Conor Dillon – Beginnings Excerpt 16
The prisoner gave his parole and was released in to my custody. Once released the man bowed gracefully to me and stated, ‘James O Driscoll, at your service, sir, where are we heading in this miserable country.’
‘To find and join the Dillon Regiment and serve my father, Count Dillon whose regiment it is. I am Conor Dillon, my companions are Black Michael Fallon and Shamus O’ Malley’ I said by way of introduction.
I admit to being a little intrigued by a lone Irishman, travelling abroad in these turbulent times, but as I had learned from the French Major, our new comrade was quite capable of looking after himself.
I appraised our new companion, he was a little taller than I, but not by much, of slimmer build, His clothes were of good quality and fitted him well although they looked like they had seen a little action, but I was aware of that.
Had I been a girl, and not a man I would have probably have thought him handsome, he had dark brown hair, brown eyes and even features, but the important thing from my point of view, was that although he was older than I was, he was nearer my age than my other companions, and at first sight I liked him. But first he had to prove his loyalty and earn his position within our little band.
It was the year seventeen hundred and thirty five and seventeen year old Conor Dillon and his three companions, were en-route to Germany, where he had been informed he would find his Father’s regiment. It was hard travelling through the wintry weather so when they came upon an Inn, They decided to stay overnight.
(C) Damian Grange 2018
