The Watchman's Grace

by Craig Johnson

  Niall rose from his chair and gave Brendan a firm handshake. Looking to the rest of his companions, he gave a farewell salutation.

  “We shall find victory in this matter when we overcome the challenges in our minds. Fare well my brothers, and fare well Free Eire Homeland!” Without further hesitation, Niall left on his new assignment.

  Immediately Brendan took charge of the situation. His face remained expressionless while locked in serious thought. He sat in Niall’s vacant seat before casting a thoughtful look around at all his men.

  Reaching into his jacket pocket, he took out a crude pencil and a blank piece of creased paper. Spreading the sheet in front of him, Brendan began to draw a simple map.

  “Do you all know the main road to Sligo from Castlebar?” Brendan proceeded to tap a particular location on his map with the pencil. I want four men on either side of that road. According to our intelligence, there are two officers, one sergeant and their superior, Major Stanley Thurston. Our first issue will be if Thurston bolsters his numbers with additional escort. One would have to believe he will do so.”

  Cathal spoke next with a question. “If their numbers are superior we will have a fight on our hands. If that’s the case, how do you want this all to unfold?”

  “I don’t want any harm to Peter Harvey! Usually a superior takes the lead, but knowing Thurston will not want his prize out of sight, he will be riding rear. That means his seargent will be out front. When their whole party has ridden past our cover, I will come out from behind them and apprehend Major Thurston.

  “No one else will break cover, though keep your guns trained on as many remaining officers as possible. If you hear me call out the words “for liberty”, open fire. Obviously, Peter Harvey and I would be most at risk if their numbers are greater than ours. This is the best chance we have.

  “Brothers, we have shared a common dream throughout our campaign. However, this is very special. Peter Harvey will be used as an example to scare many people into submission if he is executed.

  “There will be countless more widows like Grainne O’Reilly if they are not challenged on their indiscriminate campaign of terror. Make no mistake; we cannot fail in his rescue. Too much lay in the balance for that to happen.”

  Darragh finally addressed the group. “Brendan, we will not allow failure to happen. When should we get into position?”

  “Good point Darragh. I figure Thurston will be anxious to get Peter back to Dublin. So they will leave at first light from Castlebar.

  “Everyone, prepare to move out. I’d rather be too early and lay in wait than miss them altogether. Gerard, do you remember where we stored the guns Rory brought from Cavan?”

  “Yes I do Brendan. Let me take Cathal and we will bring them inside.”

  “Good show Gerard. Everyone clean and check your weapons before moving out. I trust your supply packs are ready to go. In thirty minutes I want us all to be saddled and riding out. Any questions men?”

  Silence greeted Brendan’s query. He proceeded to conclude the meeting.

  “We all know the plan, now let’s save Peter Harvey!” Within seconds these members of Free Eire Homeland made ready to save a key ally in their struggle for self-government.

  Chapter Twenty

  DREAM TRANCE

  In an instant the course of destiny can change forever

  Morning broke quickly over Newton House in Castlebar, alerting everyone to the golden promise of another day. Though for Major Stanley Thurston, he was too impatient to await its eternal notice. In fact, all his men were ready for travel in the foyer of Cunningham’s residence as a sneaking sun crept over early horizon.

  “William, I thank you sincerely for everything you have accomplished,” spoke a grateful Thurston. “Once we set foot in Dublin I will send word of our safe arrival. I am sure it will be the first of many pleasant exchanges.”

  Cunningham basked fully in the warm praise. Yet always the prudent businessman, he still wanted to ensure the safety of his precious cargo.

  “Stanley, we shall both benefit handsomely from our mutual efforts. Of that I am most assured. I was wondering if perhaps you could use my men to complement your contingent back to Sligo. I can readily spare them for the day if need be.”

  Thurston quickly thought over the idea before dismissing it. Slowly, he began questioning the motives behind Cunningham’s continued generosity. Fearing some unknown twist, Thurston decided it safer to keep the matter amongst his trusted men.

  “That is very thoughtful of you William, though we are more than capable of handling this matter. There are four men in custody of one unarmed fugitive. I would say everything is well in hand.”

  Cunningham did not pursue this issue further, knowing the major had as much to lose as himself if all reasonable precautions were not taken. “You are correct Stanley. Is there anything more I can provide for your journey?”

  “These biscuits, fresh fruit and water will be plenty. At good pace we shall arrive back in Sligo for early afternoon. Then a relaxing train ride to Dublin will be comfort enough.”

  Cunningham offered his hand for a farewell greeting. “Take good care my old friend. I wish you and your officers to have the wind at your back and safe traveling ahead.”

  “Be well William Cunningham. It will not be so long again before our next encounter.” Thurston shook Cunningham’s hand firmly before signaling the officers to move out with their sullen captive.

  Cunningham watched the contingent slowly fade from sight. From all reasonable indications he would soon prosper from his daring achievement. As he retreated into Newton House, he prepared to receive Seamus Flaherty for discharging all outstanding debts he had owed.

  Meanwhile, Thurston’s men compensated for their lack of rest with abundant enthusiasm. Though as they traveled forwards in relative quiet on fresh horses, each man entertained differing ideas on what lay ahead.

  Major Thurston’s mind was focused on delivering Peter Harvey without incident. He expected to encounter some resistance soon after arriving in Dublin, since Aidan Malloy and their Common Man Movement would have heard of Samuel McGee’s untimely demise. Due to the great reach of Malloy’s intelligence, it would not take long before he connected the event back to his Security Force.

  Therefore, Thurston began to formulate a strategy for safe conduct once in Dublin. He realized there would be a short period before Harvey’s trial and verdict. In his mind, he viewed that time as their most vulnerable to hostile retaliation. In the face of powerful opposition, it was imperative to leave nothing to chance.

  Officer Murray took in this peaceful trek by admiring the subtle beauty of surrounding countryside. He marveled at how the previous morning all seemed so desperately lost. Now they would return to Dublin victorious, with certain merit in the offing. He expected to gain full recompense for the strenuous effort expended.

  Sergeant Wilson felt comfortable enough with their accomplishment but held one grave concern. That encounter at Tommy O’Reilly’s laid bare the savage within their superior officer. He also noted the calculating murders Major Thurston plotted to gain this final advantage. As a result, Wilson wondered how long he would benefit from good fortune before Thurston seen an opportunity in his demise.

  Officer Patterson was glad to be nearing the end of this whole affair. From the beginning, he had been cunningly misled by Major Thurston as to the true nature of their operation. His superior officer had purposely used Patterson’s keen sense of loyalty to weave him into this crafty endeavor. Patterson would now pursue employment in the Security Force outside of Thurston’s domain, if such an opportunity presented itself.

  Major Thurston was very pleased at their fast pace of travel. After less than three hours into the journey, he could already see over open land ahead to a wide stream of water.

  “Gentlemen, I am pleased to say we are approaching the half way mark
in our return to Sligo,” he announced. “Up ahead is Tennant’s Creek if I’m not mistaken.”

  All spirits were lifted on hearing this news, including Officer Patterson. Then, while taking time to admire the changing landscape before them, he suddenly spotted a quick flash of movement in the stand of trees ahead to their right.

  “Major Thurston, I think there’s something in those trees! I just spotted movement in the grove to our right. I know it’s a little way off but we should exercise caution.”

  Thurston immediately strained his neck in the direction Patterson indicated. Soon two large crows shrieked loudly, flying off in tandem from those same trees. Thurston was becoming increasingly annoyed with Patterson’s attitude.

  “Officer Patterson, have you now turned superstitious on us as well? In the future you would be well advised to use discretion before digression.”

  Patterson truly felt there was more to what he had seen. However, since they observed nothing further he conceded to Thurston’s summation.

  “Point taken Major Thurston,” he replied solemnly.

  Without further incidents subtle confidence returned to the party. Ten minutes later Sergeant Wilson was first to cross the wooden bridge over Tennant’s Creek. In prompt succession Officers Murray and Patterson gained the structure, with Peter Harvey restrained on a horse between them. Finally, Major Stanley Thurston came across to join them on the opposite bank.

  Sergeant Wilson became lost in thought once again. Riding up a gentle rise, Wilson reflected on changes he would make in his personal affairs once this arduous matter concluded. While coming down the other side of the crest, he became annoyed at what lay directly ahead. Bringing his steed to a halt, he turned around to the trailing officers.

  “Major Thurston, there appears to be an obstruction,” called back Sergeant Wilson. “We have a number of large branches and old trunks strewn about the width of road ahead. I’ll require some help to move it all.”

  “Very well Wilson. Officers Murray and Patterson will dismount and come to your assistance,” Thurston ordered. “I shall keep watch over the fugitive.”

  The two men came off their horses and strode towards the strewn mass of debris. Major Thurston was left alone on his mount to guard Peter Harvey on the other side of this gentle rise. While at ease only seconds, Major Thurston was startled to hear a strange man’s voice coming from behind him.

  “Well, good day to you Major Thurston. My name is Brendan. Welcome to Tennant’s Creek! Listen carefully and don’t try any sudden movements. Just nod your head slowly if you understand me.”

  A stunned Thurston complied with Brendan’s instruction.

  “Now then officer, let me tell you about your current situation. There are a number of guns trained on each of your men right now, including you. If I go down, not one officer from the Security Force will be left standing. Do I make myself clear?”

  Major Thurston did not have to rely on his broad portfolio of combat experience to realize they were ensnared in a classic ambush. All escape routes were closed, and he was currently at the mercy of his capturers. In his view, it was a small wonder they were still left on this side of the living.

  “I understand our situation fully,” replied a cool Major Thurston. “Do you know the consequences of forceful action against legitimate agents of our Crown? There is still time for your men to surrender into my custody. If you do so we will only take you to the nearest jail for pending prosecution. Otherwise, our main party will catch up, and they are a less generous lot indeed!”

  Brendan chuckled to himself before preparing to address the major. “Well now, I sense the desperation of your position. Like you, I had to make assumptions of my own before taking a course of action.

  “I am truly surprised there are not more men in your unit today, considering the value of your prisoner. Which leads me to believe you refused any further offers of assistance. Not a prudent move at all, unless this whole mission you are running in secrecy is, shall we say, a borderline official operation? Therefore, I highly doubt more men are coming. If so I am prepared to take that chance.

  “Well now, I’ve had enough of your delay tactics! Dismount slowly with your hands held high once you are off the horse. Again, no sudden movements major.”

  Major Thurston quickly assessed available options. His rifle was in plain view on the saddle, too far to reach. His sidearm could not be drawn fast enough to wheel about, locate and shoot his attacker. Reluctantly he followed Brendan’s instructions.

  “Put your hands behind your back,” Brendan barked out. Upon doing so, Thurston’s hands were securely bound and his legs the same. Then the major’s sidearm and rifle were quickly secured.

  “You’ve done well so far. Next, tell your men they are surrounded and order them to lay down their arms immediately! I’ve no patience to be crossed, so any nonsense and they will be shot down. Do it now!”

  “Sergeant Wilson, Officers Murray and Patterson, lay down all your arms immediately!” shouted Major Thurston. “We are surrounded by hostile forces, with a gun trained on my head. Sergeant Wilson, call out when my order has been met.”

  The trio stood in absolute horror at such an instant change of events. They could not see anything, yet were in no position to counter a direct order, especially with their major just out of sight.

  “Murray, Patterson, do as he says,” ordered a tense Wilson. Soon all their arms lay on the ground.

  “Major Thurston, we are all unarmed!” shouted back Sergeant Wilson.

  Brendan then broke his silence by shouting commands. “Gerard, Cathal, Darragh, come out at once while training a gun on each of those officers! Walk them over the rise to where I am standing with their superior. If they try anything, shoot to kill.

  “The rest of you stay in cover watching for any more approaching men. If you see them, one of you breaks cover and tells me that instant!”

  O’Bannon walked closer to the major with a slight scowl curling his face. “I’m still not finished with your lot. We know perfectly well if this shoe was on the other foot all my men would already have been rounded up for execution. Believe me, the same savage within me screams to do likewise!

  “But unlike your deceptions of feigning justice while incorporating wanton murder, Free Eire Homeland values the dignity of our cause much higher. The hard lesson for you to learn is that while your lion swipes viciously, our stag shall one day leap from its reach, finding its own soft ground to flourish upon!”

  Major Thurston sized up Brendan with a very hard look. It had never been his fashion to be found at such a shameful disadvantage. Yet he knew his options were none at this juncture.

  “I will not forget your face and what happened here today,” he hissed. “You and your party will not find a safe haven on this whole Island once we return to Dublin! Never forget how far our reach truly is.”

  “I do hope you never forget our faces, though one would think it hard considering the many forgotten after you murdered them. Here are your men. Instruct one of them to release Peter Harvey this instant!”

  “Officer Patterson, set the fugitive free,” grumbled Thurston in his foul mood.

  Patterson walked towards the horse upon which Peter Harvey rode in prison chains. He promptly removed the encumbrances, setting Peter’s hands and feet free. Meanwhile, Peter could scarcely believe all which had unfolded before his eyes. Never again would he doubt in the occurrence of miracles.

  While Patterson was releasing Peter, Brendan continued with his verbal jabbing. “Oh yes, there will be one less of you returning to Dublin. I’ve determined they will act as our insurance from a duplicitous fiend like you. Always remember this; if any harm comes to Peter Harvey in the future they will be the first life sacrificed, though surely not the last!

  “So choose your actions carefully, as their life will be solely on your hands. Like you, I have the means to
root you out for further retribution if Peter ever comes to harm on this Island. Now go ahead and pick which one will stay.”

  Patterson interjected at this point. “Prisoner has been released Major Thurston.”

  Major Stanley Thurston felt extremely angry at his sudden loss of control in the whole matter. All of his aspirations were dashed, and Dublin would be the exact opposite of a welcoming arrival. Once again he feared for his personal interests.

  Losing control of Peter Harvey, it was their unit which would now face grave consequences. However, in his avenging mindset, he could still wield punishment even at this hideous juncture. In spite, he used Brendan’s command to vent his growing frustration with one particular officer.

  “Very well Patterson. I have one more order for you. Stay with these men until I can gather further assistance to secure your return. Understand?”

  Patterson wore the hollowed look of a man condemned. Without voicing any protestations, he walked towards Brendan and stood near his left side. When Patterson looked back at his commanding officer, there was no empathy shown for the arbitrary sentence he passed on his life.

  “You’ve made all the right decisions so far major,” Brendan spoke as he flashed a smug grin. “It would have been your death to disobey me. I have as much contempt for your kind as you do mine. Although we both know whose cause is truly correct, and why such a courageous man was the object of your aggressive manhunt!

  “Now take your two men and get out of my sight! You shall leave your horses behind and walk on foot. Don’t ever forget the mercy I have shown today, for it will be the last time! Again I say if Peter Harvey comes to harm, death will visit your man soon thereafter.”

  “Sergeant Wilson, Officer Murray, could one of you untie me? Then we shall leave this cursed place!” Thurston yelled out.

  Once he was set free, Major Thurston did not offer another glance in Brendan’s direction. “Okay men, let’s move out from here. We shall head forward to Sligo and regroup.” Major Thurston led his two remaining officers at a steady pace towards their next destination.