The Fighting Cavalryman

By John J. Law

One man stood out among the cavalrymen in the fort. 
He did not stand out physically. He was of a moderate build and at first glance, looked just like any other soldier. But deep inside Dan Mandrake beat a fierce and fighting heart. His regiment, the 5th was already known for its fierce bravery and courage, but Dan Mandrake exemplified these qualities the most. 
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: J.C. Hulsey Books
• Release date: Jan 11, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224448913

Book preview

Chapter One: A Routine Mission.

The large fort stood high and imposing. The structure was a symbol and a statement amidst the wild landscape that surrounded it. It was a physical statement and symbol of the people and the young country that built it. 

Inside, the fort was a hive of activity inside as several soldiers from the US army moved about and did their daily business. The men from the fighting 5th Regiment. They had been consigned to Fort Goliath where they were tasked with patrolling the area for any hostile native Indians.

The men inside took their work very seriously. Some of them took this as a sacred duty to God and country, something that was not to be wasted with idle hours of gossip or slacking. Others took the job simply at face value. These were desperate individuals living in desperate times, and they would value any job that could help them eke out a decent life.

One man stood out among the cavalrymen in the fort.

He did not stand out physically. He was of a moderate build and at first glance, looked just like any other soldier. But deep inside Dan Mandrake beat a fierce and fighting heart. His regiment, the 5th was already known for its fierce bravery and courage, but Dan Mandrake exemplified these qualities the most.

Dan was an experienced scout and tracker. He had seen more than his fair share of action and no one could say he was green. He had also more than once, dodged a bullet with his name on it. Out in the frontier, Dan had seen his fair share of death and depravity. Other men might have been discouraged by the things Dan had seen and would have been tempted to desert the army. Not Dan Mandrake. The US Army had gotten their money's worth with Dan. He earned every penny of his salary, and he was about to earn it again today.

We're counting on you, Dan.

Colonel Richmond Carter nodded and smiled at Dan before shaking his hand. The handshake was firm and a sign of full trust in the young lieutenant. This in itself was an achievement for Dan Mandrake. After all, it was hard to earn the trust of an old warhorse like Colonel Carter.

Don't worry Sir. This is just a routine mission. Meet the Sergeant, get his report and get back here. Ain't nothin' that should be complicated and such. Mandrake said.

If there was one weakness of Dan, it was his overconfidence. Dan Mandrake was definitely more than a capable lieutenant. He was someone who had seen more than his fair share of trouble and had still come through. Perhaps it was that high rate of success, or his youth. Either way, Dan was more than a little confident of himself and his abilities. It was something that Colonel Carter worried about. For even though the young lieutenant was reliable, he knew that overconfidence and pride could easily