Mon Dieu Cthulhu! The d'Bois Escapades Volume One by John Houlihan

Author:John Houlihan
Format: epub

Still, practical matters must be attended to first, and now that we held the top of the pass, a few well-directed shots at the remaining sharpshooters scattered them to the winds. In five minutes, the field was ours, all opposition had melted away like a fart in the breeze and the rest of the troopers were climbing over the top of the ridge to join us on higher ground.

Such moments are the leader's true reward. For, having been beguiled by that wicked priest and foolishly led into deadly ambush, the cost had, in the end, been a few bruises, a minor flesh wound or two, and Sacleaux's bruised privates — a more than fortunate bargain and one d'Bois was happy to strike. The troopers' broad smiles and bloodied sabres told their own story and d'Bois' stock with his men was as 'igh as a kite and further reinforced when we discovered the cave system which the guerilla-banditos had been protecting.

Inside was a veritable treasure trove: food, supplies, caches of weapons, it was stacked with loot of all kinds, supplied by those hated British Merchantmen who defied the Empereur's continental blockade to land their wares on the wharfs and quays of Lisbon. Here were crates of muskets, shot, powder, even the barrel of a small field piece. Certainment, the life blood of the Spanish rebels and their Portugais allies, exactly the kind of weapons cache we had been tasked with searching out and destroying. After such a successful and deadly action, the men expect and deserve some sport and d'Bois was determined to give it to them.

'Sergeant,' said d'Bois, and Sacleaux was at 'is side in an instant. All eyes turned to see how the spoils would be divided.

'Oui, Monsieur?'

'A fine victory, the men are to be heartily commended, would you not agree?' Eyes watched d'Bois expectantly now.

'Oui Monsieur, an action worthy of Massena himself.'

'In the normal course of events, I would now release them to reap their reward.'

'Indeed Monsieur.'

'But... we are still deep behind enemy lines, dusk approaches and an officer cannot lead his squadron blind drunk through such perilous terrain in the dark.' At this the troopers appeared crestfallen and there was much shuffling of feet.

'Yet the men deserve their reward. Therefore, my orders are to take as much shot, weapons and especially powder as we can carry. Press that accursed donkey train into service to carry it. The men may help themselves to any food and provisions, but all alcohol is to be entrusted into your possession for safe keeping. Once we are back at the monasterio, we will test the potency of these fine vintages and your commanding officer will not only join you for a drink and a carouse but he will be pleased to sing the first song!' A resounding cheer greeted these orders.

'A most prudent course, Monsieur...' said Sacleaux noncommittally, before continuing in a most deathly and menacing whisper that caught the troopers' attention far more than any bellow or harangue might. 'But woe

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