What he found stunned him. He had to turn and heave, vomit rising in his throat despite his attempt to halt it. When he finished, the sight before him looked no better.
“William, where are you?” Kevin’s voice came from the path behind him. “I got us a boar. Come see this thing, you won’t believe the size of it.”
“In here,” said William, his voice barely penetrating the dense woods.
“I can’t see you. Where did you go? Oh, hello Clyde. Take me to William. Good dragon.” Kevin crashed through the branches into the clearing. “Ah, you’ve got a squatter. Don’t worry; we all get them from time to time. Have Ruskin collect a few men to sweep through the woods early one morning and have them arrested.”
“It’s not that,” said William. “Look.”
Kevin came up behind him and looked over his shoulder, sucking his breath in at the sight. “What sick sort of person does this?”
“I don’t know, but they’ve kept themselves busy. I’ve counted thirty so far, each one partially skinned and impaled. Based on the pools of blood beneath them, I’d guess they were still alive at the time.”
“You may be right. But why?”
“And why on my land?” added William.
Kevin frowned. “You think it has something to do with you?”
William sighed and shook his head. “I don’t know. But no one has seen the earl in over three weeks, or any other town officials I know personally. I got a visit from a clerk and two guards I’ve never met claiming my taxes were due even though the earl deferred them. Something strange is going on in Marshland, and it feels connected to me somehow.”
Kevin stared for a moment, then gazed over the mayhem before them. “Let’s head back to the manor, William. No good will come from staring at the work of a madman. We’ll get the boar on a spit and have it cooked in time for supper tonight and forget we saw this.”
William nodded. “Okay. But let’s not tell anybody about this. I don’t want to ruin anyone’s appetite.”
Mrs. Gracey squealed with delight when they dragged the boar into the kitchen—through the back entrance of course. “Oh, I’ve been waiting for a chance to use the roasting rack. Oz, be a dear and find me a young lad to help me with this beast and another to fetch firewood. I want a nice, big fire roaring by the time I have it gutted and spitted.”
“Right away, Mrs. Gracey. Oh—Lord William, you have guests waiting in the sitting room.”
William wandered to the sitting room and was greeted with a joyful shriek as Maya jumped from her seat and threw herself at him with a giant hug, her head only reaching his chest. Charlie followed her but merely shook his hand and smiled down at him from his imposing height. He was still as big as ever, but William sensed more muscle than fat now, especially in his arms.
He gazed at them both with unabashed happiness. “You got my message, it seems.”
Maya’s black curls bounced as she nodded. “It was short notice, but we were both able to get away. You were clever to use pigeons.”
“Dan Deacon’s idea,” he said. “How is work for both of you?”
Maya gave him a weary but satisfied smile. “The clinic is busy, as always. And Charlie’s metalwork shop is a hit in the Port. No one else is crafting specialty tools, so he has the whole market to himself. What I want to know is how you got a pet dragon. Look at him—he’s gorgeous!”
William looked down at Clyde with a paternal gaze. “He’s more of a foster child than a pet. Padma asked me to take him because he didn’t fit in at the hive. It turns out he’s a vegetarian, and he’s only recently showed signs of learning to fly.”
“Jack said he looked positively bedraggled when you first got him.”
William laughed. “Bedraggled? That’s an awfully big word for Jack,” he said. “Wait a second—is he back from Rebel Falls already?”
Charlie nodded. “Got here just after we did.”
“He has a surprise for you,” said Maya with a wink.
It was a strange sensation to be led by his guests in his own home, but he followed Maya and Charlie to the dining hall where he met the largest crowd of people that had ever graced the manor. Front and center stood a tall, slender woman with a long mane of raven hair who looked at him with a gentle smirk. “So, Melissa finally tied you down, huh?”
“Rachel! You made it!” said William as they hugged.
“Told you I’d find her,” said Jack, looking pleased with himself.
Rachel swatted Jack’s shoulder. “I was already at Rebel Falls when you got home,” she said. “You make it sound like finding me was some big accomplishment.”
Jack shrugged and smiled. “It’s all about results. Speaking of which, my dad has something for you.”
William turned and found a middle-aged man of dark complexion and an easy smile. “Earl Hiram!” said William. “My apologies; I didn’t even see you sitting there.”
“It’s all fine, William,” said Hiram with a big grin. “We rather ambushed you in your own home. Here—this is for you.”
William read the paper handed to him. “My marriage license! Earl Hiram, this means more to me—I couldn’t find a single official in Marshland to vouch for me, let alone get a license signed by Earl Bradford.”
Hiram nodded. “It seems we have a lot to discuss. And what better place than the manor of the Defender of Rebel Falls? Who better than this crowd?” He waved his arm at the people gathered around the table. “After all, you five solved a lot of problems back then.”
“With help from you and several others,” protested William. “If something fishy really is happening in Marshland, I can’t imagine a better group to deal with it.” He turned to Oz. “We need food and drink. Have Mrs. Gracey throw together something—it doesn’t matter what, so long as it’s quick. And find some servers. The farmers are all busy, but maybe their sons and daughters would like to earn a few coppers.”
Oz responded with a strained look that William had trouble discerning. “Uh…right away, my lord.” He left for the kitchen, returning almost immediately, followed by several boys and girls wearing makeshift livery and carrying platters. Oz tried to hide his smile, but William knew he was proud of having anticipated William’s needs, especially in such a momentous occasion. He gave his butler a subtle nod of thanks, not caring whether anyone else noticed.
Lunch was loud and happy, and interrupted from time to time by the arrival of other guests. The Reids made their entrance, Melissa taking her seat beside William in what felt like the first of her future duties as lady of the manor. William’s mother, Emma, came with them, and sat beside Kevin. Miss Plevins and Agatha stopped by as well, and Ruskin was convinced to pause his labors long enough to join the growing crowd.
William looked around his dining hall and noted that for the first time since the manor was built, fewer seats were empty than occupied. Where Mrs. Gracey got the food, or how she cooked it so quickly, William had no clue, but it continued to be served, along with a steady flow of wine, beer, cider, and tea according to the guests’ desires. Even Clyde enjoyed himself, greeting each visitor as they arrived, and wandering from chair to chair to accept pets or table scraps.
“What’s wrong?” Melissa laid her hand on his shoulder, interrupting his reverie. She spoke quietly, just loud enough for him to hear and no one else.
“I’m a little overwhelmed,” he answered in the same voice. “So many guests to keep happy…I’m not used to it.”
She reached down and squeezed his hand. “They’re all happy, and they’ll stay happy as long as you are. Let your staff do their job. Talk to people. I’ll help. You don’t have to do anything alone anymore.”
Buoyed by her words, William threw himself into the chatter, which ranged from the upcoming wedding, to Clyde, to the odd disappearance of Marshland’s town officials. The growing consensus, despite William’s protests, was that they should wait and see.
“Earl Hiram, you and Earl Bradford communicate, don’t you?” asked William.
“Has anything changed lately?”
Hiram cleared his throat. “We don’t write to each other, William. He and I have never been…close. Clerks handle our official business, and I’ve seen no change aside from the signatures.”
“And have you ever disappeared for weeks at a time without anyone knowing where you are?” asked William.
Hiram nodded, more to himself than to William. “I see your point. But there still may be a perfectly logical explanation.”
“It smells rotten to me,” said Rachel. “Earl, Guard Captain, Librarian, all the senior clerks—that’s too many coincidences for me to doubt what Will’s suggesting.”
William didn’t have time to respond, as Oz approached without warning, his eyes wide with alarm. “You have visitors in the sitting room, my lord.”
“Well, show them in Oz,” said William, loud enough for everyone to hear. “Who is it?”
Before Oz could respond, the clatter of heavy boots came from the doorway. All eyes turned as Sir Hendrick Mattice entered the dining hall, followed by six disheveled guards of various ranks. Sir Hendrick approached William and gave a curt nod of respect. “I apologize for the intrusion, Lord William, but the news can’t wait. Marshland Crossing has been overtaken by a rebel force.”
William spoke over the cries and gasps that followed. “When did this happen?” he asked.
Sir Hendrick swallowed hard. “I found out today, but it’s been going on since I went on patrol three weeks ago.”
William narrowed his eyes at the Guard captain. “I’d heard you were on patrol, but I couldn’t believe it. Why would a commanding officer go on patrol?”
“The earl ordered me,” he answered, looking somewhat sheepish. “It seemed strange at the time, but he insisted he wanted experienced eyes on this particular patrol, and since so many of my men were promoted away, I was the only veteran left. Looking back, I think someone forced him to give me that order.”
“Why didn’t you simply take the town back, Sir Hendrick?” asked Hiram, his clenched jaw betraying his disapproval. “That’s your job. Why are you even here?”
Sir Hendrick turned white and dropped his head. “What you see is what’s left of my force. The rest have joined the rebels. What’s worse is that they are headed this way.”
Kevin leapt to his feet and banged his fist on the table. “After all the things you accused me of, usurping my position as Guard captain, you mean to tell me the town was taken over on your watch?”
Sir Hendrick sneered at him. “This is hardly the time to settle old scores, Lord Kevin. As I just mentioned, more than thirty rebels are headed this way in full gear, ready to loot whatever they can. I was lucky enough to escape their clutches with the men I have to warn you.”
“Why my barony?” asked William.
“Their excuse is that you’ve failed to pay taxes. I’m aware of your bargain with Earl Bradford—he told me that much before I went on patrol. Apparently, someone thinks you’re rich and they’re looking for plunder. We’ve heard rumors of gold and gems.”
“Plunder is one thing,” said Hiram. “But why would anyone risk open rebellion? They must know a full contingent will be sent from Faywater to resolve the situation. And where is Bradford now?”
Hendrick shook his head. “I don’t even know if the earl is alive, but my guess is that he’s being held prisoner along with anyone who remained loyal.”
“How could you let this happen?” asked Kevin, his face still showing his animosity toward Sir Hendrick. “Three quarters or more of your force rebel at the same time, along with other officials?”
“If you’re blaming me—”
William raised his hands to stop the bickering. “No one’s blaming anyone,” he said. “Not yet, anyway. We’ll have plenty of time to figure out what happened later. Sir Hendrick, you said they’re headed this way? Is it possible they’re headed somewhere else?”
“Oh, they’re coming here, all right,” said Hendrick. “One rebel made the mistake of trying to recruit Sergeant Leblanc, who just smiled, nodded, and came straight to me. If he hadn’t, none of us would have gotten away.”
“What’s that got to do with me?” asked William.
Sir Hendrick turned to the sergeant. “Leblanc, tell Lord William what they said to you.”
The sergeant, about thirty with a hard, humorless face stepped forward. “Sergeant Slovik was talking to me, my lord—the new quartermaster. He said, ‘It’s time to teach that pretend hero a lesson.’ His words, sir.”
William’s heart sunk into his stomach. There was no pretending he wasn’t the target. “Thank you, sergeant,” he said. “How long do we have, Sir Hendrick?”
“Half an hour at most.”
“You’ll help with the defense?” asked William.
Emma spoke before the captain could answer. “What defense?” she asked. “You can’t possibly stand up to them. Thirty armed men against the people in this room…half of whom are women, most of whom aren’t trained fighters. William, do the smart thing and leave here at once…let them take what they want. Possessions can be replaced.”
William stared at her, his jaw set with defiance. He turned to Melissa who looked back with pleading eyes. He understood their reluctance, mother and fiancée both, but he knew what he had to do.
He sought the faces of the four people he knew best, who had risked their lives along with him. Rachel nodded once, her mouth curled in the barest smile. Charlie swelled with pride, the firm set of his jaw telling William everything he needed to know. Maya placed her hand on Charlie’s. Jack looked nervous but determined.
It was all he needed. He turned to his butler, relaxed, but determined. “Oz, ring the bell. Send everyone to the bridge.” Oz raced from the dining hall without a word as William turned to the Guard captain. “Sir Hendrick, the stream is chest deep and several feet wide. You and your men can block the bridge while the rest of us stop them if they try to wade across. The villagers will do what they can with sticks, stones, or whatever they brought with them.”
“This is a daft plan, Whiteh—Lord William,” said Sir Hendrick, catching himself. “If I were in charge of that rabble, I would split them into two groups and cross the streams a quarter mile apart. The last thing I would attempt is a bridge crossing.”
William stared him down. “Let’s not forget you actually were in charge of that rabble, and look what result you got. I’m not kidding, Sir Hendrick—when this is over, I have no doubt you’ll face a court-martial. If I were you, I’d be looking for witnesses to vouch for your courage in the face of long odds.”
Sir Hendrick’s face turned red with rage. “There’s nothing wrong with my courage, you—”
“Good,” said William. “You’ll need it to atone for your other failings.” He turned to the guests seated around the table. “The rest of you are under no obligation. This is my land, and I’ll defend it with my people. I sure could use your help, though.”
Kevin nodded at him. “I’m with you, William,” he said, echoed quickly by a chorus of voices.
“What is it with you men?” asked Emma, her face filled with anguish. “So eager to join every fight! Fine—William, count me in too. I can throw rocks if I’m not busy mending wounds.”
Mrs. Gracey rushed in from the kitchen,wielding a heavy iron pan, a gleam of excitement in her eyes. “Did someone mention a fight? I haven’t enjoyed a good dust-up in years. Who are we fighting, my lord?”
William laughed. “Rebel guards. Thirty or so, well-armed. Can you handle them?”
She rapped the pan with her large, red knuckles, sending a dull ringing throughout the room. “The question is whether they can handle this,” she said. In the distance, the brass bell began to echo it, calling the villagers to muster.
An intense fervor washed over him, mixed with a healthy dose of righteous anger. He grabbed his sword, scabbard and all, from the wall where he had hung it on his return from Marshland weeks earlier, and turned to the others. “Let’s go.”
Chapter 14
The first few villagers were showing up, armed with pitchforks, spades, and other implements as William and his guests arrived. He stood on a large stump, motioning for the crowd to quiet. All eyes turned to him and waited for him to speak.
“Friends, we are about to be attacked. About thirty disloyal and disgraced former guards are headed this way to loot what they can, and possibly destroy the rest. They are well-armed and well-trained, but we out-number them. Their only easy entrance is over this narrow bridge, simplifying our defense, and we have with us not only Sir Hendrick Mattice and his remaining loyal guard, but Lord Kevin, a former Guard captain himself; Charlie Walker, the strongest man I know, also a former guard; and Rachel Malen, perhaps the best archer on Esper.”
Someone yelled out. “And we have the Defender of Rebel Falls!” The rest of the crowd cheered.
He smiled begrudgingly. “Yes. I am here too. And my other friends as well. But more importantly, we have YOU. The people who live here, who call this place home. So long as we stand together, they cannot take it from us. Sir Hendrick, you and your men will blockade the bridge itself. Lord Kevin, you can defend the river left of the bridge with half the villagers; Charlie, you can do the same on the right. The stream is deep and cold, and they’ll have trouble crossing it if your lines hold.”
Sir Hendrick, still smarting from William’s earlier comments, arranged his defensive formation on the bridge, while Kevin and Charlie quickly coaxed villagers and wedding guests into defensive lines along the stream.
Rachel approached William with a foreboding look. “You’d better hope they don’t have archers, or this will be a one-sided slaughter.”
Sir Hendrick answered before William could. “They still don’t teach archery at the Guard Academy, despite my complaints. Not one has handled a bow, I’m sure.”
William let out a sigh of relief. “Lucky for us. I doubt we would have stood a chance otherwise.”
She stared back at him as though judging his resolve. “Do you want me to—”
He shook his head. “No. I want to stop them, not kill them. No killing—unless we have to.”
Skyrider of Renegade Point Page 14