The Test of Ostra

by Rory D Nelson

  “What do we do?” asks Devlin.

  “We let the cards fall where they may,” says Malachai in an eerily, calm voice. “And end this fuckin’ stalemate.” With deadly quick and heart-stopping, cold ruthlessness, he pulls out his speed-shooter and fires, sending a bullet out of the front of Godfried’s head in an explosion of blood and gore. He slumps with his head to the side as blood pours out of the large hole. The horse bolts and another shot blasts out, severing the rope before it would have hung Talgath from it. He falls off the horse, jolted, head bashed in but intact.

  Jax and Dalemore run for the bounty while taking aimless shots at each other. One shot hits Dalemore directly in the shin, shattering several bones in his ankle. He drops to the ground and cries out in agony. Jax approaches Felinius and pulls him up by his scruff.

  Getting up to take him leaves him vulnerable for several seconds and it is all the time Pent needs to put a bullet through his head. Blood and gore spray out, hitting Talgath in the face. “Let’s go, bounty. Set watch and warrant, you are mine. Let’s go.” Helpless and unarmed, Talgath complies.

  At the back of his mind, Pent doesn’t remember hearing anyone else shoot off their guns, which seems unusual. Perhaps they are lying in wait. He smiles to himself, knowing he has the bounty and they will have to go through him to get it.

  “I have your bounty, Malachai!” He yells. Dalemore continues to cry out in excruciating pain.

  Pent hears men coming through the brush. “We’re coming out!” Malachai yells. “Don’t shoot!”

  “Come out and let’s settle this!” Pent yells.

  Dalemore continues to cry out in agony, hears someone coming and reflexively grabs his gun. Felinius approaches him and looks at him sympathetically. “Help me up, Felinius. Will need the aid of an apothecary but I can still shoot, so I can.”

  Felinius shakes his head in resignation. “I cry pardon, Dalemore. You’re dead weight and a loose end.”

  Dalemore’s pupils dilate to twice their size and he brings up his gun, but he is not fast enough for Felinius. Felinius fires two successive rounds, one in his throat and one in his head. His head slumps back on the ground, pouring blood profusely from both holes.

  Pent turns around at the sound of the shots and looks at Felinius suspiciously. “Was that you?” He asks.

  Felinius shakes his head. “No, I ken that Dalemore couldn’t take the pain.

  “I need your backup, Felinius. Got the drop on Malachai, so I did, no thanks to you.”

  “Oh, did you now? You outmaneuvered us?”

  Malachai and Devlin approach the group. “Drop your weapons, Malachai! I got the bounty, so I have.”

  “We’re not dropping anything,” says Malachai.

  Pent sweats so profusely it starts to drip in his eyes, blurring his vision. His heart hammers in his chest like a battle ram. “Felinius!” He cries out desperately. “I got the drop on them.”

  Malachai gives him the slightest of nods. Felinius smiles sardonically. “Perhaps you don’t have as much of a drop on us as you thought. Pent eyes Felinius suspiciously. He brings up his gun to shoot, but Felinius is much too fast. As soon as he brings up his gun, Felinius grabs his wrist, bending it backwards unnaturally until it snaps and squeezes off two shots, which exit through Pent’s skull, spraying blood, gore and viscous brain matter onto Talgath once again. He gags and bends down to wipe the blood from his face.

  Devlin reaches for his gun but is halted with an admonishing glance from Malachai. Devlin looks at Malachai suspiciously and then looks at Felinius, dawning realization registering on his face.

  “Well done, Malachai. You are in the debt of Herod-Sai, which places you well.”

  Malachai nods. “All fine, so it is, but let us finish haughty business with proper coinage.”

  Felinus nods. “Ai. For services rendered.” Felinius pulls out a large coin purse and throws it at Malachai. “Set watch and warrant, counted it myself. Four thousand gold pence.”

  Malachai turns to Devlin. “Count it.” Devlin takes it, an indignant look on his face.

  “What ails you, Devlin?”

  “Oh, me?” He asks facetiously. “Why would anything that has just transpired bother me? I just saw all my men gunned down, and you being paid off for our prisoner. I used to think you are a man of principle. I thought justice meant something to you. But what irks me most is that you didn’t trust me enough to let me in on the plan.”

  “The less that knew of the plan, the fewer complications. You know full well I’m a man who tries to limit my complications. You know of Herod-Sai, do you not?”

  “Ai.”

  “I’m getting old, but not old enough to enjoy the creature comforts of this world long after I hang up my holster and guns. Wouldn’t you rather be rich and aligned with Herod-Sai then broke and have our days numbered if we chose to go against him? This is about survival. Consider yourself lucky you’re my brother.”

  Devlin sighs and nods his head. “Ai. You speak truth. And logic. Yet it still irks and will for some time.”

  “Perhaps half my cut will soothe your temperament.”

  Devlin perks up at that. He nods his head and smiles. “Ai. It will go along way.”

  “Glad to see that lovers have reconciled,” says Felinius facetiously. “But if you don’t mind, I’ll need to be off with my bounty. Do you mind getting me the keys to Talgath’s cuffs?” Felinius asks.

  Malachai and Devlin glower at Felinius. Malachai tosses him the keys. Felinius releases Talgath from the cuffs. “Could you get me a kerchief?” He asks.

  Unwilling to give him his own, he goes to one of the fallen men and retrieves a kerchief. “Don’t think he will be needin’ this.” He says.

  “So, what now?” asks Devlin.

  “The official story is that you were ambushed by another party who intercepted Talgath. But they never made it to the Municiary. Perhaps it was Talgath’s men who had rescued him or some other men who knew of Talgath’s stash. You and Devlin go to the Cortez Municiary and give the official account. Does it sit well with you?”

  Malachai nods. “Ai. It’ll have to. We have been aptly compensated, so we have. Just make sure you keep Talgath out of my jurisdiction or I’ll be forced to apprehend him, and all bets are off. You ken?”

  “You don’t have to worry about Talgath. He is in the service of Herod-Sai and will not return here,” says Felinius.

  Malachai nods. “Ai.” Before he goes, he looks at Felinius curiously. “You do know that King Aramon has a ten thousand gold pence bounty out on your head. Do you not?

  Felinius looks at his 12- shooter nervously and twitches his hand the slightest bit. “Relax,” states Malachai. “I have no intentions on trying to collect on that bounty. Right now, I’m more concerned about building bridges than tearing them down. Besides, an alliance with Herod would be far more profitable in the long run. You ken?”

  Felinius visibly sighs and nods his head. “You’re a prudent man, Malachai. Twisted perhaps but prudent.”

  “I just wanted you to know that I’m fully aware of it.”

  “Might be worried if I thought you might be able to take me,” proclaims Felinius flippantly.

  “Oh, I could,” says Malachai. “Of that I have no doubt.”

  “Well thank God we don’t have to find that out.”

  Malachai smiles deviously. “You’re safe from me- at least for a little while longer.” He then laughs, while his brother joins him.

  Chapter 31: Pontius’ Dilemna

  Pontius Selenius awakes in the middle of the night, a scream lodged in his throat. He is sweating profusely, and his heart feels like a battering ram about to be unleashed in his chest. Minutes later, he calms down but is unable to go back to sleep. Meeting with Herod has rattled him more than he wants to admit. Despite beefing up his security protocol, the measures have done little to alleviate his state of mind.

  The first thing in the morning he goes to the rectory to seek Merlin, his rock. As h
e arrives, Germanicus is there to greet him. Having rebuffed his pleasantries, Germanicus leaves to get Merlin.

  Less than a couple minutes later, Merlin returns. To Merlin, his thoughts are pervasive and his fear as palpable as his fast-beating heart. He hears the rhythm as he walks into the receiving chamber.

  Selenius gets up to greet him when he walks in.

  He shakes his hand and Selenius grasps onto it, a little too long and too rough. Merlin prys him off it. “I cry pardon, Merlin.”

  “None needed, councilman. You are heavy of heart. Unburden yourself. I know why you’re here. Speak it.”

  “Two days ago, I had a meeting with Herod.”

  “Why did you wait this long, councilman? You are a dedicated public servant. Your well-being concerns me, as it does all of Gilleon.”

  “This feeling of dread has been sinking in the pit of my stomach and has become toxic.”

  Merlin nods. “Tell me of your meeting with him, councilman. And don’t leave out anything, regardless of how insignificant you believe it to be.”

  Pontius takes in a deep breath. He tells Merlin of their meeting and the feelings of fear and revulsion it induced in him.

  Merlin pauses, letting it sink in. “If Herod has Talgath and believes they can manipulate you, he will do everything in his power to see it done. But seeing him in person allowed your mind to be breached.”

  “I did not see the woman,” says Selenius.

  “It doesn’t matter. She was there. Set watch and warrant it so. She is always there, and she gained access to your mind. They know you can’t be turned.”

  Selenius sighs and lays his head down in resignation. “I should have never gone. My pride got the best of me.”

  “Herod has his ways of forcing a meeting. It was inevitable. Tell me, what happens to your shares should your demise occur?”

  “They go to my daughter-in-law, Lonnie.”

  Merlin rubs his chin contemplatively. “Herod knows he can’t turn you with Talgath as leverage, but he will certainly try to turn Lonnie. I believe he has already planted the seed. Your life is in grave danger. You know this.”

  “Ai. I tripled my guard, so I did.”

  “But it would be to no avail. Herod wouldn’t risk a blatant assassination. It would draw too much attention. He will favor something quiet.”

  “What should I do?”

  “Your choices are limited, councilman. I won’t lie to you. I could take you into protective custody.”

  “Like a prisoner? I won’t hide away like a coward. I serve the people. I will meet my end head on, in the service of my country I love. You ken?”

  Merlin smiles and nods. “I was hoping you would say that. You are a true patriot.” He clasps his forearm around Selenius’, who warms to the embrace. “Do you trust me, Senator?”

  Selenius sighs, releasing some pent-up frustration inside. “Merlin, I trust the brethren, but most of all I trust you. Tell me, what do you have in mind?”

  Merlins smiles.

  Chapter 32: Unholy Union

  Felinius and Talgath ride all day in relative quiet, neither one trusting the other. Talgath unsure of whether he should try to make a run for it. But where would he go? And something deep inside tells him such an action would be folly. Felinius is deadly and skilled beyond any man he has ever seen.

  A wave of emotions washed over Talgath-relief, exasperation, curiosity and confusion. But boredom overtakes him, and he is the first to speak. “What does Herod want with me? He could have found another henchman easier. There are desperate and deadly men found everywhere. What makes me special?”

  Felinius nods. “Ai, you are perceptive. You would have to have wits about you if you were to survive as you did. The brains behind the operation, no doubt.”

  Felinius looks at Talgath and pauses, trying to determine if he should say anymore. But what could it hurt? And they have several weeks of travel. Talgath would only pester him incessantly if he kept quiet.

  “It’s not you, Talgath. You are a ruffian with more attributes than the average criminal. It’s who your father is. Herod wishes to use you as leverage.”

  “I am estranged from my father. I would not imagine he would give me a warm reception. You ken? If Herod was expecting leverage through those means, I would say his undertaking is in vain. But I say thankee for the chance at freedom.”

  “Set watch and warrant it, you are far from free, Talgath. Herod has taken great pains to acquire you and he will not relinquish you unless you are no longer of value to him. I would pray that day does not come for a while. You ken? For the time being, you are still a fugitive and your fate lies in his hands.” Felinius pauses and sighs. “As am I.”

  “You have a wife, do you not?” asks Felinius.

  “A wife and a son. He is eight.”

  “Perhaps Herod wishes to play on her sympathies. He would use any means at his disposal to gain leverage over your father. You ken? Your father owns the major printing Presses in Gilleon. It is a way to disseminate information, propaganda. No doubt Herod wishes to acquire that kind of power for himself. He will try to make himself supreme dictator until he is successful or until he meets a violent end. With him, I do not believe there is any other choice.”

  “And where do you fit into the grand scheme of Herod-Sai?” asks Talgath.

  “Herod will usurp King Menelaeus and I will take his place at his side to resume the position of lead knight. It was an honor that was taken from me long ago. I would have that honor restored. Merlin could have commuted my sentence, but he sent me to Cathrall to work in the slave mines.” Felinius pauses for a few moments, pondering the horrendous conditions as a slave. “Merlin was a slave there himself. He knew the conditions along with the atrocities of the mines and what it would mean for me. He could have sent me to a firing squad and ended my life. That betrayal will never be forgiven. Why did he send me there?”

  “Perhaps it was redemption,” ventures Talgath.

  “Cathrall is no redemption. It is the end of the line.”

  “But here you stand before me. Intact.”

  “Only because I did something no one else did before me. Escape. The great Merlin was not even able to do that.”

  “But you had training. Did you not?”

  “What of it?”

  “I have heard the stories of the Merlin as a boy. He was enslaved and almost escaped.”

  “Almost,” says Felinius.

  “But he was no older than ten or eleven. You had extensive training about how to escape from shackles and such. Merlin was only a blind boy, and he almost escaped from Cathrall. Rumor has it when his friend fell, he went back to retrieve him. That is why he was caught. The Orachain beat him nearly to death. His back bares the extensive scars of when he was beaten within an inch of his life.”

  “What of it?” snaps Felinius.

  “I meant no offense, Sai. I ken stories are prone to fluffery. But you knew Merlin well. He trained you. Tell me. Did you see his scarred back? Is it fluffery or is there any truth to the fables?”

  Felinius nods. “Ai. Merlin’s back bears the scars of his ordeal. I witnessed it. In this case, the rumors are not exaggerated which makes his betrayal that much harsher. He knew what they were capable of and what my life would become.”

  “So now you serve as the nemesis of the brotherhood. I must align myself in this unholy union as well. You ken?”

  “Even if you wish to forfeit your own life, think on your woman and child. Set watch and warrant it, there is nothing sacred to Herod, no limits to his ruthlessness and depravity. And your family will be as much a pawn as us. Should your family become a liability, he will not hesitate to eliminate them. You ken?”

  Talgath finds it impossible to swallow. A large lump seems to thwart his progress. He nods. “Ai.”

  “It is our lot to be pawns in this unholy war. Hold on to what is dear in life. At all costs. At all costs. In this life, such things are fleeting and fall through our fingers like sand.
You ken?”

  “Ai.” Talgath pauses, allowing such somber news to sink in. “So, what now?”

  “You will take me to your hideaway where you have squirreled reserves. You ken?”

  “Ai. It is only a two days journey from here. Would expect that Herod-Sai would want his return on investment.”

  “He will get a share.”

  Talgath smiles. “Ai. As for the rest?”

  “We will keep a small share on us and keep the rest hidden away. Does anyone else know of your hiddey?”

  “None living.”

  “We’ll keep it so as a surety policy should one of us meet an early end. You ken?”

  “Ai. Would have it so. I ken you are not so committed to the agenda of Herod-Sai as one would believe. You don’t trust him, do you?”

  “I’ve learned never to trust anyone. I’ve never met anyone deserved of such.”

  Talgath shakes his head. “It is sad to hear. I trust my father and wife though estranged as they are. I, for one, am not worthy of such trust.”

  “Your father has resisted Herod’s bedchamber. I admire such a man. A rotten fruit has fallen from the pear tree.”

  “The Brethren have produced their own rotten fruit. You ken?”

  A faint smile runs away from Felinius’ face. “It appears we are in like company. Bedfellas till one of us meets our deserved end.”

  Talgath nods. “Until then.”

  Chapter 33: Herod Strikes

  Selenius walks around the room, making small talk with the guests and sweating profusely, his heart speeds up perilously fast. He doesn’t know if it wasn’t something that was administered to him on the sly or his own paranoia. Moments before, he felt what he thought might be a pin-prick, which could have only been a horsefly which are inextricably drawn to him.

  He excuses himself from a conversation with Councilman Federman and motions Tennilus aside. “Any sign of Merlin?” He asks desperately.

  “No, Sai. Domithicus, Syrus and Savelle are all accounted for, but Merlin is nowhere to be found. Shall I ask one of them?”