hidufel
12-08-2009, 06:50 PM
The following are excerpts from my journal, which encompass the years from 1878-2007. There are earlier entries but none of these have relevance to my current state of affairs, except to bring me to my first years in Her Majesties service, culminating in my first command as a Colonel, in South Africa.
Excerpts form the diary of Col Leighton Beaumont, KCB.
Journal Entry; 12 February 1878
Have just received my commission and orders from the Royal Military Command to assume the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. I'm told by Baron Chelmsford himself that I will be heading to Africa... to help look after Her Majesties interests there. I look forward to new command and hope to bring glory to the crown.
I've informed Edmund of my new appointment. He tried not to show it but I know my batman well... he doesn't like the wild and uncivilized men were sure to face in Africa. But I'm sure he'll adjust well and enjoy the new experiences.
Journal Entry; 13 March 1878
Arrived in Natal. My first impression wasn't very pleasant... the port itself looked to be the most built up of the area. My regiment was billeted just to the south, creating their own little chanty town of hangers on and camp followers. It seems i will need to bring some discipline to these soldiers. Their previous commander held a lax hand. The local guide had some cryptic warnings for my entourage... It would seem that there is some sort of beast stalking the livestock at night. The locals are all aflutter with superstition... they are afraid to go out at night. I'll have to get word from some trustworthy sources just what this is about. Edmund would have nothing of the local help in regards to my personal effects. He looked positivity insulted when a local porter offered to polish my boots!
Journal Entry; 4 April 1878
Received orders from Major General Chelmsford, I'll be marching my regiment south to support a frontier Uprising. The Xhosa are attempting to regain some land including a diamond mine. Not too soon, i might add. My men are getting restless. And spooked by the local population. Yesterday a man had been killed, his body thrown in the street like trash, with just a few wounds on his neck. The locals think its attributable to some sort of vampiric demon. Not sure what stock to place in this. We march at dawn.
Journal Entry; 15 July 1878
We've Successfully ended this Cape Frontier War. Major General Chelmsoford has been recalled to England. I have word from my contacts in the lords house that he will be made KCB! We've captured several savages recently whom seem to have been practicing sorcery, or their own version of it. I've seen them perform some minor tricks that i cannot explain otherwise. I am intrigued.
Journal Entry; 3 April 1879
Zulu attack was repulsed yesterday... losses were heavy, on the Zulu side. we lost two good men. Relieving Pearson's men today, and we will evacuate Eshowe tomorrow. We lost 4 men last night, among the servants. They've simply disappeared, and no one can find them. One locally hired groomer may have seen something but he is near catatonic with either fright or hes been struck dumb. He refuses to be alone at night time. I'm reminded of my first arrival in Natal, and the locals there fear of some creature in the night.
Journal Entry; 4 July 1879
We have defeated the Zulu King Cetshwayo's forces today! The battle of Ulundi was hard fought but the Queens forces prevailed! Long Live the Queen!
Lieutenant General Chelmsford is being recalled to London, and he has ordered me to accompany him. I could tell Edmund was relieved to head back to London upon hearing the news.
Journal Entry; 11 September 1879
Have been recognized for my service in Africa with a promotion to Colonel and appointment to the Order of Bath as Knight Commander! Edmund's reaction? "It's about time, sir." Always calm and collected, Edmund is. I'm beginning to think nothing will surprise that man! Was troubled during the knighting ceremony, for I felt as though I was under inspection from something in the audience. it gave me an uneasy feeling, but the moment passed.
Journal Entry; 1 December 1882
Having accompanied Lt. General Wolseley into Egypt and defeating the rebel, Urabai, have now occupied Cairo. This city suits me, I must say. Even Edmund seems to welcome the dry heat.
Journal Entry; 12 December 1882
There have been several murders among my men. The only marks on their bodies are wounds on their necks. I am again reminded of my time in South Africa, 4 years ago. There seems to be some evidence pointing towards the opium dens. I have sent several men to gather information.
Journal Entry; 13 December 1882
The Opium Dens turned up a few leads. It appears to be a front for a cult of the Egyptian god Set... but these few seem to have added some sort of bloodletting ritual to their repertoire, that bleeds their victims. I am organizing a raid on their suspected place of operation. so far my men have kept this news quiet. It should be quite a surprise for those cult worshipers.
Journal Entry; 15 December 1882
Having personally led the raid into the cult "sanctuary" i can report a resounding success. We found a horrid scene... bodies of men and women, some in various states of decay, some even catatonic, yet still alive with multiple wounds upon them. Some even appeared to be very pale with pointed teeth (which seemed very odd to me,) yet bore many of the same wounds as the healthier victims. in all we fought and killed 30 of these cultists. They seemed to be most vicious, and unfortunately i lost more men tonight then i lost in the battle to rescue the men at Eshowe.
Journal Entry; 19 December 1882
Received a Letter today, in the post. Addressed to Col Beaumont, and in a strangely flowing script. Edmund described the man who delivered it as a bit pale for a Caucasian living in Egypt, for he was not a local. The contents of which i will duplicate here.
"My Dear Col. Beaumont. You have made an enemy this week, one that places you in greater peril then you realize. You have merely scratched the surface upon a world far greater then you can imagine. We heave been watching you, and would like to discuss this issue at greater length, for we now share the same enemy. Come to the Salient Chapel at dusk on the eve after next. I Assure you, the trip will be worth your time, and your safety will be guaranteed. Cordially yours, Lady C."
Needless to say I am intrigued, and my curiosity is getting the better of me. I think I will bring Edmund along, though i do not wish to scare away the lady with a armed guard.
Excerpts form the diary of Col Leighton Beaumont, KCB.
Journal Entry; 12 February 1878
Have just received my commission and orders from the Royal Military Command to assume the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. I'm told by Baron Chelmsford himself that I will be heading to Africa... to help look after Her Majesties interests there. I look forward to new command and hope to bring glory to the crown.
I've informed Edmund of my new appointment. He tried not to show it but I know my batman well... he doesn't like the wild and uncivilized men were sure to face in Africa. But I'm sure he'll adjust well and enjoy the new experiences.
Journal Entry; 13 March 1878
Arrived in Natal. My first impression wasn't very pleasant... the port itself looked to be the most built up of the area. My regiment was billeted just to the south, creating their own little chanty town of hangers on and camp followers. It seems i will need to bring some discipline to these soldiers. Their previous commander held a lax hand. The local guide had some cryptic warnings for my entourage... It would seem that there is some sort of beast stalking the livestock at night. The locals are all aflutter with superstition... they are afraid to go out at night. I'll have to get word from some trustworthy sources just what this is about. Edmund would have nothing of the local help in regards to my personal effects. He looked positivity insulted when a local porter offered to polish my boots!
Journal Entry; 4 April 1878
Received orders from Major General Chelmsford, I'll be marching my regiment south to support a frontier Uprising. The Xhosa are attempting to regain some land including a diamond mine. Not too soon, i might add. My men are getting restless. And spooked by the local population. Yesterday a man had been killed, his body thrown in the street like trash, with just a few wounds on his neck. The locals think its attributable to some sort of vampiric demon. Not sure what stock to place in this. We march at dawn.
Journal Entry; 15 July 1878
We've Successfully ended this Cape Frontier War. Major General Chelmsoford has been recalled to England. I have word from my contacts in the lords house that he will be made KCB! We've captured several savages recently whom seem to have been practicing sorcery, or their own version of it. I've seen them perform some minor tricks that i cannot explain otherwise. I am intrigued.
Journal Entry; 3 April 1879
Zulu attack was repulsed yesterday... losses were heavy, on the Zulu side. we lost two good men. Relieving Pearson's men today, and we will evacuate Eshowe tomorrow. We lost 4 men last night, among the servants. They've simply disappeared, and no one can find them. One locally hired groomer may have seen something but he is near catatonic with either fright or hes been struck dumb. He refuses to be alone at night time. I'm reminded of my first arrival in Natal, and the locals there fear of some creature in the night.
Journal Entry; 4 July 1879
We have defeated the Zulu King Cetshwayo's forces today! The battle of Ulundi was hard fought but the Queens forces prevailed! Long Live the Queen!
Lieutenant General Chelmsford is being recalled to London, and he has ordered me to accompany him. I could tell Edmund was relieved to head back to London upon hearing the news.
Journal Entry; 11 September 1879
Have been recognized for my service in Africa with a promotion to Colonel and appointment to the Order of Bath as Knight Commander! Edmund's reaction? "It's about time, sir." Always calm and collected, Edmund is. I'm beginning to think nothing will surprise that man! Was troubled during the knighting ceremony, for I felt as though I was under inspection from something in the audience. it gave me an uneasy feeling, but the moment passed.
Journal Entry; 1 December 1882
Having accompanied Lt. General Wolseley into Egypt and defeating the rebel, Urabai, have now occupied Cairo. This city suits me, I must say. Even Edmund seems to welcome the dry heat.
Journal Entry; 12 December 1882
There have been several murders among my men. The only marks on their bodies are wounds on their necks. I am again reminded of my time in South Africa, 4 years ago. There seems to be some evidence pointing towards the opium dens. I have sent several men to gather information.
Journal Entry; 13 December 1882
The Opium Dens turned up a few leads. It appears to be a front for a cult of the Egyptian god Set... but these few seem to have added some sort of bloodletting ritual to their repertoire, that bleeds their victims. I am organizing a raid on their suspected place of operation. so far my men have kept this news quiet. It should be quite a surprise for those cult worshipers.
Journal Entry; 15 December 1882
Having personally led the raid into the cult "sanctuary" i can report a resounding success. We found a horrid scene... bodies of men and women, some in various states of decay, some even catatonic, yet still alive with multiple wounds upon them. Some even appeared to be very pale with pointed teeth (which seemed very odd to me,) yet bore many of the same wounds as the healthier victims. in all we fought and killed 30 of these cultists. They seemed to be most vicious, and unfortunately i lost more men tonight then i lost in the battle to rescue the men at Eshowe.
Journal Entry; 19 December 1882
Received a Letter today, in the post. Addressed to Col Beaumont, and in a strangely flowing script. Edmund described the man who delivered it as a bit pale for a Caucasian living in Egypt, for he was not a local. The contents of which i will duplicate here.
"My Dear Col. Beaumont. You have made an enemy this week, one that places you in greater peril then you realize. You have merely scratched the surface upon a world far greater then you can imagine. We heave been watching you, and would like to discuss this issue at greater length, for we now share the same enemy. Come to the Salient Chapel at dusk on the eve after next. I Assure you, the trip will be worth your time, and your safety will be guaranteed. Cordially yours, Lady C."
Needless to say I am intrigued, and my curiosity is getting the better of me. I think I will bring Edmund along, though i do not wish to scare away the lady with a armed guard.