by D. N. Carter
“If they had wanted you dead…you would not be standing here this night…and Gerard…you know Al Rashid. You know he is a man of his word. Turn him against Saladin and you will have victory in these lands. Turn him against you…you will be dead before the year is out,” Paul explained as Reynald stood shaking from rage and drink.
Princess Stephanie yanked her arm away hard and moved backward toward Paul rubbing her arm in pain. Reynald glared at her. Ishmael stepped into view from his almost hidden position against the far wall and moved toward her. His stare said all Reynald needed to know.
“Gentlemen…we all have much to consider. I suggest we sleep upon matters and resume this conversation in the morning with clear heads… agreed?” Gerard interrupted and stood beside Reynald and helped steady him as he swayed drunkenly.
“We do not side with assassins,” Reynald blurted out, pushed Gerard aside, looked at Princess Stephanie and shook his head disapprovingly. “Make sure you are in my bed by the time I return,” he ordered then stormed out of the room, Gerard watching him as he left, shaking his head.
“Paul,” Gerard said quietly and turned to face him. “I did warn you there is a change in him…history I am sure will not remember me kindly, but I do what I must in these trying times. I look to men like you, and you,” he said as he looked over at Thomas, “to stand by us. If not, I fear the divisions between us will be the death of us all. You are not the boy I once slapped down in Rochfort…and contrary to what Reynald just said, it is men with a mind like yours that we sadly lack in these lands.”
Paul looked at Gerard, partly stunned by his words. Gerard winked, smiled and gestured for Princess Stephanie to follow him out. Putting on a brave face, she nodded silently at Abi, Theodoric, Thomas and then Paul, both fearful and embarrassed. Her maid quickly gathered up their things and followed her out of the chamber. Gerard nodded at Paul and pulled the door shut.
“Well that’s it then. We are all in balls deep this time,” Theodoric said and clapped his hands together then raised an eyebrow as he looked at Abi, who raised an eyebrow back at him. “Okay…maybe not all of us,” he smiled.
“I do not believe he will see the benefits of taking heed of Al Rashid’s warning. His ego is too big to accept it…and he is still fuming that his very chambers were breached,” Paul remarked, beginning to pace up and down as he thought.
“There is a poison in his mind for he was never this irrational before,” Theodoric commented as Abi nodded in agreement with him.
“Then we must be ready to leave immediately. I will speak with Reynald in the morning…but I fear it will make no difference,” Paul said and rubbed his chin.
“What does your heart whisper?” Abi asked.
“Like Theo said…we are in balls deep…there will be trouble,” Paul answered and smiled at Theodoric.
“Don’t pick up too many of my bad comments,” Theodoric laughed back.
“I shall have horses and supplies readied for I think the only way we are leaving here with Taqi…is if we take him…by force,” Thomas explained and raised his eyebrows. Abi nodded in agreement with his comments.
“Damn…I knew I should have lost some weight,” Theodoric joked trying to make light of the seriousness and tension and rubbed his hands over his stomach. Thomas grinned. “Not fat before you say it!”
“I suggest you all sleep. I shall keep watch,” Abi said as Paul looked toward the door.
“I will only rest once our horses are ready as I said,” Thomas replied.
Paul’s mind wondered how Alisha and Ailia were doing. He took comfort knowing they were protected by Tenno and Percival and far enough away from Kerak and Reynald.
Paul awoke with a jolt. Still fully dressed, he had lain down to rest and despite his mind being unsettled he had eventually fallen asleep. He moved to sit up but he felt heavy, his limbs aching. He pulled his sword aside so he could sit up. His chest burned inside and he went to cough but could not. He felt short of breath and light headed. His shoulder fired wave after wave of excruciating pain down his entire left side. Theodoric lay beside him also fully dressed but sound asleep. Thomas was obviously sleeping with the horses for he was nowhere to be seen. He could see Abi’s legs as she lay upon the single bed in the adjoining room, the door ajar. Ishmael was asleep sat upright in the main chair, one of his two swords resting across his lap. Paul tried to clear his dry throat and rubbed his neck but he did not wish to wake everyone. The early morning sun was just beginning to break on the castle walls.
“Cough as loudly as you wish for they cannot hear you,” Firgany said behind Paul.
Quickly he turned around in shock and surprise. There was no one else except Theodoric snoring beside him. Puzzled, Paul ran his hand through his hair. He sighed and closed his eyes and sat in silence for a few moments. He felt the side of the bed next to him sink as someone sat down, a hand touching his left shoulder with an instant burning pain shooting through him with an intensity that caused him to screw up his eyes in pain.
“Theo, what are you doing?” he asked and opened his eyes. His jaw visibly dropped as he saw Firgany sat beside him, his hand placed firmly upon Paul’s injured shoulder. He blinked not believing his eyes or the physical sensation of his presence. Firgany was wearing the same robe he had worn to his and Alisha’s wedding. He smiled reassuringly and looked at Paul with a pride he could sense.
“Do not worry, they cannot hear us,” Firgany spoke softly, his eyes glistening with a look of approval and contentment Paul had never seen in a person’s eyes before.
“How is this possible?”
“You are not exactly well at this moment. Did you not realise the fever that burns within you?” Firgany asked and smiled. Paul shook his head no. “’Tis from the wound and the foul water thrown upon Taqi. Some entered the open cut.”
“Have I died?” Paul asked, alarmed, and looked at Theodoric and went to push him, Firgany just grabbing his forearm in time.
“No…but you are in that state that allows me to see and speak with you.”
“Why only now?”
“Because now is the time when you and my son need me. Reynald this very minute beats him in his frustration and anger. If you do not intercede, Taqi shall surely be joining me yet his allotted time is breaking,” Firgany explained and smiled, which confused Paul. “Say hello to Alisha for me when next you see her.”
Paul gasped for air and sat up fast, opening his eyes wide. Theodoric opened his eyes and looked up at him concerned seeing the sweat beading down his forehead. Paul looked at his hands and the fact that he was still lying upon the bed not sitting. He looked around the room for Firgany.
“Paul…what is it?” Theodoric asked as Ishmael stood up raising his sword, looking around the room too.
Quickly Paul stood up, pulled his clothing down to straighten it out. Grasped his sword and unsheathed it. Abi entered the room tightening her sword belt.
“’Tis Taqi…he is being beaten…quickly, we must go to his aid,” Paul explained and rushed for the door.
“Paul…you must wait,” Abi called out but he was already out of the door. She looked at Theodoric as he rolled off the bed and pulled out a small arming dagger. “You will need a greater weapon than that for what is about to unfold.”
“Here,” Ishmael said as he threw his second sword, Theodoric just catching it.
Ishmael and Theodoric quickly followed Abi out into the corridor just as Princess Stephanie opened her door opposite, looking alarmed. She tied off the strap of her night gown around her waist and hurried after them as they all ran off down the corridor toward the main stairs.
Paul could hear Reynald grunting with exhaustion and the sound of his fists lumping into flesh as he assaulted Taqi. Two of his own personal guards stood up to bar Paul’s route as he ran down the wide stairs toward the iron gated entrance to the dungeons. Light streamed in through the only single window to his right ending in a burst of light upon a single wooden table. The two guards stood tog
ether and smirked at Paul as he approached, their hands tucked into their sword belts. Both wore their helmets, which made Paul realise Reynald must have warned them of possible trouble.
“Out of my way or so help me Lord I shall part your heads from your shoulders this very hour!” Paul demanded pointing his sword at them held with both hands. The two guards looked at each other and laughed as another blow upon Taqi echoed out. “NOW!” Paul shouted, swung his sword up and crashed it down upon the table shattering it. As splinters flew, the table fell in half with a loud thud. The two guards looked on in horror and amazement. Paul swung the blade back toward them. Instantly they moved aside, one pushing the other hard to get out of the way. As they shuffled nervously past Paul, his eyes staring into theirs, Abi ran into view. Quickly Paul turned to see Reynald throw another punch on Taqi, who was tied up by the hands, hanging lifeless from the vaulted ceiling. Paul swung the iron gate open with a loud bang and ran toward the end cell. “Reynald!”
Reynald looked up, staggered backwards and went to stand up straight. He was covered in blood…Taqi’s blood! He laughed when he saw Paul run into the cell. Without hesitation Paul swung his sword against the iron chain holding Taqi up. It sparked with a brilliant flash as the sword cut through it like a knife through soft bread. Reynald blinked in surprise momentarily but rushed to grab Paul as Taqi fell upon the filthy stone floor. Instinctively Paul thrust his right elbow into Reynald’s face hard knocking him backwards onto his backside. Paul put his left arm around Taqi and helped to move him against the cell railings. Taqi’s hands and feet were still tied as he coughed up blood in pain. Paul pointed his sword back toward Reynald as he jumped to his feet. Abi rushed in looking at the scene.
“Unfasten him!” Paul yelled and threw his arming dagger at Abi. She just caught it and knelt down beside Taqi. “We are leaving this hour with Taqi.”
Reynald stepped forward with both his hands raised and smirked at Paul.
“You have just given me the perfect excuse to mount your head upon a spike over the main gates,” he grinned.
“Not before your head is thrown to the birds,” Paul replied and held his sword with both hands pointing it at Reynald. “Move a step closer and I swear by all that is holy I shall end your life this very minute.”
Abi quickly cut though the ropes holding Taqi’s feet together but she could not loosen the iron cuffs around his wrists. She lifted him to his feet. He looked at her through his bloodshot and swollen eyes. He feigned a brave smile, his teeth all covered in blood, rolled his eyes and passed out. As he went limp, Abi threw him over her shoulder, held him in place and drew her sword just as Ishmael and Theodoric appeared at the entrance. Theodoric yanked the set of keys that hung from the guard’s belt as he stood perfectly still. As soon as Theodoric lifted the keys into view, the two guards ran up the stairs.
“You will never exit this castle alive,” Reynald boasted and wiped his sweating face.
“Follow me…and I will kill you,” Paul stated as he backed out of the cell following Abi carrying Taqi.
“Oh I shall follow you,” Reynald said loudly and smirked again as he started to follow Paul as he began to back up the stairs, Ishmael leading the way. “You had better run me through right here and now for I am following you,” Reynald goaded.
Paul did not know if Reynald had finally gone mad or had a death wish as he confidently followed him step for step. Ishmael held the heavy wooden door open so Abi could walk through into the wide corridor that led along the western wall toward the inner bailey keep courtyard. Abi ran along it with Taqi on her shoulder as if he weighed nothing. Ishmael beckoned Theodoric to follow her as Paul kept Reynald at a sword’s distance. Paul then stood still and stared at Reynald hard and positioned himself ready to strike him. Reynald froze, his eyes blazing and wide. He laughed out loud and put his hands upon his waist. He suddenly threw himself at Paul using his left arm to knock the sword aside. Paul let himself fall backwards and used Reynald’s own weight to throw him over. As he passed over, Paul used his left hand to grab Reynald’s belt, causing him to land heavily, winding himself, Paul then rolling onto his side still firmly holding Reynald’s belt. He flung his sword around in his hand and pointed it down directly above Reynald’s throat. Reynald just looked up at him and laughed again. He could end it all right here and now, Paul thought to himself. Do not hesitate, do not hold back. Think of the many lives you will save. He gripped his sword handle tightly, his knuckles turning white, Reynald seeing the decision had been made in Paul’s eyes. Reynald did not struggle…he just let out a resigned sigh as if wanting death.
“NO!” Princess Stephanie suddenly screamed from the far end of the corridor as she appeared, out of breath looking shocked, her hands to her face.
Both Paul and Reynald turned their heads together to look at her. She shook her head no. Paul was not sure what she was implying. He looked back down at Reynald as he started to laugh at him. Paul pushed him down hard and stood up. Quickly he moved away toward Ishmael holding the end door open. As Reynald rolled over on the floor, Princess Stephanie rushed to his side but he simply pushed her away aggressively and started to walk toward the door, Ishmael slamming it shut with a loud echo. Princess Stephanie immediately followed Reynald.
As the loud bang of the door echoed out, Paul caught up with Abi and Theodoric on the far side of the large vaulted anti-room. It was whitewashed and the morning sun shining through the arched windows made them squint their eyes as Theodoric started to open the exit door. Suddenly the door burst inwards as one of Reynald’s guards pushed his way into the room followed by several more. Theodoric backed up to stand beside Abi shielding Taqi. Paul ran to stand in front of them as Ishmael guarded their rear. Brother Upside ran in behind Reynald’s guards, sword drawn closely, followed by Nicholas. As they all moved to positions where they could all see each other, the alarm bell outside started ringing to alert the rest of Reynald’s knights and men. The other door swung open with a loud bang almost falling off its hinges as Reynald kicked the door and stepped into the room. He paused as he took a deep breath and wiped his hand across his face. He stared hard at Paul and smirked. Gerard ran into the room behind Nicholas followed by Stewart. In alarm Stewart immediately moved toward Paul but Gerard grabbed him by the arm and held him back. Confused, Stewart looked at Paul for an answer as Reynald started to move toward them, Princess Stephanie entering the room.
“Too soft…I said it would be your downfall. You should have killed me whilst you could,” Reynald stated through gritted teeth.
“Just hold on a moment, My Lord,” Gerard said and raised his hand for him to stop.
“Not this time, Gerard. This time this man has gone too far,” Reynald snarled back.
Abi gently placed Taqi upon the stone floor. Stewart and Nicholas both seeing the bloodied state of him looked at each other. Upside shook his head disapprovingly at Reynald.
“Let us pass or many of you will die,” Abi stated matter of factly and raised her sword and swung it about her head several times making a loud whooshing sound as the blade cut through the air before finally stopping and pointing it at the main bulk of Reynald’s men whilst half crouching over Taqi protectively. “The odds are not in your favour.”
“The fucking arrogance!” Reynald bellowed. “’Tis all false bravado for you are outnumbered.”
Paul looked at Reynald briefly then at Gerard.
“You know this is madness…you also know your Order does not surrender unless outnumbered three to one or more yes?” Paul asked and quickly looked back at Reynald. “Well, we do not surrender ever,” Paul stated. Stewart pushed past Gerard. “No, Stewart…this is our fight and our decision…I am sure Gerard would allow you to retire from this fight?”
“He stays exactly where he is or we will consider him on your side,” Reynald yelled.
All stood in silence for several moments as both sides weighed up their options. Paul could sense that Gerard was not party to Reynald’s ranting.
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“Your great Lord Reynald will bring ruin and death upon all of you, if not today, then certainly within weeks…months at best,” Abi stated.
Theodoric raised his sword and stood closer to Paul and looked at Reynald.
“Reynald…you were once in this very same position stood beside me… what has happened to you?” he asked, looking at Reynald.
“You dare to ask me such questions when you stand with those traitorous bastards trying to help an enemy assassin escape,” Reynald shouted and pointed to Taqi.
“He was not your enemy!” Paul retorted as Gerard held back several more of his knights at the doorway. “You have broken your promise, again!”
“You, you have always been a Muslim lover…and…and I bet you schemed and planned all manner against us whilst you were away supposedly in the desert for nearly a month. You plot against us,” Reynald shouted and shrugged his shoulders. Princess Stephanie slowly moved herself around the side of the wall so she could watch both groups. “Kill them now…go on kill them. I order it or by Heaven I will have you all in chains before the day is done!”
Gerard looked at Reynald, bemused. Stewart looked at Paul and in that instant made a decision as time was running out. He moved to stand beside Gerard, paused and looked at him.
“You know I cannot stand with you on this order. Please explain to Lord Reynald the finer points of our Order’s rule and how we can challenge an order…I am now challenging any order you may now be forced to make if you follow his instruction,” Stewart explained, his heart beating so hard and his stomach tied in knots. Gerard simply nodded at him in silence and looked over at Reynald as Stewart walked to Paul and stood beside him, nodded an acknowledgment and immediately drew his sword. Paul shook his head no he must not. “This is one decision, my brother, I should have made a long time ago.”