Highland Soldiers 1: The Enemy by J.L. Jarvis

Author:J.L. Jarvis [Jarvis, J.L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780985855406
Publisher: Bookbinder Press
Published: 2014-05-23T04:00:00+00:00

* * *

A fortnight later the prisoners’ fate was announced to the guards of Greyfriars. Alex, Hughie and Charlie brought the news to Callum shortly after.

“We’re still looking for Jamie, the wee bastard,” Alex assured him.

Charlie chimed in, “Aye, and when we find him, he’ll wish somebody else had.”

Alex said, “We’ll keep him alive, but only so he can take your place.”

“We’ll not let them take you onto that ship,” added Hughie.

Callum forced a weak smile. “We’re a wee bit short on time.” Although no one would say it, there was no escaping the truth. If they could not find Jamie, Callum would be put on the Crown and transported across the sea. Even if he survived the journey, they might never find him.

Alex turned to practical matters. “We’ll get the money to pay for your passage. You’ll not be sold as an indentured servant.”

“Pay the captain yourself,” said Callum, “and make sure he signs for it—twice. Keep a copy and give one to me.”

“Aye.” They both knew Alex was too smart to trust the captain, but it bore repeating. “He may give me his word, but I’ll trust in the paper.”

“We’ll get money for you to book passage from wherever you land back to Ireland. Hide it well. That captain and crew will do all they can to relieve you of it before you reach shore.”

Charlie said, “We’ll find a place in Ulster and wait there with Mari.”

Callum nodded and clenched his jaw as he tamped down his emotions. “You’re good lads.” He forced a stoic smile. “It’s Mari I worry about.”

“We’ll look after Mari,” said Alex.

Charlie said, “We’ll not leave her alone.”

Callum lifted a brow. “Aye, that’s one of my worries.”

Charlie balked. “Callum, she’s like a sister… a very pretty sister, but still… ”

Callum gave Hughie an arch look. “Keep an eye on those two.”

Hughie grinned.

Charlie laughed. “Och. With us for company, she might not notice you’re gone until spring.”

“I dinnae ken about that,” said Alex. “One day with Charlie and the poor lass will dive off the docks and start swimming for the colonies.”

Callum smiled at the thought of her meeting him there, but the humor faded. “I dinnae want her to wait for me too long. If anything happens, I want her to move on and find someone else.”

“Good God, Callum!” said Charlie. “You’ll buy back your freedom and be on the next ship bound for Scotland. In six months, you’ll be home with your Mari.”

“Aye, well it had to be said. Just take care of my Mari.” Although the others did not want to admit it to him, Callum knew—they all did—there were dangers in any sea voyage. No matter how strong the man, the sea was stronger and more brutal than any warrior in battle. For those being transported as prisoners, the dangers were worse: lack of food and water, disease, and cramped quarters. If he did arrive safely, he would be a slave for the term of his indentured servitude. Despite paying off the Captain, something could go wrong after he arrived at the plantation.

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