Disclaimer: These are works of fan-fiction created for entertainment. It is not the intention of the author to infringe on anyone's copyright. No rights infringement intended. Warning: General Audience

The Sharpe Fan Fictions of Paul K.

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Bernard Cornwell’s

SHARPE’S MISSION

Richard Sharpe and the Battle of the Nive

Screenplay Written by Eoghan Harris and Bernard Cornwell.
Novel Adapted by Paul Kaster

PART TWO

1813 November
SAINT-PEE-SUR-NIVELLE

Chapter 11


Major Hyughe slept uneasily while he waited for the guns from Anglet. He hoped that he could set the guns before daylight and pound the fort in the dark. But, the messenger and the guns had not yet arrived. In the east, the sky was already beginning to show the first light of dawn. He has been pacing across the road while watching and listening for the sound of the guns to arrive. Before he turns to repeat the pace from one side of the road to the other, he stops. Is that the sound of caissons?

Behind him he hears someone approach.

“Good morning Hyughe. Are those your guns arriving at last?”

“Hyughe waits to reply until he can see horses and men appear on the road.”

“It seems so colonel.”

“When can we begin? Within an hour.”

“Major, do you think the British would surrender without a fight, now that we have guns?”

“Surrender? They have repulsed us twice. Their morale is good. If we can open the gates and maybe a hole in the wall, we could ask them to surrender. Before, no, I think we waste our time to ask them.”

“Then, do not wait to pound them.” Cresson turns and walks away.

Hyughe watches him walk off. He then turns to greet the commander of the two guns.

“Welcome lieutenant. I had hoped that you would have been here more than an hour ago.”

The lieutenant makes a face. “Major, we set off as quickly as we received the order to come. We march with the guns. We do not ride as the horse artillery do. We are here at the fastest we could march.”

“Well, you are here, now. Set your guns. We need them to pound the gates and walls within the hour.”

The lieutenant looks to the site at the edge of the woods where Hyughe pointed. He nods and walks off to his guns.

Hyughe looks at Rocha. Today will be a bloody day.



Sharpe was woken from sleep by Harper.

“Sir. Sounds of guns on the road from Anglet.”

“Thank you, Pat. Have Clayton find Nairn. I want Major General Nairn to hold a field courts martial.”

“Sir? Courts Martial? Will the French give us time?”

“Yes, Before we leave this fort, I want Brand tried for what he has done.

“On the double.”

Sharpe watches Harper wake Clayton, explain what Sharpe wants and Clayton trot off to find Nairn.

Sharpe looks for Richardson.

“Jason, when the French guns are set up, have the Rifles kill the gunners before they can fire. Use some men to cover them when they shoot. The voltiguers will be watching for movement on the wall.”

“And, reinforce the gates with anything that will keep them standing for a while when the guns do begin.”

Richardson salutes and heads off to the Rifles.



Pycroft has completed running the slowmatch lines to the powder barrels. Nairn stayed near to help him. Zara has slept near both men. Pycroft joins Nairn to survey his work.

“We will need to be at least a quarter mile from here to be safe.”

“A quarter mile? How long will the fuses need to burn?”

“Ten minutes should do it.”

“Charles, there’ something that I’ve been meaning to tell you.” He pauses.

“It may have been MY fault. I may have cut the fuses too short.” He raises his chin as he admits to the possibility that he caused his injuries.

Nairn pauses. “Not like you to cut fuses short, Septimus.” He smiles at Pycroft who smiles back.

When she heard Pycroft talking with Nairn, Zara rose.

Pycroft steps past Nairn to take Zara’s hand.

“We’re getting married, Zara and I. If we get out of this, you’ll have to be me best man, Charles.”

Zara smiles at Pycroft, then looks to Nairn with joy to await his answer.

“Can’t have a best man who cuts a short fuse, eh?” He offers his hand to Nairn to shake.

Zara looks at his hand and waits to see Nairn reach his to Pycroft’s.

“It would be a GREAT honour, Septimus.” Nairn grins broadly.

He then takes Zara’s hand. “My dear.” As he kisses her knuckles.

Zara and Pycroft are happy at this outcome.

Private Clayton interrupts them from saying anything further. “General Nairn. Major Sharpe wishes you to join him for a field courts martial.”

“Field courts martial? What’s he about now?”

He nods his head to the couple, then follows Clayton out of the magazine.



At a corner of the parade ground, Sharpe had a makeshift table set up from some planks and barrels. With a chair from inside, a judge’s bench was ready for Nairn. Harper arrived with Brand, Craig with their guards.

Brand and Craig were directed to two barrels to sit. As they sit, Brand sees Pycroft and Zara nearby. He glares at Zara to intimidate her. Pycroft looks from Brand to Zara. He holds her to assure her that she will be safe from Brand.

Shortly, Clayton arrives with Nairn. Nairn surveys the scene

“Are you mad, Sharpe. A courts martial with the Frogs being at the doors?”

“That’s why I want a courts martial, sir. I want Colonel Brand tried as a traitor. I want him tried for six murders.”

“Captain Craig, you will act as the defense for Colonel Brand.”

“Defense?”

“Yes, we will try Colonel Brand for his crimes.”

“I can’t think of anything to say.”

“Whether you say anything is your choice. But, you will defend Colonel Brand.”

Nairn says, “Very well, Sharpe. There will be a record of this trial.”

Nairn sits on the chair.

“Clayton, get your paper and nibs. You will record the trial for us.”

“Yes, sir. Right away, sir.”

Clayton trots off to his pack and returns quickly. He sets up on a barrel behind Nairn..

“OK, we will begin. I want everything done by the book. I want witnesses. I want proof.”

“Then let’s get started strait away, sir.”

Brand stands with Craig. He folds his arms over his chest. Craig sits on one of the barrels. He still does not understand what he can contribute.

“Well, you have ten minutes for the prosecution, and no more.”

“Then I call my first witness. Zara, the gypsy girl.”

Sharpe is aware of what he needs to prosecute Brand. He holds a sheet of paper in his hand that had been inside his jacket. Sharpe has been collecting notes since Harris was accused of killing the gypsies. This paper has all of the facts that he has collected. It is now time to reveal the results of his investigation. On more than one occasion Sharpe has been tried by a court. In those cases, he was the defendant. This time will be different.

Zara squeezes Pycroft’s hand, then comes forward to stand near Sharpe.

She carries a folded piece of paper which she hands to Sharpe. Sharpe opens it and places it on the table in front of Nairn.

“Whoever murdered her mother found it on her finger.”

Nairn examines the drawing of the snake ring that belonged to Zara’s mother.

“Did you ever wear such a ring, Colonel Brand?” Nairn holds the drawing up so that Brand may see it.

Smugly, “Of course not, you damned fool.”

Nairn does not like being addressed as a fool. “Colonel Brand, I remind you that I am a general and outrank you. You will address me appropriately.”

Brand stares at Nairn arrogantly. “As you wish, GENERAL Nairn.”

While Nairn and Brand stare at each other, Sharpe unfurls another paper he has been holding. It is one of the sketches that he removed from Shellington’s drawings.

As he places it in front of Nairn. “This is a sketch drawn by Mr. Shellington of Colonel Brand on the morning of the twenty-first of November. It is signed and dated. It shows that Colonel Brand is wearing Zara’s mother’s ring on that morning.

Nairn looks at the sketch then holds it up for Brand.

Brand looks at the sketch. He begins to worry as he turns to Sharpe but says nothing.

Sharpe continues with another sheet of paper. “This is a sketch by Mr. Shellington on the following day. By which time, Colonel Brand had realized that Zara most likely had seen her mother being murdered. As you can see, sir, the ring is now gone.

Nairn lays all three sketches side-by-side and studies them. He points at the fingers on the hands of the sketches.

Nairn addresses Brand. “Do you have anything to say to that Brand?”

Brand stands with his arms crossed over his chest. “I’ve never seen the ring before in my life.”

Sharpe goes from the table to Brand. Sharpe addresses him in his best drill sergeant manner.

“Turn out your pockets, Brand.” He hisses.

Brand looks down his nose at Sharpe, but does nothing. Sharpe stands relentlessly before Brand.

Sharpe stares at Brand and quietly so that only the two of them can hear says, “Turn out your pockets, Brand, or I will pound that smug grin off of your face. You know that I will.”

After what Sharpe allowed Harper to do to Pope, he knows that Sharpe will do as he says. He follows Sharpe’s command.

Craig has been a silent observer to Sharpe and Brand. He watches how Sharpe has command over Brand and continues to be surprised at how Sharpe is able to command others.

Brand slowly reaches into his pockets. He pulls the fabric of both to the outside. He stares in defiance at Sharpe as he does. As the last of the fabric of the pockets is exposed, all of those present hear a piece of metal hit the stones of the yard.

Sharpe does not immediately react. After a few moments, he looks down at the location of the noise. Slowly, keeping eye on Brand, he drops to pick up the metal piece. He looks at it, then shows it to Craig and Brand.

“I knew you were too mean to throw it away.”

“I’ve never seen that before. Pope must have put it in my pocket.” He says with his lips tightly drawn.

Sharpe walks to the judge’s table to take the ring to Nairn. He shows the ring to Nairn and Clayton.

After he shows it as evidence, he gives it to Zara who holds it dearly to her breast. She then places it on her own finger.

Nairn says to Zara, “You are excused, my child.”

Zara turns to go back to Pycroft.

“Before we leave these sketches, sir, there is one more detail.”

Sharpe points to the second sketch. “See this braided cord on the riding crop wrapped around his hands?”

Nairn looks to the details of the braid.

“See the braid?”

Those are the same X marks we found on the gypsy family that was killed in the camp. And that we found on the neck of the deserter yesterday.”

“SAME MARK.” He stares with disgust at Brand.

Sharpe knows his ten minutes are up. “That’s just the first of the details, sir.”

“I now intend to read a testimony of the late Sergeant Pope.” Sharpe goes to Clayton who has a stack of papers on the barrel under the sheaf he is using to take notes.

“It’s quite conclusive, sir. I think that you’ll agree, once you’ve ‘eard it, that we have a prima face case complete against Colonel Brand to sentence him accordingly.” He grins as he remembers one of Harris’ latin terms for the data.

Nairn considers whether to give more time for Sharpe to present the additional facts.

“Get on with it Sharpe.”

Brand has remained standing. Without turning his pockets back, he defies Sharpe and Nairn with his crossed arms and slack posture.

“I protest. This isn’t a proper court martial.”

“Well come on Brand! We’re doing the best. There is a bloody war on!”

Brand raises his head to point his chin at Nairn. He thinks he will be able to survive this.

Sharpe continues. “Colonel Brand is no hero. He’s a murderer. Zara’s parents, the three gypsies that he thought were witnesses to the death of Zara’s parents and the French sergeant we found strangled. Six murders. Six.”

“From Pope’s confession we know he’s a traitor. And, a spy. I don’t know his motives, but I can guess. I’ll suspect you’ll find he has debts back home. Mortgage. Gambling debts. Maybe a blackmailer he has to pay off. Who knows. Maybe he is just mad for money. Sold his soul for French gold.”

Sharpe stares at Brand who just stands silently.

“I demand the death penalty. I close the case for the prosecution.”

“Captain Craig, do you have anything to say for the defense?”

“Nothing in his defense.”

Brand turns to look at Craig. Craig avoids any contact with Brand.

“Nothing in mine.”

“Colonel Brand, do you wish to say something?”

Brand turns to Nairn. “Do you really think anyone in London will stand for this? You know how it will look. A zealous officer being persecuted by small and petty men.



Nairn declares the end of the court. He summons Craig and Sharpe to the table.

“The court has reached its verdict. Colonel Brand is convicted on six counts of murder and has been sentenced to death. Sentence to be carried out in a manner to be determined at a later date.

Nairn stands. “In other words, when we get out of here.”

Craig looks at Nairn, then mumbles, “If we get out of here.”

“Court martial dismissed.”

Craig and Sharpe snap to attention, then relax.

Craig turns to give the verdict to Brand who is sitting under guard on a wall of the well.

“Nairn declared that you are Guilty. He sentenced you to be put to death.”

“Wellington will have to confirm that sentence, Craig. And, you’ll never make it back to camp.”

Craig looks at him with disgust, then walks away. Maybe the last part of Brand’s statement is likely.



The artillery lieutenant had his men unlimber the twelve-pounder guns in the shelter of the trees. The caissons were wheeled to clearings where the crews could quickly draw the next rounds, but be protected. He would like to set the guns in the woods also, but needed to move them into the clearing to be able to direct fire on the gates. He would use round shot first. Each gun would fire separately. With alternating hits to the doors, they would not last long. Then the guns can direct their fire on a section of the wall further to the west that he and Major Hyughe selected. They would try to pound another opening in the wall to provide a second entry to the fort.

“Major we are ready.”

“Begin Lieutenant.”

Before the lieutenant can turn to his command his men, he is struck by a bullet and falls to the ground. Hyughe moves to the cover of a tree. He sees that several of the artillerymen have also been felled by fire from the fort. The others scattered to find shelter behind the caissons or trees. The guns now stand alone.

His men are returning fire, but, the British stay below the wall until they are ready to shoot, rise just enough to aim, shoot and then hide again. The British weapons can reach further than the muskets of his men.

“Captain Beyeler!”

From the trees on the west side of the fort Captain Beyeler moves towards Hyughe.

“Sir!”

“Have the Voltiguers keep the British from firing. Move into the open if you have to. We need to protect the gunners.

Beyeler knows he will lose some good men, but understands what must be done.

“Yes sir.”

Hyughe watches him go, then turns to the gunners. He spots a corporal among the trees.

“Corporal. Come here.”

The corporal looks to Hyughe and then for a path that can get him there without exposing himself to the fort. Finding a route that seems safe, he dashes to meet the major.

“Major.”

“Who leads the battery now that your lieutenant is dead?”

The corporal scans the artillerymen. He finds the sergeant he was looking for lying next to one of the guns. “I do, sir.”

“Corporal, you are now a sergeant. If you are still alive when the gates to the fort are destroyed, you will be a lieutenant. What do you need?”

He quickly takes inventory of the men who are still around them. They had started with twelve men for each gun. He counted eighteen men uninjured, including himself. Both of the most experienced gun layers were uninjured. There were enough men who had loaded or swabbed and rammed for each gun.

“I have enough men. I need to protect them while we work the guns.”

“Show me how you will work around the guns.”

“One man each to the left of the gun will aim and fire it. One man to the right front will swab the gun after it is fired and ram the round into the barrel after the a third man on the right front loads the cartridge and a fourth man loads the ball.”

“So you need the left rear and right front protected?”

Hyughe turns to the Captain who commands the Grenadiers.

“Captain, have your men find fir branches taller than your men that can act like big fans. When I command, run out in front of the guns to either side of the barrels. Place an hold the branches to conceal the gunners from the British.”

“Sir, the branches will not protect us from the British fire.”

“I know, send enough men to keep the branches up until the gates fall.”

Colonel Cresson has been watching Hyughe. When the artillery lieutenant fell, he was ready to have Hyughe attack the walls again without the guns. This plan to protect the gunners must work. If not, then Hyughe will need to launch all his men at the walls without support.



“Pycroft thinks he’s found a way out. A tunnel that leads out onto the hill. The trouble is, we’ll need a garrison to provide a rear guard to let the rest of us get away.”

“I think I can find that garrison.” He grabs his rifle to go find Captain Craig.

To Craig and his men. “how’d you like to die like soldiers?”

Craig stands to meet Sharpe.

“What do you have in mind?”

“You hold the fort while we get out. You give us thirty minutes. If you live, then you run to the tunnel too. Get out before the powder blows. If you’re not dead, but here when the powder goes, you die then.”

Craig looks to his men. “What say you lads?

One by one, the prisoners stand.

“Will you leave our horses? We may be able to get out faster on horse than through the tunnel.”

“Aye, we’ll hold the horses until the last of our men are through the tunnel. Then four of your men can bring them to you.”

“Agreed.”

Sharpe walks up to Brand as Craig walks away.

“Well, you’ve had your fun Sharpe. But, it will be over in the next few minutes when the Frogs come over that wall. Then, you’ll need a friend. I’ll be your friend Sharpe. But, you’re going to have to beg. Because, they’ll torture you. They’ll torture you and they’ll torture Nairn. You’ll be begging me to make them stop.

Sharpe looks at him, but says nothing.

“By God Sharpe, I’m going to make you beg. “

Sharpe moves faster than anyone can react. He uses the butt of his rifle to strike Brand in the stomach. The force of the blow rocks Brand backwards such that he rolls ass over tin cups into the well.

“Aaaaah!” His voice trails into the courtyard until it ends with a splash. Brand fell head down until he strikes the water. He survives the fall with no injury to his head or neck. But, there is no room for him to reverse his position to get his head above the water. He is doomed.

Sharpe moves off without another word. He has work to do on the walls.

Nairn struts to Harper who remains standing by the well.

“Did you see that Sergeant Harper?”

Harper continues to clean his volley gun. “Who me, No sir. I saw nothing, sir.”

“Did YOU see what happened to Colonel Brand?”

Harper chuckles, “Oh, he’s a funny fish, sir. I just saw him jump headlong into the wishing well.” He finishes with a broad grin.

Seriously he asks Nairn, “Why do you think he would want to do something like that, sir?”

“Thank you Harper.” Nairn walks off to find Sharpe.

“You shouldn’t have done that Sharpe.”

“Yes, I should.”



Verne’s grenadiers have assembled with the fir branches. Hyughe sent a runner to Beyeler to have the voltiguers fire at the walls upon Hyughe’s signal. It is taking too much time. But he has no choice. Without the guns, it will be suicide for his men.

“Sergeant, get ready.”

Hyughe signals Beyeler’s voltiguers to fire.

“Captain Verne. Go.”

The gunners watch the Grenadiers run in front of the guns. When the branches are erected, they run to the guns. With the speed of practiced drill, they load the first cartridges and balls into the barrels. The gun layers sighted the barrels at Rocha’s fort gates. When each is ready, they layer raises his hand.

Their sergeant points to the gun on the right to fire. The layer touches the slow match to the his gun’s touchhole. With a roar, the first shot is on its way. The layer steps to the side to see around the smoke. The shot struck the wall to the left of where he had aimed. He will adjust the next shot to the right.

While he has been observing, the second gun fires. It’s shot strikes the top of the frame around the gates. The layer will adjust the elevation.

The left gun fires within a minute of firing its first shot. Cresson and Hyughe stand in the woods behind the guns. Cresson watches the third shot strike the left gate. Splinters fly as the shot shatters the upper left of barrier. The fourth shot hits lower and drives the gate from its hinge. Every minute another shot strikes the gates.

Cresson claps his hands as he watches the second gate driven from its hinge. He looks to Hyughe.

“When do you attack, Major?”

“Another fifteen or twenty minutes, Colonel. The guns will now try to drive a hole in the wall to the left of the gates.”

Hyughe signals the gun sergeant to fire at a point on the wall that they had earlier marked. With no time wasted, the gunners change their aim to the wall and begin to fire.

While the guns fire at Rocha’s wall, Hyughe signals to the Captains who command the two line companies. He instructed them to prepare to rush the fort. They will rush the gates and use ladders to climb the walls when the guns cease firing.

Hyughe signals with his hands for the two companies to go.

“Go, go, go!” He yells. Cresson claps his thigh as the men set off.



When the French sent the Grenadiers forward with the branches, Lieutenant Richardson called from the wall. “The Frogs, sir.”

Sharpe leaves the “court” to assess the situation on the wall.

The fire from the two twelve pound concerns Sharpe. Time is running out. The twelves are not strong enough to destroy the walls of the fort. Siege guns would take a long time to make a breach.

Sharpe is happy that the French have focused on the gates and not the walls. He knew that the gates would be the focus of the attack. The Prince of Wales Own was able to shelter behind the walls while the guns pounded the gates. As the French companies form up, he calls to Richardson.

At one hundred yards, Richardson’s men fire the first of their volleys. Many of the French go down. The Rifles focus on those carrying the ladders. Other French grab ladders when they drop and carry them to the wall. The French artillery fire enough times that they knock one of the gates from its hinges.

Sharpe has been watching the French attack. His men have been performing well. The French are brave, but were not prepared for his force to resist. This attack is much better coordinated. He will have to time the withdrawal very precisely.

To be heard above the noise of the French guns and attackers, he calls out.

“Prince of Wales’ Own Volunteers! We’ll give them three volleys, then we withdraw.”

”Craig, your men will remain on the wall. Hold as we discussed. Pycroft prepared “grenades” from the powder magazine for you to use. Good luck to you all.”

Craig acknowledges Sharpe’s command by raising his sabre in salute, then walks among his men to relay the orders.

He turns back to watch the French come on. When the advance reaches fifty yards, the cannons stop firing.

Sharpe calls “Now, Prince of Wales, now!”

Half the men rise and fire then leave the wall. As they leave, the other half fire. Craig’s men then rise and fire a third volley. The second group that fired hand Craig’s men loaded muskets then leave.

As they are leaving, Harper is wounded in the right shoulder. He grabs his shoulder, but is able to move. Sharpe sees Harper holding his shoulder. He surveys the scene. It is time to him to go.

Sharpe salutes Craig, then goes. He is the last of his men to leave.



When the assault is fifty yards from the fort, the British fire three volleys. Hyughe’s Voltiguers fire at the British as they rise. Hyughe watches some of the British fall, but their fire checked the advance. He signals the guns to stop.

Cresson is concerned that this attack will fail too. “Why do you stop the guns?”

“They will hit our men. The gates are down. It is up to the men now.”

Hyughe watches the line of the attack stagger from the impact of the ‘goddamns’ fire. To encourage them, he moves to where all can see him. He waves his hands above his head in sweeps towards the fort.

“Go on, go on!”

He runs in front of the smoke from the guns. He knows that he is exposed to fire from the fort, but he senses that it is critical to keep the men going forward now. It is their best opportunity to seize the fort. H

is captains who command the companies see Hyughe extorting them on. They call out to their lieutenants and sergeants to keep going. They drive their men forward to the wall and gates.

Cresson stands at the edge of the woods. He watches Hyughe. “Yes, Hyughe. Drive them in.”

Cresson has never led men in battle. He has seen other men do it, but does not know how to inspire men himself. He has commanded by the fear that goes with his rank and the word of the Emperor that he carries. Hyughe waves his sword in circles over his head then points the sword to the fort’s gates.

“Go on, go on. The fort will be ours! Go on!”



Clarke assembles the Prince of Wales’ Own at the tunnel and sends them ahead with Sergeant Huckfield.

Pycroft has set the fuses in the magazine.

“It blows in ten minutes, Sharpe.”

Both of them run to the tunnel. Sharpe calls to Clarke to go and for the guards to release the horses for Craig’s men.

Craig’s men are manning the walls with the muskets of the deserters’ and their own carbines. They fired a volley with the muskets and then one with the carbines. Craig allowed them to get ladders at a place away from the damaged gates so that the infantry would go there. The French cannons had fired at this section of the wall to try to drive the defenders from that corner.

After they fire their volleys, two out of three troopers descend the wall to mount their horses. The remaining troopers fire then go. They mount their horses and with a shout, they ride at a gallop in column of two’s through the gates.

The French force in front of the gates are too surprised to form square. A few fire their muskets before being struck down. The French outnumber the riders and are able to fire from the flanks as they emerge. Many of those that rode through first break through, but the last riders to emerge face a group of French who have formed a hasty square and are prepared to shoot.



At the mouth of the cave, Pycroft exits. The others have moved well clear of the cave. As Pyrcroft approaches Sharpe and Nairn, they can hear him counting.

“Five hundred ninety-eight, five hundred ninety-nine, home.” He turns towards the fort. Nothing happens.

“Six hundred and one, six hundred and two,…”

“Perhaps you cut them too long Septimus.”

Pycroft chuckles before he can count again, they hear a small explosion.. Then quickly, the ground shakes as they hear a louder explosion followed by a billowing cloud of smoke.



Craig waited until the last of his men was out before he leaves. He rides with two troopers through the smoke of the latest French volley. Several of the French had broken from the square to finish some of the British wounded. Craig and his two troopers strike them down and ride for open space. The French square is not solid, but many of the company have been reloading. Before the riders can get too clear, the French fire striking Craig’s and another horse. The third rider continues not knowing that his other two riders are down. Craig slides from the saddle in time to turn to face the French break square to march towards him and the other unhorsed soldier.

Craig turns to see a few of his men ride away into the woods. Very few. He looks at the other trooper, raises his sabre in salute to him, then turns to the French. “Charge!”

Both of them run at the French. Before they can reach any of the infantry they are struck down by a volley. As Craig lies dying from the volley, he watches as the explosion blows out the gates of the fort and kills many of the French that got into the fort as well as wounding some from the company that approaches them. Then the explosive wave rolls over him.



Colonel Cresson watches from the guns. As the French attack gained the base of the wall and the outside of the dismounted gates, he starts slapping his thigh with his gloves. “Can this be? The attack is almost into the fort.” His excitement rises as he anticipates the first Frenchmen to enter the fort.

One of two of the attackers rush into the gate opening. Others clear debris to enable others to go directly into the opening.

“Yes, yes! There go some more into the fort.”

Cresson slaps his thigh even more. He starts to rock on the balls of his feet.

But, then, the men stop entering the gateway. The men immediately in the opening are thrust aside as riders emerge from the fort. They ride in twos. Each rider sweeps his sabre at the French as they ride by. The British cavalry drive their way out of the fort and aim for the road that runs away from the French guns.

The French company commanders in front of them quickly try to form their men into square. They didn’t know that they would do better to fire independently, as the riders were not attacking, but fleeing.

Cresson counts approximately thirty riders emerge. A few have been shot, but only one or two is dismounted. The others ride off, away from the fight.

The last three riders out of the fort lag the others. One appear to be an officer. Hyughe’s company commanders had organized their men into rows, like they would use in a square, that channel the flight of these last riders. Two of them are shot out of their saddles.

He watches as the two British troopers rise and then are cut down. As suddenly as the riders appeared, the sounds of battle stop. Cresson is confused by the riders. They wear the uniforms of Brand’s men. They were too few to be the entire British force. What had become of Brand? Of Nairn? He calls to Hyughe.

“Major! MAJOR! Are there any more? “

Hyughe shrugs his shoulders at Cresson. While he has exposed himself to the British fire and charge, Cresson has remained in relative safety at the treeline. If he wants to know where the British are, then let him come forward to see himself.

Hyughe calls to the captain closest to the fort.

“Verne! Scout the fort.”

Verne relays the command to his sergeants closest to the fort. Cautiously, men in pairs move forward. They fear a trap. As they enter the courtyard, they fan out to move to the buildings. Nothing moves. They note a small number of dead British lying near the walls.

One of the sergeants waits at the gateway. He turns to signal to Verne that no enemy are sighted. Before he can signal, his men closest to the building are consumed by the force of an explosion. The wall of dust and fury comes fast from the magazine to blow over all the men inside the fort. The sergeant is struck by stones and other debris that have been carried forward by the blast.

as Hyughe hears the blast and sees the wave coming towards him, he falls to the ground and covers his head.

Cresson stares at the fort. He is struck dumb by the turn of events in the last ten minutes. He stands flat-footed with both hands hanging limply at his sides. As he watches the destruction of the fort and the magazine, he rolls his head back to stare at the sky.

The sound of the explosion ends first. The cloud of dust billows out towards the trees, but stops before it reaches the guns. Men that are able begin to rise. They cough the dust from their lungs. Some check themselves to determine if they are injured and how badly. Many nearer the fort do not respond the calls from others because they were deafened by the fury of the blast.

Captain Verne rises slowly. Although covered with dust, he is unhurt. Further back, Major Hyughe stands. He looks to the fort. Then, slowly, he turns to Colonel Cresson. He stares angrily at Cresson but says nothing.

Cresson turned from staring at the sky to look at the French survivors walking out of the smoke. He hangs his head in defeat.

At Anglet, General Calvet is eating his midday meal. He feels the shock of the magazine blowing and stops eating. He looks towards the fort with anger.

“No! Merde!”



Sharpe stands with Nairn and Pycroft.

“That was quite a noise Pycroft. I haven’t heard anything that loud since Almeida.” Sharpe had been at the fortress of Almeida when it was besieged by the French. The fortress’ magazine exploded and led to the British garrison surrender. Sharpe had been involved in the explosion then too in order fulfill a mission for Wellesley.

Nairn asks, “Do you think Craig or any of Brand’s men survived?”

“Even at Almeida, men survived. We will have to get back to our lines to answer that.”

“But, I am pretty sure that Colonel Brand did NOT survive.”

Harper has been standing nearby. “That bastard Pope didn’t make it either.”

The others turn towards him.

“Well, if you are starting a list of our casualties, sir.”

“Yes, Pat. Can’t forget all the paperwork we will have to do when we return.”

“General, with your permission, we will go home.”

“Yes, Sharpe. We still have some French nearby. We should go.”

Sharpe gets the force moving. They go south. All are walking, as they left the horses at the fort for Craig’s men. When they are well away from the French, they rest.

As they start again, Sharpe calls “How about a song, ‘agman?”

Hagman offers, “Arma virumque cano”

Sharpe says questioningly, “I sing of arms and the man.”

“Very impressive Sharpe. The Aeneid. Very impressive.” Nairn marches beside Sharpe.

“Forward March.”

Hagman sings out.

“It’s of a gentleman soldier.”

“As a sentry he did stand.”

“He kindly saluted the fair maid.

By a waving of his hand.”

So, boldly did he kiss her

and he passed it off as a joke.

And he drilled her up in a sentry box

wrapped up in a soldier’s cloak.

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Fiction Index | Sharpe Tales Home | Sharpe's Mission Index | Chapter 12

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