In the King's name by Alexander Kent

Author:Alexander Kent [Kent, Alexander]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Novela, Bélico, Histórico
Publisher: ePubLibre
Published: 2011-01-01T05:00:00+00:00

9

JUSTICE OR REVENGE

HUGH MORGAN, the cabin servant, lurked behind his pantry door and watched his captain’s shadow move past, pacing toward the stern windows again. After all their months together he thought he knew most of Bolitho’s moods: with Onward cleared for action and shuddering to the crash and thunder of a broadside, or reeling through a storm in Biscay or the Western Approaches. Or simply waiting, like this, on edge without knowing why.

They had entered harbour quite early, in the forenoon watch, with all the usual bustle and what seemed conflicting orders, to the stamp of feet and sound of gear being hauled across the deck above and other shouted demands. Now it was afternoon, and would soon be the first dog watch. Morgan’s ears recorded these things without careful attention; they were part of his daily life.

He had been on deck when they had entered harbour. The experience was always different. Even the harbour itself and the anchorage seemed larger than when they had left it for the outpost optimistically called New Haven. He had already heard several of the sailors suggesting other, less pleasant names for it.

The guardboat had guided them to their new anchorage, closer to the moored flagship, Medusa. Morgan had heard Luke Jago remark that it would be harder for the admiral to launch another surprise attack without being spotted by the duty watch. He had said a few other things too, less polite. Jago might be a brave and loyal friend to his captain, but he would never be asked to wait and serve at the table.

The officer in the guardboat had apparently brought word from the flagship requesting Bolitho’s presence aboard during the afternoon watch. The admiral was otherwise engaged with “important visitors.”

He clucked with disapproval. What did the admiral think he was saying? The landing party, the slaughter at the mission, the sea burials, and the captain was still waiting. Dress uniform coat folded over a chair, sword and belt lying across the bergère where the admiral had sprawled during his visit. I’ll wager his servant could tell a few tales if he ever got the chance…

The shadow stopped moving, and Morgan opened the pantry door.

“Can I tempt you with something, sir? A glass, maybe?”

Adam shook his head, although he appeared more relaxed. “I expect the admiral is reading my report. Unless the officer of the guard dropped it overboard!”

Morgan sniffed and brushed some invisible dust off the small desk. More likely the admiral was still enjoying a lavish meal with his guests. Morgan had made a habit of studying the various officers he had served over the years and considered himself to be quite an expert at it. When he had been on the quarterdeck briefly this morning it had been a case in point. A new frigate was anchored in Onward‘s previous place, a fifth-rate of thirty-eight guns. So new, in fact, that she was not yet fully registered in the Navy List, described only as Portsmouth, building. Her name, Zealous, was shining in the early sunlight.

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