Sharpe's Exploits

[Steiner]

Major Richard Sharpe

He turned to growl at her to begone, but thought better of it. Let Kate see who this woman really was.

"This is Colonel Justine de Villiers of the French Chaussers. She is giving me a lecture on the nature of liberty which, for some insane reason, she believes I'm slightly interested in. Colonel de Villiers, may I present your chaperone, Miss Kate Savage of Oporto in Portugal."

He turned to Justine again.

"Don't imagine for one second that I give a damn about freeing the French from Napoleon. I'm a professional soldier, I fight where they tell me and I fight to win. And all your speeches about Liberty and Equality aside, you know I'm going to. And so does your master too, or he wouldn't have sent you here, would he?"

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Kate Savage / Justine de Villiers

"Perhaps you ought to furnish Madmoiselle, I'm sorry Colonel de Villiers with some clothes then." Kate looked at Richard, not wanting to be found staring at the naked woman seated in the middle of the room. Nodding to Captain de Avellanos, seeming how his shirt was still undone. "If it's not a demonstration of the principles of liberty the liberty to eschew clothes and common decency." A weak smile on her face as she addressed de Villiers.

"Richard, please assure me that everything is the way it ought to be." There was an urgency to her question that she couldn't hide. Having herself been at the mercy of enemy soldiers she could symphatise with the predicament of the Colonel de Villiers althouh there was something about the woman that unsettled her. She didn't seem to care for the fact that she was sitting stark naked in a room with two men and further that she so obviously flaunted her nudity .

Before Richard could answer her Justine spoke, smiling coldly at Kate "Enchantee Madmoiselle Savage" and then turning to Sharpe. "I do not think I require a chaperone I am an officer as you may have noticed." Turning back to Kate again "and do not worry about my lack of uniform. Captain de Avellanos are on his way to fetch my baggage."

"As for your sentiments Major Sharpe, they are duely noted alas I fear that they are of no consequence to our coming discussion with Milord Wellington."

Smiling coldly at Sharpe again and giving Kate the briefest of nods.

 

[Steiner]

Major Richard Sharpe

"Oh, but you're not just a man in uniform, are you ma Colonel? You're a woman. So you get a chaperone to stop anyone from taking advantage, although god knows why anyone would. I'm glad Captain de Avellanos managed to get you to wash up - although perhaps he was a little more thorough than required. Youth can be enthusiastic where the situation doesn't warrant, don't you think?"

Sharpe walked behind Justine to test the rope around her wrists.

"I think we'll keep you tied until we get you to Lord Wellington's HQ. Wouldn't want you to assault a soldier and get killed by mistake. Everyone knows how excessively passionate french women are, right? You'll be dressed as a soldier, but I'm damned if I'm arming you - so know that if you make one twitch towards Nosey that I don't like, I'll gut you then and there."

Sharpe grinned. He'd given her time to get clean, but no time to fix her appearance. He was sure she could appear stunning under the right circumstances, but travel wrinkled uniforms and wild hair would make her appear wild and untamed next to the perfect beauty of Kate.

 

[Katamari Roller]

Sharpe's arrival was as much a source of discomfort as embarrassment. But Alfonso found that he didn't care that much. He had found his lover naked, and in the tent right next to this, so he was not exactly in the best position to argue... although he still hadn't done it with an enemy, and an officer.

Turning to the Spanish captain he growled "Are you still here? Her ladyship is NOT to have access to her baggage, you are to pick her uniform items out for her. No sword. No pistol. Search it thoroughly."

"I know that. It was not my intention to grant her access to any weapon." The man's sudden, uppity manners inmediately marked him as an undesirable person in Alfonso's eyes. Of course, he was conscious of the displeasure one would find in these situations, usually, but if he wished to discuss that it was to be discussed in a more private place... and with swords and knives, if necessary.

Still, as he stepped out of the tent, Alfonso felt he had skipped on something. The situation was definitely becoming complicated, and he was sure that someone was playing aces against him. And it felt like Justine was the one doing it. Only Alfonso was not a mindless, horny dog who would submit himself to her whim just for sex. His loyalty to his country came before anything else, as good as that reasoning was after what had transpired between Justine and him.

Still, when she said she loved him, and quickly retracted herself... that felt true on one hand, and fake on the other. And that worried Alfonso, as he took the uniform and walked back to the tent. A woman certainly had weapons a man wouldn't use, and Justine was proving quite adept in using them...

Going in, he dropped the uniform on the chair he had been sitting on during the interrogation. Suddenly, he noticed he felt something warm on his chest, and remembered how her lips were bloody after they orgasmed. Somehow, that felt good to him... special, even. But he remained with as neutral an expression as was possible, as he listened in silence to the exchange going on between Sharpe and de Villiers, with Miss Savage's interventions.

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Justine de Villiers

"Thank you Captain de Avellanos"

The words directed at Alfonso but Justine kept her gaze firmly on Sharpe. Her hostility quieter yet of the same magnitude as his. "Would it be possible to untie me for the purpose of getting dressed?" She gave Alfonso a brief smile and even a wink. "Otherwise I have to enlist the services of Madmoiselle Savage of Oporto and I don't think that she would apprecieate being demoted to a mere maid."

Still holding Sharpe's stare as she sat back, seemingly enjoying the exchange. "And since you persist in referring to me as a woman, then for the sake of decency and decorum I'd ask you to step out. I do think you had your fill of ogling me by now have you not Major?" She smirked as she turned to Kate. "You'd better keep that one on a firm leash Madmoiselle Savage."

Once again turning back to Alfonso, "I'm sure Captain de Avellanos will do as my chaperone for the time being."

 

[Steiner]

Major Sharpe

"Ogling you, Colonel? Not even the best offer I've had today, I'm afraid. And Captain de Avellanos will develop, I'm sure, a sudden interest in doing what he is told to do, or I'll kick his arse out of this tent myself. I'm sure he still has men to bury, if he can think of nothing better to do."

Sharpe intended the cutting tone to remind Alfonso that this woman he'd been rutting with a short time ago was responsible for those deaths.

"Of course you'll be untied to dress. I'll be in sight of you the whole time until Nosey decides what to do with you, and we've already established you present neither threat or temptation to me. Especially unarmed. To soothe your maidenly concerns, however, Miss Savage will remain in sight of you at all times too. She's quite the humanitarian, and will no doubt keep us poor soldiers honest."

Sharpe sat on a stool and put his feet up on the table.

"And then to Army HQ, and Lord Wellington can work out whether to shoot or hang you."


Finally he turned to where de Avellanos stood mutely.

"If you've anything to report or query, Captain, I can always find time to discuss it outside?"

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Justine de Villiers / Kate Savage

"Tell me Madmoiselle Savage, does he always act like this?"

Justine had been sitting impassive through Sharpe's outburst, a small smile playing on her broken lips as he had spoken. Kate on the other hand had been throroughly taken aback by the fiercness of the same, and her reaction was not helped by de Villiers' impertinence.

"Madam for shame!" Kate had taken refuge behind Richard, trying to look everywhere but on the naked French colonel. "I will not suffer to hear such things from you."

Justine had laughed in response to Kate's reaction, seeing how the younger woman had blushed as she provocatively spread her legs wide and once more addressed Sharpe.

"Oh quite the little lady you've got for yourself Major. Although common knowledge has it that you prefer something a bit more how shall I put it, refined." She smiled again "Helena sends her regards and asks to be remembered."

Leaning back again seeing how Kate gave him a questioning look. "Oh my a spot of trouble in Paradise perhaps?" Laughing as she sat back. This was even more amusing than she'd pictured it.

 

[Katamari Roller]

Sharpe's comment about his dead men was quite unnecessary, even if true. Alfonso knew Justine was responsible for the death of his men. But he also knew he was responsible for the death of hers. He didn't need to be reminded... but he did have that in his mind again.

"No, sir. Beyond the sabertasche de Villiers handed to me, there is nothing else to report."

That was making a point, it was. Sharpe had not gotten anything out of her, it was him who had managed to make her adopt a more reasonable stance towards her captors. But, being honest about it, Alfonso felt Justine had done it with a hidden purpose. And he knew that, given her fanatism, she might just be trying to get into a good position to carry out whatever orders she had been given.

That was when Alfonso finally processed that she was going to meet with Wellington. A somber premonition glided over him, as his eyes darkened, looking at Justine. Could it be that she intended to do something then? Kill Wellington, for example? She knew that if she tried, she might die... but she was a fanatic, who knew what she was capable of for her Emperor?

 

[Steiner]

Major Sharpe

Richard could hardly suppress a smile at the memory of Helena.

"Ahhhh, Helena. Now there was a woman, Colonel. I sincerely hope you haven't modelled yourself on her, because, let me tell you, you look like one of your horses next to her. If you ever make it back to Paris you must pass on my kind regards. And my condolences on the death of her brother, of course. But I'm sure Miss Savage is almost every bit as refined as the Marquesa - not that I expect you to be any better a judge of femininity than you are of tactics. "

Here Sharpe grinned savagely, before relaxing.

"Well, anyway, I'm sure we're all impressed with your fortitude. And I think that even Captain de Avellanos has had enough of your naked body for now, so why don't you stop talking, let him untie you and get dressed. Maybe in silence, as you keep professing you have nothing to say?"

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Kate Savage / Justine de Villiers

"If you don't mind me doing so I'd rather wait outside Richard." Kate gave Justine a withering stare as she demonstratively turned to Richard and kissed his cheek, whispering "By God she is utterly dreadful." Shruddering as she nodded regally to the still bound Justine and strode out of the tent.

"A bit delicate is she Major? Not like la Marquesa, but then again you know her better than I do."

Justine's bond being cut she stood up and received the saddle-bag. Rummaging through it. Dressing in a new pair of riding breeches, a fresh shirt and a blue dolman coat with a pelisse hanging from her left shoulder. Tying a cravatte around her neck and donning the tasselled Hessian boots before turning to face Sharpe and de Avellanos again.

"Well Major I am all set to go, and I'm sure that Captain de Avellanos will be most forthcoming acting as my guard, in case I can no longer resist clawing your eyes out."

She smirked as she bowed to Alfonso again "I am at your disposal Captain."

 

[Katamari Roller]

Alfonso turned to address Sharpe.

"If you don't mind, sir, I'll wash myself quickly and change. I can't possibly approach Lord Wellington in this guise..." He gestured elloquently at his own clothes simply by spreading his arms. He was up to the neck in gunpowder and dirt, not to mention a few patches of blood, and his own face was peppered here and there in the same way.

Truth be told, Alfonso considered the possibility of Sharpe deciding not to let him attend. But that would be a bad idea, since Justine was more civilized with him around. Well, that was up to discussion. But displeasing her further was not going to help... and perhaps she could really put a word in for declaring the cease of hostilities. If the war ended...

No, that was too naive a thought. As was that Sharpe might let him attend. He would probably judge him weak because of the ruckus a few minutes ago...

 

[Steiner]

Richard Sharpe

"You've got fifteen minutes, Captain." Sharpe answered. He'd considered sending the boy away, but he'd caught her so he deserved to be in at the end.

"So, Colonel, how shall we pass the time? Shall we discuss the sexual appetites of any other mutual acquaintainces? I'm hoping that you've heard that Wellington is a ladies man, because I want to be there when you try your 'charms' on him. What I find hillarious is that you were so offended earlier when I suggested you might be a cavalryman's whore and yet... ...that's what you turned out to be!"

He laughed at the joke before picking up the pistol and motioning at the empty seat.

"Might as well take a seat whilst we wait for the dashing Captain de Avellanos to get back."

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Justine de Villiers

"A cavalry man's whore"

Justine sat down again seemingly tasting the word. "I fear that you misunderstand the meaning of the word Major," Smoothing down a crease on her Dolman coat "Incidentally are you not the issue of a whore?" Smiling coldly as she spoke the words.

"Further I understand that Lady Wellington is not very happy with Milord Wellington's liasons. But seeing the frequency of adultery in this army one is not to be surprised."


She kept her gaze fixed at Sharpe as she spoke next "I do not quite understand you Major. You have an extraordinary career that's for sure and I understand that you even saved Milord Wellington's life, yet you persist in acting like you are being mistreated."

Justine smiled again "Surely there are such things as poor winners as well."

 

[Steiner]

Major Sharpe

"You keep saying that, I wonder why? I'm quite happy with my life here in the South Essex - I have all the food, ammo and company a man could want. Peacetime life will seem quite dull in comparison, I'm sure."

Sharpe gestured with the pistol expansively.

"I know what a whore is. A woman who has sex for the exchange of some commodity or service. You have the Captain eating out of your hand - he's a hairsbreadth from challenging me over some of the things I've said about you. Poor kid - you're goin to ruin his career, or get him killed, you know?"

He slumped back again.

"Anyway, you're a professional. You know business when you see it. I'll hand you over to Wellington and he'll decide your fate."

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Justine de Villiers

"A woman exchanging sexual intercourse for some commodity? That would almost be Madmoiselle Savage of Oporto then. Given that Mrs Jane Sharpe nee Gibbons are safely tucked away in Merry olde England I cannot see any other term that befits her."

Justine made a show of examining her nails as she spoke. "Further Major I do think Milord Wellington will be most interested in the news I have to convey. Alas I fear that you will not understand the magnitude of it."

Sitting back again looking straight at Sharpe "So what is the fee for a ride with Madmoiselle Savage? I never indulged in Sapphic pleasures but one should never limit oneself."

Laughing as she saw his reaction.

 

[Steiner]

Major Richard Sharpe

Colour rose into Sharpe's cheeks briefly and then drained away again. For a moment, just a moment he looked into her eyes as if choosing the spot to place the blade. Then he relaxed a tad, although there was an edge to his eyes that never quite went away.

"The price is more than you can afford. A currency I suspect you've not even seen, let alone possessed. "

"Your tongue is sharper than Helena's ever was - for all that the rest of you isn't. What the hell do you think you gain by getting me angry at you? You ARE right, Justine, I don't understand what the hell your mission is, or why you know so much about me. I'm more tempted than ever to simply lose you in a ravine or something on the way there, but that letter in your bag elevates your fate to a higher power than me.

Rest assured though, that we WILL get to the bottom of this, and then you'll either be in jail, shot or on the way back home. Either way, you'll be out of my life - unless the ogre is stupid enough to give you more troops to throw away."

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Justine de Villiers

"Oh Major Sharpe, you are most amusing. Who would have thought that filth from the gutter, yes isn't that what the gentlemen call you, could be so chivalrous?"

She tossed her head back and laughed, a pearly sounding laughter that filled the tent. "Fear not Major I shall keep my hands firmly away from Madmoiselle Savage. Although I do think she's quite the devil between the sheets. No, no that's a compliment, hearing how she cried out earlier."

"As for more troops, well if His Imperial Majesty sees fit to give me a new command who am I to decline Major?"

She kept her icy stare fixed on Sharpe. "Although I'd rather lead a charge against the bastard Bernadotte then being here to tell you the truth but noblesse obligé."

Inhaling, her cheeks momentarily red with her rising anger. "Treason, Major, is a horrendous crime wouldn't you agree?"

 

[Steiner]

Major Sharpe

"Any crime you get caught at is horrendous. Bernadotte was smart to get out early to... Was it Sweden? Nice country, from what I hear. Bit cold though."

Sharpe watched her laughter subsided and shook his head in a mixture of impatience and admiration. Choosing to ignore her continued cracks at Kate, he weighed in instead on other issues.

"Where do you get your confidence from? I'm credited as being cocky in some circles, but you make me look like a blushing nun. And why do you hate me so bloody much - it isn't the thrashing I gave you this afternoon."

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Justine de Villiers

"Oh I don't hate you Major, but you are a, what do you say, a bloody nuisance. Besides I will have revenge for the Eagle you stole at Talavera."

Justine was standing now eyeing Sharpe. "If you'd been on the march back from Moscow you would understand. I fought with Prince Eugéne and that was not a pretty sight. Yet Honor et Fidelite will get you out. Even if one has to hack one's way through scores of cossacks."

She started pacing the floor "and you asked me have I been raped? Yes just before Austerlitz. Five Austrians in case you wondered. Let me assure you that I made sure that every bastard from that army that crossed my way paid for their deed."

Staring at the ceiling for a moment before addressing Sharpe again "You see there is only victory or death Sharpe. That's the sole explanation. We win or we cease to exist. And do not think that you have me beaten yet. I swear that I will fight the likes of you with every fibre of my body as long as I draw breath."

Pausing and sitting down again. "I'd rather see France reduced to ashes before she surrenders to the scavengers of Europe."

 

[Steiner]

Major Sharpe

Sharpe shook his head.

"I beat you about five hours ago. And even if I didn't, that young Spaniard did an hour or two later. What are you resisting? All I've tried to do is find out what you wanted and why you seem to know more about me than I do. And now you're getting the audience that your Emperor obviously sent you to get - although if I'd been one whit less chivilarous, you'd more than likely be getting a shallow grave instead. What on earth possessed you to take such a chance with your mission? Getting involved in the fight today. Baiting me afterwards."

He was more serious for a second.

"I had my retreat too. Corruna. And it was bastard cold then too, so you have my sympathies. We never broke ranks enough to risk being in the power of the enemy, but for what it's worth I never let my men rape and neither does Nosey."

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Justine de Villiers

She was sitting down again, ostensibly arranging the aiguilets of her Dolman before replying to Sharpe's statement. "Have you ever shied from a fight Major Sharpe? I know you haven't, although our motives may differ. My orders are first and foremost to kill as many of France's enemies, I told de Avellanos that much. I'm an instrument much like yourself. We are here because our nations needs us. The difference is that you may have a future."

Justine looked at him, seemingly exhausted by the tirade. "Now where is de Avellanos and your lady-friend Major? I do think it's rather rude to keep Milord Wellington waiting.

 

[Steiner]

Major Sharpe

Richard shrugged at the tired looking Frenchwoman.

"de Avellanos has another five minutes or so to present himself. Kate, driven outside by your manners, will join us when we leave the tent. Then we'll take an hours ride to Army HQ. We'll probably catch his Lordship at dinner - so we'll either wait or we'll delay his food. That'll put him in a good mood for you."

 

[Katamari Roller]

Alfonso entered the tent again, thoroughly clean now. His uniform was a vibrant green, the hat was a perfect black, and everything was exactly where it should be on his person. And he had to admit, Justine seemed perfectly suited too. But he didn't oogle at her enough for Sharpe to notice, or at least that's what he hoped.

"I am ready. Major, will we be taking an escort with us?"

 

[Steiner]

Major Sharpe

Richard wanted an escort - but none of his men had horses and that's how they'd be travelling. That left de Avellanos's men - but given the look he'd been given earlier he wasn't sure he wanted to be alone amongst Spanish horsemen.

"No, no escort. That's what we're for. We'll make a run into Army HQ on horseback. We're more than fast enough to get in an out without worrying, I think."

Standing, Sharpe brushed his trousers down and stuck the pistol in his belt.

"Well, let's be going then. You wanted this, so that's what you're getting. de Avellanos, tie her onto the horse nice and securely."

 

[Lady_Mornington]

Kate Savage

Kate had sought the comparative refuge of Sharpe's tent, having been throughly rattled by the display of the French Colonel de Villiers, and she had to admit, Richard's response.

It was hard to see that particular side to him, even though she knew it existed. Kate had come to view Richard Sharpe as the kind considerate man whom she had been spending the afternoon with, and being confronted by the other Richard scared her.

She heard Captain de Avellanos as he reported back and stood up to join the party, bracing herself for what was to come.