Date: Thu, 1 Sep 2016 22:22:29 +1200
From: arthur carkeek <artcart65@gmail.com>
Subject: drummer boy chpt 20

DRUMMER BOY
CHAPTER 20
BY
ARTHUR


CONTACT AUTHOR:
artcart65@gmail.com



Thomas groaned loudly as he lifted his sleep filled head from the table. As
he looked through red rimmed bleary eyes at the blurry papers in front of
him; Thomas saw the small patch of drool he had left on the neat and tidy
report. With another groan he straightened his aching back as the first
chill of the late night air caught him, he had fallen asleep at the desk
before he could read more than a page of Perrin's report.

Thomas tried to clear his gummed up eyes but they seemed to be glued shut
as he looked around the vague dimness of the room. It was only seconds
later he felt the two pairs of warm hands trying to help him to
stand. Looking to both sides he saw Sergio and Carlito in their under
clothes trying to help him to his bedroom; he did not try to resist their
help.

Another tired groan came from Thomas as the two younger boys stripped off
his dirty clothes and helped him to lay down on the bed. Thomas's eyes were
closed and a soft snoring was coming from his partially open mouth as the
two boys pulled the thick covers over his sleeping form.

Thomas awoke to the full heat of the day; his eyes still felt glued to his
lids and he had that feeling of being in bed for far too long. Thomas once
again groaned as he sat upright and swung his legs over the side of the
warm bed. As his feet hit the floor, his door opened and in marched Sergio
with a large bowl of hot water, a wash cloth and soap; placing the items on
the floor at Thomas's feet, Sergio smiled and then left his Patron alone to
bath.

After stripping off his underclothes and getting naked, Thomas stood over
the large bowl to do a full body wash; it had been a long time since the
last one and he was not surprised at the grey scummy water that was left in
the bowl when he started to dry off on a clean cloth. Once dry, Thomas
looked around and saw that there were clean under clothes ready for him and
a crisp clean shirt, his uniform was also now clean and his boots had been
polished to a bright shine.

After dressing but without his jacket, Thomas automatically began to place
his weapons where they belonged. First his shoulder harness followed
quickly by his pair of Purdy and Richards pistols once he had checked they
were both loaded and ready. Next he slipped his forearms into the arm
sheaths for his two knives and tightened the two small buckles.

With that all done he donned and then buttoned the high waisted trousers
before tying on his worn sash of red and gold. Next Thomas pulled on his
shiny boots and checked his two knives would slip free if needed. After
stamping twice to check his boots were properly fitted he looked at his
jacket and decided not to wear it yet; his pair of Manton's would also stay
in his room for now.

Finally finished, Thomas began to wonder what the time was; it had to be
late in the day as the heat was heavy in the air. As he was about to leave
his bedroom, Thomas heard three voices in the outer room; two he recognized
immediately but the third he was not sure of but it had to be one of the
Englishmen as the accent was atrocious even though the words were correct.

Thomas took a deep breath, opened the door and walked into the main room
where he did most of his office work as well as using it for meals. Sitting
at the table were both Sergio and Carlito; across from them was Corporal
Jervis. As Thomas stepped into the room, he caught sight of himself in the
small wall mirror; he could not quite believe what he was seeing.

Thomas could not take in the face that was staring back at him; his eyes
were sunken and had black rings around them. His cheeks were drawn in and
showed his narrow cheek bones underneath; Thomas's face was also pale even
though there was a good tan colour but it looked a little off
somehow. Thomas gulped as he turned to look at the three that were watching
him from the table.

"What are you lot looking at and why are you here Corporal?"

"I'm here to do what you won't Mister Marking."

"And pray what is that Corporal Jervis?"

"To tell you to stop and rest; if not then I will take other actions."

"Are you threatening me? I am a Captain you know Corporal."

"Yes but in your present condition you are a danger to yourself and every
man in the camp."

"What the hell are you talking about Corporal; I'm not sick and never will
be."

"That's right mister Marking; you're not sick but; you are exhausted and
that can get your men killed if you make the wrong decision because you
can't think straight."

"You can't give me orders Corporal; I'm alright and can do my duty whatever
it may be."

"You are wrong on both counts Mister Marking. As the Senior Surgeon in the
camp it is my duty to make sure all personnel are fit for duty. You Mister
Marking are not. Now that being said there are two ways I can handle this
but I will let you make the decision; as you said, you are the Captain."

"And what are they Corporal Jervis?"

"One, you can sit here and rest until I see you again tomorrow or." Jervis
reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, brown glass square bottle.

"I can get these two boys to hold you down and I will force feed half this
bottle down your neck and put you to sleep for two days; your choice?"

"You are an evil, evil man Corporal; I should demote you back to private."

"Thank you Mister Marking that would suit me fine and someone else can
worry about all the wounds and surgery for a change."

"Like I just said Corporal, you are an evil man and for that thought of
yours I hereby promote you to Sergeant; now you can have even more
problems. How do you like them apples Sergeant Jervis?"

"And you have the temerity to call me an evil sod. Right what will it be? A
days rest or half a bottle of Laudanum?"

"Ok, Ok Sergeant, you bloody win, I'll be a good boy and stay here and sit
for the day. What is the rest of the camp going to do now?"

"None of your damn business Mister Marking; from this moment you are on
leave until I say otherwise. You have good Officers and NCO's to look after
the camp, they don't need you to interfere right now."

"For a bloody new Sergeant you are awfully cheeky just because you think
you have me tied down."

The newly promoted Sergeant got to his feet smiling as he wriggled the
brown bottle in his fingers.

"Don't forget I have a damn good supply of these so you just mind your
manners Mister Marking; I'm not finished with you yet until I see you in
the morning."

"Go away you evil man and leave me to wilt away in peace."

Thomas watched as the smiling Jervis walked out the open door and into the
sunlight where he quickly disappeared back to his little surgery; Thomas
turned on the two boys who were trying hard to look overly innocent.

"Right which one of you started all that?"

"Patron, I cannot tell you a lie; it was I." Carlito spoke up. "When we saw
you last night we were worried you may die; we could not allow that to
happen to our Patron so called the Medicante."

"Well you two worry too much, so what happens now then?"

"Now we will bring your cafe and then a small lunch as it is now past the
midday. Come Patron, we have a table outside under the shade where you can
sit and rest."

Carlito led Thomas out to the side of the house where it was shaded from
the midday sun. Looking around Thomas could not see a single one of the
more than one hundred and fifty men in the camp at that time; there was
little doubt that Jervis had warned them all away from his house.

Thomas sat on the comfortable chair put out for him as Sergio arrived with
his morning cafe; the fact it smelt more of brandy than cafe did not really
surprise him. After placing the very large mug on the table, both Sergio
and Carlito went back into the house to finish preparing his lunch; it was
on the table only minutes later along with a glass of wine as was normal.

Lunch was a large platter of fresh tomatoes, goat's cheese, olives and
green leaf liberally sprinkled with fresh olive oil; there was enough on
the plate for ten people. Thomas sighed as he saw the mountain of food they
had made for him but his interest was piqued when he saw a number of thin
sticks of what may have been bread but he had never seen the likes before.

"Carlito?"

"Yes Patron?" The boy had run back outside as though worried about Thomas.

"What are these?" Thomas held up the strange item for the boy to see.

"A new bread Patron; the French brothers made them; they are very cleaver
and their father I am told was a very good baker."

Not needing an invitation, Carlito who was joined by Sergio only minutes
later; Plonked himself on another chair across from Thomas and picked up
one of the long thin breads. Biting off the very tip, Carlito then reached
over and dipped it into a small bowl of olive oil mixed with red wine
vinegar; placing it in his mouth he chewed contentedly as he smiled at the
look on Thomas's face.

"The young baker told me they are good for eating at lunch times. Try one
Patron, you will like it I know."

Thomas followed Carlito's example and; after chewing the fresh sticks of
bread had to agree with his young friend; the crispy sticks were much
better than thick wedges of bread for lunch. The three friends sat and ate
slowly as they watched the middle of the valley heat up under the midday
sun; there were few birds around at this time and little was moving
anywhere else. It was the Spanish time of siesta.

"Carlito, how were you able to talk with the French boys, do you speak
French after all?"

"No Patron; it is a long story but I will tell you as we have more time and
you can rest while I talk."

"Just get on with it Carlito, you are becoming more like Carmelo every
day."

"Would that be such a bad thing Patron?"

"For you, yes; now get on with it."

Carlito gave a small chuckle as he chewed on a small tomato, not that he
was all that hungry but it was good to make the Patron wait and relax a
little more.

"You see Patron, the boy who plays the ah...horn?"

"You mean the bugle?"

"Yes Patron, the bugle, well he is not really French; well he is French but
not French."

"Carlito..."

"Yes Patron?" Carlito let a small giggle escape his lips before continuing.

"Well his name is Jean Pierre, but it is not his name, it is his French
name but not his real name."

"Carlito would you please just tell me what you are trying to say?"

"Patron, that is what I am doing but even one who is as great as you must
wait for all the details to be told."

"Carlito..."

"Yes Patron, well as I was telling you; Jean Pierre is not really a French
boy. His people come from the Basque area and do not consider themselves as
Frenchmen but for Jean Pierre it is even more so. Jean Pierre is also
called Maketja, it is his Romani name; like myself Maketja is what you
mistakenly call a Gypsy although to us that is a bad name. The French took
him after they told his parents they would be killed if he did not go with
them; the same for the two brothers. They were taken from their father's
bakery to make bread for the army and their father was not even paid for
their work. When you chose to take them away from the French they were very
happy; now they know that one day you will let them return to him."

"This does not tell me how you can understand them Carlito."

"I am coming to that Patron. Now Maketja who; as I said is also Romani,
speaks more than one language. He has the French, the Basque and also, like
me; we have our own language of the Romani. It is not an easy language for
outsiders to learn as it must be learnt when very young and watching the
adults. The language of the Romani is made up not only of words but
gestures and complex signals; much like the secret language you use with
the Mister Percy. This is the language I speak with Maketja and so could
ask him the things my Patron must know."

"So they will not try to escape if we give them more freedom?"

"No Patron. Maketja has made his promise he will stay as long as you wish;
he is very impressed that one so young is the Patron of such a large and
fearful army. He will not break his word now Patron and the two brothers
have nothing else to do as they are so far away from their home in
Paris. They will stay and work for you if you will give them protection
from the French army and perhaps a few sou for their hard work."

"Agreed, you can tell them that as long as they follow our rules they will
be paid like our soldiers and will be safe from the French army. Now then I
have one more thing to ask."

"Yes Patron?"

"Do you think that Maketja will spend time to teach me the French
language?"

"I see no reason he would not Patron; but I would ask why you would want to
speak the language of those animals; it is nothing but grunts and squeals
like a pig with a large spear in its stomach; most times they talk with
their noses; it is an affront to the ears of speakers of the good languages
like Spanish and Romani."

"Carlito, to be a good Patron I must be able to listen to the French so I
can make plans. It is something I heard about from Mister O'Malley, I have
to understand my enemy to win."

"Ah Patron, then if it is for you to win and kill the French Puta then I
will ask Maketja and he will help you. Is there anything else he can do to
make things better for us Patron?"

"I don't know what he can do Carlito; perhaps it would be better to ask him
to come and talk with me then we can see what else he can do?"

"I will ask him Patron."

Thomas was almost startled out of his skin when Carlito put his fingers to
his lips and whistled loudly before calling out in words he could not
understand. It was only seconds later when the dark haired bugler appeared
as if from nowhere. Carlito talked rapidly while making strange gestures
with his hands eyebrows and even his lips and shoulders; all parts of
Carlito's body seemed to be used in the talking as was Maketja's when
answering.

"Maketja says he will be happy to teach you the language of the animals but
I will have to stay close until you can understand much of it so I can tell
you what he says; will that be alright Patron?"

"Yes Carlito and you can tell Maketja that he will be well paid for good
work if he can teach me. Now then ask him what other work he can do?"

The strange conversation went on for some time; much of which Thomas
guessed had little to do with what he had asked as there were giggles and
laughter mixed in with the words and strange gestures. After some time,
Carlito turned to Thomas and told him the crux of what had been discussed.

"Patron, my brother says he can watch the sheep and goats if you have any,
or he can enter any house you wish especially if it's a French one. He is
also capable of climbing to places others would not dare and he is very
good at Savat."

"What is this Savat?"

"It is special foot fighting that the Basque are known for; he has trained
since very young and he says he could show you but it takes a long time and
a lot of practice."

"We will see then, perhaps some time he will show us then I can see if it
will be good for our army to learn."

Carlito turned back to another even longer discussion with his new
brother. After it was all over, Carlito told Thomas all he had learned
before telling Maketja that he could go and find something to do in the
mean time. With peace restored, Thomas settled back and let the heat of the
day sink into his bones; he had to admit it did feel good to just sit and
not have to think about anything for the day.

The following morning Thomas was again restricted to his sedentary life
under the shade of a tree as the newly promoted Sergeant Jervis would not
let him go to work. As he sat in the shade; Thomas began his first lessons
in the French language under the tutelage of the young Basque gypsy.

On the morning of the third day, Thomas was glad he was told he could
return to his duties but had to keep in mind that rest was still the best
cure he could have. With Jervis's approval, Thomas felt happy to go back to
work and was just sitting down to his desk when there was a loud shout
outside in the valley. Thomas walked to the door and looked out to see what
all the commotion was about; as he saw the reason for the loud yells, A
broad smile came over his face; Carmelo was back home and it looked as
though he had brought all his men through as well although Thomas could see
the odd white bandage on some of them.

When Carmelo finally made it to the small house, Thomas could see that he
looked no better than Thomas did when he had arrived back. Carmelo and his
Company had pushed hard to make it back from their hideaway inside the
French lines and it showed on his young face and the way he walked; each
step seemed to be made with extra effort.

After the two old friends had shaken hands and then given each other a
rather embarrassed hug; Thomas told Carmelo to get some rest, his report on
the activities of his Company could wait for the next day. The four wounded
were sent off to see Sergeant Jervis for medical help and the rest were
dismissed and sent for rest; Thomas gave orders for all the others in camp
to refrain from asking questions until the newcomers had all had a chance
to rest.

After Carmelo was sent to rest, Thomas returned to his desk and began to go
through the reports; once he had finished with Perrin's he called for Jones
and began to relate his own events so Jones could put it all to paper for
when it was sent to headquarters for the Viscount to read. Thomas had now
only to wait for Estaban to return and he could relax a little, the thought
that he still had men out in the field among the French made for some
difficult times when he had nothing to do.

It was another five days before Estaban led his men into camp. Thomas was
very surprised to see every man mounted on a fine Andalucian horse; most
were white but he saw that all the riders looked to be very comfortable
with their mounts; he also saw five men with wounds but the count showed no
one to be lost, he sighed as he watched the tired mounted Company come
towards where he waited for them.

Estaban gave Thomas a tired smile and a half hearted salute as he slid from
his horse and handed the reins to Diego while he went to greet Thomas and
the now recovered Carmelo. Thomas gave Estaban the same orders as Carmelo
had received; the teen was to go and rest until the next day before making
out his report. The day after Estaban had returned, Thomas received a
messenger from Lisbon.

The messenger gave the letter to Thomas and, after saluting was told to
find a place to rest just in case there was to be a reply for the
Generals. Thomas called his young Officers to come to the house so they
could all find out what the message said; if there was trouble on the
horizon he wanted his best people with him to help make any decisions.

Much to their surprise, the message was rather brief and to the point.

Viscount Wellington.

 Officer Commanding His Majesties Forces

Portugal.

Captain Thomas Marking.

Officer Commanding

1st Battalion Drums and Axillaries

Vimeiro

Captain Marking,

You will present yourself and all Officers at the residence in Lisbon on
the 26th of July being two weeks from this date. All Officers will be
required to carry full mess uniform for a ball to be held on the evening of
the 27th July. All reports for any and all actions taken by the Battalion
until this date are to be discussed on said date, being 26th July

Viscount Wellington

C.O. Portugal.

Thomas re-read the message after translating it for those who did not speak
English; as always the meeting was held in Spanish. Thomas looked at his
friends and did not miss the looks on their faces. Why would all the top
Officers want them to go to some high class ball where they would all be
the odd ones out; still it was an official order and even as rebellious as
these young men could be, they did not want to upset the one person that
had always been on their side.

For the next week the camp was busy with training and preparation for the
next time they were to go out after the French. Their first forays had been
successful but also they had learned lessons that they passed on to those
who had gone elsewhere. It was noted the French just did not seem to change
their tactics but relied on boosting the number of men on the patrols and
supply trains instead of look for new ways to stop the sudden attacks.

On the 22nd of July, Thomas called his Officers to get ready to leave for
Lisbon; it would take them two full days to ride there and then find
accommodations, the extra few days would allow them to rest before the
meetings.

The ride to Lisbon was uneventful and the young Officers were able to
arrive relaxed but still alert, even on these roads behind the lines there
was still the possibility for random attacks from French
sympathisers. After finding accommodations in a small hostel, Thomas sent
for a messenger to take the written reports to the Headquarters; it would
save time if the Viscount had time to read them before they appeared in his
office.

It was 10 of the clock on the 26th when Thomas and his friends arrived at
the residence for their meeting. Colonel Lewis was waiting for them and
took them along the large hall to where they could sit to wait to be
called. It was two hours before Colonel Lewis returned to take them through
to the Viscounts office and be shown inside to make their reports verbally
and to answer any questions that may have arisen.

Thomas was not surprised to see the Viscount bent over his oversized desk
reading a mass of reports. After Thomas and his men had given a smart
salute, the Viscount indicated for them to take the hard backed chairs in
front of his desk.

"Well Captain, I can see by your reports that you have all been very busy;
I would like to go over some of the details if you please."

"Yes My Lord."

"First of all, Lieutenant Perrin; it says in your report that you harried
the French lines in the area around Niva?"

"Yes My Lord, I took the men into Spain a couple of times but kept it close
to the border so we could get back safely."

"Good thinking young man. Now it says here you have estimated the increase
in patrols and supply trains in the Elvas and Abrantes region?"

"Yes My Lord, once we started attacking them, the escorts increased by a
large number; I would hazard a guess My Lord that they had to pull men off
the front line."

"You may well be correct Lieutenant; a certain lessening in the number of
patrols had been noted by my Officers. You noted here that you suffered no
casualties; how was this accomplished if you ran continual attacks on the
French rear?"

"We stayed to the Captains orders to hit and run once the damage was done
and before the French could respond My Lord."

"Very clever I must say. Now Lieutenant Sharpe; I see by your report that
you went right into the devils cauldron and attacked from well into the
French rear. You have stated here that you had no losses but returned with
a small number of wounded?"

"Yes Don General."

Thomas smiled at Carmelo's form of address; for him the Viscount was the
same as a Spanish Don so Thomas did not whisper for him to change it, the
Viscount just seemed to ignore the title as though he was accustomed to
hearing it.

"You have stated that you can lay claim to having destroyed five supply
trains and have a definite count of one hundred and sixty five French
troops, with losses like that how did the French react to your incursions?"

"They increased their patrols to more than three times their size Don
General; towards the end of the month it was difficult to get close safely
but they did have many troops posted and a great increase in their mounted
patrols."

"So you pulled a lot of their troops away from the Portuguese border?"

"Yes Don General."

"Good. Now Captain, I believe your Lieutenant Colosio does not have
English?"

"Yes My Lord."

"Then perhaps you can answer for him?"

"I will try My Lord."

"Your Lieutenant Colosio has said he formed his men into a mounted troop
and attacked from horseback but used your new muskets; can you explain for
me how he did this Captain?"

"Lieutenant Colosio led his men on foot into Andalucia where he still has
friends; after obtaining mounts for them, he took them on fast raids
against supply trains and foot patrols and used the muskets from
horseback. Lieutenant Colosio told me that they double charged their
muskets so they could fire from a distance the French could not return
effective fire from. By using the same hit and run tactics that we all do,
he was able to take a large toll on the patrols and trains far behind the
lines around Cordova and Granada; his camp was at Jaen so he kept the raids
at some distance so the French could not trace him back there."

"His numbers are quite impressive, do you have any doubts about his
numbers?"

"None at all My Lord, Lieutenant Colosio has never been one to lie about
his exploits or deeds My Lord."

"Then I will accept his numbers and what he was able to achieve. Now
Captain to your report. You stated here that you managed to destroy a
supply depot near Benavente and that you also recovered another six guns to
add to your arsenal. What happed to the rest of the supplies; if the depot
was as large as you stated, there must have been a considerable amount left
that you could not carry?"

"Yes My Lord, there was a lot left we could not take with us so we set
charges and blew everything up. The French survivors we sent back to their
lines, we did not have the men to keep them under guard on a long march
back to our lines and I felt there had been enough blood spilt in the
attack and the Officer had surrendered to us."

"Do you not think that they will be waiting for you when you return?"

"There is nothing to return to up there My Lord. We have closed the ravine
and it will take them months to reopen it. I have been told that they will
now have to take their supplies the long way through Spain from now on."

"Well that at least is good news; I have a feeling it will not be long
before they try to break our lines. Well I must give you all my
congratulations Captain, you have far exceeded my best expectations just by
closing that supply line as well as the rest. My spies tell me there have
been more than five thousand men pulled away from the front line to guard
the supply lines in the rear. You have done us all a great service Captain
and it will not be forgotten in a hurry. Now then Captain, I will expect to
see you and your Officers here for the ball tomorrow evening; official mess
dress is expected and we will expect to see you at 8 of the clock for the
arrival of the guest of honour."

"Yes My Lord."

"One more thing Captain."

"Yes My Lord?"

"Weapons will not be required nor needed; do I make myself clear Captain?"

"Yes My Lord."

"Good, then my thanks once again to you and your Officers, I will expect
more of the same in the months to come."

Colonel Lewis appeared as if by magic and took the boys outside once again;
the Viscount had already gone back to other reports and papers. Thomas led
his boys back to the hostel they had taken for their hopefully short stay
in Lisbon.

The boys decided to have an early night, the long days of travel as well as
the hours spent at Headquarters had tired them and if they were to go to
the ball the next night then they would need their rest.

The next day dawned bright and warm as most days were in Portugal at that
time of year. Thomas and the others decided to go out and walk around the
old town and hopefully find somewhere for a light lunch. Not knowing what a
ball was like, the boys thought it would be a good idea to fill their
stomachs just in case.

The six young Officers were of course dressed in their Spanish day time
uniforms, their mess uniforms were hanging out to be ready for the
evening. There was quite a bit of chatter about the upcoming ball as none
of the boys knew the first thing about dancing and there was a certain
amount of trepidation about being forced to dance with unknown females; too
the young teens it could be a fate worse than death.

They eventually found themselves strolling in one of the many large open
squares as they looked for a small place to eat; Estaban suddenly nudged
Carmelo and pointed to a large black coach with a troop of cavalry leading
the way with another eight following closely behind.

The driver of the coach sat looking straight ahead and took little notice
of those around him. On the back stood two uniformed footmen and the
windows were covered with fine lace curtains. There was no coat of arms on
the coach but it had a certain presence that no one could mistake.

It was as though Carmelo, Lorenco and Estaban knew something the others did
not as they quickly snapped to attention as the coach drew closer, the
other boys never hesitated to follow their friends and all stood stiffly as
the coach passed in a rattle of steel shod wheels on the cobble stones of
the street.

As the coach passed the stiffly standing boys, Thomas saw the curtain on
the window move slightly just at the last moment. After the coach had
passed, the boys relaxed and looked after the conveyance just in time to
see it halt a little further down the street. As they watched, one of the
footmen jumped from the rear and quickly went to the small window. After a
few unheard words were said to the person inside the footman looked back at
the six boys and then nodded his head and turned towards them.

The footman almost ran back to the boys and looked them over as he stopped
in front of them; it took a moment before he looked at the boys and then,
in perfect high Catalan he asked.

"Gentlemen, is one of you the Officer they call 'The Patron'?"

Thomas blushed as he replied in the same language.

"Yes Sir, I am known by that name; how may I be of service to you?"

"Sir, my principle has requested your presence and that of your other
Officers at the Hacienda Casa de Santiago in one hour, if that is to your
liking?"

"I'm sorry Sir, I do not know where that is."

"If you would follow this street to the far end and then turn to your left
hand, it is another five hundred metres; you cannot miss it as I am sure
you will see. May I then tell my principle that you will appear as
requested?"

"Yes Sir, it will be our pleasure to meet with your principle."

The footman bowed and returned quickly back to the coach where he gave a
short report then took his place back at the rear and the coach took
off. Thomas looked at the others in wonder; he could think of nothing that
would have caused an unknown coach to stop and invite them to their home;
even his Spanish friends could not tell him what it was all about.

Foregoing their planned early lunch, the boys decided to walk towards the
appointment at a leisurely pace and take in the sights around them. The far
end of the street was out of sight so they did not know how far it would be
or how long it would take them to get to the suggested corner.

While they strolled along the conversation was more speculation as they
tried to work out who had asked for them to visit; there was also the
reason why the three Spanish boys had decided to stand and salute the coach
in the first place; none of them could explain why except that it had just
been instinct for them to acknowledge what could only have been an
important person with an escort of Spanish cavalry.

The hour was nearly up by the time they found the Hacienda. It was as the
footman had said, it was easy to find once they had turned the
corner. There was a long whitewashed wall around the large house that could
be seen through the strong looking wrought iron gates that had four
sentries standing stiffly at attention as the boys walked up.

The guard that looked to be the most senior asked the boys what they wanted
when they stopped in front of the gate.

"This is our Patron El Toro, he has been asked to come here for a meeting."
Carmelo replied to the request.

The six boys were taken aback when the four sentries suddenly stiffened
even further and the senior one snapped out a perfect salute before giving
the order to open the gates and let the young teens in to the Hacienda.

After thanking the senior guardsman, Thomas led the way towards the wide
steps that led up to a set of double doors. After Estaban knocked on one of
the doors they were opened by a man in the full Spanish military uniform of
a high ranking Officer. After Carmelo told him who they were, the Officer
snapped out a salute and indicated they should follow him into the cool
hall of the Hacienda.

The boys were escorted into a large reception room, for Thomas the room
took his breath away and he was sure the others felt the same. Lined along
both walls were soldiers all standing at attention and at the far end of
the room was a man who stood erect and had the look of a man both of action
and authority. The man's gaze was stern and steady as he watched the five
teens and single older Lieutenant walk the length of the room until they
were finally standing at attention before him.

Another man stepped from the side and, in high Catalan told the teens.

"Patron El Toro, I would like to introduce Generalissimo Pedro de
Alacantara Tellez-Giron y Alfonso-Pimentel, senior representative of the
Cortes and Officer Commanding the Brigade of Cavalry of the Spanish
forces."

All six snapped out a very smart salute but could still not work out why
they had been invited there. The General looked at the young soldiers and
then focused entirely on Thomas.

"You are the one they call the Patron El Toro is this not right Captain?"

"Yes Sir." Thomas replied with a little awe in his young voice.

"And which do you prefer? El Toro or Captain?"

"Captain Sir, I think El Toro is a little above my station in life."

For the first time since entering the great room the General smiled at the
group of young Officers.

"Then Captain it shall be. Now then Captain I suppose you are wondering why
I have asked you here?"

"Yes Sir."

"Then I shall not waste any more of your time. As my Adjutant has said, I
am the representative of the Cortes and as such I was given certain orders
concerning your valiant efforts on behalf of the Spanish and Portuguese
forces fighting the tyrant Napoleon. I would like to offer their
congratulations in causing such damage to the French forces and the Cortes
has instructed me to present a few items that they think you richly deserve
for your efforts on our behalf in this war."

When the General paused it left Thomas with enough time to wonder what was
going on and why they were all here.

"Now I have been able to get the names of your young Officers from the
Viscount Wellington although I do not know who is who so I shall just call
their names as I have them written here."

Thomas watched as the General was handed a sheet of paper by the Adjutant
who was now standing to the side of the General with a small table just
behind him on which were a number of strange things.

"Where is Lieutenant Perrin, Lieutenant Allen and Lieutenant Lorenco of the
Portuguese Army are those the correct names?"

The three young Officers blushed as they stepped forward. "Yes Sir that is
correct." Said Allen as he was the oldest of the three

"Good, I have a little trouble pronouncing English names. Now then
gentlemen, by the authority vested in myself by the Cortes of Spain we
would like to present you with the honorary rank of Major in the Spanish
forces. At the completion of your service to England and Portugal, should
you wish to come back to Spain your rank will be recognised if you wished
to enlist in our army. Along with the new rank there is also the medallion
of a Hero of Spain."

The General took a blue sash from the Adjutant that also had a star burst
medallion near the top where a man's chest would be. After laying the blue
sash over the shoulders of the three and the General had adjusted one to
fit the smaller frame of Perrin. Once he was satisfied he then gave each
teen a smart pair of gold braid epaulets, he then stepped back and saluted
the blushing teens.

"Lieutenant Sharpe?"

Carmelo blushed as he stepped forward and gave a small bow that at the time
seemed very odd to Thomas.

"Lieutenant Sharpe I am familiar with the work of your Father Colonel
Sharpe; a true thorn in the side of the French and so, for your dedication
and devotion to duty under the command of the Patron El Toro and, as you
already carry rank in the Spanish army; it is my great pleasure to tender
to you your new rank of Colonel. There is also the matter of your
Grandfather being Don Carmelo Martinez of Aranda in Castile. To this end I
have been instructed to make notice that from this day on Colonel Carmelo
Sharpe will carry the title of Cavalier De Espa?a and be known as Don
Carmelo as he is the last surviving member of that august family. Further
more Colonel you shall also be awarded the medallion of a Hero of Spain."



For the first time he could remember; Thomas saw Carmelo stuck for words as
he looked at the Generalissimo with questioning eyes. The Generalissimo
smiled as his Adjutant hand over the blue sash with red and gold piping
along the edges. Attached to the sash were two large star burst medallions,
one for the medallion of a Hero or Spain and the other for the Cavalier De
Espania; Carmelo was now of similar status as a Knight of the Realm in
England. Added to the sash as a pair of thick gold braided epaulets.

The next one called was Estaban again Thomas watched as his friend gave a
small bow to the Generalissimo before standing at attention.

"Lieutenant Colosio, we are familiar with your family and would offer you
our sincerest condolences on their loss to the French. That the French
would not only destroy your family but also all of the finest fighting
bulls in Spain just to fill their tables is a travesty we will endeavour to
make right in the war ahead. That being said it is only fitting that we pay
homage to not only your family but to your efforts on our behalf in making
the French pay a high price for their crimes. Lieutenant Colosio, from this
day on you will carry the rank of Colonel in our Spanish armies; further
you will receive the medallion of a Hero of Spain. There is little we can
do at this time to seek the revenge you are entitled to so the least we can
do is also award you the title of Cavalier De Espa?a and you shall be
henceforth known as Don Estaban Colosio. Spain thanks you for your
sacrifices Don Estaban."



The Generalissimo paused for breath before he continued.

"Don Estaban, on the completion of your service to your country and the
Patron; the Spanish Cortes will see that all your lands are returned to you
in full and that you will be given sufficient restitution to begin to breed
your fine bulls once again, again my sincere congratulations."

Estaban and Carmelo were presented with a pair of very thickly gold braided
epaulets to wear on their shoulders; they would be able to use them for the
ball whereas the others could not as they were still under English martial
law and could not wear foreign rank until they were discharged on
completion of their seven years of service.

After Estaban had saluted the General and stepped back in line with the
others, the General turned to look Thomas up and down; there was the
faintest of smiles on his stern face as he said.

"Captain Marking, or should I call you El Toro?"

The underlying current of the Generals smile carried to his voice.

"There remains only yourself and this I find myself to be in full agreement
with the Cortes. Captain Marking, this is the first time a non Spanish
member of the armed forces has ever received these honours but it gives me
the greatest of pleasure to follow their instructions. Captain Marking, by
the authority vested in me by the Cortes of Spain, I hereby present you
with the rank of General in the Spanish forces, As you can see, our General
Cuesta had it right. The conditions of your advancement being the same as
for your friends should you wish to return to Spain after you complete your
service to England. Next we would like to present you with the medallion of
a Hero of Spain along with the title of Cavalier De Espa?a and that you are
now entitled to carry the title of Don Thomasino. As it would be unseemly
for a Don of Spain to be landless, the Cortes has set aside 5000 acres in
Andalucia for your use on the completion of the war with France. Don
Thomasino my heartiest congratulations and the Cortes sincerely thanks you
for your service to free Spain and our allies in Portugal."



Thomas could only stare in shock as his face grew redder when the General
stepped back after presenting him with the sash that had three large many
pointed medallions attached and a set heavy gold braided epaulets and gave
Thomas a smart salute. Thomas could only stand there with his mouth open
and wonder what had just happened as the tall stern looking General stepped
back.

"Don Thomasino I presume you shall be at the Viscount's ball this evening?"

"Uhm...err...aah...yes Sir."

"Good then we will meet again, I was going to reserve this little
presentation until after the ball but the opportunity presented itself
earlier than I thought. I shall see you tonight Don Thomasino, perhaps then
we can talk more deeply about your exploits behind the French lines?"

"Y...yes Sir."

"Good, now Gentlemen I think your friend needs some time to digest all
this. Thank you all once again for your service to us, and gentlemen I
shall see you all later tonight."

The boys somehow managed to give the General a smart salute before the
Adjutant could lead them back outside. As they walked away from the large
Hacienda their heads were still somewhere high up in the cloudless sky; it
would last until they were almost at the ball later that evening.

There was a noticeable silence among the friends as they found their way
back to the hostel; the events of the afternoon only caused them to wonder
what had happened and even more puzzling, why it had happened, none of them
could find any answer and so they all just walked along in total disbelief
and silence.

Back at the hostel the six friends could only sit and look at the items
they had been given, that the sashes would be worn was not even discussed;
they would not dishonour the gift by hiding their new honours, the two new
Colonels had little to say, they were after all official Spanish Officers
so they would wear their new rank with pride.

The time to depart for the ball was only an hour away when they got a soft
knock on the door of the room they were staying in. On opening the door
they were all happy to see a familiar face smiling back at them. Thomas
smiled widely as he jumped to his feet and called out with happiness.

"Mister Percy, what are you doing here?"

"Hello Generalissimo; how does it feel to out rank most Officers in His
Majesties Army and a Knight no less; I suppose I will have to bend a knee
to you now."

The wide smile on Mister Percy's face told Thomas he was only partially
joking.

"I don't think it is all real Mister Percy; it's all more like some sort of
joke and I don't think anyone will be bending any knees my way."

"Well the Spanish Cortes seem to think differently. Now then I know you are
soon off to the Viscount's ball so I thought I would drop by and perhaps
walk along with you. I really do find these things rather a bore but one
must show ones face at a time like this. Are you looking forward to it?"

"Not really Mister Percy, I've never been to a ball before and, as for
dancing! Well Mister Percy, I don't think that's going to happen."

"You never know young Thomas some young filly may just take a fancy to your
glory."

The underlying chuckle in Mister Percy's voice told Thomas the older man
may just not be joking. As the seven friends left the hostel for the
Residence of the Viscount, the late evening sun was almost below the
horizon. It was close to the hour of 8 of the clock but Mister Percy had
said it may be a good idea to show a little early and then watch the rest
arrive; it would also give them a chance to be ahead on the drinks count.

While Mister Percy was for the first time that Thomas could remember;
dressed in the uniform of a full Colonel of the Household Guards, Thomas
and his friends wore their Spanish dress uniform, they were also sporting
their blue sashes which Mister Percy insisted they put on; Carmelo and
Estaban of course were now wearing their new rank and the bright gold
epaulets seemed strange on their young shoulders.

All of the younger ones found it a little disconcerting with wearing the
wide blue sashes; they had often stirred up enough controversy with their
fellow Officers without adding more for them to target. Thomas whispered to
the others that; as there was a good likely-hood of other young Officers
wanting to make trouble for them, that they should all speak only Spanish
unless with the more senior English Officers.

Much to Thomas surprise, Mister Percy seemed to think it a great idea; it
would enable Estaban and Lorenco to be included in their conversations
without bringing undue notice of others to the fact the pair did not speak
English.

It was only a walk of about twenty minutes to the gates of the Residence,
when they arrived and looked inside it was plain to see it was going to be
a big night.  They could already hear music coming from inside the large
building and the number of coaches lined along the drive was quite
heavy. Taking a deep breath, much to Mister Percy's amusement; the six boys
got ready for their next battle, as they thought of it.

At the open double doors of the entrance, the boys had to leave their
swords and hats; none of them had carried their pistols on the advice of
Mister Percy. Once divested they entered the large foyer under the watchful
and seemingly hostile glances of the very young Junior Officers who were on
guard to receive the guests.

After walking halfway down the entrance hall where they had been before,
Mister Percy directed them to the left and into the main ballroom. All six
boys had to stop and stare at the sight before them. The ballroom was huge
and must have taken up nearly half the residence. The small military band
was on a mezzanine floor and playing the latest music of the day.

On the dance floor were a large number of Junior Officers dancing with what
the boys assumed were the daughters or wards of the Senior Officers; the
young ladies mothers were watching them all closely. Thomas guessed at a
rough count there had to be more than two hundred Officers and ladies in
the large room.

While some of the older women were standing in small groups talking, those
young Officers not dancing were standing also in small groups around the
large room. At their entrance, the boys noticed a subtle silence and many
glances their way as they followed Mister Percy to find a place out of the
way where they could stand back and watch the goings on.

Once they had found a place out of the way and could observe those around
them, Mister Percy began to describe who was who and almost broke into a
laugh when told by Thomas that none of the boys had any intention of
dancing with anyone.

After a short time, Mister Percy left the boys to their own devices as he
walked away into the crowd, he did not tell the boys he had seen a small
group of young Officers looking their way and making comments; Mister Percy
wanted to find out more as was his nature.

Percy walked slowly around the ballroom occasionally stopping to greet an
Officer or lady but always moving in an indirect line towards the young
group opposite where his young friends stood slightly isolated from
everyone else.

Percy was stopped by the Viscount for a short time but, as soon as his
short talk was done he continued on his slow way to his objective. Percy
arrived close by his targets and casually lent on a nearby pillar as he
listened while looking as though his thoughts were elsewhere; a trick he
had perfected over a lot of years, he was not amused by what he heard.

"I'm telling you Curruthers, they are bloody foreigners if you take note of
their ridiculous dress it will tell you that."

"I'm not sure Woolsley; there is something familiar about some of them."

"Even so old chap, they look foreign to me, why the devil his nibs has
asked them to be here is beyond me."

"Well that's his Lordships business although I do agree they could have
dressed a little better, don't they know that black is for mourning; not
much of a uniform even if they are wearing those damnedable sash
things. Anyone know what those medallions are for?"

Percy watched as the others shook their heads in the negative; he was about
to make his move when he saw one of the others start to say something.

"Braithwaite; you've done the grand tour, what do you think?"

"Couldn't say old chap; perhaps they are just another one of the Viscounts
foibles; you know how he is with these damn foreigners. I can't really
understand why he puts up with them myself; we would be far better off
without them. Did you see where that Spanish General got his licking from
Bonaparte, bloody useless the lot of them in my opinion."

"Well as far as I can see, perhaps they are just a few of those young boys
the foreigners like to keep around for other uses, apart from that older
one the rest are pretty young; wouldn't surprise me as to what they get up
to once the sun has set." The one called Curruthers said in general.

"Yes Curruthers, damn foreigners are known for their liking of a bit of
buggery; perhaps that is why they are here? I'm told on good authority that
the guest of honour is one of those foreign types as well; perhaps they are
his little bed warmers?"

The others chuckled and looked at the small group of young teens on the
other side of the room with a certain amount of distain on their
faces. Percy now felt it was time to make himself known to the little group
of young Officers.

Percy casually walked towards the group with a wide smile on his face; as
the young men became aware of his presence, they all stood to
attention. Most of the small group wondered who the short tubby Colonel was
as he stopped in front of them and leaned casually on his black cane.

"Good evening gentlemen; are you enjoying the ball?"

"Good evening Sir." They all said as one; the one called Braithwaite
continued for the rest. "Yes Sir, it is quite a nice change to see some
civilisation in this confounded land."

"Yes gentlemen I agree, England is far away and there is a lot of hard
fighting yet to be done; I hope you are all up to it?"

"Yes Sir, we can't wait to get amongst the French, sooner the better; Sir."

"Good, good, I'm sure you will conduct yourselves well when you meet
them. Are you all settling into your units?"

"Yes Sir, thank you Sir. Sir?"

"Yes Mister?"

"Braithwaite Sir; Second Lieutenant Braithwaite."

"Ah yes, well Mister Braithwaite, you have a question?"

"Yes Sir. We were all wondering about those foreigners over there, why
would the Viscount invite such as they; after all Sir, they do look a
little out of their depth here with so many young English ladies about."

"Whom do you mean Mister Braithwaite?"

"Those over there Sir, the young foreigners dressed in black with those
fancy sashes, not really the type of soldier we would expect to be seen at
an official ball."

Percy gave what he considered one of his best acting performances as he
looked across the ballroom to where his friends were talking amongst
themselves.

"Why Mister Braithwaite, I do believe you are correct; they certainly do
look like foreigners. Perhaps we should go and introduce ourselves?"

"What Sir? Do you really think we should be seen mixing with their sort?"

"What sort would that be Mister Braithwaite?"

"Well you know Sir, their sort; it's plainly obvious they are not really
soldiers so it makes you wonder why they would be here unless it was for
the foreign guest that's coming."

"Oh really Mister Braithwaite, so you think they might be some sort of
evening entertainment for our foreign guest?"

"It certainly looks that way Sir. Except for the older one, not one of them
would be much use on a battle field, just young boys Sir and you know what
the foreigners are like with young boys."

"Not really Mister Braithwaite, Perhaps it is more of a reason to go over
and introduce ourselves."

"I don't think we want to do that Sir."

"Gentlemen, it was not a suggestion. Shall we go?"

As the six young Officers blushed at their own discomfort and were now
forced into a situation they could not break away from; outside the
residence came the sound of massed drums.

"It appears gentlemen we will have to wait until after the introduction of
our guest of honour; it seems he has arrived. Do not stray too far, I'm
sure those young men would like to make your acquaintance as soon as the
formalities are over."

Percy took only one step back so he could keep an eye on the young
Officers; he felt there was far too much fun to be had this night to let
them escape his clutches.



TBC.