Voyage Home

“How did you get in here?” Dustin asked as he stepped closer to Callum, “What do you want?”

“I came here to give you a warning, Captain.” Pennysort said as he stood still, ignoring Dustin completely and staring directly at Callum.

“What kind of warning?” Callum asked, not lowering the point of his sword.

“He means to use you, Captain. To assist him in carrying out his plans, whether you want to or not.” Pennysort said with his almost feminine voice. Dustin watched as the grotesque Adam’s Apple moved under the high collar, making the broad tie bounce slightly. Callum narrowed his eyes.

“How did you get in here?” Dustin asked again sounding firm. Pennysort shifted his eyes toward him and then back to Callum.

“Answer his question.” Callum said, rotating his wrist, the blade gleamed in the lamplight.

“The proprietor, Mr. Haskill. I have known him for a few years. He is somewhat sympathetic to me, Captain.” Pennysort said.

“What do you really want?” Callum asked.

“That would take some time to explain, Captain. I do not have that much time however, I am afraid.” Pennysort said.

“Then perhaps you shall make the time, as you have made this effort to drop in unannounced, Mr. Bancroft.” Callum said, he leaned his head a bit toward Dustin, but did not take his eyes off the man before him, “Dustin, would you fetch Thomas and Christian?”

“Of course.” Dustin said and turned for the still open door. He went down the corridor quickly and went to the other door. He tried the knob but it was locked. He knocked quickly and waited as he looked back down the corridor toward his own room and then looked back as the door opened, Christian was standing there only in his pants, “Come quickly.” Dustin said and set off toward his own room. He went in through the open door and stopped. Callum was backing the tall man toward a chair, still pointing his sword at him. Christian came in shirtless, sword in hand and came up next to Dustin.

“What is going on?” Christian asked seeing the tall gawky man in formal clothes.

“He was here in our room when we came in.” Dustin said as Thomas came in behind them, pulling his arm through his shirt sleeve.

“What the hell is going on?” Thomas asked.

“Gentlemen, may I introduce Albert Bancroft.” Callum said, “Please have a seat, Mr. Bancroft.” Callum pointed the sword toward him as Pennysort backed up to the chair.

“Captain, I really must be on my way, as I said. I cannot be found here.” Pennysort said.

“And why is that?” Callum asked.

“My life would be over if he were to find out.” Pennysort swallowed hard, the Adam’s Apple bobbed under the collar and tie.

“Perhaps you should have thought of that before you decided to lay in wait for us here in the dark.” Callum said, pushing his point closer and Pennysort fell into the chair and bounced once on it with a heavy thud, “Now, I must insist that you tell me what you know, or I’ll end your life right here and save your master the trouble.”

“I believe you would, Captain.” Pennysort said with a hard swallow, looking at the point of the sword.

“Well it’s obvious we’re not going to get any sleep tonight.” Thomas said and stepped around Christian and Dustin, coming closer to Callum and standing beside him.

“What is he planning? Why does he continue to send the Guardsmen against us?” Callum asked.

“He wanted the boy, Captain, the boy that you found on the Dutch merchant. He also thought that you had the trade agreement in your possession, but when Paupling reported to him that you did not, it was then that he focused only on the boy and possessing him.” Pennysort said looking at the sword point again, “I have no weapons, Captain, and I do not have means to harm you.” Callum lowered his sword, “Thank you.”

“How does he intend to use me?” Callum asked.

“With you getting close to His Grace, and before Lord Eldon can act against him, he will strike. A plan that was set forth to have His Grace removed as it were. It will be made to look as if you were responsible.” Pennysort said.

“He is going to kill Wellesley.” Thomas said with wide eyes, “When?”

“I am not privy to exactly when, I only know that he has it planned.” Pennysort said.

“Why?” Callum asked growing angry. Christian and Dustin were moving closer.

“Wellesley has the power of the Army behind him as I am certain that you already know. He controls the security of England with it. If he were out of the way, then there would be nothing or no one that could stop him…”

“You speak of Lord Upton.” Thomas said as he glared down at the man in the chair. Pennysort nodded in silent reply.

“It’s true then.” Callum said as he was thinking out loud, “Paupling was right in what he told me, and when he said it again this evening. Upton is planning to take over the government, complete insurrection.”

“I see that you understand, Captain.” Pennysort said. Callum shifted his eyes back to the man before him in the chair.

“What I don’t understand is, what is your part in this?” Callum asked.

“I have seen and heard a great many things, Captain. I am not a traitor, despite what you might think with my position with His Lordship, but all of this is weighing on me heavily. There would be a great many that would die because of this, far too many in fact.” Pennysort said, “Far more than who have died already.”

“What do you want to do?” Thomas asked Callum.

“You must stop him, Captain. He fears you, and what you can do against him.” Pennysort said.

“What of his son?” Callum asked.

“I have only met him a few times, Captain. He is like his father, cold, calculating.” Pennysort said.

“Another danger.” Callum said, “Take one, the other steps forward.” Callum said mostly to himself, “You say you have no idea when His Grace is going to be attacked?” Callum asked with his voice of authority, Pennysort shook his head, “It would seem to me, that if you are correct with what you have said, and I am to be blamed for it, then it will happen when we are all together. And therefore it must be witnessed.”

“Why is that?” Dustin asked at Callum’s shoulder.

“Because, if it is witnessed, by those that could be seen as being reliable, Quintan would be arrested and hanged almost immediately I would think.” Christian said.

“Tomorrow.” Thomas said as he looked at Callum with a bit of shock, “It has to be. That’s why someone was watching the house. What are we going to do?”

“What else do you know, Bancroft?” Callum asked.

“A great many things, Captain. But most importantly, there is a warehouse, on the docks on the Thames, in Anne’s Quarter. Shipments have been received there.” Pennysort said.

“Shipments of what?” Callum asked narrowing his eyes.

“Uniforms, Captain. His own army that he has gathered comes from across the North Sea and The Channel, when they arrive, they will be given them. The Guardsmen will act as his generals. They will take every port and every city that holds any importance or value. Once they begin to arrive, there will also be a sweeping across the Continent at the same time, at that same moment…” Pennysort said but Callum interrupted him.

“Yes, taking all of the heads of the royal houses, and as well as Napoleon himself. That part I do know. His army must be vast then?” Callum asked.

“Hessians for the most part, all mercenary, and all very dangerous.” Pennysort said.

“That’s why he conducts his acts of piracy, to fund his vast army. They will not fight for him for honor, but only for gold, payment.” Callum said.

“You understand all too clearly, Captain.” Pennysort said.

“I understand that the son-of-a-bitch needs to be put to the sword or hung.” Callum said a growl and was growing angrier, his eyes flashed and Pennysort had a fearful look for the first time.

“I agree.” Thomas said flatly as he looked at Callum.

“What?” Dustin asked with a shocked look, “Thomas, you can’t be serious. You were one of the voices of reason in this, and now you…” Thomas turned and looked at Dustin.

“Think about it for a moment, Dustin. Quintan was right all along. The only way to stop him is by killing him. Did you not hear what this man has said? Upton is planning to have The Duke murdered. Our whole way of life will change in a single moment, being ruled by a tyrant, obviously, a madman no less. Soldiers that will sweep across the country, foreign soldiers, and I also know the reputation of the Hessians. They are brutal and will kill anyone that questions them, let alone try to stop them. No one would be safe, no one at all, not man, woman, or child.” Thomas said. Christian smiled briefly and shook his head slightly seeing the love of his life now under the complete understanding of his own position.

“Lord Eldon needs to know of this. His Grace must also be made aware and put under even tighter security than he currently has.” Callum said, “We will have to distance ourselves from him as well to not give them the chance to act.”

“You’re right.” Thomas said, “I’ll get dressed and go to Lord Eldon myself.”

“You must not.” Pennysort said quickly. All eyes turned to him.

“And why not?” Callum asked.

“None of you must be alone at any time. They will see it, seize it, and you all be killed one by one.” Pennysort said, “If you must go, then go all together, I beg you. There is safety in numbers.”

“That would seem like a better trap to me, take us all out at one time.” Thomas said with a glare toward Pennysort.

“No, it is not, believe me.” Pennysort said with eyes that begged to be heard and believed, “All of you have stood against the Guardsmen, and survived. Think about how that was possible. Only together, are you strong enough, separated you will all be doomed.”

“That does have an air of truth to it.” Christian said. Callum thought for a moment and then narrowed his eyes again.

“Go back to your master, Bancroft. Tell him what you wish for all I care, but know this, I will be coming for him.” Callum said, his voice one of authority.

“I believe you, Captain, and I thank you.” Pennysort said and rose up out of the chair.

“Thank me?” Callum asked as he cocked his head slightly.

“Only you can see this through, Captain. He knows that, and as I said, he fears it, I can tell when he speaks of you.” Pennysort said, “Be careful, gentlemen.” He nodded and walked toward the door and went out of the room. All eyes watched him and then turned and looked at Callum.

“What if he does tell Upton?” Dustin asked quietly.

“It might have one of two possible outcomes.” Callum said softly and smiled briefly at Dustin, “First, if what he said was true, Upton will have him killed for possibly betraying him. On the other hand, if Upton sent him, then it will force him to act because we know of what he is planning.”

“And if he doesn’t?” Dustin asked.

“Then, we still have the advantage as we now know what the plan is. No more guessing with what it is. We will go to this warehouse on the docks in the morning, we will get proof for Lord Eldon to act. We must also make certain that The Duke remains safe and unharmed.” Callum said.

“Agreed.” Thomas said, Christian nodded as well. Dustin shook his head.

“You don’t agree, my love?” Callum asked. Dustin lifted his eyes.

“It just sounds to me that I will have to use my sword sooner than I thought.” Dustin said, Callum smiled, Christian chuckled. Thomas reached out and put a hand on Dustin’s shoulder.

“I, for one, will be more than glad to have you take the lead in that, Dustin, the new master of the blade.” Thomas said and smiled.

“Carry an extra pistol, Thomas, in case I become a bit busy and can’t look after you.” Dustin smiled. Thomas chuckled and took his hand off Dustin.

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Callum thought their bed at home was soft and comfortable, but this bed, this larger bed was more than that, it was luxurious. The linens that were on it that they were laying in were a rough cotton and it felt wonderful and very warm to Callum. He smiled to himself and turned his head a bit and looked at Dustin as he lay next to him. Callum reached over with two fingers and brushed Dustin’s cheek gently. It surprised Callum when Dustin opened his eyes.

“I thought you were asleep.” Callum whispered.

“No. After the events of today I have far too much on my mind.” Dustin said.

“I as well.” Callum said and lay back on the pillow looking up toward the canopy of the posted bed.

“I know that you are right, Quintan, in all of this. It just bothers me that you would act so and then sacrifice yourself to be hanged for it.” Dustin said. Callum lay his head over to the left and looked at the beauty that was next to him.

“It does not have to be that way, my love. I am certain that another way will present itself. The last thing that I really would want to do is not have the chance to lay with you like this, night after night.” Callum said and Dustin smiled.

“Then what can we do about it?” Dustin asked as he propped up on an elbow.

“Do? I think we will have to wait and see if something presents itself as I said.” Callum said.

“Then what about in the meantime?” Dustin asked and then Callum felt the hand on him under the coverings.

“Oh, I see what you mean.” Callum said with a soft smile and felt himself being pulled on gently, “I guess you’re not tired then?”

“I am.” Dustin said and leaned forward kissing Callum, “But I want you more than I want sleep.” Dustin slid closer in the bed to Callum, putting a leg between Callum’s and laying on chest a bit more, Callum taking his left arm and sliding it under Dustin’s chest and side pulling him closer.

The kiss became more, more intense between them, Dustin sliding more on Callum, straddling him but keeping his weight off him. Dustin worked Callum over while grinding his own length against Callum’s lower stomach. They pulled back when Callum grunted a bit.

“Did I hurt you?” Dustin asked, putting his weight on his forearms to each side of Callum’s head.

“No.” Callum whispered as he looked into Dustin’s eyes. The lamp was still burning beside the bed and made Dustin almost glow in its light, “You are so beautiful.” Callum whispered as he reached up and cradled Dustin’s cheek with the palm of his right hand.

“You are as well, you know.” Dustin said.

“If that were only true. I am nothing but a mound of scars and bandages.”

“To me, you are beautiful. I have told you before that your scars mean nothing or take away from your true beauty. The man of my dreams is right here with me, is about to make love to me. That in itself is beautiful.” Dustin whispered and leaned down kissing Callum briefly and tenderly. He raised up to look at the love of his life again. There was an intenseness in Callum’s blue eyes, a want. Dustin knew it all too well, had seen it before many times. He rolled his hips a bit and worked Callum’s length up and then behind him, letting it slide up and down the valley between Dustin’s muscled mounds. They smiled at one another and Dustin leaned down and kissed Callum as the arms surrounded him about his back, pulling him tighter to Callum.

They rolled, Callum pushing up into Dustin, Dustin going to his back on his pillow as they kissed, Callum between Dustin’s legs which now wrapped around his hips, the sheet tangled between them, pulled by the roll, exposing them. Callum rocked his hips, sliding himself against Dustin’s entrance, the mounds were spread wider giving Callum more access to Dustin. Dustin moaned in Callum’s mouth as the motion against his entrance continued. He wrapped his arms around Callum’s upper back, holding him tight and then there was a lifting of Callum’s hips. And Dustin trembled in Callum’s arms as he felt the broad tip push against him, spreading him open and entered him. He loved it so, that feeling of being taken at first. He moaned deeper in Callum’s mouth as their tongues intertwined with one another. Puffs of breath were let out or taken in as Callum pushed in, gently, going slowly and Dustin pushed his head back into the pillow, mouth open, eyes shut tight, wanting the feeling that he had to continue, loving it as he was entered by the thick length.

“Oh dear God.” Dustin whispered with an escaping breath.

“You are so warm inside.” Callum said as he nibbled on Dustin’s earlobe, “I so love this.” Dustin clenched his fingers into the skin of the broad back above him.

“As do I.” Dustin exhaled as he was filled even more. He was beginning to breathe a bit harder under Callum. The movement stopped, Callum knowing to give Dustin a moment to let him adjust to being filled, “More.” Dustin whispered in Callum’s ear and then kissed it. Callum growled softly in his throat and Dustin clenched the broad back even tighter. He felt the motion fill him even more, the sliding in of the broad length going inside him even further. He loved it so, desired it, needed it. Callum lifted his head and watched Dustin’s face as he slid in the rest of the way and stopped. Dustin opened his eyes slowly as he felt it and knew as well.

“Take me, take me hard.” Dustin whispered. He was breathing hard through his nose. Callum put his hands on the bed to each side of Dustin and lifted himself. They stared at one another for the longest moment and Callum began to move his hips, pushing in, going against Dustin which made him groan, Callum sliding out a bit and then pushing back in. Dustin spread his legs wider, keeping his heels on Callum, letting them slide down to the backs of Callum’s legs.

“You make me want to erupt in you.” Callum said softly as he watched Dustin’s face, the trembling of his bottom lip.

“Do it,…over and over…” Dustin panted. Callum moved, thrusting in and out as Dustin wanted, the sound of their skin making contact, slapping filled the large room. Dustin lifted his head, looking down his body, seeing where they were connected. He dropped his hands to the bed and clenched the rough cotton sheet as Callum continued to move in and out of him. Dustin’s hard length pointing toward his own face as it lay on his tight stomach, his orbs below being pushed up with every inward thrust. Callum stopped and grunted, his wound in his side taking over. He shifted a bit, bending his legs, working them toward Dustin, lifting him off the bed, resting on Callum’s thighs, Dustin’s weight was shifted and resting on his own shoulders, Callum was still deep inside him and Dustin’s mouth fell open. He could feel the broad length pushing against his spot inside him, Callum could feel it as well.

“Mmmm, better isn’t it?” Callum asked softly as he sent a hand over Dustin’s hard length, rubbing it slowly and then moved it over Dustin’s tight stomach and then over the firm chest, “Such a thing of beauty you are, Dustin. I wish we could stay like this forever.” Callum whispered, Dustin nodded against the pillow under his head. Callum had put his feet under the backs of his own legs. He rolled his hips a bit, Dustin let out a moan, gripping the sheet even tighter, Callum smiled, “You like that, don’t you?” Dustin nodded again and opened his eyes, they seemed foggy and lazy to Callum. He rolled his hips again, feeling the warmth inside of Dustin, the knob he rubbed against and Dustin groaned, arching his back a bit more, burying his head deeper into the down pillow. Callum rocked his hips, pushing into Dustin and then eased back, keeping his full length inside his lover. He took his hand and brought it slowly back toward himself, dragging the flat of his palm over the tight muscles, the soft skin that he loved and came to Dustin hard length, dragging his hand over it to its base as he moved his hips in and out. He closed his fingers around Dustin’s orbs, holding them as he moved. Dustin was breathing and moaning through his nose, eyes clenched as he was lost in the feeling that washed through him. Callum let go of the orbs he held, moving his hips in and out a bit faster, taking Dustin’s length in his hand and held it tight, using it like a he would a rope to steady himself to stand on a railing. Callum clenched his jaw and rocked even faster with his hips, pounding in and against Dustin, Dustin groaning louder, completely lost in what was happening to him, loving it all, and then he tightened his muscles, clamping on Callum.

The hard length that Callum held erupted, spewing the thin white fluid in an arc, it coming to land on Dustin’s chest and chin. Dustin opened his eyes to slits and moaned long and loud as Callum moved continuously in and against Dustin, pushing in as deep as he could. He could feel the muscles clamped on him and it was bringing him closer and closer as well. He loved the feeling as well as watching what his lover was doing, erupting the way he was in his hand. He was breathing harder and then pushed in tight against his lover, letting go with that magical feeling, that feeling of deep love as he filled his lover with his own pulsing. Callum held the hard length as it eased in its eruption, covering his fingers in the warm fluid.

“Dear God.” Dustin whispered as he panted heavily. His eyes opened fully and he looked at what covered him. He let go of the sheet, putting a hand to the clear fluid, rubbing it a few times over his tight muscles and smiled weakly up at Callum, “You always do it to me, Quintan.”

“What is that?” Callum asked as he eased his breathing as well.

“Make me feel so wonderful.”

“It is because you are, my love.” Callum said softly and smiled warmly, “I must move. My legs are giving out.”

“All of them?” Dustin smirked, Callum chuckled.

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“How was your night, Captain?” The elder Haskill asked as he poured coffee from standing near Callum’s elbow.

“I must say that is one of the most comfortable beds that I have ever slept in, Mr. Haskill. It was a very pleasant night.” Callum said as he reached for the filled cup.

“I am so glad to hear it, Captain. His Grace often overslept due to its comfort.” Haskill said and went to step back.

“I have no doubt. I was wanting to ask you about something, Mr. Haskill.” Callum said before the man could get away.

“Captain?” Haskill asked at Callum’s elbow.

“Albert Bancroft.” Callum said flatly. Haskill raised an eyebrow, “What can you tell me of him?” Callum asked as he sipped his coffee.

“Why do you ask, Captain?” Haskill asked as he stepped more into Callum’s view.

“I would have thought that you might have formally introduced us rather than me finding him in the shadows of the draperies in my room.” Callum said and set the cup down on the table. He looked up at the older man and saw a look of surprise on his face, “I take it then, you didn’t know he was there, judging by your expression.”

“Captain, forgive me. I had no idea that he was in the house at all. I apologize most deeply if he caused any incident.” Haskill said.

“Then perhaps you could answer my first question, Mr. Haskill. What can you tell me of him?” Callum asked and held out a hand to offer a chair, “Please, join me.” Callum said, Haskill looked at the chair a moment and then back at Callum, “I insist.” Callum said flatly. Haskill swallowed hard and sat down in the chair, “I have been interrupted before in other houses that I have stayed in, both here in London and in Portsmouth. I have to say that I am growing accustomed to it, but do not care for it, especially in these times that we are in. It makes me wary and wondering exactly who it is that I can trust, Mr. Haskill. You will find that trust is very important to me and to my companions. In fact, is so important to us that we would die for one another in order to keep it.”

“I can understand, Captain.” Haskill said, his eyes wide with a bit of fear in them.

“I don’t think that you do, Mr. Haskill.” Callum said and smiled briefly, “So, I will explain it further for you. I do not know if you were a military man and ever served in the service of His Majesty, but as men of service we are bound to one another, a basic form of trust, one that comes from duty and honor. My companions follow that, as do I. His Grace follows it as well. My point is that His Grace trusted you, and because of that, I trusted you as well. That trust is now in question, Mr. Haskill, as you, from what I understand, have sympathy for this Albert Bancroft, who can be seen as an enemy to The Crown.” Callum said letting his words sink in for a moment, “Now, what can you tell me of him?”

“Captain, first, I apologize again if there was incident with him being here. As I said, I did not know. Perhaps it was my son that let him enter. I will find out. Second, His Grace does have my trust, as we are family, cousins. The House of Wellesley is very important to me, Captain, I assure you. As far as Albert Bancroft, I knew his father, we were at University together for a time. He was a good man, trustworthy and honorable. His son has always presented himself that way to me as well. I know of his position with Lord Upton, as I helped secure that position for him. Believe me when I say, Albert is a very gentle person, Captain, yet firm as he is loyal to those he serves.” Haskill said.

“I see.” Callum said, “I must tell you that my companions and I felt a familiarity with you when we met last evening. I can see why now, knowing that you are related to His Grace.”

“There are many familiar traits that run in our family, Captain.” Haskill said, “I would do nothing to cause harm to Arthur Wellesley.”

“I believe you, Mr. Haskill.” Callum said. There was a knock on the open doorway, Haskill looked up, a man was there and held an envelope in his hand.

“I beg pardon, Mr. Haskill. This has arrived by special messenger for Captain Callum.” The man said. Callum looked in his direction as the man approached. He reached the table and handed the envelope to Callum.

“Thank you.” Callum said. The man bowed slightly and left the Drawing Room, Haskill stayed at the table as Callum opened the envelope and pulled out the note. He read it and then looked at Haskill, “I have been asked to entertain Lord Eldon this afternoon, Mr. Haskill. Would it be possible to hold our meeting here?”

“Of course, Captain. We have entertained His Lordship many times while His Grace was staying here with us. We shall provide whatever comfort that you require.” Haskill said as he rose from the table.

“Tea at two o’clock then.” Callum said as he folded the note and put it back in the envelope. He set it on the table next to his cup. Haskill bowed his head slightly.

“If you will excuse me, Captain.” Haskill said.

“Thank you, Mr. Haskill. I found our talk very helpful.” Callum said as he looked up at the man. Haskill bowed again and walked out of the room leaving Callum alone with his thoughts.

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Callum opened the door to the room. He looked over and saw the bed was empty. Dustin was not here. The large room was silent. Callum closed the door and crossed over to his trunk that had been placed near the large bureau. He opened the lid and placed the note that he had received from Lord Eldon on top of the stack of shirts that rested inside. There was a knock at the door. He closed the lid and went over, opening the door. Thomas walked right in and looked a bit distraught. He was holding a shirt in his hand.

“Do come in, Thomas.” Callum said as he closed the door. Thomas turned and held out the shirt in his hand, “What is this?” Callum asked.

“One of my new shirts. Look at it.” Thomas said as he used both hands now and held it up, spreading it out in the air. Callum smiled as he looked at it, “When that son-of-a-bitch fired that musket, the ball ripped through most of my clothes as I thought. This is best looking one that I have.” Thomas said, sounding more like Henry with a little boy whine to his voice.

“Would you like to borrow a shirt?” Callum asked with a smirk.

“It’s not funny.” Thomas said.

“I didn’t say that it was, Thomas. What would you like me to do about it?” Callum asked. Thomas sighed, lowering the holed shirt to his side.

“I don’t know.” Thomas said and rolled his eyes.

“Perhaps we can find a clothier and you can replace what has been damaged. Then we can draft a bill and send it to Lord Upton and have him pay for the replacements.” Callum said as he walked by Thomas toward the trunk. He reached it and opened the lid again. He took out the envelope and a clean white shirt, closing the lid again.

“You are enjoying this, aren’t you?” Thomas asked.

“You do get rather worked up over the smallest things, Thomas.” Callum said, “Here, I received this this morning.”

“What’s this?” Thomas asked as he took the envelope. He opened it and read the note and looked at Callum, “Do you recognize his hand?”

“You think it not genuine? I do not recognize it, no, but we know that His Lordship wanted to meet with us today after his reviewing of law. I have asked Haskill to prepare a tea at two o’clock.” Callum said handing the shirt to Thomas as the door opened. Dustin walked in, closing the door behind him, “There you are.”

“I was washing next door. Did I miss something?” Dustin asked.

“Yes.” Callum said with another smirk, “Thomas was just showing me his new collection of rags.”

“Very funny.” Thomas muttered handing back the envelope and note, “You would have been upset as well had it been your trunk that had taken a musket ball.” Thomas said as he took the new shirt from Callum’s hand.

“Tsk, tsk, Thomas.” Callum said and gave Dustin a side glance, “All will be well. You have a new shirt to wear and as I said, we will find a clothier somewhere close by.” Callum continued to smirk and Dustin cleared his throat seeing the look on Thomas’ face, “Now, get dressed and go down and have your breakfast so we can tend to our errands before this afternoon.” Thomas rolled his eyes again and went to the door. He sighed again as he closed the door behind him. Callum chuckled and turned to Dustin who was smiling wide.

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The carriage ride down to the Thames was quiet as Christian drove, Dustin sitting beside him on the bench seat, Callum and Thomas sat in the seat. Anne’s Quarter was dirty as docks and warehouses went, Callum thought to himself. Crates, nets, ropes lay about in stacks and the smell that filled the air about them was that of stagnant water.

Men that were shabbily dressed walked about, some in groups, others in pairs as the carriage moved along the cobbled streets and alleyways. Eyes of those about did not have to look up and see the carriage, knowing that it was there and was going by slowly. Callum sat forward as the carriage came around the corner of a large building.

“Stop here, Christian.” Callum said. Christian eased the horses to a halt. Callum surveyed the area that they were in even closer. The cobbled alley ended and turned into rough timbers and the Thames was to the other side of it. Barges were tied off to dock ties or moored to pier points. Callum saw an older man sitting on a timber on the dock edge tending to ropes, repairing them with stitching.

“Do you have any idea which warehouse it might be?” Thomas asked.

“No. But, I might ask that man there and see if he might know.” Callum said. Dustin saw the man as well and looked over his shoulder at Callum.

“I’ll ask him. You might be too conspicuous, Quintan.” Dustin said. Callum gave him a puzzled look, Dustin smiled briefly, “I mean no insult. You are just a bit too refined in your appearance. I, on the other hand, am for any other thing a common sailor.”

“Alright, if you think you can be more effective, be my guest.” Callum said and bowed his head slightly. Dustin took his sword out of his belt and set it on the floorboard of the upper deck under Christian’s feet and climbed down. He went around the horses and strolled over to the older man and sat down across from him on a pier point.

The three in the carriage watched as Dustin took a part of the coiled rope at the older man’s feet and helped the man with some stitching that he was doing to it. The older man nodded his head a couple of times as the obvious conversation was taking place between he and Dustin. The older man finally nodded his head indicating behind him and down the wide dock further. Dustin looked in that direction for a moment and then back at the older man. They worked the rope over for another couple of minutes and then Dustin nodded to the older man and got up. He started to stroll down the dock in the direction the older man had indicated. Callum watched as the older man never lifted his head and Callum turned his attention toward Dustin and his direction. Dustin stopped and looked down the dock further and then back toward the carriage, tilting his head indicating for them to follow.

Christian took the reins and gave them a light snap and the carriage started to move. He turned the horses and went to the other corner of the building they were next to. He watched as Dustin raised a hand slightly to have the carriage stop. Christian complied and halted the horses. Dustin made eye contact with Callum and turned his head slightly, looking at a large building just beyond him and nodded in its direction. Callum opened the door of the carriage and got out, coming up near the rear of the horses. He looked beyond Dustin toward the building further down the dock and saw a group of men using trollies to move crates from a barge to a great opening in the side of the building that faced the river.

“You think that’s it?” Thomas asked as he came up behind Callum.

“It must be.” Callum said.

“What do you want to do now?” Thomas asked.

“Let’s leave the carriage here. Christian, you should probably stay here and watch over it. Thomas, you and I will go down and see if we can get inside without being seen.” Callum said.

“What about Dustin?” Thomas asked.

“You see that man that seems to be overseeing what the others are doing?” Callum asked as he nodded toward a shabbily dressed man that was standing in the middle of the wide dock.

“Yes.”

“Perhaps we can have Dustin get his attention and keep him busy long enough for us to slip inside.” Callum said.

“That’s fine, but what about getting back out?” Thomas asked, Callum turned and looked at him and raised an eyebrow.

“My heavens, one thing at a time, Thomas.” Callum said making Thomas roll his eyes.

“Here we go again, you rushing in where angels fear to tread.” Thomas said, Christian chuckled.

“I’ll go with him, Thomas. You can stay here and watch over the carriage.” Christian said.

“Are you saying that I am a coward?” Thomas asked.

“No, but you certainly are whining like a child.” Christian said and started to move off the bench toward Thomas and Callum.

“I certainly am not.” Thomas said.

“Yes, you are.” Christian said as he climbed down. Callum was smiling.

“Watch the carriage, Thomas. We will return shortly.” Callum said, Thomas frowned. Christian put his sword through his belt and grabbed Dustin’s off the floorboard. Callum went to the front of the horses and caught Dustin’s attention. Callum pointed toward the man that was standing on the dock and nodded toward Dustin. Dustin nodded his understanding and started to walk in that direction. Callum waited for a minute watching Dustin walk up to the man from behind him and started to engage him in conversation. Callum touched Christian’s arm and they went quickly along the side of the building they were at, crossing the wide alleyway between it and the other building and came to the corner. Callum went to move but Christian grabbed his arm to stop him. Callum looked back, Christian nodded toward a large open door further down the wall on the alley side.

“Good thinking.” Callum whispered, Christian smiled briefly and went toward it, Callum followed. They reached the door, Christian looked inside and then slid inside, Callum followed him.

The warehouse was vast in size and dimly lit with natural light there was, coming from their door as well as the great opening from the river side of the building. There were stacks upon stacks of crates everywhere. Paths had been made in between the stacks to allow passage through. They looked about and saw no markings on any of the crates that were about them.

“My God. Where do we start?” Christian asked in a whisper.

“I have no idea.” Callum whispered in reply. He held up a hand as he heard something, muffled voices. He nodded in the direction that he thought they were coming from and went along slowly, Christian closely following him. They would stop, Callum looking around stacks now and then carefully so as not to be seen. Christian was watching behind them. Callum touched Christian’s arm and had him follow him again. The voices were getting a bit louder, Callum could start to make out what they were saying as they drew closer.

“Put it over here.” The muffled voice said, “Careful.”

Callum stopped, holding up a hand a bit, Christian moved up close behind him and listened as well. They both heard the sound of thumping, wood to stone it sounded like.

“How many more?” Another muffled voice asked.

“There be another barge comin down river.” The first muffled voice said.

Callum looked back at Christian and nodded to keep going, getting closer. They moved quietly along. Another sound, steel against stone it sounded like now, probably the wheels of the trolley Callum thought. Callum looked around the corner of a stack of crates and saw the backs of men moving away from where they were stacking crates. Callum looked around saw what he was hoping to find. There in the center of a large open area surrounded by crates, one stood alone.

“It looks like its sealed.” Callum whispered back to Christian, who was looking and saw what Callum was talking about. He nodded his reply, “You see that crest on the side of the crate?” Callum whispered, Christian nodded again, “It’s Prussian.”

“Is that a royal seal?” Christian asked in a whisper.

“I don’t think so.” Callum whispered, “This has to be the warehouse though.”

“I agree.” Christian said, “Do you think all of these crates are filled with uniforms?”

“I hope not.” Callum whispered, Christian looked at him in question, “If they are, his army is far larger than I thought.” Christian flashed a brief smile of understanding.

“We have to get that crate open, Quintan. We need that proof.” Christian whispered, “I’ll check the lid and see if I can get it open. You keep a watch for the others while I do that.” Callum nodded and went around the corner of the stack of crates following the direction of where the shabbily dressed men went. Christian moved quickly across to the single crate, setting Dustin’s sword quietly down on the floor. He started to dig his fingers into the lid. He could see that it had been opened before, the marks that were on the lid. He took his own sword out of its scabbard quietly, setting the blade in the crack between the lid and the case itself and pried gently. It squeaked as the cut nails gave way a bit. He pulled the blade and put his fingers of his free hand in and pulled, the lid came up a bit more. He was able to reach inside with his hand, but couldn’t see into it. He felt around and touched cloth. He moved his fingers around a bit more and found an edge of the cloth and gripped it. He pulled and brought it out with his arm and hand. He looked at it and sensed something else, something behind him. He turned quickly and tilted his head back as he looked at the towering giant that had been standing behind him. His eyes went wide as he saw the scarred face that was looking down at him. An evil grin split that face and a hand reached out in a blur and gripped Christian around the throat. Christian choked, dropping the uniform. The evil grin was slowly replaced by a sneer, the upper lip curled slightly as Christian was lifted off the floor by the single hand.