06 Craven's War: Nowhere to Run (#6) by Nick S Thomas

Author:Nick S Thomas [Thomas, Nick S]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Swordworks
Published: 2021-09-29T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9

Craven buckled down his saddle as he and the small body of troops he had travelled North with made their preparations to once again get on the road to Lisbon. Which seemed a never-ending journey interrupted at every turn by both friend and foe alike. He could see the relief in Ferreira that they were finally returning to his home city, despite the worry he felt for all who were there as the French marched to surround and assault Lisbon.

“You and your men are welcome anytime, Captain,” declared Trant as he approached Craven. He looked like he had barely slept and still carried a bottle of wine in hand, which had clearly served as his breakfast, “We will hold this city so long as we can, and it will remain a refuge for all who fight the French.”

“The papers will certainly love you. Trant’s Raid, I can see it now. ‘A city abandoned by Wellington was captured by one Irishman and a ragtag band of peasants and ruffians.’ They will write songs and sing ballads about it like some kind of Robin Hood.”

“And yet it was the easiest battle every fought,” he replied with a cheeky smile.

“The skill and bravery in doing this was not the fighting, but everything which came before it. You have snatched a valuable prize from the French, and I can only imagine the look on Boney’s face when he hears of it.”

“Good luck, Captain,” said Trant as Craven climbed into the saddle, “You make for Lisbon with all haste?”

Craven nodded in agreement but turned his attention to a rider galloping into the square at such a speed he must carry urgent news. And he did not wear any uniform, not even the mismatched thrown together donned by Trant’s militia. Craven could tell it was important and also unexpected. Many heads turned at the curious arrival as the man leapt from his horse and rushed towards Major Thornhill.

“What now?” Birback complained.

“Why are you complaining? Last time the Major gave us work, you got wine and to fight,” joked Charlie.

“Not without having to work hard for it. No need to ride through the night to find wine and trouble,” he smiled.

“This can’t be good,” whispered Matthys as he drew his horse up beside Craven.

They all watched as the messenger spoke with Major Thornhill for several minutes, as they went back and forth quietly but quickly. Finally, Thorny sent the man on his way before sighing, as he tapped his foot and rubbed his chin.

“Bad news, then?” Matthys asked.

Finally, Thorny came forward, heading directly for Craven. Ferreira watched him like a hawk, waiting for the expected bad news.

“He’s going to screw us once again,” he muttered.

Thorny stopped with a sigh as he placed a hand on his horse’s nape. He looked deeply conflicted and exhausted, despite having awoken fresh that morning.

“Lisbon?” Craven asked.

Thorny shook his head.

“No, something of a rather more personal matter,” he sighed but seemed to struggle to go on.

“Come on, Major, we must be on our way.

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