Craven's War: A Call to Arms by Nick S. Thomas
Author:Nick S. Thomas [Thomas, Nick S.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781005605261
Amazon: B08DKTMDPP
Goodreads: 55117855
Publisher: Swordworks
Published: 2020-08-01T22:00:00+00:00
CHAPTER 9
Craven awoke with a sore back and groaned as he got up. Heâd been sleeping on the street like the rest of them, and even Paget, who had not complained was already up and about. It was as if either he didnât want to be seen sleeping like a commoner, or perhaps trying to forget it himself. The smouldering husk of the house lay before them, a reminder of how close they had come to death, and how underhand Timmerman was willing to play.
âMorning Captain!â Paget yelled excitedly.
Craven got to his feet, although he could hear calls of an officer approaching and new trouble was coming their way. He stepped out from the side street to see a Lieutenant Colonel approaching. One of the many British officers whoâd taken the great offer to serve in the Portuguese Army, being given significant promotions and pay increases as an incentive. One such opportunity many less well-off British officers had leapt at. He looked furious and was clearly looking for someone to cast blame at. Timmerman and his henchmen were well off into the background, watching the scene unfold with glee.
âSir, tell the Colonel what happened. This was not your doing,â insisted Paget.
âTell him what? We have no proof of anything.â
âWe were all witnesses, Sir.â
âYou saw that powder keg be placed and the fire set?â
âWell, no, Sir.â
âThen you are not witness to anything.â
âBut, Sir, this was not your fault.â
The Colonel was drawing close now as he studied the scene with horror.
âNo, but none of that matters now,â whispered Craven.
âWho is in charge here?â demanded the Colonel.
He was young and clearly aspirational. He held himself as a man who aimed to rise to more than just command of a regiment, but to major office.
âThe house was my responsibility, Sir,â replied Craven.
âThen would you care to explain to me, Sir, why it is now in ruins? Witnesses claim a keg of powder was involved, is this correct?â
âYes, Sir.â
âWhy the devil did this happen? What is your name, Sir?â
âCaptain James Craven, Sir.â
âWhat is your outfit, Sir?â
âFormerly advisor to the 24 th Line, Sir, and at present on orders direct from Sir Arthur Wellesley.â
âOn what task?â
âThat is on a need to know basis!â
They turned around to the source of the voice to see a familiar face. Major Thornhill was riding up to them. He was alone and wore a long coat that covered his uniform, and wearing no sword he looked rather like a civilian. It was clear the Colonel recognised him, too.
âThorny? Of course, you would be involved in this mess. I should have known.â
âColonel Timewell,â he greeted the Colonel as he climbed down from his horse, âCaptain Craven is under the orders of Sir Arthur, and must not be interfered with.â
âHe damn well blew up a house under my charge! These people are our allies, and gunpowder was used!â
âWere you in the house when the fire was started?â Thornhill asked Craven.
âYes, Sir, it was Ensign Paget who first alerted me to the fire, and we evacuated with haste.
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