A Ballad of Love and Glory(12)

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Distracted helping Maloney back to his tent, Riley didn’t see Lieutenant Bragg and his companions heading toward them from across the camp until it was too late.

“Privates,” Bragg said. “Is there a reason why you didn’t salute your superiors?”

“Beggin’ your pardon, sirs. We didn’t see ye, sirs,” Maloney said, as both he and Riley stopped and saluted the officers.

“You didn’t see us?” Bragg said.

“The swellin’ on his face has affected his eyesight, sir,” Riley said.

“And what’s your excuse, Mick?” Bragg stood closer, his spit on Riley’s chin. Riley was thankful to have the advantage of the lieutenant in height, hence it was Bragg who had to look up at him, not the other way around.

“Shall I teach you to pay attention?” Bragg turned to his companions, Duncan and two other artillerists, who immediately grabbed Riley’s arms and twisted them behind his back. Riley tried to break free from their grasp. “Stand down, Mick!” Bragg said, hitting Riley in the stomach with the hilt of his sword. “And not a word of insolence from you, if you know what’s good for you.”

Riley doubled over, gasping for breath. Maloney rushed to his side to help him stand up, but Riley shrugged him off. “Don’t ya meddle in this,” he whispered, knowing Maloney was in no condition for more punishment. The old man reluctantly retreated into the crowd that had gathered around them. Riley looked at the soldiers huddled in a circle, witnessing his humiliation. He was a seasoned veteran, not a young fellow like Sullivan, or an old drunk like Maloney, yet there was naught he could do to prevent this bullyragging and keep his dignity as a soldier from being trampled upon. He held himself together and checked his anger. Just then, he caught sight of a piece of paper by Bragg’s foot. The letter from Nelly. It’d fallen out of his pocket. Bragg followed his gaze and spotted the paper. He bent and picked it up.

“What’s this? Still carrying around the leaflets from the greasers, are you? After I made you burn them.” Bragg nodded to his companions. “Strip him!”

“?’Tis not a leaflet! I’m no traitor, sir,” Riley said as he struggled against the artillerists’ grasp. “I’ll take whatever punishment you want, but give it back.”

Bragg snickered as he held the letter between his hands, and in that second, Riley knew he was about to tear it to pieces. One of his arms broke free from Duncan’s grasp, and Riley lunged at Bragg. The officer staggered back just in time and jabbed his saber at Riley’s breast. “Insolent fool, how dare—!”

“What in God’s name is going on?” General Taylor’s voice boomed suddenly from behind Riley. He turned to see the general dismounting his mare. Next to him, his second-in-command, Colonel Twiggs, watched from atop his horse.

“This scoundrel here has given me impudence, sir,” Bragg said. “He even dared to physically attack me.”

Riley remained silent, but he stood straight and held his head high. He was going to be punished, he knew that. There was no point in defending himself, but he wasn’t going to be defeated.

“Is this true, Private?” General Taylor said. “You attacked a superior officer?”

“Aye, sir, ’tis true sir. But—”

“He’s carrying a leaflet from the Mexicans,” Bragg said, waving the paper around.

“?’Tis no leaflet, sir! But a letter.”

“He’s lying,” Bragg said, about to tear it to pieces.

“General Taylor, sir!” Riley said, his voice urgent. “If you please, sir, may I have it back?”

“What’s all the fuss?” the general asked. He put out his hand, and Bragg handed over the letter. As he read it, the expression on his weathered face changed, and somehow the compassion in the general’s eyes made Riley’s anger return.

General Taylor handed Riley the letter and then got back on his horse. “Lieutenant Bragg, let the private go on his way.”

“But, sir!” Bragg said.

Colonel Twiggs looked at Riley, his face puckered and annoyed. “Should we not make an example of him? Have him court-martialed for disobedience and disrespecting an officer. If you don’t, his countrymen will be following his example.”

“We need every soldier we have to win Mr. Polk’s War. Don’t you agree, Colonel Twiggs?” General Taylor said. “But, Private, another instance of disrespect and I will oversee your punishment personally. Understood?”

“Aye, sir, I do, sir.”

Taylor mounted his old mare and turned to leave, Twiggs following behind him, fuming. Riley stood still, his eyes on Bragg.

“Watch out, croppie.” The West Pointer cursed under his breath. “This isn’t over yet.”

Riley and Maloney watched Bragg and his companions follow Taylor and Twiggs to the officers’ quarters.

“Och, all the turf in the bog couldn’t warm me to the likes of him,” Maloney said, spitting on the ground. “Don’t let him nettle you, lad. Every dog is bold on his own doorstep.” He turned to Riley and grinned. “As for the general, though… just did you a bit of a favor, he did.”

“What gave you that foolish notion?” No, General Taylor had done him no favor. Bragg would follow through on his threat, and Riley needed to be ready.