Craven's War: Blood & Courage by Nick S. Thomas

Author:Nick S. Thomas
Format: epub

Chapter 10

Ferreira sat solemnly playing cards in the corner of a barn with several of his compatriots. A great many of the Salfords had squeezed into the modest space. Their sheer number was at least keeping the room warm enough to be comfortable, but the mood was low, until the door was thrown open and Craven stormed in carrying a keg.

“Get your fill, lads!”

They roared with elation as Charlie and Moxy followed him in with more barrels. Ferreira leapt to his feet to greet them, as any excitement was a welcome break. The prospects of a bleak Christmas was a disheartening affair, especially as the day was only a matter of hours away. Matthys and Ellis came in carrying legs of cured meat on either shoulder, drawing another roar, but as Ferreira approached, he looked at the back of the keg Craven had just set down to see some writing on the rear of it.

“Property of…” he began.

Craven’s hand reached around and covered the words before he could read them.

“Of James Craven,” he smiled, as both of them knew it was not true.

The drink soon flowed.

“Well? What news?”

“It was not what we expected, but something is coming soon, that much I am certain of,” he replied mysteriously before climbing onto a rickety old table that had been dragged inside.

The troops quickly came to silence as many pointed towards the Captain. They all watched and listened with curiosity for some news, but mostly just relieved to see him returned and with generous gifts. He took a deep breath and went on.

“First of all, I want to say what a privilege it is to have you all by my side, and for me to stand beside you.”

Cheers rang out.

“It’s a tough time of year, and it’s been a hard year, but we are still here. We are still standing, and I promise you, next year we will spend Christmas in Madrid!”

Cries of excitement rang out.

“Thank you all, and Merry Christmas!”

The drink soon flowed, and for several more days it went on as they somehow found enough food and drink to make merry without rest for days on end. Until one evening when it had all gotten a little overwhelming for Paget, and Craven could see it.

“Do you want to take a walk?”

“Why yes, Sir, I think that is an excellent idea.”

Matthys couldn’t help but be impressed by Craven’s sense of duty towards his friends in a way he had always hoped to see but could not have imagined possible. He watched them leave before going on to find a drink.

The crisp evening air was indeed a welcome treat after the stale barn filled with sweaty soldiers.

“What is on your mind?”

“Nothing, and everything,” admitted Paget.

Craven smiled and nodded along.

“You know what I mean, Sir?”

“Not really, I have always been better at focusing on one thing entirely, perhaps too much some would say.”

“Is that what I should do, Sir?”

“I wish I knew, but you should ask Matthys, for I am sure he will have a far more useful answer for you.

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