07 Craven's War: To Hell and Back by Nick S. Thomas

Author:Nick S. Thomas [Thomas, Nick S.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781005363833
Amazon: B09Q1CNLKJ
Publisher: Swordworks
Published: 2022-01-01T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

Craven awoke swinging in his hammock. For despite how tired his body was his mind was a hive of activity. The splash of the hull bobbing in the sea and the creak of the planks irritated him as he was on edge. It gave him restless legs, and he had no choice but to get up and go on deck to get some fresh air to help pass the time. It was still dark, but the glow of the morning sun was already appearing on the horizon.

“I did not imagine you to be an early riser,” declared Captain Payne as he approached.

“Not when I have solid ground under me.”

Though he knew even that was not true anymore as so much weighed on his troubled mind.

“How long until we reach Cairo?”

Payne smiled at his impatience, having been at sea for less than a day.

“The Margaretta is a fast ship, and we move swiftly on these winds, but it will be twelve days or more before we reach our destination.”

Craven shook his head.

“What has that bastard got us into?” he muttered.

“I used to work for men like Major Thornhill, and I can tell you they have no care for the risks you take. A man like that would send you out to die for any chance of gaining the most modest of information.”

“And so what, I should go it alone, like you?”

Payne shrugged as if to agree.

“If you had made your riches, you wouldn’t be out here taking scraps from the likes of Major Thornhill.”

“Well that rather depends on what you consider to be riches. I have a ship, and a crew I can mostly rely on. I am free.”

“Free of what?”

“Free to go and do as I please. I have done my time fighting for a king and a flag, and I can tell you it was not worth it.”

“And if the crown had won, if the Americas were still under the King? Would it have been worth it then?”

“Don’t tell me you are out here for the King?”

Craven shook his head.

“I’ll fight for those beside me, and I’ll fight to stop the French invading England. I’ll even fight for the Portuguese and Spanish people; heaven knows they need it.”

“Why? I bet you were never a man who was compelled to serve and to fight for the King.”

“We all go looking for meaning in our lives. I don’t think many find it.”

“And you have?”

“Maybe a little, his name is Major Bouchard.”

“And when you find this Major and you end him, what then?”

“I could say the same for you. After you have done this job and been paid, what then for you?”

“I go on living, that is the difference. No matter what happens in Cairo, you will just go on serving endlessly until you are killed or invalided out. I bet you think you will live forever,” smirked Payne.

“We both know you could die just as easy out here wearing no uniform at all, Captain.”

“Perhaps, but at least I will have the pleasure to do it on my own terms.

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