The Crimson Sign A Narrative of the Adventures of Mr. Gervase Orme, Sometime Lieutenant in Mountjoy's Regiment of Foot

Gervase Orme, a seasoned former lieutenant of Mountjoy’s regiment, finds himself on the dusty road to Enniskillen in the turbulent year of 1689. The opening scene crackles with the clang of swords and the sharp tap of spurs as a grizzled captain insists on strict discipline, while a younger officer—Orme—arrives, eager yet humbled by the weight of military duty. Their terse encounter sets a tone of gritty camaraderie, hinting at the fierce battles and uneasy alliances that will shape their journey.

Within the first act, the troupe’s restless march leads to a lively inn where stories are swapped, judgments are passed, and debts are settled with a mix of bravado and humor. A poised heroine steps onto the stage, and a daring rescue from peril foreshadows the larger conflicts to come. Keightley’s narrative blends vivid historical detail with spirited adventure, inviting listeners to follow Orme through war‑torn landscapes, clever stratagems, and the promise of deeper intrigue beyond the road’s turn.