1632 Snippets

Council Of Fire - Snippet 39 Chapter 28 We might as well take our ships apart Off Virginia Neptune was nine days out from New York when the topman sighted the other ship, off in the mist, making difficult headway toward the mainland. It was a big one, a ship of the line, enough for Admiral Saunders to call the men to quarters and run out the guns. Sir Charles Saunders considered himself a fair tactician, and though he would not praise them aloud too highly, he was proud of the crew of Neptune. But the ship that was sighted was clearly bigger...

1636 The Flight Of The Nightingale - Snippet 15 Chapter 10 "Keep hold of that thought," Roberto said. He looked to Cesare. "You look like you have unhappy news." "With what you now consider, perhaps less unhappy and more confirming." And the guard commander's expression had indeed eased a bit. "The short tale is that most of the guards have no recollection of seeing Maestra Caccini in the last several days. Given what you now suspect she has done, that comes as no surprise. But…" "But?" Roberto arched his eyebrows. "Two of the guards claim...

Council Of Fire - Snippet 38 Chapter 27 On terms favorable to the Crown of Great Britain Colony of New York Major Rogers and a half-dozen of his picked men led the way, following trails they knew better than anyone--or, at least, better than any white man. It was a hundred miles from Albany through the wild country north of the town, along the west side of Lake George, to the place where the French had planted their flag: four days' easy ride, if there were no obstacles or mishaps. The Rangers were used to traveling by foot or bateau, but the...

1636 The Flight Of The Nightingale - Snippet 14 "Margherita Signorini was indeed lodged with the sisters of the convent for a period of time. She was receiving tutoring in several subjects, as well as singing as one of their choir and occasional soloists." Roberto held up a hand. "I know the sisters and their reputation for music. She was that good?" "From what I could gather," Paolo replied, "she was. Not surprising, perhaps, when you consider whose child she is." Roberto waved his hand to continue. "Maestra Caccini would visit the convent...

Council Of Fire - Snippet 37 Part IV: Orientation June, 1759 Ye monsters of the bubbling deep, Your Maker's praises spout; Up from the sands ye codlings peep, And wag your tails about. --Cotton Mather, Hymn Chapter 26 The broom star has made old things new The Ohio Country Spring had not quite come to the land; the days were lengthening as normal, but the nights were cold, and the wind was stiff. It should already be planting season, but the ground was hard and unyielding; the sun seemed distant and the shadows it cast seemed dull and stark....