Uncharted Hope (The Uncharted Series Book 5) by Keely Brooke Keith

Author:Keely Brooke Keith [Keith, Keely Brooke]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Historical Romance, Women's Fiction, Victorian Era, 19th Century, Forever Love, Bachelor, Single Woman, Love Possibility, Frontier-Pioneer Era, Cowboy & Western Romance, Hearts Desire, American West, Clean & Wholesome, Christian Stories, Faith Based, Inspirational Reads, Love Inspired, Life-Changes, Second Chance Reunion, Honesty & Trust, Home & Family, Lifetime Love, Romantic Schemes, Love-Family & Forever, Action & Adventure, Small Town & Rural Area, Beautiful & Feisty, The Uncharted Series, Alternate-History Romance, Hidden Society, Intriguing Twists & Turns, Transcends Time & Place, Dual Timeline Story, Time Travel Romance, Futuristic Twist, Novella Length Story
Publisher: Edenbrooke Press
Published: 2017-09-12T04:00:00+00:00

* * *

“The bolt goes here,” Connor said while he demonstrated a newly designed crossbow. “It has two levels of crosshairs to help the shooter compensate for gravity, here and here. Quiver here. And it’s easy to cock.” He passed the crossbow to Nicholas. “Made from mostly gray leaf wood. It’s a silent killer.”

Nicholas accepted the crossbow and examined its features. The lightweight weapon made him hungry for venison. “Silent? As opposed to what?”

“Firearms.” Connor reached across the craftsman’s worktable and opened a case containing another crossbow. He checked it, closed the box to inspect another, and looked at the craftsman. “Have all six been tested?”

The craftsman nodded. “Many times.”

“When will the second order of bolts be ready?”

“Maybe a month. I’ll have to check with the silversmith about the tips.”

“Does anyone else know about this project, other than the silversmith?”

“Only my eldest son.” The craftsman glanced at Nicholas as if finding comfort in including a local man in the conversation. “He’s training to learn my craft.”

Nicholas nodded once to show interest but was too fascinated by Connor’s authority to comment.

Connor pointed at the crossbow Nicholas held then at the empty case, wanting Nicholas to pack it. Nicholas complied and nestled the custom weapon into its case as Connor stepped around the table toward the craftsman. “John Colburn has communicated with all the overseers in the Land, including here in Woodland, and they support this operation. Eventually, I will train and equip a security team in each village, but it’s important to move slowly and deliberately so we don’t alarm the people.” He looked down at the craftsman. “Secrecy is imperative.”

“Of course, Mr. Bradshaw.” The man drew a handkerchief from his back pocket and dabbed his forehead. “Of course. Neither my son nor I shall utter a peep to anyone.”

“Excellent.” Connor lifted his chin at a stack of three crossbow cases for Nicholas to carry, and he picked up the other three. “Your payment will be delivered by week’s end.”

The craftsman’s eyes lit. “The pair of milk cows?”

“Yep, both of them three years old.” A faint grin gave away Connor’s amusement in their bartering system. “Coming from Mark Cotter’s farm in Good Springs.”

“Thank you, Mr. Bradshaw.”

Nicholas carried the encased weapons to the back of the Colburns’ covered wagon, which was already full with the furniture and tools his parents had given him. He slid the three cases inside, then the three cases Connor had carried. Six weapons but he only knew of four men on the security team: himself, Connor, Levi, and Everett. “Have you recruited any more men yet?”

“Yeah.” Connor scanned the craftsman’s empty yard. “Mark Cotter agreed to join us, and Revel is interested—not committed but interested.” He pointed into the back of the wagon. “Slide the cases between your dresser and the toolbox, then cover them with burlap.”

Nicholas climbed into the wagon bed and followed Connor’s command. It was easy to take orders from a man who knew what he was doing. Maybe Nicholas would absorb some of that confidence.

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