Ashes in the Wind Read Online Free

balancing a huge tray on one hand. With a total lack of fanfare, she placed large steaming bowls of the spicy bisque before them. Shortly, these were joined by a plate of warm biscuits and another of cornmeal-battered catfish, deep fried to a golden brown. The woman had hardly retreated from their table before the boy began munching on a piece of fish and as rapidly spooning the rich broth into his mouth. For a long moment Cole watched in amusement until the ravenous youngling became aware of the officer’s attention. Suddenly abashed, Al laid down the fish and slowed his spooning. Captain Latimer chuckled lightly, then turned his interest to the tantalizingly delicious food.
    Though the boy had eaten heartily at first, he seemed to satisfy his hunger quickly and dallied with the remainder of his food while Cole consumed his portions more leisurely, savoring each taste fully. When he finished the meal, the captain sat back and wiped his mouth on a napkin.
    “Do you know where your uncle lives?”
    A quick nod answered him, and Cole rose, tossed down several bills, and picked up his hat. He gestured for the lad to follow. “Come on. If I still have a horse outside, we’ll see about getting you to your uncle’s.”
    The youngster readily hoisted his case and hurried out the door after the tall man. He could hardly refuse the captain, and besides, riding was infinitely better than walking. Struggling with the valise and the weight of the heavy boots, he staggered behind his guardian. The unlikely procession of unwashed ragamuffin and impeccably groomed officer madeits way to where a tall, long-legged roan stood tethered in the shade. Gathering the reins, Cole turned to consider the slim lad and his burden.
    “Do you think you can stay on behind me and hold your gear?”
    “Yeah.” The boy swaggered a bit. “I been riding since I was little.”
    “Get up there then. I’ll hand you the valise.”
    Cole held the horse while the lad attempted to step into the high stirrup, but once in it he had not the span to throw his other leg over the saddle.
    “Since you were little, huh?”
    With a start of surprise, Al felt a broad hand beneath his buttocks, hoisting him up. The gray eyes widened considerably, and some distress showed in his face as he was settled on the back of the steed. Angrily he jerked around to snap at the Yankee, but the captain was already lifting the case. He set it before the youth with an offhand remark. “I would guess that you’ve had an easy life until now, Al. You’re as soft as a woman.”
    The captain placed the reins without further comment and swung onto the horse, throwing his leg over the horn of the saddle. For a moment, they adjusted things, then the captain asked over his shoulder, “All set?”
    At the answering, “Yup,” Cole reined the beast around and rode away from the dock. The roan was magnificent and well trained but unaccustomed to the extra load, slight though it was. The youth was proud but had to fight the large case in his arms, the slippery back of the animal, and a reluctance to touch the captain. His efforts made the steed moreskittish. Finally Cole lost his patience and snapped curtly over his shoulder, “Al, get your butt settled and be still back there, or we’ll both end up in the street.” Reaching around, he caught the smaller hand in his and pressed it firmly against his side. “Here, grab a handful of my jacket. Now hang on with both hands and sit still.”
    Gingerly the youth took hold of the proffered garment and adjusted himself. The horse quieted some, and the ride was easier. The wicker case sat on end between them and was held in place by the boy’s arms. The lad was satisfied. At least he didn’t have to rub against that hated blue coat.

Chapter 2
    T HE city had been relatively untouched by battle. Along the river the scars of strife were visible, but as they moved away from the dock, life appeared to go on much as it had before, unhindered by the