He looked at the two scouts. “What have you to add?”
They both shook their heads. One said, “This concurs with what we have learned, Lord Bain. We, too, believe the troops at the borders are a smoke screen. Mathune has no honour. His actions make it clear he will not obey the rules of conflict.”
Bain turned to Reynce. “Captain, we have much to discuss. See that these men are well looked after for the night and meet me in my tent.”
The captain rose along with Bain, and with a short bow, left to signal a soldier to carry out Bain’s orders.
Bain stood rigid in the centre of his tent, his hair brushing the oiled canvas, and clenched his fists, filled with rage and with fear for Phaera. Even so, he could not prevent the deep shudder that overtook him. Mathune must be stopped, whatever the cost.
He turned his head when the tent flap opened to admit Captain Reynce and gestured for him to sit. Then he sat as well, facing the captain.
“I have ordered strong mead to be brought, Milord. We need fortification.”
You mean I need it. Aloud he said, “Thank you, Captain.” He took advantage of the pause until the drink arrived to gather his wits.
When they each had taken their first swallow Bain met the captain’s gaze. “Captain, we cannot sit here waiting for the enemy to attack. While our original strategy was to carry on into Bethorn and engage Mathune’s troops this new information makes me think that needs to change.”
“I agree Lord Bain. Have you a plan in mind?”
“Captain Reynce, I am a proud man, but not so proud that I cannot admit when I have less knowledge and experience than you. My desire is to rush back home to protect those in the castle, though I am painfully aware that is not possible. Another is to find Mathune personally and kill him like the cur he is – again, not possible or wise. But one thing is clear to me. We, too, must abandon the rules of conflict. We must fight him on his terms or we will lose. My thought is that we must enter Exalon, where Mathune is engaging in his campaign of deception and cruelty. And we must hunt him and his followers down with the same stealth he uses. We must also steal back into Kinterron and Marston, where I suspect he, himself has gone to capture Phaera or kill Lords Makin and Danza. But I admit I question whether my instinct is borne from rage or reason. And reason must prevail if we are to succeed.”
Bain took in the thoughtful nod from the captain. “So Captain, as you have the greater experience in both training and strategy I ask for your advice. Be frank. I will listen and consider. Then we can discuss together before agreeing to a plan.”
“Lord Bain, you have asked me to be frank and I take you at your word.” He paused a moment, as if trying to find the right words. “Milord, you are young and new to leadership. Yet, in my opinion, you have already demonstrated qualities I look for in a leader. You must not underrate yourself. Eventually self-doubt will interfere with your judgement and your men will see it. That must not happen, especially now, when we fight an enemy with no honour, one who ignores the rules of conflict. Whatever plan we make, you must show confidence in it. It is wise to have doubts within oneself. Overconfidence leads to costly mistakes. But your men must not see those doubts.” He looked at Bain and waited.
“I thank you Captain, and I will keep that in mind. However, we need a plan and I need your help in devising it.”
“That is what I am here for. I will help you, but the men must see it as your plan. And I agree with your assessment. The rules of engagement will not win this war.”
“I understand. Thank you.”
Darkness fell long before they emerged from the tent. When the men spotted them they all gathered by the central fire.
Bain scanned his troops wondering how his unusual plan would strike them, whether it would cause them to doubt his leadership. He glanced over his right shoulder and received an encouraging nod from Reynce.
“Men, some of you have already heard. For those of you who may have heard but misunderstood you all need to know that we face an unusual enemy, one who fights by stealth, one who uses pain, fear, and cruelty to achieve his goals. His aim is not, as one would normally expect, to annex another fief, or to rule more people, and amass more wealth in doing so. Mathune’s aim is to create such chaos that friend cannot be distinguished from foe, that even father cannot trust son, nor husband wife. He does not engage us face to face, but acts under cover of darkness, and slips away leaving the dead to be discovered with the dawn. The strategies of war that we have been trained in are useless in the face of such an enemy.”
Bain took in the rapt faces of the men, many with frowns of confusion, others curious, striving to follow what he said.
“Men, listen closely, for what I tell you will be far from what you expect.” He scanned the men again before continuing. “At dawn you must all have broken your fast, have packed, and be ready to depart. The cooks will give you rations for several days each. They will distribute these along with your morning porridge.” Bain paused to let that sink in.
“We will not depart together. By full light you will have received your orders from Captain Reynce and myself. You will be split into pairs. Each pair will be given separate orders as to where to go, what to look for, and what to do. You will be sent in many directions. You will be given tactics in how to seek out the enemy, how to engage him, how to gather information, and when and how that information will go to those who need it. You will wear civilian clothes and leave your uniforms behind.”
As Bain watched the men glance at each other in confusion, he added, “That is all you need know for the moment. Get what sleep you can. This will be the last night we will spend together until this war is won. And it will be won. We will defeat the enemy at his own game. Dismissed.”
Bain turned on his heel and strode back to his tent, Reynce alongside.
The Captain chuckled softly. “I doubt there will be much sleep had tonight. No uniforms? That alone will make them uneasy.”
“Indeed, Captain, indeed. I hope their thoughts will prepare them for more of the unusual as they receive their individual instructions.”
When they reached Bain’s tent he turned to the captain and clapped him on the arm. “Sir, you, too, are in need of rest. I will not need you for the rest of the night.”
The captain rewarded him with a broad smile. “As you wish, Milord … and well played.” He saluted smartly, turned, and strode away.
Bain watched as the darkness swallowed him. If you could see me as I do. Am I an imposter?
Chapter Twenty-Four
TREASON
Ferrin recovered quickly with rest, good food, and Phaera’s care. By the third day he told Phaera that he wanted to be useful and needed to get his strength back.
“Good”, Phaera said, “Perhaps you can wander the castle and see if anyone seems to look oddly at you, or you may overhear something that might indicate if we have already been infiltrated. Any small thing would be helpful.”
“Gladly, Milady.”
“And, tomorrow, if you feel well enough, I will send you to seek out Nurias. She has most certainly eluded her guards. I am concerned for her welfare and also have an important message for her.” Phaera had one of Ferrin’s feet in her hands and applied salve to the healing blisters. “I think we can do without bandages today but we must find you more suitable shoes if you are to prevent more of these”. She pointed at the biggest sore. “And other clothing if you are to travel without arousing suspicion.”
Phaera called to a maid passing by in the corridor. “Mira.”
Mira backed up and stood in the doorway. “Yes, Milady?”
This man needs new clothing. Find a warm tunic, vest, breeches…” Phaera eyed Ferrin. “…in dun and green, I think. Also two pair of soft stockings and serviceable shoes. They must all be of good quality but not new.” She waved Mira on and turned her attention back to Ferrin. “We shall see how walking with stockings and shoes works today. If I see no further injury you leave tomorrow to find Nurias. Walk a
s much as you can today without re-injuring your feet.”
“You are most kind, Milady. I am eager to be of service.”
“And so you shall, though I wish it were not necessary. You must join us at dinner tonight. I will send someone for you.”
“You honour me, Milady.”
“You have earned that and much more, Ferrin.”
By the time Phaera had seen to all his wounds Mira returned with the clothing.
“Thank you, Mira.” Phaera took the bundle, gave it a short, critical glance, nodded, and placed it on the bed. “These will do nicely.” Last, she examined the shoes and held them against the soles of Ferrin’s feet. “Yes, these will accommodate the extra stockings.” She looked up at Mira with an approving smile. “Thank you, Mira. You may go.”
Mira dipped a small curtsy and left.
“So, you are free to explore, but stay inside the castle. I look forward to seeing you at dinner.” She smirked before adding, “The green suits you, I think.” Not waiting for a response she turned and left.
I dare not send a scroll with him lest it fall into the wrong hands. Now that I have found a space in the dungeons, and an outside door, I need supplies to fill it.
On her way to her newfound apothecary chamber she commandeered two men who looked less occupied than they ought to be. “You there. I need assistance with preparing an apothecary.” To the one on the left she said, “Find me a table long enough for a man to lie on. If you cannot find one then find some planks and make one. I will be in the cell furthest from the door.” As the startled man hesitated she added, “I will also need planks to make shelves to attach to the walls, and braces with which to attach them.”
When the man still hesitated she barked, “Tell me your name.”
“Dunth, Milady.”
“Dunth, you have a job to do. Go.”
“Yes, Milady.” Dunth gave a short bow and hurried away.
I like him not. It seemed as if he did not know me at first. I must have Captain Raskir check him out.
She faced the other man. “And who are you?”
“I am Kennitt, Milady.”
“Kennitt, tell me what you know of Dunth.”
“He is newly hired, Milady. We are assigned to making small repairs and searching out vermin.”
“Where did he come from?”
“I am sorry, Milady, I do not know. He has been here only two days.”
“I see.” Yes, he must be watched. “Well, Kennitt, you will be assisting me today with cleaning that cell and putting up shelves. Water is not plentiful there, so I have already had three large crocks brought. You will fill them at the source and bring them to me.”
By this time Phaera had reached the cell, Kennitt following close behind. She took one torch, already lit, from the wall and lit two more, then took one into the cell and lit two tallow lamps she had already brought the day before. Lastly she lit a torch in a sconce on the far wall. “There are the crocks. Take one and follow me. I will show you where to get water.” She set the original torch back in its sconce before striding to where the water trickled out of the spout in the wall. “This will take some time. I go in search of a broom and rags. Use the first crock to fill the bucket in the cell.”
She watched as Kennitt placed the lip of the crock under the spout, where he had to hold it on a slant to get it to fit.
Phaera watched for a moment and sighed. “This will take too much time. I must find a better way.”
“Indeed, Milady. Perhaps someone can be assigned to see to it the crocks are kept full.”
“Yes, I will see to that. I daresay you will not be finished before I return.” She strode away to find her supplies. I will need two stools and a cot … and many jars and bottles. I can get those and a mortar and pestle from the kitchen. She smiled to herself. Velna is eager to help, and curious as to what I have found. I will invite her to bring supplies from the kitchens so she has an excuse to see the space. A low chuckle escaped her. No doubt she will be shocked and think it most inadequate.
Along the way back to the kitchens, seeing the extra guards who had been posted throughout the castle after Ferrin’s arrival reminded her to be more careful. Captain Raskir has not been informed of the location of my new apothecary. A guard ought to be there as well. She motioned to a guard in plain clothes whom she recognized. “Sorkin, I have a message for Captain Raskir. Please tell him we need at least one guard posted by the cells as I have claimed one for my apothecary. Also, there appears to be a new man working with Kennitt, one Dunth. I need to know where he is from and how he came here. I do not trust him.” She gestured with one hand in the direction of the barracks. “Quickly. He will wish to act immediately on it.”
“Right away, Milady.” Sorkin strode off, stopping only long enough to indicate to the next guard to cover for him.
Velna greeted Phaera with a broad smile. “Milady, it is good to see you here again.”
The warm greeting lifted Phaera’s spirits and allowed her to forget her suspicions for a moment. She sniffed the air. “What is that delicious aroma? Honey cakes with currants?”
Velna laughed. “You have a good nose Milady.” She turned, hurrying to fetch one from the long table where they sat cooling. “Here you are, Milady. Still warm.”
“Ah, you know the way to my heart,” Phaera laughed as she took a big bite, making Velna beam. Out of the corner of her eye she spotted the guard posted near the door, trying unsuccessfully to remain serious, while each maid whose duties gave her an excuse to come near him, flirted openly. The playful scene and the guard’s obvious discomfort almost made her laugh aloud.
Velna followed her gaze and gave an exaggerated sigh. “I shall have to scold them again, though it does no good.”
“I daresay the young man enjoys the attention. But it distracts him. Perhaps I will say something before I leave.” She turned back to Velna. “But that is not why I have come. I have information for you and require your assistance if you are able.”
“Anything, Milady.”
“I have found a more suitable apothecary … in the dungeons.” Aha, that got your attention. “Once it is prepared the things under the stair will be moved there. But I need to gather many more supplies. I hope to have sources for the herbs and remedies I need from outside the castle. To that end I will need many small jars and bottles, even some larger ones, and most importantly a serviceable mortar and pestle. Perhaps two, a small wooden one and a large stone one. I cannot take those that you need here, but perhaps you know of some that are not in use.”
“You may rely on me, Milady. But the dungeons? Surely there is a more hospitable space that will suffice?”
“I am afraid not. It is close to an outside door and a source of water, albeit a disappointing one.”
By this time Phaera had finished the honey cake. Velna reached out to snag another one but Phaera shook her head. “One is more than enough, Velna. Thank you.” She looked around the kitchen. “Where may I find a spare broom and several rags for cleaning? The cell has not been used for some time and is filthy.”
Velna sent her a shocked look. “Surely you will not clean it all yourself?”
Phaera laughed. “Not this time. I already have two men assigned to the heavy work. When they have finished I will request some women for the rest of it, at least until it is ready for me to start filling the shelves. That is when I shall send everyone away and enjoy some privacy.” Velna’s relieved look made her smile to herself.
Her good humour fled when she reached the dungeons and heard angry voices from her new apothecary. She drew out her small dagger and held it hidden between the folds of her split riding skirt, her choice of dress when not at court, tucked the front flap that covered the split into the cord at her waist and crept silently forward. When she came close enough to peer into the cell she spotted Kennitt, his hands trussed behind him, seated on the floor against one wall. Dunth, his back to her, had a torch in one hand and pointed a sword in Kennitt’s di
rection with the other.
“Silence, or I will gut you.”
Kennitt pulled his feet back as Dunth thrust the sword threateningly in his direction. Then Dunth turned his attention back to the torch and began to thrust the burning end into the stale rushes on the floor. When the damp reeds did not immediately catch fire he growled his impatience.
Let me remember my lessons, Papa. Phaera eased into the light to catch Kennitt’s attention and held a finger to her lips. He gave a frightened nod.
Dunth must have seen some movement in the shadows because he whirled toward Phaera with his sword at the ready.
Knowing that her dagger would be no match for the sword Phaera feigned a jump backward. When Dunth lunged wildly and nearly lost his balance, she ducked under his arm into the cell next to Kennitt. Kennitt, you are no fighter, but I need your help.
When Dunth again lunged at her with a wide swing Phaera was ready. She jumped back as far as she could, just out of reach of the sword. “You need me alive, Dunth. Mathune will not be pleased to see his prize injured or dead.” She still kept her dagger hidden.
That seemed to take Dunth by surprise. He hesitated before lunging again, this time feinting to deliberately miss her.
Kennitt had been watching closely but Dunth took no notice of him, having eyes only for Phaera. As Dunth took another step forward for a lunge, Kennitt stuck out a free leg between Dunth’s two. He swung it hard into the back leg. Dunth lost his balance and almost fell but managed to regain his footing. The effort took his attention off Phaera for a split second.
Phaera leapt forward, and slashed at Dunth’s neck, the only part of him within reach, cutting him but not deeply.
Dunth snarled an obscenity as he wheeled back at Phaera. His sword swung wide and wild. This time he did fall.
He certainly is no trained soldier. Phaera was ready. She backed out of its reach, leapt onto Dunth’s back to make sure he completed the fall and plunged her dagger between his ribs. In the next instant, she jumped up and stomped hard on the wrist above the hand that held the sword, sending it clattering away. With one smooth motion Phaera pulled out her dagger and swapped it into her left hand. She leapt to grab the sword before Dunth could reach it with his uninjured hand. She settled the sword into her fighting hand with another smooth motion. Without hesitating, as Dunth made a mad reach for her, she swung the heavy sword down hard on his fighting arm, severing it above the wrist.
Altered Destinies- Earth Reborn Page 14