The Aigle is trapped between the two Spanish galleons, the Sagrio and the Rosario, his men fighting outnumbered, the ship overwhelmed, boarded from two sides. He moves too fast for thought … seeing and not seeing, relentless, maiming, killing, an animal fighting for survival, mindless, instinctive, blocking… fist smashing, sword thrusting stabbing, dagger slashing… the … Continue reading Chapter Forty-Nine, Of Eagles, Pigeons, Nightingales and Roses, by Corso
Chapter Twenty Seven-Secret Sins, by Mordaunt
He is accosted by children the moment he walks inside, even before the footman closes the door. Rowdy children, breathlessly speaking over each, and dancing around him with excitement. “Raoul you are here too!” “ It was snowing and we travelled all together in the wagon!” “Then the bad men came!” “Samy, Alexandre, and I … Continue reading Chapter Twenty Seven-Secret Sins, by Mordaunt
Chapter Twenty-The Château d ‘Glenay, by Corso
Mercenaries, wagons, and horses fill up the yard, the stable and the outbuildings. Some accompany the others, crowding into the tavern room, the serving women rush food to the tables, other servants carry jugs of steaming water and linens up the stairs. In between refilling flasks of wine and ordering his servants to hurry the … Continue reading Chapter Twenty-The Château d ‘Glenay, by Corso
Chapter Nineteen, Part II-The Road to Glenay, by Corso
The only light in the dark room comes from the fireplace. The corners of the room are lost in deep shadows, the flickering firelight casts dancing shadows on the high ceiling and walls, over portraits of stern men and women. They look down from their lofty position on a wall, with dark expressions of disapproval … Continue reading Chapter Nineteen, Part II-The Road to Glenay, by Corso
Chapter Eighteen-When the Devil Knocks, by Corso
‘Madame! Madame! ‘Gilo! You are not…’ Sophia de la Croix blinks as Gilo’s word register… …Men! Men coming down the road… Marchal. Sophia grabs Gilo, glares at Alban. The boys are wide-eyed and still. ‘Both of you to the chapel- now! Cousin Francois is there. All of you stay there until I come for you.’ … Continue reading Chapter Eighteen-When the Devil Knocks, by Corso
Chapter Sixteen-Road to Consequences, by Corso
‘Is there anything more to add?’ Lucien straightens up from the leaning over the map table, one finger still resting on the open map. The men ranged around the table are silent, each thinking of the task ahead of them, the length of the journey, the routes they have scouted – at least on the … Continue reading Chapter Sixteen-Road to Consequences, by Corso
Chapter Fourteen-Piecemeal Truce, by Corso
She leans against the worktable, feeling slightly sick. The argument with Lucien drained her. He has never raised his hand to her, but there had been times when she felt his fury as a heated blast, and knew he stalked away before he lost control. This had been one of those times. She delays … Continue reading Chapter Fourteen-Piecemeal Truce, by Corso
Twelve Years After 