Sharpes Gold   ::   Корнуэлл Бернард

The Portuguese defenders were as impressive as their walls. The Company marched through the first gate, a tunnel that took two right turns beneath the first massive wall, and Sharpe was pleased at the look of the Portuguese. They were nothing like the shambles that had called itself the army of Spain. The Portuguese looked confident, with the arrogance of soldiers secure in their own strength and unafraid of the French storm that would soon lap round the walls of their huge, granite star. The town's steep streets were virtually empty of civilians, most of the houses barred shut, and to Sharpe it was as if Almeida were waiting, empty, for some great event. It was certainly prepared. From the guns on the inner walls to the bales of food stacked in courtyards, the fortress was supplied and ready. It was Portugal's front door and Massena would need all his fox-like cunning and strength to open it.

Brigadier Cox, the English Commander of the garrison, had his headquarters at the top of the hill, but Sharpe found him outside, in the main Plaza, watching his men roll barrels of gunpowder into the door of the cathedral. Cox, tall and distinguished, returned Sharpe's salute.

'Honoured, Sharpe, honoured. Heard about Talavera.

'Thank you, sir. He glanced at the barrels going into the dark interior of the cathedral. 'You seem well prepared.

Cox nodded happily. 'We are, Sharpe, we are. Filled to the gunwales and ready to go. He nodded at the cathedral. That's our magazine.

Sharpe showed his surprise and Cox laughed. 'The best defences in Portugal and nowhere to store the ammunition. Can you imagine that? Luckily they built that cathedral to last. Walls like Windsor Castle and crypts like dungeons. Hey presto, a magazine. No, I can't complain, Sharpe. Plenty of guns, plenty of ammunition. We should hold the Froggies up for a couple of months. He looked speculatively at Sharpe's faded green jacket. 'I could do with some prime Riflemen, though.

Sharpe could see his Company being ordered on to the main ramparts and he swiftly changed the subject. 'I understand I'm to report to Major Kearsey, sir.

'Ah! Our exploring officer! You'll find him in the place nearest to God. Cox laughed.

Sharpe was puzzled. 'I'm sorry, sir?

'Top of the castle, Sharpe. Can't miss it, right by the telegraph. Your lads can get breakfast in the castle.

'Thank you, sir.

Sharpe climbed the winding stairs of the mast-topped turret and, as he came into the early sunlight, understood Cox's reference to nearness to God.