The Road North

Published: 08 Jun 2017

Retiring the Colours

A hush came over the large crowd that was watching as Thomas, Mister Percy and the Prince stepped from the pavilion and towards where Tommy Perrin stood waiting. Just behind the three senior officers came Major Jones and in his hands he carried what looked to be a small wooden tray with some small items on it.

When they were standing in front of the waiting Tommy Perrin, Thomas spoke in a softer voice but was still heard by those close by.

“Captain Perrin, you have stood by my side since the first shot was fired in this war and for that I thank you. Many times you were my rock and even though it was never said, I am sure I could not have faced all that we have without your support. I truly wish that there was more I could do for you and your dedication to our cause and find that the small presentation I have is quite inadequate for the honour and effort you put into your duty to the colours. Captain Perrin I will ask Prince Pedro Pimentel to present you with the campaign ribbon which you truly deserve and hope that it will always remind you of not only your honourable stand but also our long friendship. At the top of the ribbon is a gold six pointed star; it is to remind others that you were the first Original and have stood at my side through thick and thin. All of the major battles we fought together are marked with the gold bar; those of a lesser nature are presented by a silver bar. Colonel Percy Cruickshank will present to you a medallion in gold which will carry all of your details including your length of service to the people of Spain and Portugal. Captain Perrin, I feel this is less than you deserve but at this stage it is all I can offer as a means of informing you of the value that we all hold you in. Your Highness?”

Prince Pedro Pimentel stepped forward and took the long blue and black edged ribbon from the small tray. After taking the short step in front of Tommy Perrin he smiled as he pinned the long ribbon onto Tommy’s chest before saying.

“Captain, if there was one person that was responsible for the safety of our most valued General De Toro then it is yourself. I am sure that without your dedication to duty we may well have lost the General many times over. I am honoured that I was asked to make this presentation and will remember your name for a long time in the future. The people of Spain and Portugal sincerely thank you for your service and duty.”

Thomas almost smiled as he saw the red blush tinge the cheeks of what many would consider to be a hard bitten fighting man as Perrin heard the Princes words. If he thought he was going to get off so easy he was mistaken as Colonel Percy stepped up to replace the Prince. In his hand he held a small wooden box with a glass top which he had taken from the tray held by Major Jones.

Inside the box, it was lined with black velvet, and sitting in the centre was a large gold medallion which was about 4″ in diameter and must have been at least a quarter inch thick. On the face of the medallion was engraved a drum with two sticks crossed above it, and on the obverse was Perrin’s name, rank and length of service which was written as 1808-1814.

Colonel Percy smiled at the blushing Perrin and then said, “Captain Perrin, as you may know I have been in the service of the King for a good many years and in all that time I do not think I have seen more valour or dedication to duty than I have seen from you. It is a great honour to present this medallion to you and thank you for your service and dedication to duty.”

Colonel Percy Cruickshank gave the boxed medallion to Tommy Perrin and then stepped back and raised his hand smartly in salute before turning back to stand just behind Thomas. For those close enough it was not difficult to see the appearance of small tears in the eyes of the young officer. After all he had just turned nineteen years of age and his emotions were beginning to show through his slightly scarred and tough demeanour. It was the first sight of the boy that had been hidden for so long and took some of those who knew him best by surprise.

Tommy Perrin could only gulp as he waited for Colonel Colosio to call out his next orders, and although this had all been practiced while Thomas was out of the way, it still caused him to show his softer side. He did not have to wait long before he heard Colonel Colosio call out.

“Captain Perrin you will call the drums of the Regimiento De Toro to order for the presentation of campaign ribbons and medallions of remembrance.”

Tommy Perrin did a smart about turn and faced the ranks of the originals.

“Originals…atten…shun. The Originals will form ranks of three…march.”

Everyone including Thomas was surprised at the smartness of the formation and how precise and quickly the phalanx of drummers formed the three ranks and then stood at attention awaiting further orders from Captain Perrin.

“The Originals will open order…march.”

The front rank took three smart steps forward while the rear rank took three steps back. There was now a wider gap between ranks which would make it far easier for the officers to move through as they presented the ribbons and medallions to each drummer. While the ranks were being formed two of the boys from the Auxiliary’s marched forward with a large wooden tray laden with the small wooden boxes with the medallions while another appeared with a tray full of ribbons. Major Jones now had one of his large ledgers in his hand and open at the first page.

It was no wonder to Thomas that Major Jones would be so well organised but he did wonder how the men had found the time to plan everything in such detail and then find the time to practice it all. It was to be one of those little secrets that his friends had kept from him and continued to do so even though he asked them after the parade for details. As usual for his friends, they just smiled and shrugged their shoulders as though they had no idea what Thomas was talking about.

Once the three senior men were standing in front of the first rank, Major Jones looked at his ledger and read out the first name and then the Prince and then Colonel Percy stepped forward and presented the ribbon and medallion. Thomas stepped up and shook hands with the drummer and said a few words before moving along the line to the next man.

It was not a surprise for Thomas that the men were all lined up according to the list of names in the Major’s ledger. In fact he would have been surprised if they had not with the way the parade had been organised so far. When the last of the seventy six remaining drummers had been presented with their ribbons and medallions the small group of officers marched to the front of the force and all saluted the men before turning back to stand just outside the pavilion.

Major Jones had closed his ledger but only stepped to the side while the three boys’ of the Axillaries disappeared presumably to refill their trays for the next part of the presentations. Estaban called out the next order for everyone to hear.

“Captain Perrin, the Drums of the Regimiento De Toro will retire to the left flank and take stand for the duration of the ceremony.”

Tommy Perrin once again turned about and called out the order for the drummers.

“The Originals will close order and retire to the left flank…March.”

Tommy Perrin took up his place at the centre mark of the quickly reformed ranks and marched with them to the left of the pavilion where they all came to a halt and then performed a right turn and faced out into the centre of the parade ground. Once the manoeuvre had been completed they all stood at the ease position while Colonel Colosio called the next order.

“Captain Perrin, the drums will strike the cadence for the Auxiliaries and Infantry to advance and present themselves before the Colours.”

Tommy Perrin saluted and then turned about and gave the order to his drummers. The beat of the Infantry advance soon filled the air as the two company’s of Infantry and the smaller force of Auxiliaries came to attention, turned left and then marched forward until they were lined in ranks before the pavilion.

When the troops stopped and stood at attention in front of the pavilion they had the Auxiliaries at the front and then the 1^st Company behind them and the 2^nd Company at the rear. Major Jervis had been given the privilege of being the Senior Officer in charge to give the orders.

Thomas also noticed the men had given the place of pride at the front of the formation to the young Auxiliaries. Major Jervis stepped to the front, saluted the officers in the pavilion and then about turned and gave his orders.

“The 1^st and 2^nd Company and Auxiliaries of the Regimiento De Toro, will open order…March.”

Once again the presentation was orderly but this time it took a while longer as there were so many more to receive their ribbons and medallions. Thomas was determined to personally thank each and every man that stood before him which only added a little more time to the event but in his own mind he couldn’t have cared less for such minor details as the right time or keeping to a schedule. His many friends amongst the men were far more important to him than what others may think or plan.

The Infantry and Auxiliaries medallion was similar to those given to Captain Perrin and his men except they had a pair of crossed muskets engraved on the face side. Once all had been presented the Infantrymen were dismissed and returned to their place to the right of the pavilion while Estaban called out the next orders to Captain Perrin.

“Captain Perrin, the drums will beat the cadence for the Artillery to advance and present themselves before the Colours.”

“Sir.”

Tommy Perrin raised his drum sticks up to his top lip as the signal for the rest of the drummers to prepare to play a cadence and then called the order to the originals.

“The drums will beat for the Artillery to advance and present themselves before the Colours.”

Captain Perrin dropped his sticks to the drum top and began the double time beat for the Artillery to advance. At the far end of the field Major Craven Morgan called for the gunners to assemble in front of their guns then take their muskets from their backs and carry them at the trail as they marched towards the pavilion in double time and then came to attention in perfect order before the waiting Officers.

For this presentation, Thomas had asked Colonel Cruickshank to do the honours as Major Jones followed along behind to call the name of each artilleryman until almost a full half hour later, the last man was awarded his ribbon and medallion and the small group of officers returned to the front to give a final salute to their gunners. The medallion for the gunners was the crossed barrels of a pair of guns as it should have been for such a force. Major Morgan called his men to attention and returned as they had come to the faster beat of the double march to where their guns waited.

With the Artillerymen returned to their place on the western side of the parade ground, Estaban called the last order for Captain Perrin.

“Captain Perrin, the drums will beat the cadence for the Cavalry to advance and present themselves before the Colours.”

Tommy Perrin once again took up his drum sticks and began the beat for the Cavalry Advance with the rest of the Originals soon joining in and the double beat echoed out over the countryside.

Pablo called for his men to remount and at the same time gave a small tug on the reins of his own horse. As everyone watched, Pablo’s horse knelt down which allowed the smaller figure of Thomas’s little brother to scramble a little ungainly up into the saddle and take hold of the reins. Once he was seated Pablo drew his sabre and stepped easily into his saddle and took hold of the smaller boy around the chest as he toed the order for his horse to regain its feet.

Pablo lifted his sabre above his head and then swung it in a circle before once again resting the tip on his shoulder while the three Troops reorganised themselves until they were now spread across the parade ground from one side to the other and in three ranks with each Troop about five yards apart. As the drums beat out in the early afternoon sunlight, Pablo raised his sabre and swept it forward as he toed his horse to advance at a slow trot with the other two Troops moving in unison. The manoeuvre was carried out with precision and the ranks of Cavalry now looked almost threatening as they advanced towards the pavilion before Pablo swung his sabre once again as his Troop came level with the waiting Officers.

With the sabre raised above his head Pablo then swung to the left and back to the front. Pablo’s Troop began to swing around from the left end of the line until they were all now facing the pavilion and then slowed the pace to a walk until close to the pavilion where Pablo gave the signal for them to halt. The other two Troops followed suit and were soon lined up behind Pablo’s Troop and still with about five yards between them all.

Pablo gave his horse the order to once again kneel, and then after he stepped to the ground he called out while helping the young boy to also dismount.

“The Cavalry of the Regimiento De Toro will prepare to dismount and take station in ranks.” There was heard a tinkle of metal and a few snorts from the horses as their riders rose in their saddles in preparation for dismounting.

“Dismount.”

The sound of boots hitting the ground and then all stepping almost in a single movement to the heads of their horses could be heard by even those who were on the far side of the parade ground and then there was silence as the watching crowds waited for the officers under the pavilion to come forward for what they thought was the final presentation.

Thomas turned to the Prince and asked, “Your Highness, would you do the honour of presenting the awards to the Cavalry? Many if not most are from both Spain and Portugal and have been without a doubt our most effective force. I am sure that they would appreciate the presentation being done by a fellow Cavalryman.”

“I would certainly like that honour Don Thomasino and I thank you for the generous offer and will think fondly of it for many years to come.”

Prince Pedro Pimentel stepped forward from under the pavilion and marched forward until he was standing before Pablo who had his hand on the shoulder of the young boy. Major Jones was close to hand as were a number of the younger Auxiliaries with the awards trays. Prince Pimentel began by speaking to Pablo after Major Jones had introduced them from his ledger.

“Captain Cavalino, I must offer the thanks of the people of both Spain and Portugal for the dedication and heroism of your troopers. Don Thomasino De Toro has told me nothing but great things about you and your men and I can only agree with his assessment. It is with a sense of gratitude that I present you and your men with these ribbons and medallions so that others will never forget your valour.”

The Prince took the long blue and black edged ribbon from Major Jones and pinned it on Pablo’s jacket. After presenting Pablo with the medallion in its small wooden case, the Prince looked down at the young boy standing perfectly still under Pablo’s hand but with a look of awe on his young face as he looked up at the very fancy uniform that the Prince and the others with him were wearing. That the boy had not understood all the foreign words being spoken had also given him a bemused look.

The small boy suddenly got a surprise as the foreign looking man knelt down on the ground on one knee and asked him in perfect English.

“And who are you, young man?”

The young boy blushed and then straightened up a little more as he spoke in his best and most polite manner as he had been taught by his Da.

“I am Thomas Cromwell Marking, Your Honour and I’m going to be a famous Cavalry man just like Uncle Pablo.”

“Are you indeed? Well Thomas Cromwell Marking, you carry very famous names, where did you get them?”

Little Thomas smiled and blushed at the same time as he lent forward a little as though he was going to tell a big secret like all small boys are won’t to do.

“I got a big brother who went to fight in the war, Mummy says he is very brave but I don’t member him cause he went away when I was real little.”

“Is that a fact, and you never met him again?”

“Oh yes Your Honour, Mummy says that’s him there with the funny clothes on.” Little Thomas was pointing to Thomas where he stood just behind the kneeling Prince.

“My, my Master Thomas Cromwell Marking, this famous young man is your big brother? Well I never, and to think I never knew that. So you are the brother of the Famous Don Thomasino De Toro? Well Master Thomas Cromwell Marking, you should have something to remember your brother by. Let me ask the good Major here what we have for you. Major Jones! Is there any chance you have something put aside for this young Cavalryman?”

“Yes Your Highness, as it happens we had prepared for such an event.”

Major Jones reached over to the nearest tray and took up a small silver medallion that had been attached to a pale blue and black ribbon. Thomas was now getting the idea that this had all been arranged well in advance, and yet again he had been kept in the dark by his friends and officers. Major Jones gave the small medallion and ribbon to Prince Pimentel who immediately looked it over before reaching out and pinning it on the young boy’s lapel.

On the front of the small silver medallion were the crossed lances of the Cavalry and on the obverse was engraved the small boy’s full name with the dates of 1813-1814. Little Thomas tried as best he could to look down at his own personal medallion and ribbon as the Prince stood back up and then stepped back and gave little Thomas a smart salute. Little Thomas tried his best to emulate the salute but the wide smile on his face took some of the solemnity away from it and there was a soft chuckle that went around the grounds at the unforgettable sight before them.

The Prince smiled as he stepped past the small two man tableau and began the long task of presenting every trooper with his ribbon and medallion. With Thomas also taking the time to thank every individual trooper as they went it was nearly an hour before the last one was done and they were able to return to the front where Thomas could see his little brother had been sent back to stand beside his mother. It was obvious that Pablo had thought the small boy should not have to stand out in the hot sun for over an hour and had sent him into the shade of the pavilion. Little Thomas was still trying to look at his special medallion and ribbon while at the same time also trying to show his Mummy and Da.

The voice of Estaban broke the family scene being played out before Thomas.

“Captain Perrin, the drums will beat the cadence for the Cavalry to retire.”

The drums were soon beating out the withdrawal for the Cavalry. When they were all back in their places at the far end of the field and the drums drew silent, Carmelo stepped forward and faced Estaban at the front of the pavilion.

“Colonel Colosio, the men of the Regimiento De Toro request permission to call the roll of the fallen.’

“Permission is granted Colonel Grey. Please convey the order to Major Jones.”

As the two had been talking, some of the boys from the Auxiliaries had carried one of the long trestle tables out in front of the pavilion where they set it up and then disappeared over to their Company while others appeared with more trays on which were what appeared to be a large stack of wooden picture frames which were all lying down and stacked one on top of the other.

Once again it seemed that Major Jones in his own orderly way had prepared everything as he stepped forward with another of his ledgers on which was fixed a black band of cloth diagonally across the front cover. Major Jones opened the ledger as silence descended over the whole parade ground and every soldier as well as every civilian that was wearing some form of hat removed them and bowed their heads as the first name was read out aloud for all to hear.

“Drum Sergeant Peter Clement of the Original’s, fallen at Talavera.”

As Major Jones finished speaking, one of the boys close to the trays took up a picture frame and stood it on the table at the very front. It was held erect with a small fold out arm at the back of the frame. As the frame was placed on the table, from further down the parade ground came the loud stentorian voice of Major Craven Morgan.

“Number one gun of the first battery…Fire.”

The boom of the single gun surprised most that were there and as the echo rolled out into the countryside there was faintly heard the first of what was soon to be many sniffles as memories of the fallen began to return to old friends at the sound of each and every cannon shot. In the picture frame sat the ribbon and medallion which was fixed in place on a background of black velvet and around the wooden frame was a thin black line. There was little doubt what the frames were representing. Major Jones called the next name.

“Drummer David Smith, fallen at Vimeiro.”

As the frame was stood on the table the next gun boomed out over the silent parade ground as they waited for the next name on what was a long list of fallen. Many of whom no one knew about except the men of the regiment and the friends they had made during their duty to the colours. There was one name that struck a particular cord for Thomas. Even more so than all those he had watched being lost to the cause they had all signed up for. The name caught him in the throat once again and he was not ashamed of the tears that spilled from his eyes.

“Private Marcelo Marking, fallen at Albuera.”

Thomas did not see the startled look on his mother and father’s faces nor did he see the hand of his mother fly up to her mouth to stifle a cry as she heard the name of someone she had never heard of but was using their own family name. It was something she would definitely have to get her Thomas to tell her about.

When the final name was read it had been counted that the list of the fallen had covered one hundred and sixty-eight names. Far more than any except those in the Regiment had known about. As the last gun salute echoed out over the countryside there came a soft shuffling of feet as some tried to get a closer look at the trestle table now filled with small wooden frames all standing up so they could be seen.

The glint of silver and gold medallions along with the sun reflecting off the glass fronts only went to prove that the onetime small guerrilla force had had more than its share of losses and the friends that had stood by their side had little intention of ever forgetting any of them.

Estaban about turned and faced Thomas where he stood back under the pavilion between the Prince and Mister Percy.

“Sir, The men of the Regimiento De Toro ask for permission to retire the colours.”

Thomas straightened up and replied to the request.

“The Regimiento De Toro has permission to retire the colours Colonel Colosio.”

“Sir.”

Estaban turned back to face out towards the parade ground once again.

“Major Carterton, the Colour Guard will furl the colours and pass in review. The battle flag of the Regiment will be given into the hands of General Don Thomasino De Toro for safe keeping while the others will be held in safety at Vimeiro.”

Thomas watched as the men of the colour guard began to furl the colours. Once done, the three flags of the nations were marched away to the end of the company of Auxiliaries where they stopped and waited. The furled battle flag was brought forward and the guard stood at attention to the left of Thomas. Without further ado, Estaban then turned back to the last two men who were standing at attention with the two new flags furled and covered. This was a part that Thomas knew nothing about.

“The guard will clear the colours and parade in review.”

Thomas watched as the two colour guards removed the thin cotton covers from the two flags and then unfurled them. Once the two flags were revealed the two guards placed the butts in the small bucket around their waist and lowered the flags as a salute before turning about and marching with the flags flying high for all to see as they progressed down the centre of the parade ground.

Thomas could not work out how his friends had kept the secret of the new flags from him. Not even Fairley had given any hint that they were being made, but if he thought that was all they had devised as a surprise for him, he was greatly mistaken. The first flag was the Portuguese flag but the second was a new flag for his company and the reference to his being the Patron El Toro was not missed.

The new company flag had a panel of red on the left and a panel of pale blue on the right. At the centre was the ever present black bulls head but this time the horns were more curved and the three letters of M.S.C. Company were set between them. On the return of the two flag bearers, they took up a stand to the left of the pavilion where they held the flags high for all to see.

It was Carmelo’s turn to take over and he stepped to the front of the pavilion where he turned to face Thomas but kept his voice loud enough for all to hear.

“Sir, there is one award not yet given and the Officers and Men of the Regimiento De Toro ask permission for it to be presented?”

“Permission granted Colonel.”

“Thank you Sir. Lieutenant’s Marking will present themselves before the officers.”

Thomas did not see the strange look his two parents sent his way at the sound of his name being used for what was obviously someone else. It was something he would have to explain to them at a later time.

Thomas watched as Sergio and Diego appeared carrying a large object covered in a black cloth. It was evident by the slight strain on their young faces that the piece was heavy but, as soon as they were standing at attention before the grouped Officers two of the younger Auxiliaries appeared with a low bench from the mess and placed it on the ground in front of the two Lieutenants.

Thomas watched the two as they set one end of the item on the bench and then, once they stood erect they carefully took away the black cloth to reveal and very large wooden carved frame. It was about three feet high and covered in finely carved scroll work which had been done by a master carver. The frame was also about three feet wide and at its centre were two plaques of what appeared to be gold.

The two plaques were laid out like a double page in an open book and the engraving was also done by a goldsmith with exceptional ability; Thomas could only stare in disbelief at what his friends had been able to do without him finding out about it all. Carmelo continued as he watched the stunned look on Thomas’s face.

“Sir, the Officers and Men of the Regimiento De Toro wish to present you with a record of your service to the countries of Portugal and Spain and hope that it will hang in the entrance to your new villa or wherever you decide to call your home as a reminder to all who see it that it was your valour that held us all together and enabled us all to defeat our common enemy.”

Thomas did not feel the sudden silent tears falling as he looked over the large frame. As he had noted at the first sight, the frame was surrounded by finely scrolled woodwork and the two joined plaques at the centre must have taken more gold than he thought as they were both about a foot wide and a foot long. The engraving was finely done and detailed everything Thomas had done from almost the first day he had stepped foot on Portuguese soil until the last attack at the pass of Balbao.

At the top of the first plaque was the outline of a drum and crossed sticks and below was the first entry.

‘Drummer Thomas Marking 1808 Victory at Rolica’

The next entry also told its own story as many knew but this plaque was for posterity and the friends had even thought of that for him.

‘Drum Corporal Thomas Marking ‘The Patron’ 1808 Victory at Vimeiro’

And so it went in the long list of his accomplishments which took both plaques by the time every fight he had been involved in both major and minor. Thomas did not know whether to be happy or embarrassed by the attention but the thought that his friends had gone to all this trouble just for him was hard to realise. For Thomas there was to be one more surprise which again was totally unexpected.

With the small ceremony over it was the Prince that stepped forward next and smiled at Thomas before speaking again in a voice so all could hear.

“Don Thomasino, we have been friends for a long time and I have watched your rise with great interest. The dedication you have shown not only to the defeat of our common enemy but to the safety of your men has left me in no doubt that you richly deserved the honour of your title. To this end I have taken it into my own hands to make sure that your final presentation should be one of honour, and one that all people will recognise for the value you are held in by those who know fully what you have been able to accomplish.”

The Prince raised his hand and from behind the pavilion came a bright new carriage with two matched pairs of horses. On the side of the carriage doors was a crest and coat of arms painted in gold, black and red with some added blue. At the centre was a small outline of a shield of which one half was gold on which had a small bundle of red arrows held together with a black band. On the other half which was red was the signet of crossed muskets in black. Around the shield were scrolls of gold and the whole was surrounded by what appeared to be gold laurels.

The crest at the top was once again the symbol of the black bulls head with a small gold coronet above the horns.

“Don Thomasino, this is the true coat of arms for your title of Cavalier de Espana and we hope you will display it in its rightful place in your home wherever that may be. Please accept this as a very small token of what is truly owed to you for your unflinching service to both our countries.”

Thomas could only stand and stare at the beautiful black coach with its bright shiny coat of arms displayed on both sides. For the first time in what seemed forever he found himself speechless and could only stand and let the small trail of tears fall down his cheeks unhindered. It was finally the loud voice of Carmelo that brought Thomas back to the here and now.

“The Officers and Men of the Regimiento De Toro will pass in review and retire to barracks. Captain Perrin, the drums will sound the cadence of the Regimiento De Toro.”

Immediately the drums began the familiar beat of the De La Guerra as the army formed up on the parade ground for the last time. The order for withdrawal had been planned by Carmelo and Estaban and the first to leave the parade ground were the heavy guns. They were soon followed by the three troops of Cavalry with the Infantry and Auxiliary Companies bringing up the rear as they marched from the field for the last time to the sound of their marching tune; the De La Guerra.

The Auxiliaries and Infantry led the way towards the far end where the barn was still covered from those on the parade ground. They were followed by the three troops of Cavalry with the Artillery bringing up the rear. The mighty roar of approval from the hundreds of spectators filled the air as the troops marched past the pavilion giving a salute as they did so. Thomas turned to everyone else that was standing in the pavilion once the troops had passed.

“Your Highness, Generals and Colonel Cruickshank. I would like to invite you and everyone else back to the villa for refreshments and where we can relax and let the men enjoy the fiesta that is arranged for them in peace and without any officer’s watching over them.”

Thomas then indicated the arriving carriages and took great delight in handing his Mother into the new carriage. Cromwell had the look of a very proud father as he lifted little Thomas Cromwell into the carriage beside his Mother and then stepped in as the rest of the people began to enter their own coaches. It was only a short drive to the villa and, once there everyone began to ease tight clothes and find a good place in the shade from the mid afternoon heat.

Once again Fairley seemingly appeared from nowhere and began to set out food and drinks for those who wanted them. Thomas could see that his Mother had many questions for him but most he did not want to answer and so tried to lead the conversation away from his past endeavours. Prince Pimentel seemed to gather what Thomas was trying to do and gave his own help to keep any awkward questions from arising.

“So tell us Don Thomasino, what are your plans now for the future? I am sure that with a shipping company to run there will be many chances for you to see more of the world.”

“Yes Your Highness, I have one of the ships being fitted out for just that event. Many of the men from England have wished to return home to see families but also have said they would like to take a place with the company if there was one after they have seen friends and family. I believe that the Captains Morgan’s sons also wish to join the ship as well. Don Carmelo will be with me or take charge of the estate at Toro Bay once the villa has been built. Señor Forsca, how have the negotiations gone for the land there?”

“Don Thomasino, they have been very successful, and the price for the land around the bay is very reasonable and I have ventured your money towards that. Your Major Carterton has already begun to draw up plans for the villa and the Portuguese Government have made a suggestion that you look at acquiring the land on the other side of the road. There is five hundred acres available if you choose to take it. Personally Don Thomasino I think it would be a good venture, there is good soil for the cultivation of olive trees and further up the ridge there is some good land for a vineyard.”

“Can we afford to make the purchase señor Forsca?”

“Without a doubt Don Thomasino. Perhaps you are not aware of the value of the coin you now have. The war was a great benefit for your coffers and the Shipping Company has been an outright success. There is one small thing that I need to tell you though. Don Thomasino I have now reached an age where it is time to take my wife back to our homeland and retire. To this end I have left my eldest in charge of your Company business where he will work even harder than I to make sure of its success, and my other sons have all wished to stay behind and help in any way they can. I hope this does not cause any inconvenience for you, but at my age I feel the need to stand back and let the younger ones make their own way in the world.”

“Thank you Señor Forsca, I can only add that without your honest support I would never have been able to accomplish a half of what you have done for me and my men. I hope that you will find comfort in your retirement and look forward to dealing with your sons in the future and I can only add my thanks to you for your honesty in all our dealings.”

“You are most welcome Don Thomasino. Should you ever need my assistance then I hope you will not hesitate to call upon me.”

Old Henry Morgan then spoke up from where he was seated on a chair with none other than little Thomas Cromwell sitting on his knee with what appeared to be a large smudge of food colouring around his lips and a twinkle in his young eyes of pure pleasure.

“So lad you want to go venturing across the seas? And where might you be wishing to go?”

“I had not thought too much about it at this stage Captain Morgan, but the idea of seeing new lands has caught my attention. But where that is just yet, I am not sure.”

“Perhaps I can make a suggestion and even offer a small tip or two.”

“I would be delighted to hear anything at all Captain Morgan.”

“Well lad, I was thinking about my young grandsons and their need for adventure. Now I know you have given them more than enough for most men over the last few years but I have one man that seems to think you should have an adventure like none other. That is, if you feel adventurous enough to take it on?”

“And what did you have in mind Captain Morgan?”

“It would seem lad, that our savage George has a desire to return to his homeland. Now if you were to give him passage on your ship I am sure he would see his way to find new adventures for you. Especially in those far off seas of the Mir Pacifica. There are new lands far away on the other side of the world and a young man with adventure in his blood could well make something extra of himself, if he were to be that way inclined.”

“It’s indeed a good idea and I will give it all my considerations but first I have to spend time with my family and there is the refitting of the ship that needs to take place before I can make a final decision, but it does raise my interest.”

“Well lad you know where to find me when you make a decision. Oh, and while I think of it, there is something else I need to discuss with you but it can be done at a later date if it’s all the same to you.”

Thomas did not miss the slight raising of the black cane in Henry’s hand which told him it was Brotherhood business but instead said, “Thank you Captain Morgan, I will indeed let you know just as soon as I have had time to rest, and have time with friends and family.”

The discussions now turned to other things as everyone relaxed. Thomas was impressed that the Prince spent so much time with his Mother and Father and by the look on his Mother’s face there were things said he would much have preferred she knew nothing about. Thomas’s little brother seemed to be happy to sit on the old man’s knee as Henry told him stories about pirates and great sea battles he had seen. His little brother was lapping up the attention as well as rather large quantities of food that seemingly never failed to appear on the table or carried in on trays by the young cooks.

Thomas looked around the room and even with the great number of people present he still managed to find a quiet corner to contemplate the day and what the retirement of his army would mean for so many. He was well aware that his men had been taken care of, many of whom wanted to continue with him in the shipping company or as farmers or guards at the new villa once it had been built. Many of the younger ones had homes to go to at Vimeiro, or would take over the home valley and make their own home there.

Estaban would take many of the Cavalry troops back to Spain where he was still welcome and a number of the English troops would also return to their homes but with the proviso that they could return to Thomas’s side should they ever wish to.

Thomas was starting to feel as though a part of his life was ending now that the army was in theory no more. There was only the pay parade on the next morning and his many friends and protectors would be signed out of the force for what he thought of as the last time. Thomas was almost taken by surprise at the sudden feeling of sadness that crept up on him as he stood and watched all those around him chatting as though they were all old friends and not having just met, most for the first time.

Dusk brought a new feeling to the room as young men appeared to light the many candles, while outside the old large table had been set up by the ever vigilant Fairley for all of Thomas’s guests to sit for dinner. Thomas did not miss the fact that all of the best dishes, silverware and cutlery had been laid out on the table. It seemed that Fairley was going to make this last formal meal of the Regimiento De Toro one that would be remembered by all those present.

Three days later Thomas found himself once again on the docks at Oporto along with his family, the Avante stood at the dockside and waited for him to board along with all those returning to England; it was going to be as fast a trip as the Captain could make it and even the weather gods would not delay him.

The Avante caught the tide in the late afternoon; Thomas stood with the Captain on the poop deck and watched Portugal recede into the lowering light of dusk, it was at times like these that Thomas often wondered what the future would bring for him but for now, his concern was only for returning to his family’s home and spending time with the brother he had had so little time with.

Thomas turned to the west and looked at the sun as it lowered into the calm sea, the ship was directed west by north and should be once again in England within five days. It was time for Thomas to sit back and try as best he could to forget the horrors of the war, now that for him it was over. Thomas was yet to know that those same horrors could rear their ugly head at the worst of time for many years yet to come.

The End

Those dreaded words…

This comprises Book Three, The Road North of the printed versions or the EBook versions. If you prefer to have a copy of either of those versions, check out the Published Authors page of the Castle.

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