Hereford bustled with activity as Jack pushed his horse through the accumulation of farmers" carts, coaches and pedestrians. Thinly sprinkled among the civilians, the scarlet tunics of soldiers showed the continuing presence of the Royal Malverns. Ignoring everybody, Jack rode to the barracks, where a solemn-faced sentry stepped across to deny him entry.
“Halt!” the sentry was young and nervous, evidently a recruit. “Where are you going?” He levelled his rifle.
“Well done, Private,” Jack said. “I am Captain Jack Windrush with an urgent message for Colonel Ledbury.”
The sentry blinked, looking confused. His training had not included this type of situation.
“It might be best if you called for your sergeant,” Jack suggested. “My mission is rather urgent.”
The sergeant marched up at the d
