Markkleeberg Manor, September 12th, 1813
"As I told you, Marshal Berthier, our decision on this matter is final." Tsar Alexander let his frustration show. The quaint manor house just South of Leipzig, had become the de facto military HQ of the coalition, with all the respective army leaders gathered there. Archduke Charles had arrived as well, officially as another Austrian representative, but in reality he was there to establish Austria's position in the Coalition military structure, and to discuss their strategy for the expected campaign to come. Marshal Berthier had often served as one of Napoleon's representatives himself, and had come to Markkleeberg with demand after absurd demand, today was no different. "As the United Kingdom isn't party to this ceasefire, it should be quite obvious why their consultation on any matters pertaining to it isn't required. believe the Austrian Foreign Minister said as much yesterday."
"He did." Berthier nodded "And His Majesty rejected said explanation. His opinion hasn't-" The Tsar rose to his feet "When I want your Emperor's opinion, I'll require no assistance in inquiring for it." Alexander put himself in Berthier's face "Make this painfully obvious to your master, he can either accept our terms as they've been laid out, without a single alteration, or there will be a war." Alexander then sat back down, making a point not to look at the Marshal. "Very well then, if you'll excuse me, your Majesty, your Royal Highness..." Berthier bowed before stepping out.
"There will be war." The Archduke said, breaking the silence "I've talked with Metternich, Bonaparte isn't backing down, especially on Germany." "Then it's best we assume war's resumption is imminent, and to plan accordingly." Blucher said, his expression uncharacteristically calm "Agreed, I do think we're in a decent position though, once Austria enters the field, he'll be hard pressed to find anywhere he isn't outnumbered." The Tsar nodded "Is the Army of Bohemia ready now?" "Very much so Your Majesty, and full of veterans too, I suppose we should be thank Napoleon for helping us with that." Alexander chuckled "Indeed, indeed. Uh, the offer of Russian support still stands if-" "Ah, yes." Charles shook his head "I meant to mention, My Emperor accepts most graciously, so long as you'll vouch for their conduct when on Austrian soil." "My men are under orders to act no differently in Vienna than St.Petersburg, I swear on the honor of my house that any who defy that order shall suffer for it" The Archduke smiled "I won't doubt your word for an instint."
"Maybe we should look to strategy next." Bernadotte interjected "Agreed." Said Barclay "I think he's got eyes on Berlin. He kept marching North until the literal minute the ceasefire began, not to mention reinforcing Hamburg." Archduke Charles nodded "That wouldn't be atypical of him, in fact it's similar to what he did at Austerlitz. He's hoping Oudinot will hold off Blucher long enough for him to swing North towards Berlin, crush the Army of Silesia between those two forces." "And knock out Prussia." Blucher finished for him "Not while I can still hold a sword!"
"Quite right, that being so, here's what I suggest: General Blucher will advance on Hamburg." He faced the Prussian "Pay absolutely no mind to what the Corsican does, pretend he doesn't exist." Blucher nodded, the realization showing on his face "He'll assume I'm charging into Hamburg like an overambitious fool, and believing his plan is going flawlessly, he'll pursue." Now Barclay jumped in "Then the other three armies converge on him as at Leipzig, and we deal a decisive blow of our own." Blucher sighed "Goddamn it, that means I'll have to siege Hamburg. I'm 70, I don't have time for this!" Most of the room laughed, forgetting the gravity of their decisions for a moment.
"We should discuss command structure as well." Tsar Alexander commented, resulting in a sigh from the Archduke "I believe it's prudent if I remain in command of all Coalition forces in Europe." Charles rubbed his temples, realizing he'd need to be sensitive "Your Majesty, I have no doubt of your ability to do so, but considering my brother will doubtless be incensed, may I propose a compromise. If you allow me to take overall command over the four armies, you could still be required to permit any of my orders, as well as giving me alternative directives as you see fit." The Tsar considered it, then nodded "That should suffice, very well." Charles nodded
"I think I'll take the Army of Bohemia towards Dresden, give Bonaparte one more headache." Barclay looked concerned "Saint Cyr is quite dug in, are you quite certain you can take Dresden in short order." Charles nodded again "The city's walls were partially dismantled some years prior, not to mention Herr Metternich has been in contact with the Saxon king, seems he just may be willing to hold open the gate so to speak." At that Alexander smiled and stood, the rest of the men following his lead "Well then gentlemen, I'm content to let the ceasefire expire on the 25th, if nobody objects?" Nobody spoke "Let's pray this is over by Christmas." Nobody said it, but many had doubts about that...
Author's note: So I'm gonna shake things up a little here, partly because I'm curious what the people reading this want, partly because everyone likes a change of pace. What do YOU want me to write about in this TL? Any topic, any figure I'm slouching on? Any theaters you want me to go into more detail? If I can make it fit into the story, I will.