Sometimes Jaycob whistled or talked to Molly. Once he asked them if they were comfortable. Belle snapped something in her native tongue and Robbie grinned as he imagined what she must have said. They lapsed into silence, listening to the steady cadence of the heavy wheels turning and Molly’s slow hooves on the road.
Robbie yawned. The swaying wagon made him sleepy. They had travelled far and his eyes were heavy. His forehead bumped the floor as the wagon hit a rock in the road. His eyes flew open. Despite his weariness, he would find no rest in this wagon.
A low warning came from Jaycob. ‘We are nearing a checkpoint. Be as quiet as you can.’
Tiredness drained from Robbie as other voices drifted through gaps in the wood. He held his breath as someone yelled out and Jaycob’s wagon halted. There were muffled noises, horses neighing, men laughing and talking nearby.
Footsteps neared the wagon. A man’s stern voice accompanied it. ‘You’re a little late tonight, Jaycob.’
‘That’s because of all the times I’ve been searched today—five times already and now again by you, Lieutenant! But I’m not one to stand in the way of the soldiers of the Great One.’ His tone sounded mocking.
‘Watch your tongue, old man! We search everyone who comes into Twendlemark. Now get down!’
‘Certainly, Lieutenant.’
The wagon lurched slightly as Jaycob climbed down. At once, the floor creaked with movement above them as soldiers began to search the old man’s wares. The floor received an odd thump from a stick or a rod, but it didn’t sound enthusiastic; a perfunctory search to appease some higher dignitary, thought Robbie. The lieutenant and Jaycob were still talking.
‘What contraband are you trying to smuggle in under our noses tonight?’
Jaycob gave a cheeky laugh. It was obvious that he had gone through this sort of thing before with the lieutenant, who tolerated him up to a point.
‘You know I wouldn’t do such a thing. I’m a law-abiding citizen, Lieutenant.’
Another soldier laughed. ‘Tell us another tale, old man.’
‘Now Jaycob,’ the lieutenant went on, ‘you know what happens next. Let’s see what you’ve got in the back. Soldier, what have you found?’
Robbie held his breath as footsteps halted at the rear of the wagon, from where another soldier called out. ‘Sir, there’s a side of bacon, ten barrels of mead, a barrel of apples, a barrel of pears, a couple of bushels of wheat and a few bags of oats for horse-feed back here.’
The lieutenant was speaking again. ‘A fine hoard, Jaycob. Been difficult growing anything in these parts and yet you’re able to obtain such abundance. How is that possible?’
‘It’s the blessing, Lieutenant, the blessing of the Morning Star. You know I hold to my beliefs.’
The lieutenant sniffed. ‘Well, keep your beliefs to yourself. Now you know there’s a tax on transporting mead along the king’s roads.’
‘Of course, Lieutenant. I wouldn’t shirk my responsibilities as a trader. Did you want to collect that tax tonight?’
‘I’m sure the king would be most grateful if you settled your taxes promptly.’
‘Of course! Take two barrels of the mead with my compliments, Lieutenant.’
‘Have you got your ledger?’
‘Certainly.’ Some papers rustled. After a moment of silence, the lieutenant began to speak again.
‘By the way, the king is looking for two blond-haired youths—brothers—and an Elf girl. They’ve been seen travelling together. If you’ve seen them, it’s your duty to report them.’
‘I haven’t seen them Lieutenant, but if I do, you’ll be the first to know.’ He sounded sincere.
The lieutenant grunted. ‘On your way, old man.’
‘Good evening, Lieutenant.’
There was a slight lurch and creak as Jaycob mounted his seat. ‘Gee-up Molly. Come on girl.’
The wagon started rolling forward. Robbie let out the deep breath he’d been holding. It seemed they were safely through the checkpoint and now they could relax a little. Soon they’d reach The Weary Horse and meet Navarre’s friend, Kreon Meadows. Already he was imagining taking a hot bath, eating a home-cooked meal and sleeping in a comfortable bed. He shifted his cramped arms on the wooden boards when—
‘Halt!’
The harsh voice cut through his silent reverie like a knife. Worse still, its terrible familiarity sent a shudder through his whole body.
Elder Robairt!
Chapter 14
Safe Passage
‘Whoa Molly! What have we here? Men on horseback approaching, the King’s High Guard by the looks of things.’
Jaycob’s voice sounded tense as he threw them crumbs of information through the floorboards. Robbie held his breath again as the wagon came to an unsteady halt. What was Elder Robairt doing in Twendlemark? Thoughts whirled through his head, but no answers came to any of the questions.
The sound of horses’ hooves drew nearer. Sweat beaded on Robbie’s forehead and his mouth became dry. He couldn’t work out what went wrong. A Magic Man like Elder Robairt could surely sense their presence inside the wagon. Belle’s hand gripped his.
Gruelling and measured, the seconds passed before anyone spoke. Then Jaycob cleared his voice. ‘I’ve already been checked and my taxes paid—’
‘Shut your mouth, old man!’ Robairt’s cruel voice snapped. ‘I’m looking for someone.’
Robbie swallowed. After that incident in the wood, he had no doubt who he was searching for. Even Jaycob’s voice was subdued.
‘And who might you be, sir? I’ve not seen you here in these parts before.’
‘That’s none of your business! I’m looking for someone known as the Mouse. This is a drawing of him.’
Robbie swallowed. The Mouse? Who’s he?
A pause followed and there was the sound of paper unfolding. ‘Have you seen him in your travels?’
Robbie imagined the old man holding it in his gnarled hands as he looked at it.
‘He’s wanted for high treason against the king. If you’ve seen him, you had better report it. Anyone found harbouring him will meet a similar fate to his—on the gibbet.’
‘I’ve not set eyes on him sir. Might I ask, is this connected to the three the lieutenant asked me about?’
‘Don’t be concerned about them; they will soon be dealt with. The Mouse is my top priority. Be on your way, old man! And remember, the king has eyes everywhere!’
The wagon creaked forward and the sound of galloping horses drifted away. Robbie was aware of Jaycob speaking again, thinking out loud. His voice sounded relieved.
‘That was a strange one, eh Molly? Wonder what that was all about? King Morgran must really be scared. Fancy being worried about a Mouse!’
He was pretending to speak to his horse while informing them of what was taking place. It was a brilliant ploy! No one would suspect or bother a doddering old man on the edge of lunacy. He flicked the reins.
‘Twendlemark ahead, Molly. Soon you can rest in Kreon’s warm stable. You can do it, girl.’
The wagon headed up a rise and Molly started to grunt. Jaycob spoke soothing words to the horse as she plodded up the slope. Robbie started to slide back; his toes made contact with the rear of the wagon. After a few minutes, the road levelled out again. The sound of Molly trotting on a cobbled street and the loud rattle of the wagon’s heavy wheels jarred Robbie’s ears. It vibrated through his body in an unpleasant way. It told him they had reached Twendlemark.
Voices rose and faded as Jaycob passed townsfolk, some he greeted by name, others were unfamiliar. Strange smells seeped through the wood; cooking smells mostly as Molly passed houses where people prepared their evening meals. A grumble from Robbie’s empty stomach went unheard in the clatter of Molly’s loud hooves.
Raucous music filtered through the floorboards as they drew near a tavern. Rough men’s voices sang a crude song, followed by jubilant laughter and more singing. They sounded drunk, but Robbie listened har
der.
‘Whoa Molly. We’re here girl.’ Hurried footsteps approached the wagon. ‘Tell Kreon I’ve arrived.’
‘Yes Jaycob,’ a boy answered.
His footsteps hurried away. In no time at all, another jovial voice welcomed the old trader.
‘You’ve taken your time getting here tonight, Jaycob. Thought you weren’t coming.’
‘Can’t keep me away, you know that Kreon? Where’s that lovely daughter of yours? I swear if I were any younger, I’d propose to her myself.’
Kreon laughed. ‘She’s shrewd, that one. And I’m glad she is. Nowadays, there’s not too many honest men around. Now, what did you bring me from the lowlands?’
‘Ah, there’s a nice side of bacon for Cook, as well as a barrel each of pears and apples from my orchard. I did have ten barrels of mead, but you know I had to pay my taxes on the way in and there’s only eight left.’
‘Of course, of course.’
‘There’s also a couple of bushels of wheat and a few bags of oats for the horses.’ Silence. ‘There’s also cargo from far afield that should be unloaded straight away, wares you might be interested in. May be a little bruised and battered.’
‘I’ll have Fox come out in a minute to help you and I’ll join her when I can. Head round to the stables Jaycob.’
‘Righto. Gee-up Molly. Almost there, girl.’
Soon another voice greeted Jaycob—a girl’s. It was difficult to tell how old she was, but she sounded young to Robbie. Then doors creaked open—large, twin doors of a stable—and Molly lumbered forward, only to halt a few moments later. The stable doors creaked shut again and the latch at the side of Jaycob’s wagon was sprung. Sweet air from freshly mown hay mingled with horse dung rushed into the secret compartment.
‘We’re here. You can come out now.’
Jaycob helped them out of the cramped space. Stiff and sore, Robbie struggled out last. His legs wobbled and almost buckled under him. He was aware of the curious, green-eyed stare of a girl with long, fiery red hair. He was surprised to see her wearing dark pants and a tight-fitting white blouse.
Robbie glanced around. The stable’s stone walls were lime-washed and at intervals there were large, shuttered windows, all closed and barred for the night. Huge beams of timber crisscrossed overhead, supporting its high-pitched roof and a generous hayloft.
A soft wicker from Molly was answered by another horse in a shadowed stall. Robbie threw a glance at it and noticed a black horse staring at them. Fine white lines ran across its muzzle like the rays of the sun. With a sweeping gaze, Robbie took it all in before he faced the girl again as she spoke.
‘What have we here, Jaycob? More stowaways?’
‘I couldn’t deny them safe passage now, could I? Morgran’s searching for them.’
She leaned close to the old trader and whispered, ‘What about our safety, Jaycob? The King’s High Guard has been snooping around The Weary Horse all day.’
‘What? Here?’ Jaycob looked anxious. ‘I’m sorry to hear it Fox, but I found them on the grasslands...in the dark. They wouldn’t have made it through the night out there, you know that.’
She sniffed and stared at Belle for a few moments, as if deciding what to do with them. There was a brash confidence about her as she stood, hands on hips and feet slightly parted. Belle lifted her chin and sniffed back. Fox Meadows, Kreon’s daughter, lowered her voice as she looked back at Jaycob.
‘We already have cargo in the hold.’
The old man’s eyes widened with surprise. ‘You have, have you?’
Belle stepped towards Fox. ‘Look, if it is too much trouble helping us, then we will go.’
She strode towards the stable doors. Face dark, Dougray limped after her. Footsore and weary, Robbie sighed and trudged after them, though he would have liked to have slept in the warm stable for the night. He started as the doors swung open and a middle-aged man entered, a stained apron tied around his midriff. The man halted and blinked at them in surprise. He gave a hesitant smile.
‘You must be Jaycob’s cargo?’
Fox hurried forward. ‘Look, I didn’t mean what I said.’ Curious, her father glanced at her. ‘You won’t survive in Twendlemark if the soldiers are after you. You’d best stay here, at least tonight.’
Jaycob nodded. ‘Fox is right. But you’ll have to stay in the hold.’
Dougray shook his head. ‘Not if we’re not wanted.’
‘You can’t leave. There’re soldiers patrolling the streets.’ Kreon’s voice sounded anxious. ‘They’re in my tavern right now. I am sworn to help and protect people like you. While you’re under my roof—’ he glanced up, ‘so to speak—you are in my care.’
He frowned at his daughter. ‘Bring them food and water—and be quick about it! Several soldiers are drinking tonight, so be careful not to be seen.’
With a quick glance at Belle, the girl slipped past her father and hurried out. Kreon turned back to Dougray. ‘Come, I will show you to the hold. You’ll be safe there for the time being.’
He motioned towards the back of the stalls. Hesitant, they followed him to a dark corner where several large barrels stood. Just then, the sound of voices yelling outside made them stop and glance at the stable doors. The voices were muffled and indistinct, but Robbie was certain they were soldiers issuing commands. Footsteps were running, approaching the stables!
Jaycob threw a wild look at Kreon. ‘Hurry!’
The publican shoved a heavy barrel aside and prised a stone out of the floor with a crowbar. There was a grating sound as something slid across—a secret panel. Cold, dank air rushed up at Robbie. A dark hole the size of a small crate appeared in the ground. Vague stone steps vanished down into blackness. Cold sweat began to bead on his forehead as he stared down at it. His heart had begun to beat a little faster, too. He was not looking forward to spending any time beneath the earth again, no matter how safe they said it was!
Kreon was frantic. ‘Quick! Into the hold—and be quiet!’
They clambered down the steps. Robbie was barely in when the light above them vanished as the top slid back into place. He groaned as the darkness breathed on him like winter’s chill. Spidery fingers of fear crept across his bare skin as faint noises came from the gloom. Something stealthy stirred in the shadows, scraping across the stone floor. He sensed it—watching them!
Chapter 15
Mouse
Dougray’s fingers fumbled to get his light stone out from under his shirt. Belle and Robbie had theirs out in a moment and were shining them about. For several minutes, no one moved as they crouched on the steps. Vague, muffled sounds filtered into the room from above. Dougray imagined soldiers searching for them and held his breath as he listened. The unwelcome thought lingered until reason sent the image scattering. Few even knew they were in Twendlemark.
He glanced about at the shadowy objects that cluttered the small room below them. Chiselled out of the rock, it was crammed with a jumble of unwanted objects and piles of discarded furniture. Legs of tables and chairs poked out of the chaos like stiff, dead limbs. A miscellany of odds-and-ends sprawled across the stone floor, topsy-turvydom at its worst. The air was laden with dust and age-old staleness.
Above them, faint noises ebbed and flowed through chinks in the stone floor. Fear of Elder Robairt somehow discerning their presence in the stable troubled Dougray. Magic Men imbued with Morgran’s magical arts possessed such capabilities, which was why people feared and mistrusted them.
‘Let’s see what’s at the bottom.’
In the stillness, his brother’s sudden whisper hissed like a nest of snakes. First to move, Robbie crept down the steps. Belle shadowed him, a wicked knife glinting in her hand. Their movement animated Dougray’s legs and he limped down the steps after them, wincing from new aches the cramped wagon ride had created. A sense of foreboding brought him to a halt at the bottom. Something Fox Meadows had said bothered him.
Cargo!
That word nettled him. Fox had c
alled them cargo, too! She had told Jaycob they already had cargo in the hold! Was there someone else down here besides them? Robbie and Belle must have forgotten all about it in the sudden rush to enter the hold.
‘Wait!’ Dougray’s voice was hushed, barely a whisper. They looked back at him. ‘Someone else is down here!’
A faint scraping sound came from behind some large crates. Belle looked at Dougray and Robbie and slid her sword from its sheath. Then she crept towards the sound at the rear of the room, holding her light stone high and her sword before her. A moment later—
‘Who are you?’
Dougray started and his brother shot him a curious look. Belle must be talking to the cargo. Then she faced them with a wry grin and slid her sword back into its sheath.
‘Come out into the light where we can see you!’
Her commanding voice was stern. There was a shuffling sound and more scraping, and then what sounded like someone bumping into things as he attempted to comply. Robbie’s hand shot out and caught a ruined lamp from falling. A voice grunted and then a small, frail-looking man appeared from the shadows, peering at them with wide, frightened eyes. Incredulous, Dougray stared at him, at his neat, black woollen jacket and trimmed, oily black hair tucked behind his ears. On his chin, a faint shadow of stubble had grown.
Belle eyed him up and down. ‘Do not be afraid! We will not harm you.’
Robbie broke the tension. ‘Looks like we all have something in common. We’re all wanted by Morgran!’
‘What makes you think I’m a fugitive?’ The man had a sharp voice that matched his sharp features.
Dougray frowned at him. ‘You’re hiding, aren’t you? No one would be down here in the dark, except someone who’s hiding.’
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