The Reaper's Kiss
Page 8
“Are you in pain?” Tallow asked.
“Just a little discomfort,” William lied.
“To be honest, I was surprised that you managed to walk again.”
“You know about my wound?” William could not understand how Tallow had seen his injury.
“I was the man who found you in that cesspit of a hospital. Obadiah and I scoured most of Kandahar. I had never seen the old man look so concerned or so happy when finally, we came across your battered body. I was sure you would die from your injuries, but Obadiah did not doubt for a moment that you would live.”
“He always had too much confidence in my abilities.”
“Oh – I don’t know. It seems to me that Obadiah knew far more about us - than we know about ourselves.”
William nodded. “Tallow, it is a bit late, but you have my gratitude for finding me in Kandahar and…” He paused feeling a little awkward, “for telling me how you came to be working for my father. I know it can be difficult coming to terms with our past. Can I ask why you chose to tell me?”
Tallow did not reply for a moment, pausing for what seemed an eternity. “I wondered what kind of man you were. Sir Simeon Harkness is a man known throughout the empire. To his enemies, he is a bastard, but you will rarely hear any in his employ speak ill of his name. Your father showed me far more forgiveness than I deserved. I was wondering if the son was built from the same solid timber as his father.”
William chuckled. “I hold you no ill will for your past, but you, it seems, hold your own flesh to the fire as punishment. However, I will only disappoint if you compare me to the great Sir Simeon Harkness. My father stands above the empire as Colossus stood astride Rhodes. I have neither the strength of spine or patience for the matter. I try to be a good man but have failed too frequently. I endeavour to be a man of peace but have used my fists more times than I can remember. No, I am not like my father.”
It was Tallow’s turn to smile. “Good – one Colossus is easy to admire. Two could make a man feel inadequate.”
***
As more of the day’s early light began to grow in strength, the men under William’s command began to filter downstairs. William noticed that Gossup, who had gone through a change in recent months, had reverted to his old clothing. The fine tailoring that William had almost grown used to seeing draped over Gossup’s natural scruffiness had apparently been deemed unsuitable for the upcoming task. Gossup, like the other men, were in good spirits with the exception of Faraday. William noticed that the Inspector was not his usual bullish self. Faraday knew this part of the world and William would have expected him to be leading the way, but the man seemed almost uninterested, as though his mind was elsewhere. As a former officer in the army, William knew that he could not afford to carry any passengers but Faraday’s knowledge of the area made him indispensable and so, there was no option to leave the man behind. William would have usually have pulled the man aside but there was no time, and he would have to trust Faraday to snap out of his melancholy.
Their horses were saddled and a small amount of supplies collected from the inn. They would need to travel light if they were to reach their target and still have enough of the daylight remaining to scout and then launch a raid. They maintained an efficient pace. The horses were rested at regular intervals and the men took those opportunities to take nourishment or merely make an attempt to stretch their lower limbs. The call to re-mount always came too early and was met with a grumble of discontent.
As the hours passed the smell of coastal waters began to invade William’s nostrils. William was reminded of his time aboard various vessels that journeyed to far off lands.
“Faraday, are we getting close?” William asked.
“We need to leave the main track. If we go cross country in that direction,” he pointed across William’s shoulder, “it should hide our approach and give us the opportunity to scout undetected,” Faraday replied in a business-like, rather than enthusiastic, tone.
William was not oblivious to the man’s unusual demeanour but decided that more pressing matters should take precedence over Faraday’s mood. “Very well – take the lead.”
***
Within the hour Faraday raised his hand to bring the group of riders to a halt. Without uttering a word, he dismounted and tied his horse to a nearby tree. William watched as the still silent Faraday began to scramble up the face of a small incline in the terrain. William dismounted and nodded that his men do the same. Moments later, the group as one were following Faraday’s example in climbing the sharp incline, and as he done before, lay down as he reached the summit.
“What have we, Faraday?” William asked.
“Down there.” Faraday pointed to a small stone tower. The small building would not have looked out of place in some medieval fortification and bore no resemblance to buildings in the surrounding area. “I have a history in this area. My duties in the guise of a criminal enabled me to visit this part of the coast many times. Our investigation had many successes, but we never managed to break the criminality that flourished in that den of vice.”
“It doesn’t look too difficult to overcome,” William replied.
“You think so? I am no military man, but I have had some fine men under my command but we never got close. That tower has a twin. Look to the west, and you will see another tower, and as the one to our front, there is only one track capable of carrying a substantial force. Both towers can observe each other and the tracks that lead to them. Within the tower are two men and they are relieved of their duties every four hours. If you do manage to take the towers, then it is unlikely that they will not have time to raise the alarm. The tracks that lead toward the coast also lead to the warehouse of Bartholomew Chides.”
“I thought that was in Polperro?” Jack asked.
“The legal part of the operation is in Polperro, but Chides and his real trade is down there, past those towers. Along with that section of coast is a maze of tunnels. The moment an alarm is raised the people and most of the cargo will disappear. Some will go out into the Channel, and some will be withdrawn into the tunnels.”
“So, what do you suggest?” William asked.
“Our approach must be silent and we must enter the tunnels from both ends at the same time. The majority of Chides’ business is at this end. So, it would be wise that the majority of our number approach down this track as two or three men make their way to the far tower. We will need to time our approach and take out the towers at the same time.”
“Devil’s arse! That will be difficult, but I suppose we have little choice.” William paused as he went through the plan in his mind. “Very well – Gossup, you will lead the group at this end as Faraday, and I take out the far tower. You must secure Chides and any documentation. We are not here to break up a smuggling ring. Faraday and I will work our way through the tunnels, in case Chides attempts to take that escape route.”
“I do not like it, William. Chides could head out to sea – do we even know what he looks like?” Gossup was shaking his head as he spoke.
“I admit I have never seen the man but if the rumours are to be believed he is a big Irish brute with hair and a beard the colour of hell’s fire,” Faraday replied.
“It is not a perfect situation Gossup, but we have faced worse. It looks like we will have an uncomfortable night. We need to watch the guards and the timing of their change. I suggest that we raise a fire – we are far enough from the towers to avoid suspicion. We will ensure we are in a position to take advantage of the first guard change in the morning. Gossup do you think you could get us some fresh meat.”
“Aye – that I can, William,” Gossup replied and retreated from their position.
***
“Is it safe?” William asked as Faraday placed more wood on the fire and the darkness of the night began to take hold.
“Oh, they will be used to seeing flames in the distance, but they wouldn’t dare travel these hills in the night. Besides, when the br
eeze leaves the channel and races through these gullies – you will appreciate the fire.”
William showed he understood by bending to grasp a fallen branch and was about to place it in the fire when he suddenly stopped and looked directly at Faraday. “Why wouldn’t they dare to venture into the hills.”
“Too many spectres.”
William was about to laugh when he noticed that Faraday’s face showed no signs of a smile. “Seriously?”
For the first time, Faraday looked energised within the group. “Some say that smugglers told tales to keep prying eyes from the coast. Others - well they claim the tales are true.”
“What tales?” A concerned looking Jack asked.
“When I was working for the smuggling gangs, I heard many tales and saw the fear on the faces of men that would think nothing of spitting in the eye of the devil. One of those tales originates from this very spot. It took more tin than ever to bribe a guide to lead me to this point. We are standing on the final resting place of Captain Rodriguez.”
“Rodriguez?” William was confused as to why a Spaniard would be spoken about on the English coast. Unless he thought the tale went back to the days of the Spanish Armada.
“Yes, Rodriguez – when Napoleon was trying to invade these shores he came up with a plan. As his forces amassed across the channel, he would have his navy create havoc along the coast. The problem was that the Emperor needed all his ships of the line to contend with our navy. He needed to recruit, and he turned to some the most feared captains that sailed the seas. Napoleon employed mercenaries, and on the sea, that means little more than pirates. A terrible lot – Captain Rodriguez however, stood out even in that crowd. Rodriguez had enjoyed tormenting the trading routes around the Caribbean. He and his brother’s reputation grew and commanded a small flotilla at their height of power. They were finally tracked down near Port Royal. In the ensuing battle saw all but one of their ships sunk and Rodriguez’s brother captured and immediately hung from his own mast. Rodriguez managed to slip away from the battle in his one remaining ship, the Sparrow. They say his men had to hold him captive so that he didn’t dive into the water and swim towards the British fleet. He had no love for the British before the battle, but the loss of his brother caused a pure hatred to manifest in his heart. Rodriguez made his base in France and with his trusted crew, and the Sparrow he began to wreak havoc amongst the trading, and fishing fleets of Britain. Sometimes he would purposely leave a solitary survivor to carry his name back to the coastal villages. It was not long before Captain Rodriguez was spoken about as the devil at sea. The Spaniard was enjoying his reputation, but it would be Napoleon that would deal the man a blow. The French turd had decided that the invasion of Britain was unlikely, and he could no longer use valuable resources in the hope of setting his foot on the English coastline.
Rodriguez was enraged and rather than take his spoils and leaving the Channel, he sought to inflict more misery on the British. Within a week of being dismissed by the French, Rodriguez was looking through an eyeglass. He spied the village that lays just a few miles from this very spot. Polperro was no more than a small but busy fishing settlement, but Rodriguez only had eighty men aboard the Sparrow. Attacking a major town that would have a garrison in place, was an impossibility.
Captain Rodriguez was a confident man with an unrealistic belief in his abilities. On the seas of the world, he was a formidable opponent, but this attack would take place on land. The attack faltered almost as soon as it had begun. The sailors under his command were not trained in stealth, and a young farmhand observed their movements. Unfortunately, for Rodriguez, he was unaware that three companies of the 52nd Regiment of Foot were camped near Polperro in preparation to be sent as replacements for those fallen in battle. The farmhand raced to sound the alarm. Rodriguez and his men were rampaging through the village and were unaware of the British redcoats until the bayonets began to pierce their flesh. Rodriguez ordered his men to fall back to the boats. The sailors were falling beneath the redcoat onslaught aided by the fury-filled villagers that had seen their loved ones killed. Their predicament was only going to worsen. Captain Travers, who commanded the 52nd, had sent one of his companies to seek out the boats before engaging the sailors within the village. As Rodriguez reached the row boats, he saw redcoats barring his way. The guards he had set to watch the boats, were on their knees with their hands tied. Rodriguez looked to the hills to the west of Polperro. His men only had one advantage – that was three prisoners. Their captives were young women and now they would also be a shield against redcoat musket fire.
Rodriguez gave the order to move toward the hills. Redcoat and villagers with murderous intent in their eyes close on their heels. Now and then a musket would belch its dangerous missile and a sailor that had moved too far away from the captives would cry out in pain. His comrades would not stop – the wounded would either be dispatched by bayonet, cleaver or be dragged away by the villagers. The attempt to escape would last for over an hour. Speed was impossible, and so evasion was impossible. Rodriguez and his men came to a stop beneath the very tree that Jack rests his back. Some redcoats had raced around Rodriguez, and it was at this location that they blocked any further progress by the pursued. Captain Travers called out for Rodriguez to surrender and promised him a fair trial. The Spaniard however, knew that it would be likely that he and his men would be hung from the nearest tree. He pulled a dagger from his waist and placed it against the delicate, white flesh of the youngest captive. Travers held a hand, and begged Rodriguez not to use the weapon, but the Spanish captain gave an evil grin and pulled the blade across the girl’s exposed flesh. The other captives endured a similar fate at the hands of the sailors. For a moment, the world stopped as soldier and villagers stared aghast at the bodies in the dirt. Travers however, had fixed Rodriguez with a murderous stare. Then as the rage built, he called out to his men to fix bayonets. Rodriguez hurled curses, but Travers simply gave the command to kill them all. Soldier and villager streamed forward with one purpose, and that was to tear Rodriguez and his men apart. The sailors could do nothing when faced with such odds. They fell to a torrent of blows that ripped at their flesh. Rodriguez was the last to die, and his curses sounded through the hills as blade after blade pierced his body.”
“So, Rodriguez haunts these hills?” William asked as he struggled to keep the smirk from his face.
“You find it humorous, William. Well, perhaps you are correct. Perhaps it is just a myth or the rantings of drunken fishermen, but more than one strange death has taken place in these hills.”
“I meant no offence, Faraday. I just think we have enough evil in this land without adding spectres from the past.”
“I cannot argue with you there.” Faraday tipped the last of his tea onto the ground. “We had best get some rest. We have an early start in the morning and still some distance to travel.”
William nodded his agreement and then settled down for the night. He couldn’t help smiling as he saw Jack move from the tree and find another place to lay his head.
Chapter 10
William felt a hand on his shoulder. Inwardly, he swore at having his sleep interrupted.
“It’s time,” the familiar voice of Gossup sounded.
William forced his eyes to open and stretched out his legs in an attempt to get the blood flowing. It had not been a good night. The hard ground and cold breeze provided only discomfort, but they were conditions a former soldier like William had learned to accept. The images that had invaded his sleep were more disturbing. Spectral figures of the Ripper’s victims had swum into his mind, invading his dreams. As their sorrowful filled eyes beseeched him for justice, the maniacal laugh of a crazed Spanish captain rang in his ears. He forced himself to smile as Gossup pushed a hot beverage into his hand.
“Thank you, Goss. How is it looking down there?”
“All quiet as far as we can tell. The sentry changes appeared to take place as Faraday said they would. We have no more than th
ree hours before the first change of the day.”
“That should give us enough time,” William replied.
“Yes.”
William could not miss Gossup’s abrupt reply and less than enthusiastic demeanour. “Out with it Goss, we have known each other too bloody long to play games.”
“Don’t you think it strange?” Gossup replied in a low whisper. “Faraday hasn’t set foot down here in years and yet he knows the guard movements to perfection.”
“Would successful criminal gang change its ways, if it had never had to face the peelers? You might be over thinking it old friend.”
“Perhaps? But it’s Faraday’s attitude to the entire mission. He has been as solemn as vicar’s wife.”
William couldn’t deny that Faraday had not been his usual larger than life character. He looked like a man with the weight of the world on his shoulders. “I will speak to him.”
“At least take another man,” Gossup replied.
“Goss, the man has saved all our lives. I doubt he poses us any danger. If he wanted us dead, then that could have been achieved months ago without travelling to this godforsaken place. Where is he anyway?”
“Sitting just over the ridge.”
“Then it is time we made a move,” and seeing the concern on his friend’s face he added, “I will be careful.”
***
William and Faraday began to pick their way toward the second guard tower. The light was poor and the terrain difficult to traverse. Gorse bushes plucked at clothing and exposed flesh. The uneven ground may have provided cover from prying eyes, but it also created the opportunity for lost footing or even a twisted ankle. Despite the perils both men kept up a constant, if not a rapid pace and made good progress. William decided that the time had arrived to talk to his companion. He was about to speak when Faraday slipped down a small bank and ended up flat on his back. William offered him a helping hand and at the same time pulled a flask from his jacket.