Sons of Africa by Whittam Jeffrey

Author:Whittam, Jeffrey
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Jeffrey Whittam
Published: 2011-08-03T00:00:00+00:00

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To Catherine, her allotted fourteen days came and went with impunity. From the street’s edge she watched her menfolk, along with Victoria’s youngest and fittest form their column of twos.

‘When you’re ready, Nathan, fall in your troop behind Fitzgerald’s lot.’

Major Allan Wilson looked across the street and respectfully tipped his hat to Catherine. ‘Five minutes, Ma’am. That’s all I can spare before the off.’

A slight wind scurried the dust about wagons and horses. The union flag, emblazoned with the British South Africa Company lion and tusks roundel fluttered at the column’s head; an arrogant warning to be flown in the face of the Matabele. Stringing back from the column’s mounted contingent were the mule wagons, loaded with general supplies, munitions, small artillery pieces and between them, mounted on galloping carriages were the lethal, three-legged Maxim machine guns. To the rear, native handlers marshalled their strings of loose horses.

The sun came up; half the street turned yellow, slashed along its length by slanting shadows. Mothers held up their children – fathers and sons leant from the saddle for one last kiss and for some, the scent of downy hair brushed against their cheek. In his fighter’s regalia, Mathew fitted the part of some young subaltern, criss-crossed bandoliers, Metford rifle, the .44 Colt six-shooter pushed behind his belt. In Catherine’s eyes, in the spate of a few months her son had crossed the line; the boy she knew had been left behind in Kimberley.

‘You are by far the handsomest here,’ said Catherine, and though she put on a mother’s smile the act was weak and fretful. She reached for him and drew him down for her lips to touch his forehead.

‘No tears, mother.’ In the face of other men, Mathew made light of his feelings. ‘We will be home before you know it.’

‘Watch for your father. Come home safely.’

‘I will,’ said Mathew, ‘that I can promise you.’ He reined his horse back to into line, affording his mother and father those last few precious moments together.

Nathan dismounted. On a slack rein, Luke stood quietly to his side.

‘It has all been said,’ whispered Catherine and struggled valiantly with her angst. ‘I want you to take this with you. When you look at it I will know – every hour of every day you must have it with you, my love.’ She pressed a slender locket and chain to the palm of his hand. ‘Promise me that, promise me above all else that you will keep it with you.’

‘You have my word on it.’

‘Every waking moment my love will be with you, my sweet.’ She broke from his arms, unable to prolong the agony. ‘Now go,’ she pleaded with him, ‘your men are waiting.’

Nathan buttoned the locket away in his breast pocket. He swung up into the saddle and leant to her one more time for her to touch his face.

‘Be strong, Catherine. Whatever happens, be strong. My love will always be with you.’

Allan Wilson touched his spurs to the flanks of his big grey.

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