by Michael Aye
"It's good to see you al in one piece," Lord Anthony spoke trying to lighten the situation, then turning to Earl asked, "Do you need the surgeon?"
"No, my Lord, Caleb has done a good job. He relates I'll be stiff for awhile but should mend completely," he grimaced.
"Be seated while Silas provides a glass of wine. I think we could al do with a glass after what has transpired over the last few days," said Lord Anthony.
"I'm sorry it took such a sacrifice but we can't afford to lose Nova Scotia, if we do I fear the war is lost before it begins. I know it's hard to see the worth when we lose such good men as Mr. Boyd, Mr. Blake and others. I hear its touch and go for Hazard. we'll hope and pray for the best.
"From your reports," Lord Anthony continued,
"One gunboat was sunk, three schooners sunk, one schooner turned her heels after a battering engagement.
A frigate and a brig were taken prize. Both appear to be seaworthy. I think their Lordships at the Admiralty will consider it a bargain, especial y when we lost no ships even though you say Le Frelon is in a bad way." Thinking aloud, Gabe spoke, "But what about the men? Not just ours but theirs. I will not soon forget the cries from the men in the water as I passed them." Lord Anthony took a breath, then gave a sigh,
"What would have happened to Earl and his men had you not?" he answered.
A silence engulfed the men as Silas served the wine, each thinking of those lost in battle. When Silas finished and drew back Earl asked, "We saw Drakkar anchored, my Lord, what happened at Sable Island?"
"Not much actual y. Two privateers made a feint but seeing Drakkar and the gunboat before them, turned heels and sailed away without so much as firing a shot."
"Prudent, I would say," Markham responded.
"I guess the Willing Maid was not so willing," Lord Anthony joked.
"What was that?" Gabe asked. "What was the name of the ship?"
"It was the Willing Maid. Do you know of her?"
"Aye, my Lord, she is commanded by Malachi Mundy, a seemingly capable man. It was to him and Jack Cunningham's Norfolk Gold that we transferred the women captives we released from Montique's jail."
"Oh yes, I remember now," Lord Anthony replied.
"Well maybe prudent is a good description." Suddenly, there was a knock on the door and the marine sentry announced, "Flag captain, suh." As Moffett entered the cabin he announced,
"Dispatch ship making its way to anchor, my Lord."
"Very well, gentlemen, lets go about setting your ships to rights. Unless this dispatch ship brings word to change things I'd enjoy the company of each of you for dinner tonight. As I recall two of you have just had a birthday which will add to the cause for celebration."
***
After the lieutenant from the dispatch vessel had left Bart brought a cup of Silas' special coffee to his Lordship.
"Something to warm ’yew's bones on a frigid night, sir."
"Aye, thank you, Bart. It's most welcome and not a moment to soon."
Seeing the papers on the admiral's desk before him, Bart asked, "New orders?"
"Aye, Bart, Lord Howe is of the opinion Nova Scotia is no longer an objective of the Colonials.
They've failed to secure Quebec by the army and they've now failed Nova Scotia by sea. Even though, he doesn't know of the failed invasion as of yet. His Lordship feels our forces are needed south. As soon as convenient we are to sail south to Philadelphia were his lordship's words. There I'm to report to Admiral Graves for further orders."
"Well, ’I's don't mind going south," Bart volunteered, "But I wishes it'd be a bit further south.
It's still cold in ’Fillydelfia ’hein't it?"
"Aye, Bart, that it is and with December coming on I fear we will be iced in some cold harbour for months with nothing to do but try to keep from freezing."
"Well, could be you ’mighten talk Admiral Graves
’inta sending ’us's to Florida to keep an eye on them dago's. We knows they's helping the privateers."
"Well, Bart, I'll pass your concerns on to the admiral and see how he responds."
"He'd respond in the right way iffen he ’ad a brain," Bart replied.
"Bart!"
"Aye, I know's I'm talking ’bout a King's officer." Then Bart was out the door.
"Damme," Lord Anthony exclaimed, "Will I ever get the last word in?"
A smiling Silas sat in the pantry and said to himself,
"I doubt it."
Acknowledgments
I would like to thank that one special lady who doesn’t want her name mentioned, but without her help there wouldn’t have been a manuscript. She edits, critiques, and doesn’t let me get by with mediocrity.
I want to thank you, the reader, not only for buying The Reaper but also for demanding Book Two. I will try to not disappoint you.
A special thanks to Carrie Skalla for her artwork.
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