Far Horizons: Tales of Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Horror. Issue #15 June 2015 | Page 98

Trouble at the Docks
Chapter Thirteen
By Jim King

The story of the dead body had gone round the camp
within minutes, the guard outside the general’s tent
knew about it before the three officers arrived to report.
A few minutes later General Summerby stuck his head
out of the tent flap and shouted for a nearby soldier to
go fetch Captain Greyling and the other Lieutenants.
It took several minutes to locate them all and for them
to arrive at the tent for the meeting.
“Gentlemen, for those who have not yet heard the gossip, Captain Charterhouse found a dead body outside
our picket lines this morning. Captain, if you will.”
The captain’s briefing took only a few minutes, the
speculation that followed took longer until General
Summerby harrumphed and got the meeting back on
topic. Plans were drawn up, squad level patrols around
the camp while the Lancers scouted all around the
rebel town and could detail the ways in and out. Lieutenant Engler of the artillery along with Lieutenant
Houseman was to take a squad and set up on the hill
beside the road to observe the town and fort, specifically to locate the breach loader.

Details were being finalised when, “Oi you, clear off.
You shouldn’t be here.” The shout came from just outside the tent and interrupted the speculation.
“I must speak to the general!” The voice had a strong
accent, Egyptian or Arab.
“Clear off.”
The general looked up then nodded to the lieutenant
closest to the tent door, Fowler. “See what that is
about.” Fowler ducked under the tent flap and stepped
out into the bright sunlight. His voice reached the other officers inside.
“What’s all this about?”
“I must speak to the general. Last night, the book was
opened. We must stop him before he grows in power.
He will call more to walk!” The voice sounded close
to the tent and both angry and afraid.
“Be off with you before I have you shot.”
“I must speak to the general.”
“Guard prepare to fire!”

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