Once a Soldier (Rogues Redeemed) Read Free Page A

redemption. I should make the attempt.”
    After they had shared a dark night and imminent death, it was strange to think Will would not see any of these men again. Strange and wrong. “If this war ever ends,” he said tentatively, “perhaps those of us who survive may meet again in London and exchange lies about our heroic deeds and redemptions.”
    “The Brotherhood of Rogues Redeemed!” Duval said grandly. “I like the idea, but we shall need a point of contact in London for sending messages so we might find each other.”
    Will thought a moment. “Hatchard’s bookstore in Piccadilly. I know the owner.” In fact, Will was a major customer. “I’ll ask him to keep any letters he receives that are addressed to the Rogues Redeemed, and that they can be read by any of us that call at the store. I’ll give him the names we’re all using tonight.”
    Chantry grinned. “Because we might be lying about our identities? I like your suspicious mind.” Wincing from pain, he stretched a hand into the center of the close circle of riders. “May we meet again in more auspicious times!”
    Will clasped Chantry’s hand. The others did the same in a five-way handshake that made their agreement somehow more real. When they released their grips, Will swung back into his saddle, thinking he was grateful to have met these men in these circumstances.
    He hoped they all survived to meet again someday.

Chapter 2
    Southwestern France, outside Toulouse, April 1814
     
    N ews of the emperor’s abdication triggered riotous celebrations in the army camp. Since Will Masterson didn’t enjoy feeling drunk, he’d stayed mostly sober and spent the night strolling among the tents to ensure that none of his troops killed each other in their exuberance.
    By morning, the revelers had run out of drink and were sleeping off their excesses. Will caught a couple of hours of sleep himself, and awoke to the knowledge that since he hadn’t managed to get himself killed, it was time to go home. War was damnable, and he’d had his fill. In his heart, he was no longer a soldier. He was ready to settle back into the civilian life he’d been born to. In fact, he looked forward to it. For years, he hadn’t believed that would ever be possible.
    He was writing a letter to his brother in London to announce his return when his batman, Sergeant Thomas Murphy, scratched at the canvas beside the open tent flap to catch his attention. “The colonel wants to see you in his tent, Major.”
    Will sanded his last sentence, then set his lap desk aside and got to his feet. This would be a good time to tell Colonel Gates that he would be resigning his commission as soon as possible. His admittedly varied skills were no longer necessary now that peace had arrived.
    The camp was generally quiet as Will made his way to the colonel’s tent, though a couple of indefatigable young Irishmen were holding a donkey race on the edge of the camp. Will wasn’t sure he’d ever been that young.
    The colonel’s tent flap was up, so Will ducked inside. “Good morning, sir. Is this a good time for me to tell you that I will be departing the army with all due speed?”
    Colonel Gates grinned and waved toward a camp chair. “Have a seat, Will. Glad to hear you’re selling out. With Boney defeated, the army will be cut drastically and fewer officers will be needed. The more dilettantes like you who leave, the more space there will be for career officers like me. Care for a cup of coffee?”
    Will laughed. “I’m glad my departure pleases you. Coffee would be welcome.” He settled into a camp chair. “Do you know the terms of the abdication? I’m assuming the emperor is not going to be shot, or he wouldn’t have agreed to go quietly.”
    “He tried to abdicate in favor of his son with the empress acting as regent, but the Allies weren’t having any of that.” Gates filled a coffee mug and handed it over.
    Will swallowed appreciatively. He’d developed a taste for