rooinecksThe men laughed, with some making comments under their breath. After over a year in Africa, Andrew felt himself to be a veteran, an old soldier fit to stand alongside his peers.
“Right, men,” Andrew was satisfied his men were ready to fight, and their morale was high. “Dismissed!”
"Sir." Andrew approached Captain Fraser, who was talking to the regimental farrier. “Could I have permission to leave the column for a day?”
“Why?” Fraser asked.
“To see a lady, sir,” Andrew said. “Her farm is only a few miles away.”
Fraser shook his head. “Sorry, Baird, Miss Maxwell will have to do without your amorous advances. We need all hands on deck, and there’s too much to do to afford leave.”
“Yes, sir,” Andrew was too young to hide his disappointment.
“Cheer up, Baird,” Fraser said. “It w
