Date: Wed, 28 Dec 2016 11:24:56 +1300
From: arthur carkeek <artcart65@gmail.com>
Subject: Drummer Boy Chapter 2 Book 2

DRUMMER BOY
Book 2
THE ROAD NORTH
CHAPTER 2
BY ARTHUR

CONTACT AUTHOR:
artcart65@gmail.com


As Thomas lay back on the plump pillows he could hear a number of voices
outside his room; it was not long before the first of his friends walked in
to greet him. Carmelo looked a little tired but his smile was wide and
welcoming as he carefully grasped Thomas's right hand.

"Patron, both the Devil and God are on your side; it would seem neither
want you in their realms and have left you here to make the French Puta pay
their dues. We are all glad you are back with us and soon; when the time is
right, we will make them pay a hefty price for what they tried to do. This
I swear on my honour."

Thomas tried to smile at Carmelo's words; it was so typical of his friend
to want instant revenge on the French. With his voice still being a little
hoarse he thanked Carmelo as he saw Fairley reach for the glass of water he
had replenished so that Thomas could have another small sip of the cooling
water.

"I must go now Patron, the surgeon has given us only a minute with you for
now; he says you must rest to get strong again. There is much news to tell
when you are stronger but for now know that we are all at your command and
that your Hacienda is safe from any who would do you harm."

Thomas thanked Carmelo again and his friend left so others could come to
visit. One after the other, those Officers still here with him came and
went after making sure their Patron was going to get better. It was not
long before Thomas was again alone except for the ever vigilant
Fairley. The boy flatly refused to leave and sat by his bed with the brace
of Manton's in his hands.

When next he awoke it was to see darkness had arrived and the young figure
of Fairley was dozing in the hard wooden chair; the pistols still firmly in
hand. Thomas gave a small groan as he tried to ease the stiffness in his
limbs; all he wanted now was some solid food and more water. The groan, as
light as it had been; was enough to waken Fairley and the boy instantly
looked at Thomas in askance.

"Hungry and thirsty and I need to pee."

Thomas was surprised that young Fairley did not even blush at his request;
had he known the youngster had been the one looking to all his needs during
his recovery, he may have understood better. Fairley smiled as he lay the
two pistols aside and took a strange ceramic bottle from under the bed. It
was Thomas that suddenly blushed as Fairley lifted the blanket and began to
take care of business. It took Thomas a little time before he could release
his flow but the relief he felt soon made up for the embarrassment.

Once Finished, Fairley left the room to empty the bottle and find Thomas
some food; from the darkness outside his room that was now lit with many
candles; Thomas could hear men walking back and forth. He still had his
guards to protect him.

For Thomas that first day was to continue in the same manner for another
four days. Jervis's instructions were followed to the letter by all in the
Hacienda. When Thomas had asked to be let up from the bed, the answer he
got from Jervis was succinct and brooked no argument.

"Captain, you will stay in bed until I decide when you can get up and not
before. It is my duty both as a friend and your surgeon to make sure you
are fit enough to be able to move around on your own; and frankly Captain,
that will not be for some time to come. Is that quite clear Captain?"

"Damn it Jervis, there are things I need to see to and I outrank you and
will get out of bed when I am damn well good and ready."

"I would not push your luck if I were you Captain; I am the surgeon and in
the case of sickness or injury I have final say. Now keep your skinny arse
in that bed until I say different or I will have you tied down. Is that
clear enough for you Captain?"

"You're a bloody bully Mister Jervis, you just wait until I can get up and
around and then we will see who has seniority."

"Don't you try and scare me Captain, it won't work. Now lay back and do as
you're damn well told."

"Bully."

"And you are a pain in the arse Captain now do as you're told."

It was to be another three days before Jervis would relent and let Thomas
be taken outside to sit in the shade of the wide and expansive veranda that
ran right around the large Hacienda; Fairley was always within call or
reach.

Thomas had not even been allowed to get out of bed on his own; instead
Jervis had called for Perkins and had Thomas lifted from the bed and placed
carefully into a strange wicker chair with small wheels under it. Thomas
was not a happy chappy at being wheeled around wherever he wanted to go but
Jervis had said it was either that or stay in bed; Thomas accepted the
strange chair.

Each day he was visited by a number of his men but they were never allowed
to stay more than a few minutes before Jervis pushed them from the room. If
Thomas had any intentions of asking about the Battalion he was sorely
disappointed. Jervis told the visitors that under no circumstances could
they discuss anything to do with the Battalion until Thomas was a lot
better; no one wanted to go against Jervis while their Patron was under his
care.

It was almost a week later and Thomas was now allowed to go for very short
walks as long as he had two grown men with him at all times; not for
security but in case he felt weak and could not make it back to the safety
of the wicker chair. On the fourteenth day after awakening in the bed,
Thomas was informed he had a special visitor on his way. Jervis warned him
not to get over excited and was to stay seated at all times or it would be
back to the bedroom for another week.

While Thomas was finding Jervis's mothering a little too much to take, he
also knew that the young surgeon would make good on his threats. Thomas was
again settled under the shade of the veranda when he saw the black coach
drawn by six black horses turn into the gateway of the Hacienda; the coat
of arms on the door told him all he needed to know about his visitor.

Thomas watched as the Prince of Anglona stepped from the coach accompanied
by four of his Generals; the young Prince had a wide smile on his face as
he looked up to where Thomas was seated in the shade. Moments later and the
Prince was standing above Thomas with his slender hand held out as he said.

"Well Don Thomasino, for a dead man you look remarkably well even if you
could do with some fattening and sun. You had us all at the Cortes very
worried when we heard the reports. It was only the quick thinking of Don
Estaban who told us all what had happened and that you would need time to
rest and that it would be better if no one knew of your miraculous escape."

Thomas shook the offered hand and smiled as Fairley appeared with a chair
for the Prince to sit on, the Generals all stood a little distance off to
let the two speak with a little privacy.

"Thank you Your Highness, I think it's as much a surprise for me as anyone
else. I thought the French had done for me when I saw the Dragoon shoot and
the ground rush up at me."

"Ah Don Thomasino, only the good die young and as far as the French are
concerned, you Don Thomasino are a very bad young man so you should live to
a ripe old age."

Thomas had to smile at the Princes jest; he was grateful that no one around
made too much of how serious his injuries had been, he did not want to feel
like an invalid even though he truly was one.

"Now Don Thomasino, I have been told by your surgeon not to speak of war or
anything that may tax you but, as a Prince of Spain I am allowed to break
the rules. There has been much speculation over your demise.  It would seem
the French thought you had been killed during the battle and sent reports
to Napoleon saying as much. From what I have discerned, your English
Command saw a copy and also had it posted in that newspaper they love so
much. Now this may be good or bad but it must be said. The English,
believing you killed in action have held a large memorial for you and their
orders have gone out to the effect that your Battalion of drummers has been
disbanded. It would appear Don Thomasino that you are now dead and unwanted
by them."

Thomas could not believe his Battalion was no more as he looked up into the
Princes face and saw concern and worry written all over it.

"I know this comes at a bad time for you Don Thomasino but there is also a
silver lining should you wish to make use of it?"

"What would that be Your Highness?"

The Prince of Anglona saw how the news had affected Thomas even though the
young man did his best not to show it.

"It means that you are now free to join our forces if you wish to still go
after the French."

"But what of my men, I can't just leave them to the mercy of those
Generals?"

"What men would they be Don Thomasino?"

"All the men of my Battalion of course."

"But I just told you Don Thomasino, there is no more Battalion and there
are no more men although I do know of a force of rebels living near Vimeiro
that would welcome a General of the Spanish army if he were to join them
against the French."

"But how?"

"Well Don Thomasino, as I heard it; when the Battalion was disbanded all of
the young Officers tended their resignations immediately and, as for the
rank and file; well they seem to have just disappeared into the hills
somewhere behind Vimeiro and no one can find them. An interesting situation
don't you think?"

"If I am considered dead to the English then what do I have to do for Spain
to get my men back?"

"Why Don Thomasino it has already been done. Are you not truly a General in
the Spanish army; if this is so then you have the right to at least a
Regiment if that is what you wish, it is entirely up to you how you would
continue to harass the French. That Don Thomasino is the advantage of being
a General; if it so happens that you have a friend in the Cortes, well then
anything is possible. Do you have such a friend Don Thomasino?"

"I would sincerely hope so Your Highness."

"Good then it is settled and I can report back to the Cortes that the
report of your demise was at best faulty. Now then we have things to
do. Firstly, next week when you have gained a little more weight I will
send my tailor to have your uniforms measured and made. I will also send my
coach maker, a General of such importance must have a coach, don't you
agree General Don Thomasino de Toro?"

"A coach Your Highness? What would I do with a coach; I march with my men
Your Highness as you well know and as for a uniform; the one we all wear
has been fine for nearly three years now; what use would I have for any
more?"

"Aha I can see you are not up with the times Don Thomasino. Your need for a
full uniform is to impress the English, flashy but important when
needed. As for your daily needs, then I will leave it up to you but it must
be something that makes you stand out a little more; tiresome I know but
needed when in the field. Now as to the coach, it is expected by those of
rank to have one, of course if you were to leave it at your Hacienda when
you went into the field then there is little others could say. That is a
matter for your own conscience or needs."

"What of the need to arm and provision my men; the English will not help in
that regard and I know that the Spanish do not always have the monies
needed for such things?"

"I have been told Don Thomasino, that you have friends in some very strange
places; perhaps you should contact them and see what they can accommodate
you with. I believe you know a certain Colonel Cruickshank; perhaps he may
have a few ideas but I would keep it very quiet if you know what I
mean. There will come a time when you must face the English Officers once
again; in a time of war it is impossible not to so you must be prepared for
when that happens. Perhaps should we say at the end of January? I am told
you will be fifteen then; it is a good age to be a General in Spain while
still young and feisty as you have a reputation for."

"I have to go back to the English in January? Why?"

"Because it is the beginning of the spring and soon after the fighting
begins once again. It is necessary for all of us to show our colours at
that time and begin to make plans for the season ahead. Do not worry Don
Thomasino, you will be among friends and; as the English have declared you
fallen in battle you are now free to do as you please. I am looking forward
to seeing their faces when a dead man walks amongst them."

Thomas could only look at the Prince with his mouth open as he heard the
man saying things that he had never thought about. As he watched the
Prince, the other man reached into his jacket and took out what looked much
like a newspaper. Unfolding the paper the Prince gave it across to Thomas
as he stood up and looked down at the young seated figure.

"I saw this and thought you may like to have the copy; it is an interesting
read and it raises some doubts as to the veracity of some English
Officers. You may find it interesting to know about before we must meet
them in January. Well my dear friend Don Thomasino, use your time well and
rest as much as you can. The winter is not far away and it will give you
time to organise for your new command. One more thing Don Thomasino!"

"Yes Your Highness?"

"Please, for the sake of the Spanish people and your many friends who have
supported you; learn to duck when attacked by a Dragoon with a large
pistol; you have given us quite a scare General and we do need your
peculiar type of warfare if we are to rid ourselves of the French locusts."

Thomas could not hold back the smile as he looked up at the Prince of
Anglona.

"I shall try my best to learn Your Highness."

"Good then I will not have to come all this way to see a ghost again. I
will probably not be able to see you much before mid January when we shall
prepare to speak with the English, until then Don Thomasino de Toro I hope
you will keep your head down; the surprise for some should make it an
interesting meeting when they see you."

"Thank you for your visit Your Highness, I shall do as you ask. I may have
to move back to Vimeiro around October or November but I will keep myself
hidden until I see you again."

"Good that is all I ask. The Cortes sends you their best wishes for a
speedy recovery and they all look forward to you taking over our need for
your special type of warfare. Their orders are that all Spanish forces are
to provide anything and anyone you want. There will be a written order to
that effect sent to you in a few days. Don Thomasino, the Cortes is giving
you full Carte-Blanc to command your unit anyway you see fit. Now then I
must get back to the politics of war, stay well Don Thomasino; until we
meet again."

Thomas waved as the Prince left the veranda followed closely by his four
Generals. Somehow Thomas felt a new lease on life even though it appeared
the English had written him off; it was a heady thought that he could now
do as he pleased. Perhaps there was now a way to make his men even safer
and they would no longer be at the beck and call of Officers who had
ulterior motives for the use of his small army.

As Thomas watched the Princes coach disappear, he opened the newspaper; as
expected it was an older copy of the Times. The headline was boldly printed
across the front page.

"GREAT VICTORIES CLAIMED BY VISCOUNT WELLINGTON AND MARSHAL BERESFORD IN
SPAIN"

Thomas read through the front page article as it described in detail how
the two great men had beaten the French in what they claimed to be decisive
victories but, it was not that that really interested him; it was a small
footnote at the end of the article that drew his eye.

"FALLEN HERO"

Thomas read through the short piece and found he did not know whether to
laugh or cry but one thing was for certain; someone had stretched the truth
a little too far. Thomas began to reread the article so it was clear in his
mind.

"This correspondent has also learned of the demise of the young Captain
often called the Hero of Rolica. A report from Marshal Beresford has told
of the tragic death of Captain Thomas Marking in a small battle at Olivenca
before the plains of Albuera. From Marshal Beresford's report it would seem
that our very valiant young Captain volunteered for an impossible mission
to delay the advancing army of some 25,000 French troops so that the
Marshal had time to form his defences. There have been no reports on any
survivors of the small battle at Olivenca and so most if not all have been
presumed dead. The Captain's once renowned Battalion has since been
disband. We are all sure that the valiant young Captain will be missed by
many. A sad ending for an honourable young man."

Thomas could not believe what he was reading. Deep in the pit of his
stomach a small fire was lit; the blatant lie by a Senior Officer was plain
to see, his respect for the English armies Senior Officers took a sudden
and different turn. If they wanted to play it like he was of little
importance then there was only one thing for him to do. The return of fire
in his belly only made Thomas more determined to get well and reclaim his
name and, if that meant he would fight for Spain, then so be it.

Thomas was about to screw the paper up but then changed his mind. He would
keep it as a reminder that there were those who held little honour in the
search for their own glory; he was not going to let that get in his way
anymore. From this day forward Thomas was going to play the part of Don
Thomasino de Toro and, if it meant he had to go over and above what was
expected then so be it.

The following week, just as promised; the Princes tailor arrived in a small
coach. It took only minutes before Thomas was standing and being measured
from head to foot. The tailor had tried to insist that Thomas would need at
least ten uniforms and it took Thomas a little time to convince the man he
did not. Finally a compromise was met and Thomas would accept two dress
uniforms and two day wear uniforms, once the decision had been made it then
took another hour before Thomas got his way on the design and appearance of
his day uniforms; on his dress uniforms he got little if no say; the tailor
was adamant that he knew best about what would be required of a General of
Spain.

With the tailor gone Thomas could settle back to getting well. Each day
that passed he got stronger and he was sure it was the renewed fire in his
belly that was responsible for his fast recovery; that and the insistence
of Fairley that he eat four times a day and rest for no less than two hours
in the afternoon.

It was nearing the end of September and Thomas was now fit and well
although he walked with a small limp; the added surgery on his infected leg
had shortened his muscles a little and the limp would stay with him for
life as would the slight stiffness in his left shoulder. Thomas was now
able to walk or march longer distances and he would often be seen watching
the tenant farmers at work in the fields. The peacefulness of the scenes
gave him a pleasure he did not know existed and he would watch the hard
working men and women for hours at a time.

He had found that if he went too close to them they would all stop working,
turn towards him and bow to their Patron, Thomas often felt embarrassed and
so now kept his distance as he watched.

Thomas was sitting under the shade of the veranda when he saw a stranger
approaching; the man looked to be dressed in simple clothes although they
were of a better cut than those worn by the farmers he still looked to be
of the land, it was to be the first time he was to meet his overseer.

Carmelo appeared and stopped the stranger in the centre of the
courtyard. Thomas saw from the corner of his eye the ever present Fairley
straighten up and take the musket off his shoulder. Thomas had reclaimed
his pistols and had now got back into the habit of wearing them when
outside; it had not stopped the young Fairley from feeling he still needed
to protect his Captain.

Thomas watched as the two men in the courtyard talked for a few minutes and
then saw Carmelo signal the man to follow him up to where Thomas sat
sipping his morning cafe. When the two men were standing in front of him he
saw the sparkle in Carmelo's eyes as he bowed to Thomas and then said.

"Patron, this is your overseer Senor Delgado; he is enquiring if you would
like to join him tomorrow morning for the tax collection?"

"What tax collection Carmelo?"

"The taxing of your tenant farmers Patron. It is done each three month and
tomorrow is the time for the next collection."

Thomas sat and looked at the man Delgado; there was something about the man
that raised the hackles on the back of his neck.

"Yes Carmelo, I think I would like to see that. Senor Delgado I will meet
you at the gate at 10 of the clock, we will take the collection
there. Carmelo can you show Senor Delgado to the gate and then come back, I
have a few questions to ask."

"Yes Patron."

Carmelo gave Thomas a faint raising of his eyebrows as he turned and led
the new man away to the gate; he was back in a minute or so.

"So my brother; what has caught your eye?"

"I don't like him Carmelo; there's something just not right about him."

"Ah my Patron, so you saw it to. He is one not to be trusted Thomas, he was
the overseer of the previous landholder and I am sure he had something to
do with the French being able to take the Hacienda from Don Juan Rodrigo
Hermosa. What do you wish to do about him?"

"Tomorrow have Mister Jones come and take charge of all the man's ledgers
and look them over. I want at least four of the guard there as well. One
thing more."

"Yes Patron?"

"I have seen the farmers gathering in the feed for the winter but we have
no stock to feed, why would they do that?"

"Ah...yes I have forgotten to tell you so much because we were all worried
about your health; perhaps now is a good time to tell you things."

"What things?"

"The stock for your Hacienda is hiding in the mountains. You see my
Brother, when the French came to take the land, there were those among the
farmers who did not want it to happen so they rounded up as much of the
stock as they could handle and took it all up into the mountains and hid
them in a canyon. They have been watching over them ever since. I will send
word out today that they can come home and that you will keep them all
safe."

"Yes do that. Now what if my suspicions about Delgado are correct, what am
I to do about it?"

"If they are correct Patron then you will do what must be done or; if it is
your wish I am sure there are those around that can take care of the
problem for you. It would not be wise to have him roaming around the
country and informing the French about your survival."

"Yes perhaps you are right Carmelo. Tomorrow we will see. Where does he
live on the estate?"

"Not more than five minutes walk from here, he has a small home and keeps
to himself most times. It is said he has a very young wife but few see or
have ever talked to her. That is perhaps why you have not seen much of
him. It appears most only see him at the time of taxing."

"Thank you Carmelo, tomorrow we will know for sure and then make our
decisions about his future."

Carmelo smiled as he turned and left Thomas to finish his morning cafe in
peace; that his Brother in arms was now almost fully recovered and feeling
the need to be busy pleased Carmelo no end. If they were lucky they may be
able to leave the Hacienda and make for Vimeiro and the rest of their
friends before too much longer; it would be a welcome change.

The next morning just before 10 of the clock saw Thomas and Jones sitting
at a small table that had been brought from the kitchen for the collection
of taxes. Behind Thomas stood four of his older guards and Fairley was
standing close by his side as they watched the tenant farmers begin to
congregate for the tri-monthly taxing. Thomas noted that Senor Delgado had
not yet put in an appearance and it was not until nearly all of the sixty
or so farmers were gathered that the man was seen striding towards the
table at the gate.

Thomas was still feeling a distinct dislike for the man as he watched him
stride towards him; that the farmers must have also felt the same dislike
was not hidden from Thomas. It was plain to see the difference between the
clothing of Senor Delgado and the common farmers. Delgado's clothes were of
a better cut and cloth whereas the farmers were dressed in not much more
than old and worn clothes which could be remarked as being close to
tattered rags. Thomas was not impressed and, with a very casual flick of
his fingers called Perkins to his side.

Thomas also noted that Delgado's well fed stature was in sharp contrast to
the weather and work worn gauntness of the farmers; he almost felt like
growling with anger at the difference.

After a short whispered conversation with Perkins, Thomas turned back as
Delgado gave a perfunctory bow and took a seat in the third chair; no one
noticed two of Perkin's men disappear down the road.

Delgado placed two large thick ledgers on the table and opened one of them
at a new page; there was a long list of names and numbers filling the
page. Thomas kept his face blank as he watched Delgado get ready to call
the names of the tenants and to tell them what their tax was for the
period.

Before Delgado could call the first name, Thomas stopped him with a gesture
before speaking.

"Senor Delgado, before you begin perhaps you can explain how the taxation
works and what you use to rate the taxes?"

"Yes patron. Well Patron it is worked out on the basis of the farmers land
holding, his cottage rental and the number of children in the home. If the
farmer is unable to pay his full dues he then has to give free labour on
your lands until the difference is paid in full. It is a simple and
productive way for your lands to be tended and saves you from having to pay
for labour; it is an accepted practise Patron."

"Thank you Senor Delgado, please continue with the collection but I would
like you to tell them all not to leave after the collection; I wish to have
a few words before they go back to their homes."

Delgado nodded and then turned to the waiting farmers and their families to
relay the message, most just nodded; there was little they could do if
their new Patron wanted it so.

When Delgado called the first farmer to the table he kept one eye on Jones
as the young man ran through the pages of the older ledger, he noticed a
number of very small crosses being marked along the edge of each
page. Delgado seemed oblivious to Jones tinkering with the ledger.

"Farmer Paulo?"

Thomas watched as a man who must have been in his sixties slowly walked to
the front of the table and stood with his old worn hat in his hands as
Delgado told him what his tax was.

"Paulo, I see you have had your daughter and her husband join you in
cottage number ten as well as their two children. I also note you have now
got seven goats and two sheep. Your tax has been raised to seven silver,
can you make payment?"

Thomas looked at the work-worn face of the old farmer and saw that under
the subservient facade was a strong proud man; he watched and listened as
the man told his story.

"No Senor Delgado, I have only four silver as it was necessary to use a
little to settle my daughter and family."

"Paulo, you well knew that the tax would be more if you had new people
staying in the Patron's cottage, why were you not prepared?"

"It is what it is Senor Delgado; I cannot produce silver coins at will and
feed my family at the same time."

"Then you will have to give your labour free to the Patron for two months
if you can only pay four silver."

Thomas watched as the old farmer stayed silent, it was as though the reply
was what the old man was expecting. Thomas watched and listened as each
farmer was taxed, he noted that very few had the means to fully pay the tax
demanded and all of them would now have to give free labour so they could
keep a roof over their heads and the heads of their families. Thomas was
not impressed but stayed silent as the last of the tenants paid their dues.

Delgado placed the last entry into his ledger and added the few silver
coins to the leather bag he had carried. Before the man could stand to
leave and thinking his business of the day was over, Thomas placed a hand
on his arm to indicate he should stay seated before he stood to address the
tenant farmers.

"Thank you all for your hard work, I know I am new here and do not expect
you to want to welcome me on this land that I am sure you have all worked
for many years. It has come to my attention that all is not right and I
want to make some changes. Before I say more I would ask you to show
patience as my man finishes his work on the ledgers. Senor Delgado you will
stay until the end just in case I have a question or two. If you all wish
to take time to eat while we wait then I have no objections, thank you."

Thomas at back down and watched as Jones ran through the second ledger;
Thomas did not miss the faint sheen of nervous sweat on Delgado's brow as
Jones turned page after page and added his little crosses.

Ten minutes passed before Jones closed the second ledger and signalled to
Thomas that he wanted to talk in private; it was easier than most might
have thought as they just changed to their normal language of English
leaving those around them in ignorance.

"Well Jones what have you got for me?"

"The bastard has been stealing the Hacienda blind Thomas. These farmers
have been working for not much less than nothing for at least the last four
years and the amount he has taken from them would have fed their families
in style. I hate people like him; I thought it was only at home that there
were such greedy people."

"Thanks Jones, oh and by the way; if you were to also resign your
commission in the English army I have a position for a good Captain to take
charge of the new forces administration."

"Accepted Thomas, or should I say General. I resigned along with all the
rest some months ago as did everyone else."

Thomas smiled as he changed back to Spanish.

"Senor Delgado we have certain inquiries to make of your actions. You are
hereby placed under arrest until we can investigate further."

Before Thomas could say much more, Delgado jumped to his feet with anger
showing on his heavy features. It did not last for long as he felt
something cold and hard press against the back of his head, the distinctive
sound of two hammers being draw back also caught his attention. When
Delgado took the chance to glance behind himself he could only see the hard
pale blue eyes of the young boy who had been standing to the left of the
Patron; that the boy would pull the triggers on his unusual musket there
was little doubt. Delgado sat back down while his face grew red with pent
up anger.

As if on cue there came a loud screech of a woman's voice from further down
the road leading to the Hacienda. When Thomas saw how young the girl was he
could only gasp but it was not just her age that had caught him by
surprise; it was her words.

The young girl was struggling in the grasp of Perkin's two men as she
screamed and kicked while she tried to free herself from the tight grasp of
the two guards. Finally the girl was standing in front of the table; Thomas
could feel the rage coming from the silent Delgado beside him.

"Who is this Delgado?"

"It is my wife and you can let her go immediately, I will not allow nor
want your barbarians laying hands on her."

"So she is your wife! How long have you been married Senor Delgado?"

"Five years if it's any of your business."

"Everything on this Hacienda is my business Senor Delgado or have you
forgotten who is the Patron here?"

Delgado stayed silent but his wife was still spouting curses and screaming
at the top of her voice; even the farmers looked at her with distain.

"Perkins can you shut the damn woman up for a minute; we have all we need
to know."

Perkins nodded at one of the two guards and he quickly placed his hand over
the mouth of the girl and silenced her immediately. Thomas turned back to
Delgado.

"Tell me Senor Delgado, how long have you been an agent of the French and
yes, if you are wondering how I know then you should know that I speak
French and recognised her language immediately. It is also easy to guess
why you are both here."

There was silence in the crowd of farmers as they heard Thomas's
accusations; had they really had a French spy in their midst for the last
four years, what was more surprising was the fact their new young Patron
had so easily caught them out, there was a sudden whispering in the small
crowd of farmers as Thomas gave Perkins a small signal.

It took less than a minute to have both spies tied tightly; the girl had to
be gagged to stop her screaming. Thomas turned to Perkins once again.

"Perkins, I was told you were once a Bosun's Mate on the HMS Carlisle; is
that true?"

"Aye Cap'n, true it was."

"Well Mister Mate, what would the men do with a thief amongst the crew?"

"Well Cap'n, there is two ways we would look to him. One is that we report
him to Officers and then keelhaul him and make no mistake on the end
result."

"And the other?"

"A sharp knife in the middle of the night Cap'n."

"Very good Mister Mate, I will leave Senor Delgado in your tender care."

"And his missus Cap'n?"

"I think it only fitting she be handed to the women of this Hacienda and
for them to decide her fate."

"Aye Cap'n, done it is."

It took only seconds for Perkins and his three man guard to lead the
prisoner away; it was the last he was ever seen. Thomas turned to the
waiting crowd as their eyes followed the disappearing Delgado; as the
conversation was held in Spanish, they all knew what was happening.

Thomas looked at all the women that had been silently waiting at the rear
of the farmers.

"Ladies I will give you the responsibility of taking care of this French
spy; after all it was you who have suffered under the hands of the pair."

Thomas stood silently as all the women of the farmers slowly began to
encircle the struggling French woman. Thomas tried not to be too concerned
as the farmer's women pulled and tugged at the spy as they led her away and
out of the sight of the men; she also was never seen again. Thomas turned
back to the waiting farmers, before he could say a word they all heard the
sound of a large number of horses trotting towards the gates of the
hacienda.

When the horses appeared there was almost a sigh of relief from the
farmers. Thomas looked at the riders, each of which rode as though they had
been born in the saddle; which was quite possibly true. The sameness of
their features, whether old or young told of their relationship with each
other. The oldest was an upright older man who seemed to be in his sixties
and those following ranged in age from forty something to as young as mid
teens.

Each rider was mounted on a jet black horse which had the same lines as
those of Estaban's white horses. The riders all carried the long lance like
pole and were dressed almost identically in a brown homespun jacket and
trousers with worn black calf length boots. It was only the older man that
wore the typical flat crowned black hat while the others all wore floppy
woollen caps with a small ball at the end.

The riders pulled to a halt just short of the table and the older man
looked down at the men gathered there. With little preamble, the older man
looked at Thomas and spoke with a strong steady voice.

"You are the Patron El Toro, called Don Thomasino de Toro?"

"Yes Senor, whom do I have the pleasure of addressing?"

"We are the men of the family of Ortega. We are responsible for the
livestock of the Hacienda Hermosa. We have returned to bring back your
livestock and take up our previous position as protectors of the horses and
bulls of Hacienda Hermosa."

"Then I would ask you to join me to tell me more about why you found it
necessary to take the stock away and hide them?"

The older man looked down at Thomas with the eyes of a hawk; it was as
though he was reading Thomas's most inner thoughts as he looked the young
man over. With a slight nod of his head and a small grunt, the older man
stepped from the horses and walked to the table in front of Thomas.

"How do I call you Senor?"

"I am Rafael Ortega and these are my sons and grandsons; if you are truly
the Patron then we are at your service, Senor."

"I am Thomas Making and the Cortes has given me the title of Don Thomasino
de Toro and I have been offered this Hacienda for my lands. These other men
are with me but will soon be departing to fight the French once again."

"Thank you Patron, it is what I have heard. My sons and I are at your
disposal, you have only the need to ask and it will be done."

"Thank you Rafael Ortega, if you would kindly join us along with Farmer
Paulo, there are things I would like to discuss with you both."

Thomas called for the old farmer Paulo to join them and once the two older
men were seated, Thomas began to tell them his ideas.

"Senor Paulo, how long have you been on these lands?"

"Patron, we have worked and farmed here for four generations; it is all we
know."

"And you Senor Ortega?"

"We have also been here for the same time Patron. I am the Master of the
Bulls and my eldest is the Horse Master."

"Thanks Senor's. From the day after tomorrow Senor Paulo, you will take the
position of overseer of the farms and, when we have completed the search of
Delgado's cottage you will move your family there. Senor Ortega, I would
ask you to once again take your rightful place as Master of the Bulls and
that your eldest retain his position as well."

Both men gave their thanks to the new Patron and waited for him to
continue.

"Senor Paulo I would ask you to inform the tenants that as long as the
French have one foot in Spain they will not have to pay taxes again; when
the war is done then we can discuss this further. Are you both in
agreement?"

Both men looked at the strange young man that was now their Patron; it was
something that had never been done before, most Patrons depended on the
taxes to improve their own lives but they were not about to reject his
expansive and generous offer, they both agreed with a will.

"Senor Paulo I will let you go and tell the other tenants about the new
arrangements while I talk further with Senor Ortega."

Old man Paulo rose and then bowed to Thomas before leaving to spread the
good news. Thomas turned again to the older man Ortega.

"Senor Ortega, what stock did you manage to save from the French?"

"Patron we were unable to escape with all of it but we did manage to save
seven bulls and fifteen cows as well as twenty of your horses, those we
left behind were not of the same quality and, while their numbers were a
great loss to you the ones we saved are of the finest lines. I personally
selected those we would take and made sure they were your finest."

"Thank you Senor Ortega, from this moment on they are your only
responsibility. As I have already stated, I will soon be returning to the
war with the French and I will need men of the quality and honesty of you
and Senor Paulo to watch over these lands while I am away. Now Senor
Ortega, there is something you may be able to help me with. His Highness
has ordered a carriage for me and I am not certain I know much about them,
can you make a suggestion of what horses I should have to pull the coach?"

"Patron I will inform my eldest and he will see to the horses and make sure
they are trained for your use. Is there anything else you may need of us?"

"Thank you Senor Ortega, now all I have to do is find a driver as I have no
idea at all about driving a carriage."

"Patron, if you will leave this small thing in my hands I will see that you
have the best driver I can find; on this you have my word."

"Thank you once again Senor Ortega."

"Is there anything else you may need Patron?"

"Yes Senor Ortega, there is one more thing. For some time I have been in
thought about my return to the battle field and I have a small plan that
may make the difference."

"May I ask what the Patron has in mind and how I may help?"

"Yes, I am thinking of turning most of my force into a mounted one, it
would give us more mobility and hopefully less losses but I will need a lot
of horse to do that. Would you know how I would go about getting the many
mounts I will need?"

"If the Patron will give me a little time I will ask questions of all those
I know; if it can be done then I will do it, this I promise. The people of
Spain know of your reputation and I am sure they will help where they can
to rid themselves of the French."

"Thank you Senor Ortega, I will let you look to your duties and thank you
again for your honesty in saving what you could in the face of the French."

Rafael Ortega stood up and bowed before rejoining his family on their
horses. With another small bow from the saddle, Senor Ortega turned his
horse and went back the way he had come. The first part of Thomas's new
plan had been put into effect, all that remained now was to get completely
fit and healthy and return to Vimeiro to be with the men that waited there
for him.

The following week his new uniforms arrived and a few days later his new
coach also rolled into the yard of the Hacienda. The sight of his dress
uniform gave Thomas a sense of dread, there was so much gold braid on it
that he thought it may be too heavy for him to wear. Fortunately the tailor
had obeyed Thomas's orders for his day wear and he felt much better with
the little braid that had to be on it.

The dress uniform was a black tailed jacket with the waist cut short so his
sash could be seen around his waist, the front panels of the jacket were
heavily braided with gold braid which covered it from top to bottom and,
when the jacket was fastened it made the braid look as though it was a
continuous line right across the front. The sleeves were also covered in
gold braid around the lower cuffs and had patterned swirls that went almost
to the top of the sleeves. The collar was high and stiff and again had far
too much gold braid for Thomas's liking.

The trousers were also black and on the thighs was more swirling gold braid
and his new boots were almost knee high and had an added piece that covered
his knees at the front. Thomas could not see where he would be able to put
his boot knives and the toes and heels had no steel in them. The hat was
another bone of contention. It was in the shape of a sliced fruit and had
the cockade of red and gold on the right side and a long white feather set
in the brim; for Thomas it was just too much to take in and he hoped he did
not have to wear the strange looking uniform more than needed.

The coach was smaller than the one he had ridden in with Mister Percy but
could still carry four grown men with space at the rear for two guards to
stand. On the door was a crest that Thomas almost found silly at best. The
crest was in red and gold paint, at the top was the same symbol that was
part of his medallion as a Cavalier de Espana, below that was the head of a
bull painted in full detail and it was all surrounded by gold
laurels. Below the crest were the words "Honor a la Valentia y Verdad" Now
that Thomas was so fluent with Spanish it was second nature to translate
it. "Honour, Bravery and Truth" Thomas wondered who had thought up that one
for him.

Winter was making itself felt in the latter weeks of October when Thomas
felt he was ready to make the long trip back to Vimeiro but he would first
have to satisfy Mister Jervis; that alone could be a problem if he did not
handle it properly.

Jervis finally agreed that it was time Thomas returned to his waiting men
at Vimeiro but he made one stipulation that Thomas was entirely not happy
with. Thomas could only leave for Vimeiro if he rode in the coach and did
not try to march or ride with the others. It took some time arguing but as
usual Thomas lost to the more aggressive Jervis. The thought of having to
ride in the new coach made Thomas's mood a little darker and; while others
around the Hacienda went around with smiles, Thomas more often than not
wore a frown.

It was almost the last day of October when they were ready to leave. The
coach was pulled by a very dark brown, matched pair of horses. Philippe was
the young drivers name and he was about twenty years old and showed the
hard calloused hands of a farm worker; he was also one of Senor Ortega's
nephews. Before they could leave, Senor Ortega arrived with a large jet
black stallion on a lead; with a small bow to Thomas, he said.

"Patron, this is Santana, he is to be your war horse. He is courageous and
full of fire just like the Patron. When you go into battle against the
French he will keep you safe. Don Hermosa had him trained for one of his
sons but now neither of them are with us anymore; it is only fitting that
he should carry you against the French pigs."

Thomas looked up at the huge horse; it looked to be at least sixteen hands
and its wide chest was very muscular along with the solid looking
hindquarters. The horse's neck was a thick curving band of solid muscle and
the slightly smaller head was almost strange looking on such a heavily
built horse. The jet black mane was long as was the flowing tail and it
made the horse look a little wild and yet it stood steadily amongst the
many men.

Senor Ortega handed Thomas a few apples which would have been the last of
the season and said.

"Patron, if I may suggest that you feed these to him as you travel, by the
time you are back in your home at Vimeiro he will know you well. There is
no need for steel in his mouth; he is trained to obey your commands by foot
and knee. I have been told that Don Estaban Colosio is with you; ask him
and he will know what to do to help you learn Santana's ways."

"Thank you Senor Ortega, I will follow your suggestions. Have you had much
luck in the search for extra horses?"

"I have put the word out with all the families who are faithful to Spain;
when I have an answer I will send a rider to you. How many horses do you
think you may need Patron?"

"I am thinking that it will be at least a hundred Senor Ortega, if that is
possible?"

"It shall be as you ask Patron."

Thomas thanked the man once again and then looked around as the rest of his
men began to form up for the long trip to Vimeiro. There was need for an
extra wagon to carry all their needs; four of the large travelling trunks
and a number of strange hat boxes belonged to Thomas and he was not even
sure what was in them as Fairley had taken charge of all of it for him.

Thomas's new coach sat waiting as the others formed up around it. Lorenco
had taken his men out ahead almost an hour before; again they would play
vanguard for the column. On the coach sat Philippe along with young Fairley
beside him. At the rear on a narrow bench seat were two more of the guards
and one more waited to be seated inside the coach so he was close enough to
protect Thomas.

Carmelo had his men lined up along both sides of the coach and about ten
paces out to the side. Lieutenant Jones was to ride with Thomas in the
coach as would Jervis. With a resigned sigh as he looked up at Jervis
sitting with his back to the horses, he stepped up into the coach and took
his seat. Thomas would sit beside Jervis so that the guard could see any
possible threats ahead from his place facing forward just the same as the
two seated at the rear on the narrow jump seat.

As the coach finally pulled out of the Hacienda, Thomas saw what must have
been every man, woman and child at the Hacienda was lined up along the road
to wish him luck. As the coach passed the people would all bow and then
call out words of good luck for their new Patron; Thomas almost felt guilty
leaving in the way he was. After his latest near death experience he only
hoped he would live to be able to return to this new home he had been
given.

It was mid-morning on the fourth day when they finally came in sight of the
town of Vimeiro. Thomas called a halt and stepped down from the coach as
the escort surrounded him in a protective screen. During their travel they
had tried as best they could to avoid any large towns or encampments
stopping only in smaller villages or on open ground when the need arose.

Night camp was always made somewhere where there were no prying eyes and
usually in some small canyon or gully for protection. With Vimeiro finally
in sight, Thomas wanted to march in like they had always done and Jervis
was not going to get any say in the matter. The wagon and coach were
situated to the rear of the column and Carmelo took his place at Thomas's
side as the others all formed up into ranks behind them. Thomas's one
regret was he had no drummers with him but he still wanted to enter the
village in a manner to show respect for the people that had made a home
away from home for him.

Lorenco pulled his sharpshooters back so they were only yards ahead of the
column and waited for Thomas to give the order to march. It was only
moments before Thomas was to give the order that his eye caught movement up
by the village; when he saw what was happening his jaw dropped open and
tears filled his eyes.

The road leading into the village was being quickly filled with what must
have been every person in the village; what happened next just caused more
tears to fall as Estaban led his mounted muskets out to either side of the
road and formed up in ranks. Next came the masses of infantry and gunners
that quickly formed in front of the riders and the final place of honour at
the front was given over to Thomas's original drummers.

The drummers lined up in two ranks about five paces ahead of everyone
else. When Thomas heard the long drum roll that was the prelude to the
Della Guerra he had to gulp and call the order to march. Thomas and his
small column began to advance to Vimeiro just as the full force of the
Della Guerra filled the valley with its sound. As they marched forward,
Thomas saw that the Colour Guard had formed up in the middle of the road
with the three flags fluttering lightly in the soft breeze; it did not go
unnoticed that the English Union Jack was missing.

As they marched towards the village that they called home and the many
friends they had missed for so long, Thomas could not stop the tears that
fell on his cheeks. He would never have thought he was such a person as to
shed tears just for a home coming or that he had missed all his friends so
much.

It was a good ten minutes before they came close to the massed ranks and
Thomas was sure his tears could be seen by everyone there. When the small
column was only twenty yards away, Thomas heard the voice of Estaban call
out above the sound of the drums.

"The army will salute."

Thomas watched as everyman except the drummers, aimed their muskets into
the air and; at the command from Estaban fired a massed volley that
resounded all through the valley. From the villagers there were great
cheers and calls of praise for the return of their Patron; that he had
survived death at the hands of the hated French was for them the only proof
they needed that the Patron El Toro was under the protection of the hand of
God.

Arriving before the Colour Guard, Thomas halted and looked at the new
commander Lieutenant Carterton as he stood at attention and gave the
salute. Thomas still could not stop the trickle of tears both at the return
to his many friends as well as finally arriving at his second home.

"Sir, do you wish to lead the Colours into Vimeiro?" Lieutenant Carterton
asked Thomas.

"Thank you Lieutenant but I wish for you and the Colours to lead the way.
The guard will take station at the fountain and render the salute to the
people of Vimeiro."

"Yes Sir. The Colour Guard will advance; about turn, quick march."

Thomas and his friends took a place behind the Colours as they were lead
into the small town of Vimeiro. The drums and the applause never stopped
for a second as their returning Commander marched with a small limp to the
centre of the town with the rest of the army following shortly afterwards.

TBC.