by James Dale
"Thank you, Margarete," Thessa replied, smiling at the servant girl. "For everything."
"M'Lady," the girl curtsied.
"Good night Thessa," Braedan kissed her on the forehead. "Pleasant dreams."
"Good night my champion," she whispered, hugging him tightly.
Jack opened the door for her and she went inside.
"This way sir," said Margarete, walking across the hall and opened the door to his room. As he passed by her, she placed her hand on his arm. "Is there is anything I can do for you?" she smiled seductively. "Anything at all?" There was no mistaking what her offer implied.
"No, thank you Margarete," he replied quickly.
"If you change your mind, my room is at the end of this hall. Second door on the right," she winked, then turned and walked away with a saucy sway of shapely hips.
Jack shook his head in dismay, then closed his door, and locked his door.
His room was simply furnished but comfortable, reflecting the taste of the estate's owner. There was a large bed, covered with thick, down filled blankets and pillows, a stone fireplace with the wood already burned down to glowing embers and a nightstand beside the bed on which a bottle of wine and two glasses were thoughtfully resting. Braedan wondered if Margarete had placed them there, confident of her own charms, or if Kailmax had ordered them hoping either the servant girl or Thessa would be spending the evening in his quarters, keeping him from mischief.
This room did not have any doors opening out onto a balcony overlooking the harbor however, only small, high windows. Jack guessed this was not an oversight on the part of his host, but a simple way to ensure they did not leave the estate by any exit that wasn't guarded. Kailmax wasn't taking any chances.
Braedan walked over to the fireplace, picked up an iron poker resting against the stones, and stirred the coals, contemplating his next move. He was not going anywhere, that was obvious, but he certainly wasn't going to just lie down and go to sleep, serenely accepting his helplessness either. He decided that before he retired for the evening, he would take another look at that book of prophecies. But he would wait awhile, until the house was asleep, so that he could study the book unmolested. He glanced at his Rolex. It was 9:38 P.M. He would give it another hour then return to Kailmax' study. He walked over to the nightstand and poured himself a glass of wine, then sat down on the bed and waited.
Time passed slowly. He finished his second glass of wine, then growing impatient, rose and began pacing. After a time, he glanced at his watch again. Only forty minutes had passed but he could wait no longer. He went to the door and opened it a couple of inches, listening. The house was silent. Kailmax had said a squad of council guards would be left at the villa, but they were nowhere in sight. Guessing they were probably on guard outside on the grounds, he left his room, closing the door quietly behind him, and walked silently down the long hall.
Stopping in front of the study door, he listened again. No sound came from within. He opened the door and slipped inside noiselessly. The room was dark but that did not matter. There was enough moonlight on the balcony to read by. He went to the shelf and sought for the book by feel. There was an empty space where it should have been. Jack counted again. He had not made a mistake. The book was missing.
Kailmax must have noticed his interest earlier and removed it from the shelf. But why? Before he could begin searching the room, the door to the study opened and light from the hallway spilled in. It was the squad sergeant who had come to the Seawolf that afternoon.
"Is there something I can help you with?" he asked coldly.
"Couldn’t sleep," Jack replied, thinking quickly. "I thought I would read for a while."
The man obviously did not believe him. "The admiral does not like his study being disturbed. Please return to your room."
"I won't be long."
"I'm sure my squad would be eager to escort you," the sergeant smiled. Apparently sitting all day in the sun watching the Seawolf had not left the man in a good mood.
"That won't be necessary."
"How unfortunate." he replied, disappointed. The man was spoiling for a fight.
Though he would have liked to slap the smug look from the sergeant's face, Braedan followed him from the study without another word. They walked without speaking back to his room, and when the door closed behind him, he heard the unmistakable sound of a lock being turned. He didn't bother trying the door knob, not wanting to give the sergeant the satisfaction.
Half a minute later he heard the man march off down the hallway. By the heavy tread of his feet, Braedan could tell the sergeant was angry he hadn't tested the lock. Smiling at his small victory, he removed his boots and clothes, then lay down on his bed. A short time later, he drifted off to sleep.
* * *
Jack was awakened the next morning by a knock on his door. He rolled over, stretched, and looked at his watch. It was 7:35. "Yes?"
"Breakfast will be served in half an hour in the admiral's dining hall," answered a disembodied voice, then he heard his door being unlocked. "I've brought water to wash with and freshly squeezed juice."
"Thank you," he replied.
There was no answer.
He opened the door to find a silver tray containing a pitcher of water, a basin, a wash cloth and a large glass of juice. The servant was nowhere to be seen. Braedan took the tray inside and set it down on the nightstand. He washed quickly, dressed, and then tasted the juice. It was a tart citrus that resembled a cross between grapefruit and oranges. Surprisingly tart but with a sweet after taste. He finished the glass then walked across the hall to Thessa's room.
"Thessa?" he knocked. "It's me."
"Coming," she answered. Thessa opened the door and Braedan raised an eyebrow in surprise. She was dressed in a white cotton blouse, gray slacks and a matching gray vest, with black leather boots that reached to midcalf. "Good morning," she said with a smile.
"They look like traveling clothes to me," Jack remarked with an observant grin.
"That was my though as well when Margarete brought them for me," Thessa replied. "What do you think it means?"
Jack shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe we'll find out at breakfast. Shall we go?"
Thessa took his arm and they went to the dining hall. There was a servant inside setting places for two. "Won't the admiral be joining us?" Jack asked.
"Admiral Kailmax asked me to relay his regrets," the man answered. "Unfortunately, he has already departed for the Council Hall. He has left instruction for you and the countess to meet him there. Sergeant Sims and his squad will be available to escort you as soon as you have finished eating."
"Splendid," Jack replied, seating Thessa. "I don't suppose coffee will be served with breakfast?" He hadn't had a cup for what seemed like years.
"Coffee?" the servant asked.
"Some hot tea perhaps?"
"As you wish sir," the man nodded and left to get breakfast. He soon returned with another servant carrying a tray laden with ham, scrambled eggs, bread with freshly churned butter and two pitchers, one filled with milk and the other with juice. "Your tea will be here shortly sir," he announced, then the two servants left.
The food was again excellent and both Braedan and Thessa ate hungrily, unaffected by the banquet of the night before. Just as he was finishing his second plate, the servant arrived with his tea and Braedan sat back in his chair, contentedly sipping the hot liquid. He drank a second cup waiting for Thessa to finish eating, then he poured one for her and a third for himself, emptying the pot.
The man servant entered the dining hall and began clearing the table.
"I guess that's our cue," Braedan sighed, finishing his tea. "We've put this off long enough. Let's go find out what Admiral Kailmax has to say. You can fetch Sergeant Sims now. We're ready to leave."
"Very good sir," the servant nodded. "I'll have him meet you in the courtyard."
Braedan escorted Thessa from the dining hall, down the long hallway and out to the courtyard
. Sergeant Sims was just arriving with six of his guards. They were all bleary eyed and looked like they had gotten precious little sleep. Apparently, a locked door had not been enough to satisfy the sergeant and he had put his men to manning their posts until this moment.
"I hope you had a peaceful night," Jack smiled with thinly veiled sarcasm. "I slept like a baby."
Sergeant Sims did not find the remark amusing. "This way please," he replied coolly and stalked off down the walk. Jack allowed himself brief another smile, then taking Thessa's arm followed the irritated sergeant, as the squad of guards fell in beside them.
There were few people out and about in Brimcohn this early in the morning. Most were still sleeping off the victory celebration which had lasted well into the night. Still, there were a few who saw the group's passing, and a couple of them recognized Braedan, calling out his name. He gave them friendly waves, enjoying the way it annoyed Sergeant Sims.
They reached the council building quickly and the guards at the door ushered them in without a word. The hall was empty except for the five admirals, Lieutenant Marc, Tarsus and Dorad. Their steps echoed loudly from the walls as they made their way down the aisle to the foot of the platform where the council was seated. Kailmax stood as they approached and walked around the council table to greet them. The admirals stood also, save the legless Yanis Kuldur, as did Tarsus and Dorad.
"Good morning Countess," he said, taking her hand. "You slept well I trust?"
"Yes admiral," Thessa curtsied. "You are most kind for asking."
"Dismiss your squad Sergeant Sims," Kailmax said to the guardsman. "I'm sure they could use some rest. Gentlemen," he said, turning to his colleagues. "I present Countess Thessa Arthol of Brythond. Countess, this the Council of Admirals. Admiral Civin of Brimcohn, Yanis Kuldur, Narkirk of Hoss and Poul Larkin. Of course, you know these two scoundrels," he said, waving in the direction of Tarsus and Dorad.
There were two empty chairs between the Seawolf's captain and its first mate. Kailmax seated Thessa next to Dorad and Braedan took the other. He glanced briefly at the Amarian, then at the young Doridanian. It was obvious they had spent the evening drinking as they had promised to do. Both men were pale and their eyes were bloodshot. There was a thin layer of sweat on Dorad's brow and he looked as if he were fighting the urge to vomit. Tarsus didn't look much better. If the situation hadn't been so serious, Jack would have thoroughly enjoyed their condition.
"This is a closed meeting of the Council of Admirals," Kailmax began without preamble. "It will not be recorded in the official minutes. My colleagues and I discussed this problem late into the night and this is my decree. Jack Braedan, Second Mate of the Seawolf, captured Countess Thessa Arthol of Brythond during the Brotherhood's raid on Norgarth. Under the conditions set down by the Council of Admirals for division of spoils, it is acknowledged that he has chosen the countess. It is also acknowledged by the council, he has the right to do with his chosen...spoil, as he sees fit, to include releasing her to her family without ransom."
Braedan sighed with relief and looked at Thessa. Tears had formed in the young woman's eyes at Kailmax' pronouncement and began to flow down her cheeks.
"Thank you, admiral," she whispered.
"Though it would have been an honor to have you as my guest until your ransom arrived," Jon Kailmax smiled, "one evening will have to suffice. For it is the further decision of the council you will leave Brimcohn this very day."
"As to how you will be returned," the admiral continued, "this is our decision. Dorad Ellgereth and Jack Braedan have requested to be released from their oaths to the Brotherhood, to convey Countess Thessa to back Brythond. This however, we cannot allow." Kailmax raised his hand to stave off the argument he could see forming on Braedan's lips. "It is the council's decision it would be too dangerous for the Brotherhood to do this so soon after the raid on Norgarth. If you wish to renew this petition at a later date, you may do so."
"Countess Thessa will leave on the Seawolf, under the command of Captain Tarsus, as soon as the ship is ready to sail. There are certain conditions which the council must demand. The Seawolf will not sail north of the Val'Anna Runs, and will place the countess on the first vessel of the Whesguard Alliance which Captain Tarsus deems suitable to convey her safely to Doridan where she may find passage to Brydium. Jack Braedan may accompany him as first mate. However, Dorad Ellgereth will remain in Brimcohn under house arrest at the estate of Captain Alnordel Iranahil to insure Jack Braedan's return. Lieutenant Marc will also sail with the Seawolf as an observer and representative of the council, to insure the council's wishes are obeyed."
"This meeting is concluded," Kailmax finished. "Countess Thessa, it has been an honor to make your acquaintance. Lieutenant Dorad, you are free to go at this time, but you will report to the council before the Seawolf is allowed to sail. Ready your ship Captain Tarsus. You will sail no later than sundown. Make it so."
Chapter Fifteen
End of the Brotherhood
"Aye sir," the Amarian replied standing. Braedan was about to argue against Dorad being held as hostage but Tarsus stopped him with a look. "It's the best deal you are going to get," he whispered. "Come, before they change their minds."
Braedan reluctantly gave in, allowing Tarsus to lead them from the council hall, through Brimcohn, and straight to the Seawolf. As soon as they set foot on the ship, Thessa broke down in tears.
"What's wrong?" Jack asked with concern.
"I am going home," she cried.
"Yes, you are," he smiled, hugging the young woman.
"If only you and Prince Dorad were coming with me I would be the happiest woman on earthe," she sobbed.
"We'll think of some way to follow later," Braedan assured her.
"Promise?"
"Cross my heart."
"Countess?" Dorad asked. "When you pass through Dorshev, would you deliver a letter to my sister?"
"Oh, certainly Prince Dorad," she agreed, and began crying anew. "It would be the least I could do."
"Well," Dorad smiled. "I must go pack my things and pen that letter. It seems I will be spending some time with Alnordel."
"And I need to go arrange for supplies," Tarsus announced. "We will be at sea for a month, perhaps longer, depending on how soon we find a ship for the countess."
"Let's go help Dorad pack," Jack said to Thessa, holding her face between and wiping away her tears. "And I think a toast to your speedy return to Brythond is in order. That is, if you two didn't finish all of the Seawolf's wine?"
"Please," Dorad shuddered, growing pale. "No wine. I think that I shall never drink again."
Tarsus laughed at his young friend and slapped him on the back. "I can manage a toast even if Dorad cannot."
After helping Dorad pack all the items be would be taking ashore and assisting Tarsus to insure the crew begun preparing the Seawolf to sail, Jack went looking for Kaiddra. He first stopped where the Huntress was docked across the harbor, but Cullen ErMael told him that hadn't seen his captain all day and that frankly, he didn't think she wanted to be found. Jack persisted and Cullen finally told him he could try her villa or the Shark's Tooth.
He went to her villa first and unfortunately, Jessica told him the same story. Leaving a message that he urgently needed to speak with her, he went to the Shark's Tooth. She wasn't there either. Disappointed, he left another message and returned to the ship, not knowing where else to look.
He found the supplies had already been loaded, Lieutenant Marc had arrived, and the Seawolf was ready to sail as soon as Dorad reported to the Council of Admirals.
"So soon?" Jack asked.
"Apparently Kailmax is anxious for us to get underway," replied Tarsus.
"What's the damn hurry?"
"No luck finding Kaiddra I take it?" the Amarian asked, guessing the cause of his friend's distress.
"No one seems to have seen her since yesterday."
"We can wait another hour at the most. After that," Tarsus shrugge
d. "I'm afraid we'll have to shove off."
"Might as well leave now," Braedan sighed. "Maybe she'll have cooled down enough by the time we get back to listen to reason."
"Are you sure?" Tarsus asked.
Jack thought it over for a second, then nodded. "Yeah, I'm sure. Let's get going."
"As you wish my friend," the Amarian shrugged. "I'll tell Dorad you have arrived. He refused to leave until you returned. Then we sail."
Jack smiled his thanks at Tarsus and waited at the gang plank for his young friend. "I'm glad you're still here," he said when Dorad arrived.
"I couldn't let you leave without saying farewell," Dorad replied. "I have this strange feeling this will be the last time we will see each other."
"Don't be ridiculous," Jack snorted. "It's just a short hop to the coast. We'll find a good ship for Thessa and be back in a couple of weeks."
"I know," Dorad sighed. "There is nothing to worry about. Yet this feeling persists."
"You couldn't possibly think I would take this chance to escape with Thessa and abandon you here?"
"I know you would never do that," Dorad nodded. "But other things could happen. We do not know what the Norgarthan's have been up to in the last three weeks, and at this time of year the waters you will be sailing are heavily patrolled by warships from both Doridan and Annoth. All I am saying is you must be careful."
"We will," Braedan assured him. "Does Thessa have your letter?"
"Yes," Dorad answered, then extended his hand. "Farewell Jack Braedan."
"Not farewell. Isha en'gailen, Dorad Ellgereth," Jack replied in the Ailfar tongue 'Until we meet again' then he embraced his friend. "Find Kaiddra and explain all this will you?"
"Of course," Dorad smiled. "But I think you leave me with the more difficult task. I will have to get Heath to help me since he's staying. Kaiddra has actually taken a liking to the lad I hear. Good sailing, Jack."
Dorad turned and walked down the gang plank, then with one final wave, he left to inform the council the Seawolf was ready to depart. Tarsus joined Braedan and they watched Dorad make his way along the docks. As his friend retreated from view, a chill passed over him. He didn't know if it was some premonition at work, or if Dorad had planted the seed, but he suddenly felt a terrible sense of loss.