief guard will be here in an hour.

So will the night.

Halt! Who goes there?

Old guard from the outpost.

Give the password!

Sword and banner.

Open the gates!

Halt! Left turn!

Sergeant Tronk, do roll and dismiss.

Yes, sir.

Corporal, roll call.

Yes, sir.

- Gretz? - Present!

- Nerava? - Present!

- Buski? - Present!

- Riesner? - Present!

- Brijinski? - Present!

- Marisch? - Present!

Lazare?

Present.

The horse should have been brought back so we could see it.

But the rules, sir?

An officer must take responsibility when necessary.

You may go now.

Stay, lieutenant.

You behaved wisely.

Firstly by not sounding the alarm.

Right, captain?

It was probably just a lost horse without a rider.

Secondly, you followed regulations to the letter.

Congratulations.

A border is a border.

Only His Excellency could have decided to have the animal captured.

Captain...

do you think the horse belongs to an army?

I asked you something, captain.

No, I don't think so.

But from a military point of view,

you admit that this incident is suspicious.

Yes, sir.

So why haven't you doubled the guard?

At times such as these,

the rules must be applied to the letter!

Come, lieutenant.

Who goes there?

Private Lazare.

Listen, comrade, I've broken the rules.

Come and let me in.

I've got that horse.

Step up to the gate and give the password.

The password? I can't know it...

Don't you recognize me?

Didn't you hear about the horse?

Look, I have it here.

Well?

Let me in. I'm soaked.

The password!

Look at me!

We know each other.

It's me, Lazare.

Who are you? I can't see you.

What are you doing?

You're not going to shoot me!

Listen!

No! Don't shoot!

Alert!

Back to your positions!

- Open the gate. - You can't go out, sir!

In the forehead, between the eyes.

Who fired?

Private Kupka.

An excellent marksman.

I trained him myself.

And who's the dead man?

Lazare, sir.

A deserter?

As weekly officer, it's my task to ascertain

the facts of this tragedy.

This tragedy?

Dear God, how overdramatic of you!

Sir,

Lazare simply wanted to bring the horse back.

Kupka can testify to that.

He will testify, lieutenant.

He'll confirm this man was a deserter!

You'll have some explaining to do too.

He was in your platoon, wasn't he?

Yes, sir.

His rebellion could have serious consequences.

Our neighbour could protest at the violation of its border.

Surely you're not serious, sir?

Do the necessary, sergeant.

Bury him without honours or ceremony.

Yes, sir.

Sergeant!

Sergeant, have them present arms.

Yes, sir.

Company! Attention!

Present

arms!

Platoon!

Attention!

Platoon! Attention!

What's going on?

Tronk, I asked what's going on.

The third platoon refuses to obey orders, sir.

They're Private Lazare's comrades.

They wouldn't present arms for the salute.

A mutiny, is it?

Platoon! Attention!

Nothing but bastards! Scum!

I'll make you obey!

Bastards!

All right then.

They can stay right here.

Without food or water.

No one may approach them!

Sergeant, at ease!

My report, Excellency.

What do you wish to obtain?

First, I want them to obey.

Then I'd like them punished.

The dead soldier was their comrade?

Is that any excuse, Excellency?

More than once, they've refused to present arms

to their officers and their flag

and that they've disobeyed me in an insulting manner.

Attention!

Present

arms!

Captain Hortiz, have these men taken to the cells.

They'll stay there until further notice.

You have cardiac problems and suffer from the altitude.

I imagine that suits you?

Perfect. Thank you.

Bastiano is probably bad for everyone.

I don't think God Himself could live here.

You're thinking of Amerling's illness?

Amerling and others.

Some evil little germ trapped in these walls for centuries.

Every cure is powerless.

And it's impossible to diagnose.

Even specialists in the capital are at a loss.

You're wise to leave.

That's not the reason.

I was sent here by mistake.

Here or elsewhere, we're all somewhere by mistake.

I'd have left long ago if I could have.

Can't you ask for a transfer?

Yes, I could.

But I'd feel like a deserter.

With this, you can leave when you like.

You just need the general's signature.

You're lucky, he'll be here in two weeks.

Quicker than sending it to the city

and waiting for an answer.

Goodbye, lieutenant.

Thank you.

Touché!

Excellent, Amerling.

But I'm not as young as you. Allow me to retire.

You're not even out of breath, sir.

You believe I can't fight you much longer?

I truly did want to stop.

But if you wish to carry on...

Company... Attention!

On my order, kneel!

I feel fear but place my trust in Thee, Lord.

Jesus, have mercy on us.

Have mercy on me, Lord. Have mercy on me

for my soul seeks solace in Thee.

Lord, grant us peace.

They have shields and spears.

I beg your pardon, sir. Whom do you mean?

The riders in the desert.

Those I saw long ago.

They rode white horses.

They appeared out of nowhere

at dawn in the desert before the outpost.

Then they vanished...

But I definitely saw them.

That's what you wanted to hear.

The reason why I've stayed...

To wait for them.

Captain Hortiz.

Pleased to meet you.

My respects, sir.

Nathanson. Good to see you. How are you?

Very well, thank you.

Lieutenant Von Amerling.

Von Armin...

Munt...

Sarteris...

Gruther...

Major Mattis...

- How do you do, major? - General...

Captain Von Serm...

Captain.

Lieutenant Simeon...

Ah, Simeon.

I knew your father. We were at the Academy together.

Lieutenant Drogo, Excellency.

Lieutenant...

Did you arrive at Bastiano recently?

Four months ago, sir.

The lieutenant is already one of our best officers.

I'm not surprised, Filimore, you attract our best officers.

Good to see you here, lieutenant.

His Excellency is served.

General...

Good idea. That parade gave me an appetite.

You're lucky, you have the best parades, the best officers

and the best table.

I wonder what Bastiano's weak spot is.

Something wrong, Drogo?

No, doctor, nothing.

Shall I have the general sign your certificate?

No, thank you.

Don't just stand there then. Come and eat.

He must have gone that way!

Come with me!

We've lost him, sir.

You've lost him. Not me.

Next time, lieutenant,

don't provoke me with such games.

I'm too fond of hunting.

You'll never defeat me.

Congratulations, sir.

Sir...

Look!

How many of them?

A company, I think.

That soldier who tried

to bring a horse back to the fortress,

a horse from the desert...

You remember?

Yes, sir, I remember.

A pity we couldn't examine that horse.

Come in.

Excellency...

According to my observations,

the enemy column will soon be within sight of the fortress.

"Enemy", Major?

Yes, Excellency.

The soldiers are armed, with banners, as the rules of war state.

They hope to surprise us by moving around the desert

so as not to be seen from the outpost.

Very good. Thank you. You may go.

You won't order a general alert, sir?

Major, I appreciate once again

your sense of duty.

Please inform the officers that I shall see them in 10 minutes

for the usual report.

But... sir...

You may go.

Stay here, lieutenant.

Please, stay.

What's all this confusion about?

Get to your positions! You've no business here!

Clear the parapet! Move it!

Come in.

Lieutenant Birowitz of the 7th Dragoons, sir.

I have a message from the Chief of the General Staff.

Excuse me, gentlemen.

Thank you, lieutenant. You deserve to rest now.

Lieutenant Von Armin will take care of you.

Gentlemen,

this morning, among the men...

and yourselves, there was some agitation

caused by the presence of unidentified platoons

observed in the northern valley.

They are simply

platoons from the Northern Realm...

in charge of marking out the border

the way we did several years ago.

There.

These platoons

are not heading for our fortress.

They won't come.

They'll scatter through the mountains in small groups

to carry out their mission.

The Chief of the General Staff wrote that.

He also orders me

to organize an expedition immediately

to set up our own demarcation line

in that region of high mountains

where it is not yet clearly defined.

I needn't add that it would be wiser

to arrive first

on the northern summit

and take possession of it without incident.

Sir, as the only Engineers officer at the fortress,

I request permission to take charge of this expedition.

Very good.

Choose your men and leave at dawn.

Make sure you're equipped with warm clothing.

Gentlemen, you may leave.

You'll soon tire, walking in those.

They're going to hurt you.

I don't want to be obliged to stop.

Sergeant!

We'll camp here.

Platoon, halt!

Pitch the first group's tents.

The men going to the peak can rest.

Very good, sir.

Hey, you!

You're in excellent shape.

Indeed I am, sir, thank you.

A pity we don't come here more often. It's beautiful.

Join me on the climb then.

That is what you want, isn't it?

I never expected such an honour.

Try to stay within sight of the man ahead of you.

If you're lost, fire three shots at regular intervals.

We'll respond with three other shots.

Don't take off your gloves.

Don't remain motionless for any reason.

The cold would soon paralyse you.

Cover yourself up.

Soldiers!

Attention!

Twenty soldiers, one NCO,

an officer at the camp, sir.

Farewell, Drogo.

Till we meet again.

Sergeant, let's go.

In single file.

Platoon, forward march!

Inspection patrol.

Northern gate.

Nothing to report.

Inspection patrol.

Southern gate.

Nothing to report.

You can't ask me to leave the fortress!

I'm not asking you, major. I've decided.

Only the general himself can...

The general has promised me an excellent posting for you.

One where your talent for commanding men

will be put to much better use than at this fortress.

I'm surprised by your sudden concern, sir.

You're wrong to be.

I've always appreciated your sense of duty.

But I'm not of your world!

That's the problem.

You've never considered me the equal of officers of your class.

You've simply tolerated me.

And you know why.

To let me handle the things you didn't dare touch yourself!

But you've always despised me.

Now, because of Amerling, you insist I should leave.

You hold me responsible for his death.

No, Mattis, you believe you are

and are almost flattered by it.

But you're mistaken.

You had nothing to do with Count Von Amerling's death.

Nothing.

It's something you can't comprehend...

that goes way beyond what you are...

way beyond what you'll ever be.

Here's your promotion to the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Congratulations.

I would have liked to go to Amerling's home with you.

Tell his mother...

I'm sure you know what to tell her.

Will you come back here, Drogo?

I don't know, sir.

I'll go to see the general.

See you soon.

Lieutenant Drogo, the general will see you now.

Lieutenant Drogo, sir.

Bastiano!

Please, come in.

You've given us a lot of trouble

up in Bastiano,

with this border business.

His Highness is adamant about the Empire's integrity.

A ridge is a ridge.

Who was that lieutenant?

Von Amerling, sir.

Count Pietro Von Amerling.

Sit down.

In any case, the whole business made a bad impression.

Let's drop the matter now.

You're here for a new posting, I suppose.

Bring me the file on Lieutenant...

What's your name again?

Drogo, sir.

You would like

a posting in the city, is that right?

If possible, sir.

Of course. Why not?

Do you know what Bastiano's weak spot is?

No, I don't, sir.

Too many men.

Far too many men.

That's why it has been decided on high

to cut back on numbers.

The numbers at Bastiano?

Are you surprised? You didn't know?

- No. - Fancy.

I don't see your transfer request here...

No, I didn't file a request.

But I think...

this document should suffice.

A medical certificate, Excellency.

A medical certificate...

I see.

I also see

that this certificate is quite old.

I don't doubt its validity but it's not recent enough.

And that's a nuisance.

If your health...

didn't allow you

to stay in Bastiano,

why the devil didn't you leave, lieutenant?

But, sir...

I was told that with...

You should return to Bastiano, lieutenant,

and settle this matter. If you're still ill, of course.

Sir,

wouldn't it be easier to file a standard transfer request?

No, lieutenant.

That's no longer possible.

We're cutting numbers.

Thus it's normal to recall

officers who have

made the request by the book.

But when, sir? I've never heard about it.

How should I know?

You're not asking me

to favour you over your more senior colleagues?

No, sir.

Goodbye, my friend.

Keep me posted.

I may seem severe,

but I like seeing you young officers.

At your age,

it does you good to be shaken up.

Goodbye, my friend.

Platoon! Forward march!

Are you leaving, Tronk?

No, sir, I'm staying.

Colonel, sir...

Drogo... You're back?

My private collection.

You gather things without realizing

and then, one day...

Come, Drogo.

In the city, the general mentioned a cutback in numbers.

I didn't realize to what extent and that you'd be leaving too.

I'm afraid so.

The decision surprised us all.

Usually, things proceed...

more slowly.

Why have you been called back, sir?

No idea.

No doubt they think I've been here long enough...

That I'm too old.

You'll have to take over, my young friend.

Very good.

Will you have one last drink with me?

Certainly, sir.

I feared I wouldn't have the pleasure of seeing you.

It all happened so fast.

Here.

Thank you.

Didn't you want to leave too?

There was a misunderstanding with my file.

Not because of us?

I can only blame myself.

Would you like me to put a word in for you?

Thank you, sir.

That won't be necessary.

I don't mind staying at Bastiano a while longer.

Hortiz will be happy to have you with him.

He's staying?

Major Hortiz is my successor

at the head of this fortress.

That was my wish.

Forgive me, Drogo, I have so much to do.

I won't return to the mess before I leave.

Take care of yourself, Drogo.

Sir...

Farewell.

You're back?

What is it?

Not happy to see me?

Of course I am.

I didn't expect you to come back.

I presume you're staying?

Yes.

May I?

I have to go. Someone's waiting for me.

Just a second, please.

What are you looking at?

Nothing.

Nothing in particular.

I'm in a hurry.

There's a light.

What are you talking about? You're raving.

Not just one light... Three!

Five, Simeon!

That's absurd.

Take a look. See for yourself.

Between those two mountains.

There, in the hollow.

Don't tell me you can't see them.

I wouldn't believe you.

I spotted them 3 weeks ago.

I didn't want to tell you.

Why not?

I was afraid you would make fun of me.

Don't tell anyone, not a soul!

Anyone else can see those lights.

No.

No one has such powerful binoculars.

All the more reason to tell Hortiz.

No.

The departures would be cancelled.

Some would do all they could to stay

and take advantage of this opportunity.

What opportunity?

If something finally happens in Bastiano...

the fewer of us, the better.

What do you mean?

It's a nomads' camp.

No.

Nomads would move. They've been there for 3 weeks now.

It's a construction site.

They're building a road.

A road.

In the desert.

Who?

And what for?

To reach Bastiano faster.

To bring heavy material here. Cannons, say.

Cannons in the desert? Listen, Simeon...

do you really believe that?

Think what you want.

But don't say a word about this to anyone.

I believe it's best not to. Leave me your binoculars.

Gentlemen...

Colonel, do us the honour of presiding at our table.

Without repairs, the wall-walk won't be passable.

The General Staff has cut funding.

The sentries could break their necks, sir.

We'll abandon this part of the fortress.

We don't have enough men to occupy it anyway.

And in case of danger, sir?

What danger do you mean?

No specific one.

Anything else, sir?

No. You may go.

If they're advancing, why are they invisible to the naked eye?

I can't explain it.

Maybe they have problems.

No, they're doing it on purpose.

They don't want to alarm us by coming too fast.

They're acting as if the road didn't matter.

Yes, you're right.

That must be it.

They hope we'll get used to it.

And so, gradually,

we'll find its presence normal. Look at Hortiz.

He never even mentions it.

Who's at the outpost today?

Sarteris.

But he won't see with his binoculars.

I don't like Sarteris. I don't trust anybody.

You're sure they're heading here?

Absolutely.

I've taken bearings several times.

I can't be wrong.

Or...

Hold on, lie down.

Are you all right?

Good night, Drogo.

You know, it could take months.

Perhaps even years.

Years?

Yes.

Have you noticed how Hortiz has aged?

What are you looking at, lieutenant?

What's this mysterious secret

you seem to share with Captain Simeon?

A secret...

that had become a burden for us.

Of course,

we'd have ended up telling you, sir.

But...

we wanted to be sure.

Sure of what?

Here.

Look for yourself, sir.

There.

In that direction.

What was I supposed to see?

But... sir...

Those tiny lights over there.

I don't know what you mean.

I didn't see a thing.

Believe me.

Not a thing.

By the way...

I don't want that rumour to spread.

It no doubt derives

from an optical illusion.

In the past, such nonsense has harmed Bastiano's reputation.

I know.

I know but this time...

You understand, lieutenant?

Yes, sir.

All non-regulation binoculars will be confiscated.

By the way,

I've just received your promotion to captain.

Congratulations, Drogo.

I don't understand Hortiz's order.

What does it matter now?

No one really believes the road exists.

Even I...

What do you mean, "even I"?

Missed.

Did you hand in your binoculars?

What else could I do? Orders are orders.

Without them, we won't see anymore!

See?

See what exactly?

You just won't see as far.

Come in.

You sent for me, sir?

Will you take tea with me, Drogo?

Certainly, sir, with pleasure.

I've decided to abandon the outpost.

May I ask why, sir?

I don't have enough men for a permanent guard.

The outpost is the only spot

to warn us of an attack from the desert...

That will do, Drogo!

That will do.

Nothing you may say will change things.

I've already signed the order.

Forgive me, sir.

I don't understand what is happening.

That order can't come from you.

A platoon will inspect the outpost every ten days.

You'll be in command of it.

Company, on my order...

Attention!

Present

arms!

For Colonel Hortiz's departure!

May I enter the mess hall, Drogo?

Certainly, sir.

Would you like something? Can I serve you?

Yes, coffee.

Where have you been posted?

Nowhere.

Everything will be different here now.

Perhaps I should leave.

Why?

You're second-in-command now.

In a few years, you'll replace Simeon.

And still nothing will happen.

Were you obliged to leave?

I've had the order to.

Obeying is the one thing that I've always done well.

It's almost visible to the naked eye now.

What is, sir?

You know what, Drogo. The road.

It can be seen with ordinary binoculars now.

You knew about it, sir?

From the beginning.

But...

The outpost...

The binoculars, your attitude...

I was merely following orders.

Orders from on high.

All I could do was obey.

I hope you'll be in command when they attack.

I know they'll attack one day.

Why build the road otherwise?

It would be totally absurd.

I could have been of use in a war.

Too bad.

All these years...

waiting...

without even knowing for what.

I'm glad you accompanied me this far.

This is where we part.

Have we ever shaken hands?

Never, sir.

Go away.

Drink this, sir.

It's cold at night on this platform. Drink.

I'll have your horse saddled.

We're going back.

Are you sure?

Absolutely, sir. Sergeant Tronk saw the same thing.

The cannon...

I don't believe it.

I don't know what to do...

First, we must...

First of all...

This is it, this time.

Tronk had the cannon fired.

General alert!

The Tartars! They're coming!

You hear me, sir? The enemy's marching on the fortress.

You're doing better.

Yes.

I could get up.

No, I don't recommend it.

Come on, Rovine...

You heard what Prodoscimo said.

The enemy is advancing.

It's true, battalions and battalions.

And you want me to stay bedridden?

It's not my decision.

Not your decision?

Who else could decide?

You should rest a day or two more.

Major Simeon wants you to stay in your room.

Simeon?

He came last night while you were sleeping.

You didn't look well.

It's none of his business!

Has a messenger left?

Sergeant Lobis left on the first cannon shot.

The General Staff will know by now.

But for God's sake...

Will I be kept informed?

Does anyone remember I'm second-in-command?

Calm down!

Go to hell, Rovine.

Leave me.

Their cannons are already in sight, sir.

What?

Rovine...

Forgive me, Rovine.

It's not your fault I've fallen ill at a time like this.

Perhaps it is.

In fact, I'm sure it is.

You'll be all right, I know you will.

Fetch Krusky.

He isn't here. He's on guard duty. Everyone has been mobilized.

They say I'm too old.

But they'll see when the enemy attacks.

Help me.

Fall back to the cannon!

Drogo...

I looked all over for you.

We must make decisions...

It seems

you already took some without me.

Of course. But I had no choice.

I intended to tell you.

Feeling better?

I think I'm fit for duty.

Glad to hear it.

I've asked them to send us two regiments.

What if the enemy attacks first?

I've placed the guns here to hit them from the side.

You didn't take too many from the fort?

Only ten cannons.

I hope you agree.

We'll only open fire if they really attack. Not before.

Why not?

They may simply be...

provoking us.

That's absurd.

No one sends out an army as provocation.

Is it really an army?

Yes.

Want to see for yourself?

Yes.

You can easily make them out.

Look.

Sir!

Don't worry, Simeon.

I'll cause you no further embarrassment.

I'll be able to help tomorrow.

Where are they now?

They haven't moved.

They seem to be waiting for reinforcements.

The best strategy

would be to prevent them from settling.

The best thing

would be to open fire

without delay.

Don't you agree?

Possibly.

But I can't take that initiative.

If I can be of any use at all,

tell me.

I already feel better.

I can't stand this hole of a room.

I haven't forgotten you.

In fact, I have some good news.

A carriage will be ready later today.

What for?

War or no war, friends come first.

I won't let you rot in this horrible room

when you can be cared for in the city.

You might have asked me.

You were sleeping.

Did Rovine request it?

No.

You know Rovine.

The enemy is at the gates and he is still scraping the walls.

But he thinks you need a change of air.

That's all he told me.

I have no intention of leaving, Simeon.

It was for your own good, Drogo.

For so many years...

For so many years, I've waited for this day.

I've sacrificed everything for it.

Everything.

And now...

Now that the enemy...

now that war...

You'd like me to leave?

You can't ask that of me.

Not you.

Please, Drogo.

You're right. It's beside the point.

In fact,

I'm in no state for such a journey.

You were talking about getting up, making yourself useful.

That's different.

You really want to be useful?

When reinforcements arrive,

I could billet three officers in this room.

Two beds along the wall...

and the third in the corner.

I'm sorry to tell you

that's the only way you can be useful to the fortress.

That's how you can help the war effort.

By deserting my post.

What else can you do in your condition?

I understand.

But don't insist.

I won't leave.

All right.

If that's your attitude...

I've spoken to you as a friend until now.

Now I'm speaking as Bastiano's commander.

I know your sense of discipline

and I know you'll obey.

But, you know...

you're leaving in excellent conditions.

Many of us

would gladly take your place.

Don't worry.

In my report,

I'll say you held out as long as you could.

And that

your bravery

was an example to us all.

In this life,

we must accept the role

that we are given.

Farewell.

Ready when you are, sir.

Just a minute, private.

Drogo!

Subtitles: Ian Burley

Subtitling by C.M.C.

On December 26, 2003,

an earthquake totally destroyed the Citadel of Bam in Iran,

the setting for the Fortress of Bastiano.