As the left wing broke up to deal with the threat, another volley came, much quicker than even experienced soldiers could manage. Marc made sure excess muskets were left loaded and left in the trenches. When another mortar crashed to the ground, the men left their trenches with both muskets in their hands.
Marc’s heart was racing, because there was nothing he could do to help his men. Even with a mortar going off, two were cut down before reaching cover.
The contents of his stomach soured and his jaw muscles bulged until his teeth strained. He wanted very much to send everything he had at those bastards, but needed to wait. They’ll live to rue this day.
Another four made it up to the crest and went on to reinforce the positions at the edge of town. Their chase was called off as two horses and their riders fell into a concealed pit. Marc knew that neither man nor their horses would be coming back up alive.
Disclaimer: This excerpt from Man of War is currently in development. There may be typos, errors, omissions, inconsistencies and so forth.
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