The Way of War Pt. 20

Chapter 53

Three days later Ken called him over to the radio, Ari Silverman wanted to speak to him.

Ari came straight to the point, "Shaun, I need you, Bobby, Ken, and Proff, can you get all your possessions together. Transport will arrive to pick you up at noon tomorrow. You won't be going back to the base camp. Now is Proff available, I need to have a word with him."

Mystified Shaun called out to Proff, he passed over the microphone and walked over to where Bobby and Ken were talking.

"We have to pack up fellers, we're being pulled out at noon tomorrow," Shaun told them.

Both looked surprised, "Is there a flap on somewhere in country?" Bobby asked.

"I've no idea, I suppose we will find out tomorrow." Shaun replied.

Proff came over looking a little bemused, "I've been offered a chair under Professor Wiseman head of archaeology at Tel Aviv University and there's an assistant curators position at the museum if Barbara wants it. What's going on Shaun?"

Shaun shook his head "Beats me, we'd better start packing."

...

When Shaun emerged from his tent the next day he found Stanley had drawn up all of the men.

As Stanley saw Shaun he brought the men to attention turned and gave Shaun a blistering salute. His throat constricted with emotion has he returned the salute, only then did he notice Bobby, Ken and Proff stood to attention by the side of the tent.

Stanley gave the order to dismiss, and in seconds the four friends were surrounded by the men each jostling to wish them farewell.

Last to speak with them was Stanley and Sol. "Do you know anything about what's going on?" Shaun asked them.

Stanley nodded and smiled, "We know but are sworn to secrecy. Don't worry the men will be kept together. We are to be reformed with more men and vehicles tasked with protecting the Sini Road. We are to be called the Khana Scorpions, in honour of you and the L.R.D.G. You trained us well, thank you. Now we will pass on that training.

They passed along the line shaking hands with each of them as Stanley reached Shaun, Shaun gripped his hand saying, "I can't think of anyone better to lead them, other than you."

A 15cwt truck and a Ford Pilot car was waiting for them, some of the men piled their kitbags and rucksacks into the truck as they took their place inside the car, with a final wave they set off.

They stopped outside what looked to be an office block, the driver directed them to the third floor. They were told he would be waiting with their luggage for when they came out.

A young woman in shorts directed them from the third floor to an office. On opening the door they found half a dozen men and women busy either typing or carrying pieces of paper around. In one corner a powerful radio transceiver was maned by a young man who was scribbling onto a pad of paper. At the end of the room through a glass partition could be seen Ari Silverman Cookie was with him. He saw them and beckoned them forward.

The office was tiny, Shaun thought compared with the office he had held in Alexandra, but he still dressed casually. Ari was in slacks and a polo shirt, he smiled saying.

"You are no doubt wondering why you are here, all will be revealed in a moment. First I have to thank you for what you did. Some are claiming it was a miracle like David and Goliath.

Well if it was a miracle, it was helped by the training, knowledge and experience that you imparted into your men. And for that Israel is in your dept. We have not as yet got around to creating medals for our hero's. Hell, we are still trying to create a country. But things are changing for the better. People are flooding in from around the world, donations and modern weapons are pouring in. So we are in a much better position now than a month ago. There is talk of a truce, we have gained territory. and we intend to hold on to it.

But what has this to do with you? Well in short you're going home." Ari chuckled at the expressions on their faces. "A plane is on standby to take you to Rome, from there one of our representatives will book you on a flight, first class of course, to anywhere you want to go. I'll be taking you in to see the Prime Minister in a moment for him to thank you personally, but before that I am instructed to give you these."

With that Ari shook each hand and handed over an envelope. "Right gentlemen if you will follow me David Ben Gurion wishes to see you.

**************

The aircraft was a converted Liberator for passengers, their luggage had already been put on board as they scrambled on board.

The speed of the events had disoriented them in some respects, Cookie who was still bound up tight didn't find the canvas bucket seats comfortable and moaned about them.

They were well out over the Mediterranean before Ken opened his envelope, his jaw dropped open, "My god, it's a cheque for £100,000," he exclaimed."

One by one they opened theirs. They started to discuss what they could do with a sum like that.

"I suppose you'll open a law office back home Bobby?" Shaun enquired.

Bobby smiled ruefully, "No, I've grown too use to open spaces, I think I'll buy a sheep farm. I know a girl who was raised on one, who may like to help me run it."

"Well you don't lack open spaces in New Zeeland that's for sure," Cookie chimed in. "There'll be no more working in a mine for me. I think I'll go to London and open a restaurant. What about you Shaun, what will you do?"

"Probably buy more land to add to the game reserve," he answered whimsically.

When they disembarked from the aircraft the representative was waiting for them. He took care of their luggage and directed them into the first class lounge.

"You will no doubt wish to change your clothes. I have instructions to give you this," handing out $100 to each of them. "You will find clothes shops in the concourse."

Once he found out where they wished to go he set off to book their tickets. He returned in ninety minutes later with their tickets.

Bobby would travel with Cookie to London and catch the SS Haparangihi, a first class cabin had been reserved for him to New Zeeland. Shaun Ken and Proff's flight would be in eight hours to Johannesburg. Finding they required no more assistance he left.

They all bought a change of clothes, still being in their combat dress, they dumped them in a trash can.

They just had time for a meal before seeing Bobby and Cookie off at the departure gate, having vowed to have a reunion a year from now at the Crater. They managed to contain their emotions at seeing the men who had been such a great part of their lives depart.

He had bought presents for the family and friends and a box of Romeo y Julieta cigars for himself. He managed to send a telegram off to the Crater before settling down in an armchair for a snooze before their flight.

**********

As he climbed down the steps from the plane at Johannesburg he heard the screams from the girls. Sharron, Jennifer and Barbara were waving their arms madly to catch their attention.

They had barely got through the arrival gate before the girls hurled themselves into their man's arms. Sharron's lips had never felt so soft he thought as he crushed her to him.

When they parted she looked at him with suppressed tears in her dark eyes, "You've lost weight," she accused.

Shaun chuckled, "You've put it on." They both dissolved in laughter.

The Crater DC3 was waiting for them, porters had put their luggage on board.

Soon it was high in the sky flying home to Kenya.

Sharron slept with her head on his shoulder, as he breathed in the sweet smell of her hair.

***********

The DC3 landed at the Game Reserve air strip, Jason was there waiting with the big Ford Estate and a pickup truck for their luggage. After a quick hug they set of to The Crater.

On entering the gates Shaun was surprised to see fires up by the buildings. As they drew closer they materialised into spits witch according to Jason two Eland bulls were roasting. There were thirty or forty people milling around.

Shaun started to ask Jason whose idea this was, but Sharron intervened, "It was Aunt Vicky's idea, but Yasmine and Jill were all for it, Sultar and Martin weren't too keen though," she said giggling.

A cheer went up as they stepped out of the car and the three men were almost mobbed by well-wishers. Having been hugged and kissed by Aunts Vicky, Yasmine and Jill he welcomed the bottle of beer Patar thrust into his hand. As much as was possible he avoided taking about the recent conflict, there would be time for that later.

He seemed to be passed from one group of people to another, he could see Ken and Proff were having the same problem. Then a shout went up, has Jason and Hector began carving the meat and handing out slices. Shaun used the distraction to move towards his home, then in the flickering light of the fires he saw Sharron. She was standing holding David's hand. His chest suddenly felt tight as he made his way towards them.

David must have seen him for he squeaked, "Mummy, Mummy Daddy's home."

Shaun gathered him in his arms, "Yes David, Daddy's home, and he promises never to leave you and Mummy ever again." He was looking into Sharron's eyes has he said this. Her eyes filled with tears and she smiled nodding.

They walked back up the path to their home, he handed David over to Sharron so she could put him to bed. While he waited, he poured himself a drink and taking the box of cigars went out on to the stoep. Outside he lit one and settled into one of the ornate cane chairs his Grandmother had brought from India.

He had only taken a puff when he heard the tap of a heavy cane, a deep voice sounded out near the steps, "I see you young lion."

"I see a Matabele Chief," Shaun replied.

The imposing bulk of N'debi materialised out of the shadows, leaning heavily on the staff he now carried.

"So the young lion is back from the war," he growled as he lowered his body into a cane chair that creaked alarmingly. His white hair shone from the lamplight on the stope.

Shaun passed over a cigar, and N'debi face broke into what passed for a smile from him. He bit a piece off and began to contentedly chew.

Shaun was unaware that Sharron had been about to come out to the stoep. But she paused by the side of the doorway to listen.

"So young lion was this a big war like the last one?"

"No, it was a small war N'debi."

"Oh, and what did you fight about?"

Shaun had to think of a way of explaining this to N'debi. He didn't know Sharron was still standing near the doorway listening.

"The war was about my wife's tribe, many years ago when the world was young, her tribe was defeated in war and banished to the four corners of the earth.

They settled in different countries but never had a country of their own.

In the big war I was in, the enemy hated my wife's tribe, they turned them out of their homes and took all their possessions. They moved them into kraals and began to kill them men women and children. Every country they conquered they would hunt for her tribe, rob them then kill them.

The good countries of the world fought them and beat them. But once the war was over they had no homes to go back to, only the few rags on their backs. So like a bird seeking its nest they started to move back to the land they had fist come from.

So the counties of the world had a meeting and decided that the tribe should have its own land.

They set aside a small piece of land and set a date when it should become theirs. But the counties that surrounded this piece of land grew angry and threatened to kill them all if it was given to them. They didn't have an army or many weapons to defend themselves with. So I and some other bwanas decided to help them, by training some into warriors and getting them some weapons.

When the land was given to them, the other counties attacked them. They had nowhere else to go, so they had to fight or die. They fought like lions. So much so, that the countries that attacked them decided to give up the attack."

There was a pause while N'debi considered the story, "This was a just war young lion."

Near the doorway Sharron smiled has tears ran down her cheeks.

N'debi continued, "When evil men try to force their way upon you, you have to fight back. It is the way of war."

The chair creaked with relief as N'debi levered himself out of it with his staff.

"Sleep well young lion," he growled as he made his way down the steps of the stoep.

"Sleep well N'debi Matabele Chief," Shaun replied. He stubbed out the cigar and moved to the doorway, finding Sharron standing there with a smile on her face but with eyes filled with tears.

She put her arms around his neck and murmured, "Have I told you how very much I love you today?"

He smiled and shook his head.

She took his hand leading him to the bedroom. "Come... I'll show you."

The End

Chapter 53

Three days later Ken called him over to the radio, Ari Silverman wanted to speak to him.

Ari came straight to the point, "Shaun, I need you, Bobby, Ken, and Proff, can you get all your possessions together. Transport will arrive to pick you up at noon tomorrow. You won't be going back to the base camp. Now is Proff available, I need to have a word with him."

Mystified Shaun called out to Proff, he passed over the microphone and walked over to where Bobby and Ken were talking.

"We have to pack up fellers, we're being pulled out at noon tomorrow," Shaun told them.

Both looked surprised, "Is there a flap on somewhere in country?" Bobby asked.

"I've no idea, I suppose we will find out tomorrow." Shaun replied.

Proff came over looking a little bemused, "I've been offered a chair under Professor Wiseman head of archaeology at Tel Aviv University and there's an assistant curators position at the museum if Barbara wants it. What's going on Shaun?"

Shaun shook his head "Beats me, we'd better start packing."

...

When Shaun emerged from his tent the next day he found Stanley had drawn up all of the men.

As Stanley saw Shaun he brought the men to attention turned and gave Shaun a blistering salute. His throat constricted with emotion has he returned the salute, only then did he notice Bobby, Ken and Proff stood to attention by the side of the tent.

Stanley gave the order to dismiss, and in seconds the four friends were surrounded by the men each jostling to wish them farewell.

Last to speak with them was Stanley and Sol. "Do you know anything about what's going on?" Shaun asked them.

Stanley nodded and smiled, "We know but are sworn to secrecy. Don't worry the men will be kept together. We are to be reformed with more men and vehicles tasked with protecting the Sini Road. We are to be called the Khana Scorpions, in honour of you and the L.R.D.G. You trained us well, thank you. Now we will pass on that training.

They passed along the line shaking hands with each of them as Stanley reached Shaun, Shaun gripped his hand saying, "I can't think of anyone better to lead them, other than you."

A 15cwt truck and a Ford Pilot car was waiting for them, some of the men piled their kitbags and rucksacks into the truck as they took their place inside the car, with a final wave they set off.

They stopped outside what looked to be an office block, the driver directed them to the third floor. They were told he would be waiting with their luggage for when they came out.

A young woman in shorts directed them from the third floor to an office. On opening the door they found half a dozen men and women busy either typing or carrying pieces of paper around. In one corner a powerful radio transceiver was maned by a young man who was scribbling onto a pad of paper. At the end of the room through a glass partition could be seen Ari Silverman Cookie was with him. He saw them and beckoned them forward.

The office was tiny, Shaun thought compared with the office he had held in Alexandra, but he still dressed casually. Ari was in slacks and a polo shirt, he smiled saying.

"You are no doubt wondering why you are here, all will be revealed in a moment. First I have to thank you for what you did. Some are claiming it was a miracle like David and Goliath.

Well if it was a miracle, it was helped by the training, knowledge and experience that you imparted into your men. And for that Israel is in your dept. We have not as yet got around to creating medals for our hero's. Hell, we are still trying to create a country. But things are changing for the better. People are flooding in from around the world, donations and modern weapons are pouring in. So we are in a much better position now than a month ago. There is talk of a truce, we have gained territory. and we intend to hold on to it.

But what has this to do with you? Well in short you're going home." Ari chuckled at the expressions on their faces. "A plane is on standby to take you to Rome, from there one of our representatives will book you on a flight, first class of course, to anywhere you want to go. I'll be taking you in to see the Prime Minister in a moment for him to thank you personally, but before that I am instructed to give you these."

With that Ari shook each hand and handed over an envelope. "Right gentlemen if you will follow me David Ben Gurion wishes to see you.

**************

The aircraft was a converted Liberator for passengers, their luggage had already been put on board as they scrambled on board.

The speed of the events had disoriented them in some respects, Cookie who was still bound up tight didn't find the canvas bucket seats comfortable and moaned about them.

They were well out over the Mediterranean before Ken opened his envelope, his jaw dropped open, "My god, it's a cheque for £100,000," he exclaimed."

One by one they opened theirs. They started to discuss what they could do with a sum like that.

"I suppose you'll open a law office back home Bobby?" Shaun enquired.

Bobby smiled ruefully, "No, I've grown too use to open spaces, I think I'll buy a sheep farm. I know a girl who was raised on one, who may like to help me run it."

"Well you don't lack open spaces in New Zeeland that's for sure," Cookie chimed in. "There'll be no more working in a mine for me. I think I'll go to London and open a restaurant. What about you Shaun, what will you do?"

"Probably buy more land to add to the game reserve," he answered whimsically.

When they disembarked from the aircraft the representative was waiting for them. He took care of their luggage and directed them into the first class lounge.

"You will no doubt wish to change your clothes. I have instructions to give you this," handing out $100 to each of them. "You will find clothes shops in the concourse."

Once he found out where they wished to go he set off to book their tickets. He returned in ninety minutes later with their tickets.

Bobby would travel with Cookie to London and catch the SS Haparangihi, a first class cabin had been reserved for him to New Zeeland. Shaun Ken and Proff's flight would be in eight hours to Johannesburg. Finding they required no more assistance he left.

They all bought a change of clothes, still being in their combat dress, they dumped them in a trash can.

They just had time for a meal before seeing Bobby and Cookie off at the departure gate, having vowed to have a reunion a year from now at the Crater. They managed to contain their emotions at seeing the men who had been such a great part of their lives depart.

He had bought presents for the family and friends and a box of Romeo y Julieta cigars for himself. He managed to send a telegram off to the Crater before settling down in an armchair for a snooze before their flight.

**********

As he climbed down the steps from the plane at Johannesburg he heard the screams from the girls. Sharron, Jennifer and Barbara were waving their arms madly to catch their attention.