The Eastern Frontier

Historical adventure novel

Author – Marti Waltheim

Cape Colony 1811 – 20

The Eastern Frontier is a cauldron of conflict as three factions vie for control. The Dutch settlers, known as the Boers, see fertile land and opportunity across the Great Fish River. The Xhosa tribes and their allies, the Griquas, will not give up their land and heritage without a protracted fight. The British, returned to the Cape Colony after defeating the Batavian forces at the Battle of Blauberg, intend to take control and add it to the empire. No single faction has had the forces to take control up to now. The arrival of the Cape Mounted Rifles, known as the Hottentot Corps, could sway the balance. Colonel George Blunt and some professional officers have remained behind to take charge. They wonder what they have let themselves in for. They must maintain law and order and keep the peace. Businessmen Tom Benchley and Hannes Kleynhans hope that peace will be restored. Conflict is not conducive to progress and development. The Colonial Office have their own agenda, concealed beneath layers of deceit.