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The Sharpe Fan Fictions of Paul K.

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Bernard Cornwell’s

SHARPE’S Justice

Richard Sharpe and the
Peace of the Congress of Vienna

Screenplay Written by Patrick Harbinson and Bernard Cornwell.
Novel Adapted by Paul Kaster

PART THREE

1815

Chapter 22
KEIGHLEY
AT THE EDGE of TOWN.

Harper and Sharpe are on their horses.

Crowley trots beside them.

“What about you Nate?”

“I got no where else to go sir.”

“Besides, I ‘m getting a taste for the local ale.” He smiles.

Harper says, “That’s not the only local you’re getting a taste for, Nate.”

Nate smiles again.



Sharpe, “Hey”

He pulls two guineas from his pocket. Puts them in his palm. He beckons Nate to come to him. He offers his hand to shake. When Nate does, he gives the coins.

“Look after ‘er.”

Nate moves to Harper.

“Good luck to ya Nate. Good luck my friend.”

Sharpe and Harper ride south to London. The ride is different than when they rode to Keighley. This time they ride a little faster and further each day. Sharpe wants to get to London to set things right with Horse Guards.

When they reach Broughton, they again seek out The Saxon Arms. Today, the inn is busier than their first visit. But there are rooms available. Mr. Cornwell greets them and welcomes them back.

“Major Sharpe. Mr. Harper. It is good to see you again. I trust your business to the north went well.”

Harper offers. “Aye, it did.”

“You are very busy tonight. Will you have time to continue your tale of Uhtred? I’m eager to learn how his story ends.”

“I promise to find time before it is too late. You will have your story.”

Sharpe and Harper settle into their rooms then return to the common room to eat. The inn is busy. By nearly ten o’clock, the need to serve the crowd slows down. Mr. Cornwell, joins them.

“So you want to learn more of Uhtred. Well, he fought many battles. I can tell you of battles.”

“After all that fighting, what happened to him? Did he die in a battle?”

“Well, all his story has not been told. We don’t have time for all of them today. But, he did live a long life. He died in his bed at his home with his children and grandchildren around him.”

“And was he rewarded for all his fighting? “

“He was rewarded with enough to live a comfortable life.”

One of the barmaids motions Cornwell, back to the bar. He excuses himself. Harper looks to Sharpe.

“So, this Uhtred fought for his kings and queens. He was feared, but not welcomed by those in the court.”

Harper sips his ale. It’s his turn to tell a tale. “He was wounded many times. Almost died a few times.”

Sips again. “Had himself a few wives and children.”

He pauses for a long sip. “does this sound like anyone we know?”

Sharpe looks at Harper. “No, Pat, it doesn’t. Who did you have you have in mind?” He knows full well that Pat is comparing Uhtred to Sharpe.

“Well someone in this room and at this table.” He grins.

Sharpe just looks at him.

“What’s your point, Pat?”

“Well, if this Uhtred could end his life with enough money and a good family, maybe things can end that way for us too.”

“Maybe, Pat, maybe. YOU are already retired, have the family and the money. For me, let’s see what happens in London.”

With that, he stands to go to his room.



The following day, they set off, intent to reach London. By late afternoon, Sharpe has sent Harper off to be with Isabella while he goes to Horse Guards. He delivers a pouch with all the documents that were prepared at Keighley. He included a request to meet with Horse Guards to discuss the documents.

After, he sets off to the Rose Tavern.

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