04 Craven's War: Hold the Line by Nick S Thomas

Author:Nick S Thomas [Thomas, Nick S]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9798504272962
Google: TytzzgEACAAJ
Publisher: Amazon Digital Services LLC - KDP Print US
Published: 2021-05-13T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

Craven was standing to attention before the desk of a General in a lavish study. Seated at the desk was Lieutenant General Thomas Graham, the man he would have to convince to provide resources whilst under siege by a vast French army. Three officers standing behind him muttered amongst themselves as Graham looked over some papers. He was calm and collected, a man who took any proposal seriously, unlike his staff.

“Captain Craven, you were sent here by Lord Wellington to assist in this siege, and you now ask my permission to depart, and with sizeable resources no doubt, is that correct?”

“Sir, I am here in an advisory role and may leave as I please, but I do not wish to leave this fight. I wish to be given the opportunity to assist in the best way I know how.”

“There are fifty thousand French troops across the water there, perhaps more, what do you think you can do against such a force?”

“I can get creative. Sir, I am no line officer, and Lord Wellington has come to appreciate my unique qualities.”

“It is my understanding that your unique quality is as a troublemaker.”

“Yes, Sir, and let me go the mainland, and you will see just how much that statement is true.”

Graham groaned in curiosity as he studied Craven up and down.

“I have received reports that you went to Captain Maclaine’s aid at Fort Matagorda, is that correct?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“And you did so of your own volition?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“I must admit you have my curiosity, Captain. A free spirit is not appreciated amongst my officers, and yet one who willingly runs into a vicious fight like Matagorda is a curious one indeed. Do you like to fight, Captain?”

“I like to win, Sir.”

“And if I gave you these resources, what would you do with them?”

“I will not know that until I have made land, Sir. Lord Wellington told me to get creative, and I fully intend to do that.”

“Frankly, it amazes me you still hold a commission, but your achievements speak for themself in a way you are clearly unable to convey with your words. Perhaps you are the kind of man who communicates best with fire and sword. I will give you what you ask, but do not make me regret it, Captain. I am fair, but also unforgiving for those men who betray my trust. But I am also well aware of how grave our situation is here. The army needs a miracle. Maybe you are not that, but you are a modest gamble. I will have all you ask ready for you within a day or two at most. If Lord Wellington believes in you, then I am eager to see what you are capable of. So, go forth, and do whatever it is you do best.”

“Yes, Sir!” he replied with glee as he saluted and strode away with a smile.

He stepped outside where Paget and Ferreira awaited him.

“Well, Sir?” Paget asked.

Ferreira could already tell from the smug expression he tried so hard to cover.

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