David organised training involving setting up and firing the Vickers and Mortars until every man was familiar at doing it. This included their transportation by mules.
News filtered in that the Germans were expanding their force and a regiment of German soldiers had arrived from Europe along with artillery. Askari's were being recruited and trained and tensions were rising all along the eight hundred miles that divided the two countries. Maasi reports came in that Askari's along with white men had been seen checking the various fords of the river along the boundary of the country.
A month later David called for a meeting of all officers at the Crater. When they were all assembled he pointed to the map that Martin had now completed.
"It looks gentleman that if they do invade then the likely spot that they will cross the river is here at Mamboie Ford. I say that because of two reasons; one it's the firmest of the fords, and secondly it's the most direct route to Nairobi. If they intend to bring artillery, then that's the place I would cross."
He paused to let that register before continuing, "The problem with that route is that it's a hundred and twenty miles to Nairobi, and no water to speak of for ninety miles of it. They'll have to use bullocks to pull the guns so their rate of progress will be slow, say ten or fifteen miles a day. They will have no choice but to have water brought from the river to re-supply them. It's my intention that once they are fifty miles or so into our land to stop that supply."
He looked around the room, "Any questions?"
Sultar spoke, "How many men will be in the invading force Colonel?"
"The best estimate going on current information is in excess of a thousand."
.
"What if they don't bring artillery, what then?" Stanley asked.
David smiled, "I'm banking on the German attention to detail. They are past masters in the use of artillery and as they have artillery they'll use it if they can. Also, the new commander of their Army has arrived from Germany and he served as an artillery officer during the Franco-German War."
Bill who was a lieutenant in Stanley's troop said, "That's just rolling bush out there; not much cover at all."
David smiled again, "Another good reason for them picking it. But here two miles away from the track is a rift; it's more like a blind canyon, very narrow and about thirty feet deep stretching six hundred yards or so. I've ridden out and seen it; you could hide a troop in there without it being seen."
Stanley spoke again, "David you realise the Crater is on their way to Nairobi? They must know about the cattle and horses you have, not to mention the water."
David nodded, "I've thought of that. They have a bad habit of living of the land so it makes sense for them to try for it. So I'm keeping a troop back to guard it. They'll have four machine guns and four of the mortars. I've also told the local Maasi chiefs what is likely to happen to their herds if they come. They'll move north-east when they get the word."
"So it all depends on them doing what you propose Colonel?" Sultar murmured. "But you have not said which troop will be doing what?"
David looked grim, "It's all speculation I'll admit at the moment which may change as time goes on. But as of now, based on what I know, then Captain Tartrha along with myself will be in the rift. Captain Stanley with his troop will be in front of the column, creating mischief as and when appropriate. Whilst Lieutenant Rham's troop, with you in overall command will be responsible for the defence of the Crater."
David could see the look of disappointment on Sultar's face at this news.
Later he spoke to him, "Sultar, I know you want to be where the action is but your wife and daughter, as well as my wife and children along with others' wives and families are dependent on the Crater being kept safe. If I can't be here to do that, then I want my very best man to keep them safe for me."
Sultar looked at David and nodded, "You are right David, I will defend the Crater to the last drop of my blood."
David smiled, "I know my friend... I know."
A new energy overtook the commando now and patrols covered the expected route looking for ambush points along the way. A well was drilled in the rift and water was discovered; not in a great quantity but sufficient to create a small pool.
Training took on a new urgency and David looked on with satisfaction at the rapport between the hardened professional hunters and the Ghurkhas.
Chapter 43
Five weeks later Robert Keeling appeared at the Crater dressed in civilian clothes. Susan hugged him and made him welcome. Over dinner, with Sultar and Yasmin present, he explained his visit.
"I'm on a tour of strategic areas where there is likely to be conflict in the event of war.
I've just been down to Cape Town to see how they are organised. When I leave here I'll be going around the Horn of Africa and travelling up the Red Sea through to Suez. The Canal is vital to us. But we have learned of an impending treaty with the Ottoman Empire and Germany which could be a threat if they decide to move against Suez."
They listened with dismay at Robert's disclosures.