The Soldier’s Stand

The Soldier’s Stand , the second book in the Lord’s Learning series by Eleanor Swift-Hook, is out today!
In 1626 Europe is ablaze as the supporters of the exiled Elector Palatine, who was also briefly King of Bohemia, challenge Emperor Ferdinand. The emperor’s new general, Wallenstein, has achieved a crushing victory over the feared mercenary commander Mansfeld at Dessau, but Danish King Christian IV is on the march in Lower Saxony.
Amid this turmoil, Captain Matthew Rider must somehow manage both his part of Wallenstein’s war effort and his troublesome young lieutenant, Filippo Schiavono. Schiavono’s knack for finding trouble deepens when one of his three close companions is murdered. Jorrit Musykens, Schiavono’s loyal servant, comes close to being accused, but evidence points to another of the friends, who confirms his guilt by fleeing.
Mark Turnbull, author of ‘Charles I’s Private Life’ says of it: ‘A masterpiece of 17th-century historical fiction – immerses the imagination in murder and mystery, against the brutal backdrop of war.’

The Elbe, near Rosslau April 1626
Battles could be dangerous things, he knew that, but they were also great opportunities. No better chance to make sure someone you found inconvenient could conveniently perish in the chaos. Who was to say what really happened to them or which sword it was that cut them down?
He tried three times.
The first two failed because just as he got close, he needed to give his attention to the enemy in full, and the man he wanted dead was needful to his own survival—another sword arm lifted to defend his life and, grudgingly, he had to admit it was a strong one.
But then that was not what this was about.
Being strong, capable and worthy was not the point. If it came to it all four of them were those things. He would not waste his time and effort securing the friendship of those who were not. That way he kept them close at hand, their strength and skill at his disposal—and he could be sure where to find them if they became inconvenient.
No. This was about making sure of advancement, because advancement brought with it glory, title, land, wealth, status, a fine marriage—all the things he knew he deserved and had long been denied.
When it came to advancement only one of the other three really stood in his way. Only one held the patronage as well as the ability. Patronage that spoke with a louder voice than merit.
The third time he nearly succeeded.
It was a crazy plan they were following, but then Schiavono’s plans were always crazy. Someone must have dropped him on his head as a baby.
Blowing up the powder wagons.
The risk was insane.
And the opportunity was too good to pass up. All he needed to do was make sure that they exploded before everyone could get clear and once the fuse was running nothing could stop it.
His hand lifted to deliver a blow that would leave nothing to chance, but then he was there. Schiavono. Calling on them to go and insisting on finishing the work himself.
So the chance was lost.
Never mind.
He still had time and there would be other opportunities.
He would just have to be patient…

You can now keep reading The Soldier’s Stand which is out today!