Warlord's Gold: Book 5 of The Civil War Chronicles Read Online Free PDF Page A

mutter. His mind swam, tossed by currents whipped up by this new revelation. ‘The Scots want Parliament to follow their lead in religious matters?’
    ‘And in return they will give Westminster their army.’
    Forrester blasphemed again, because the Scottish army was a truly formidable force. It would change the course of the war for certain. ‘You are working against this impending calamity, I trust, Mister Killigrew?’
    The intelligencer’s eyelids flickered. ‘In my own small way. I find myself attached to Lord Hopton’s staff for the time being. I do his bidding while he recovers.’
    Mention of Hopton, raised to the peerage as Baron Hopton of Stratton, caught Forrester’s attention, for he had served under the general at the battle that had given its name to his new title. ‘And he does recover?’
    ‘Oh, yes, admirably so. The explosion burned him badly, but his skin heals with time, as does his hearing, thank the Lord.’
    ‘Good,’ Forrester said genuinely. He liked Hopton, and had been terribly shocked when news spread through the camp after the battle at Lansdown that the victorious commander had been severely wounded when an errant spark somehow found its way into an ammunition waggon.
    ‘Yesterday there was a council of war,’ said Killigrew.
    ‘So I understand.’
    ‘One consequence was Hopton’s appointment to a new post.’
    ‘Oh?’
    ‘He was governor of Bristol after the prince took it last July, but he feels his recuperation moves on apace. Warrants a return to the field.’
    ‘In what capacity?’ Forrester asked. ‘With what purpose?’
    Killigrew dug at his raw gums with a sharp fingernail. ‘He will command a new army. His Majesty tasks him with clearing Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire of rebellious elements.’ The wrestlers rose briefly, entwined in a grunting, sweating, grime-caked embrace before crashing down once more. Killigrew grimaced. ‘Once those counties are ours, Baron Hopton will strike at London itself.’
    ‘So simple?’ Forrester said, neither willing nor able to keep the incredulity from his tone.
    Killigrew stared up at him and nodded. ‘So simple.’ His face betrayed nothing.
    So that was to be the new strategy, thought Forrester. They would abandon the advance through the Thames valley, instead thrusting deep into the south-east and punching London in her soft underbelly. ‘I appreciate the information, Mister Killigrew, but—’
    ‘But why would I deign to inform you in person?’ Killigrew cut in. A great cheer erupted from the throng watching the wrestling match, and he waited a moment for the noise to die off. ‘I have a task for you. Or, rather, Lord Hopton has a task for you. He recalls your service in Devonshire this last spring. Would employ you again.’
    Forrester’s heart quickened a touch. ‘And what service would he have me perform this time?’
    ‘You know of Basing House?’
    Forrester nodded. He knew it all too well. It had been the place at which he and Stryker had rested on their way into enemy territory almost exactly a year ago. That mission – to catch a rebel double agent – had nearly made an end of them, and he was not inclined to dwell upon it. ‘The seat of the Marquess of Winchester.’
    ‘Once a very pretty seat, by all accounts. Though now turned to martial duty. It is made a fortress.’
    ‘In a sea of Roundheads.’
    ‘Quite so. The great house sits in disputed land, surrounded by enemies and a stone’s throw from the rebel garrison at Farnham. But the marquess is loyal and ready to fight. We would alert him to Hopton’s intentions. Warn him of our coming so that his resolve is strengthened. Urge him to sally out from his fortress, take the fight to the enemy.’
    Forrester nodded. ‘Divert the rebel eye from Hopton’s advance. An advance now made all the more vital after the news from Westminster.’
    ‘Shrewd indeed, Captain.’
    Forrester shrugged. ‘It is a logical tactic. You would have me take this