The Knife's Edge (Craven's War Book 13) by Nick S. Thomas

Author:Nick S. Thomas [Thomas, Nick S.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Swordworks
Published: 2023-07-27T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

The artillery roared as they tried to batter their way into the forts at Salamanca once again. Craven and the Salfords found themselves as an audience to the display once again, since the action to the North at San Cristobal had amounted to nothing. Now all efforts had been put back into overcoming the strong French defensive positions. But something had changed, and it was clear to see. The guns battered the smaller fort of San Cayetano to the East of San Vincente, the largest of the three which was now left alone.

“The guns, Sir, why the change?” Paget asked.

“San Vincente is strong, and we have few guns and little ammunition. I imagine an attempt will be made to seize the lesser fort and then use it as staging post from which to continue the battering once we have the rounds to do so.”

“Quite right,” declared Wellington.

Paget shot up from his chair in shock at the realisation the General was amongst them. He was in the street outside the ruined house from where they were watching the bombardment.

“We should have brought guns up from Rodrigo to batter these walls, and a great deal of shot with which to do so,” added Wellington.

“Can we not send for them, Sir?”

“It is already being conducted, but time is not on our side. Every day Marmont tries to get around us and he gains in strength. I would press him for battle, but I cannot do that while these obstacles remain in our way. They must be overcome with all haste.”

Another volley rang out from the cannons bombarding the San Cayetano fort. The palisade before it had been breached and the parapet damaged also. Yet the guns were now silent, and no attempt was made to reload them.

“Is that it, Sir? Is that all we have?”

“It is.”

“But you will order an assault anyway,” added Craven cynically.

“I must, for every day we lose here takes us a step further from victory. An assault will cost many lives, but a great many more will be lost if we cannot push on quickly.”

“And us, Sir, what are your orders?”

“Marmont has retreated East about five miles, but he flanks the Tormes river and makes continuous threats to cross it and encircle Salamanca. I have sent our cavalry to ensure that does not happen, and I would have you join them at first light. Marmont probes for any weakness. Do not let him find any.”

“Yes, Sir.”

Wellington left and Craven still had not gotten up from his chair.

“This is all so exhausting, Sir. Why will Marmont not face us?” Paget demanded.

“Because he is not a fool. Wellington attempts to draw the enemy into a battle they cannot win, and everyone knows it.”

Paget sighed with frustration.

“All the years we have been here has been building to this moment, and yet it will not come,” he growled.

“Battle will come soon enough. Let us focus on still breathing when it does.”

“That should not be difficult, for what is there for us to

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