13 June; Company business

Being rid of their French prisoner was a relief. Major Croft had been only too happy to take charge of the sous-lieutenant and Blackwood saw no more of the fellow after some lads from the major's company had escorted the Frenchman away. It was just as well. This whole business had left him feeling somewhat soiled, though he was entirely at a loss to explain why.

He dismissed the men once they were back in their area of camp, leaving Sergeant Northcut at liberty to attend to things as he saw fit. Of his two subalterns there was no sign, though he had little doubt both were thick as thieves somewhere. That was the last thing he needed, really. Two lieutenants who had mutual connections most likely more powerful than his own. Such a thing reminded him all too keenly how thin his own fortunes were at present.

This train of thought helped only to sour his already tenuous mood and in something approaching outright temper, Blackwood retreated to his tent. Colonel Trevor would expect a written report of this incident, which would need to be delivered by day's end. Or else. He'd had rather enough of coming to the colonel's attention for negative reasons. It'd be a relief to, at least once, be able to report something worthwhile.

This was, of course, assuming he could settle himself enough to write such a report sensibly. He could do with a cup of tea as well. Where was his batman? Damn it all.