The Spanish Dancer By Gene House
The second war of independence has been raging for two years. General Andrew Jackson, in need of men, sent out a call across Tennessee for volunteers to fight the British in the Mississippi Territory. William Russell and his life-long friend, James Woods, enlist in the Tennessee Militia and their regiment joins Jackson's army in New Orleans. A young man in the army meets many people, makes new friends and experiences new adventures that take him in directions he never would have dreamed. In 1815 a man had to be able to take care of himself and his friends. This is William's story.
At dawn, January 8, 1815, William Russell must face his fears as veteran units of the British Army advance towards the hastily fortified American position on the side of an old, dry canal. On the battle line one of Jean Lafitte's pirates, a giant named Jock Smith, and William's friend, James Woods, stand on either side of him. The battle for New Orleans City is about to begin. Their actions during the battle will create an enduring friendship.
Unknown to William, his boyhood antagonist, the bad-tempered Henry Schmitt, is also on the battle line not far from him. Back home, there had been bad blood between the Russells and the Schmitts. Henry's hatred of William explodes into deadly violence as their paths continually cross.
After the British threat to New Orleans has been removed, the soldiers are given leave in the city. Jock Smith knows the city from his pirate days and leads his friends to a good restaurant, then to a tavern with a Spanish Guitarist. There, William meets a lovely and mysterious young Senorita and becomes completely captivated by her charm and beauty. When she disappears, his efforts to find her embroil him in a lethal conflict with her treacherous brother. During his search he makes a promise that could cost him his life, as well as, the lives of his friends.
