“Right oh. Hand it over Justin.” Harry pointed to the packet of papers the man was still holding.
“Any time.”
Conort rolled his eyes, “Save it for another time Forier, we don't have time for your ridiculous antics.”
“Really, Lord Conort, flirting is harmless enough.”
“But it's not really acceptable in Albon, Grandmamma. The Curates don't like that sort of thing.” Charley giggled and looked at Lizzy who collapsed on to Sarah, laughing.
“Young people today have no respect for their elders’ beliefs, Lady De Narvel, and they expect the world to be run for their enjoyment.”
“Hardly, we'd just prefer not to be flogged for following our natures.” Lizzy coughed herself into seriousness.
“Can we please return to the matter in hand?”
“I thought we had.” Alex nudged Lawrence and they both collapsed in laughter.
“Poor Forier is blushing; be nice now.” Sarah said sharply.
Their laughter, a release of their tension and grief, however inappropriate, was silenced by a knock at the door.
“Your grace.” A messenger in the Alboni colours panted as he hurried across the room, bowing to everyone indiscriminately, and carrying a copy of the message they'd seen arriving from the ground. “It's come from the Palace, just now.”
“Thank you Stevens, keep this to yourself.”
“Of course sir. Any return message?”
“Wait outside and we'll call you back in in a few moments.” Lizzy waved the man away. Stevens looked at her curiously, then bowed out of the room. “Well, Conort, what does my uncle say?”
“It's quite brief. Come home. Immediate effect. War.”
“Oh drat.”
“My thoughts exactly.”
“Really? Mine were, 'how unexpected'.” Alex sighed, “They must have found some other evidence. Our intelligence wouldn't have arrived before this was sent.”
“And it's urgent, whatever it is.”
“Yes. Yes, it is. We must leave today.”
“Bit precipitous aren't you Lizzy?”
“Stay awhile if you want Harry but the twins and I need to go home.”
“No, no I shall not stay. I have a regiment to command if there's to be war. And probably Phil's too; he's in no state to command a dog to sit let alone a thousand soldiers into battle.”
“It might be what he needs, an outlet for all the anger.” The Sumoasti had tortured Gos before they'd killed him, his body a bloody mess when they'd cut it down.
They were silenced for a few moments.
“We need to provision the ship if we're going to return immediately.” Charley spoke in little more than a whisper.
“My dear child, you are staying here. I won't have you running back to a war zone.”
“But I can't leave them.”
“Yes you can Charley. Stay safe and come home after the war. You don't need to get involved.”
“Lizzy?” Charley appealed to her friend after she saw the nods of agreement to Lawrence's suggestion.
“Well, I'd be happier knowing you were out of the war zone.”
“And what about what I feel? You can't expect me to let you go back to a war, any of you, alone?”
“Yeah, we can. You have a place that's safe. We've only got Albon, all our families are there. Most of yours is here.”
“He's right; you can have a future here. If the war is long or vicious you won't in the Isles.”
“Grandmamma!”
“Well, do you really think I want my only grandchild to die before I do?”
“No, if course not, Grandmother.”
“You two,” Lizzy and Charley were indicated, “discussed this last night anyway, you agreed then and you're outvoted now.” Harry told her with a smile. “Be thankful you won't be in the middle of a battle.”
“I am, but still it's hard.”
“It is indeed. Ambassador Conort, I'd like permission to resign and return home to help in the war effort.”
“Of course m'boy, of course. Have you anyone who can do your job?”
“Lord Gos's former aide? Felix Redfern.”
“Hmm, isn't he in our cells at the moment?”
“I let him out this morning. I believe he's decided to go into mourning and won't leave his room.”
“Stevens!” The messenger was shouted into the room. He poked his head around the door. “Oh, good, there you are. Run up and get Aide Redfern down here immediately and send an encrypted message back to the Duke. The ship leaves on the next high tide. And send in my steward.”
Now a decision had been made, the Ambassador showed his metal. He enjoyed playing the lazy aristo, but had been trained by the Office just as the Duke had. He wasn't in fighting trim anymore, but he still knew when to act. And now was a time for action.
“Now, m'boy, go and pack the essentials, I'll have the rest sent with the next shipment of silks.”
“They won't be far behind us then; the silk ships leave in a week.”
“Fine, fine, I'm sure your books, clothes and whatnot can be packed by the servants in time. Go on, go on.”
“I'll go with him, to make sure he doesn't bring anything that's unnecessary.”
“Of course.” The two men left as the Embassy steward arrived.
“You sent for me Ambassador?”
“Ah, yes, Steward. Have one of your most trusted men ride out to Her Highness's ship and inform the captain they'll be leaving by this evening's high tide. That should give us time to provision you.” He smiled at the young people. “Eat up, do, you must be famished. Ah, yes what else? That's right. How many provision suppliers can you contact urgently?”
“Five or six, sir.”
“Good, they're to fully provision the ship today, on our account.”
“Father will send the money with the next fur shipment.”
The Ambassador waved away Lizzy's assurance.
“They know we'll pay eventually, but it might help if we gave them something on account. How much do we have in the petty cash?”
The Steward rolled his eyes, it was hardly petty cash and they kept it in a safe under the building. “Twenty thousand sir.”
“Promise them anything up to a thousand each if they can get everything aboard before mid-afternoon and as discretely as possible.”
“Yes sir, of course.”
“Off you go then.”
The Steward left as Felix Redfern arrived, dressed in black and looking thoroughly haggard. He drooped on to the couch vacated by Harry and Forier, picking at the slices of orange they'd left untouched.
“You wanted to see my Ambassador?”
“Yes. How'd you like a promotion?”
“What?”
“A promotion. Forier is resigning early, he's got something going on in King's Ford, so I need a new Secretary. Lord Val trusted you implicitly, and Forier recommends you. I can't imagine a better reference. So do you want the job?”
Redfern was stunned. “I er, well, yes, I do. Thank you.”
“Good, you start today, after you've had some sleep.”
“I couldn't possibly, if Forier is leaving us so soon.”
“I would advise you to take the chance to rest while you can, Redfern, the next few days are going to be busy.” Lizzy nodded around the room.
“What's happened?”
“Nothing official yet, but I have to leave urgently and we don't want the news getting out until we're out of the Bay.”
“Of course.” Redfern nodded and left.
“As soon as Harry and Forier finish packing we'll leave for the ship. If anyone asks why we need so many provisions, we'll have to tell them we're hosting a party or something.”
“The Prince did suggest you make the ship your residence. We could just tell people that?”
“One, or both would work well. I don't mean to be impolite Ambassador, and I'm grateful for everything you're doing to help, but I really want to get back to the ship.”
“We can't sail until after sunset Lizzy, we have all day, you'll only be pacing up and down the dock. People will know something's up.”
“FitzAlboni's right, here you can fret and pace all you like and nobody will notice. In the docks, there will be watchers who'll report back to someone.”
“You're right, I know, but it's frustrating having to wait.”
“We can't sail if the ship isn't ready to go.”
“I know. All right, we'll wait here, but only until midday.”
“Agreed. It would look suspicious if you stayed longer, and you all need sleep.”
Plans made, they settled into wait, picking at the food laid out for them and napping. Lady De Narvel went to speak with her own servants, arranging for most of her salvageable belongings to be sent north to her summer estate a month early. She left before midday with Charley to visit dress makers to replace their damaged clothes and a man-hunter to investigate the attack. It was expected of her that she would institute a search of her own in addition to the Imperial investigation; anything out of the ordinary would be noticed and commented upon. They needed to keep suspicions as far removed from the De Narvel house as possible.
Chapter 34
Lizzy hugged Charley before climbing out of the carriage and plastering a fake smile on her face.
“Come on, do, I want to get sailing; if we're going to be in Malan tomorrow morning to see the sun rise.”
Lizzy laughed as her friends fell out of the carriage one by one, the moment they became actors barely recognisable to anyone who didn't know them. Certainly, the Empress's spies, masquerading as dock workers, didn't notice anything out of the ordinary.
The group wobbled and giggled as they boarded their ship then lay about on the foredeck enjoying drinks in the afternoon sun. On the main deck their captain ordered his men into action as a pale and drawn Phil joined them for the first time since they'd returned with Gos's body. He took a long sip of the wine Harry offered him and stared at the docks.
“Are we going home now?”
“Yes, yes we are.”
“Good.”
Chapter 35
Sailing away was not as straining to the nerves as sailing to Belenos; they had the winds with them most of the way and once they reached the Essen, the current too. On the first night a ship followed them to the island of Malan, about half way across the inland sea, but turned back once they stopped for the night. After that the journey was uneventful. They did not stop at any port and were in the Northern Ocean in seven days. They took on fresh water at Essenmouth and collected the messages waiting for them. Lizzy sent a single message, letting her father know where they were, before ordering the ship out to sea with the tide.
Three days later they were back in King's Ford.
Chapter 36
Prince Michael waited for the ship to dock, tapping his boot on the ground. Around him the docks bustled with the clamour of war preparations. Nothing had been declared but the Sumoast ambassador and his household had left unexpectedly only three days before and the city, if not the nation, knew it war was coming.
“Your Highness.” A guardsman bowed in front of Michael.
“Yes,” Michael fished around for the man’s name, smiling when he remembered, “Johnson?”
“Her Highness's ship has docked, but they need to bring Lord Gos Val's body ashore before anyone can disembark.”
“Oh dear, has Dowager Val been informed?”
“Couldn't say sir, but Lord Phil Val is acting as escort.”
“Of course, of course; allow them through, and send an honour guard with them to the Palace.”
“Yes sir.”
The Guardsman smiled to himself at the young prince and trotted back along the Hythe to the newly-docked ship. The wrapped body of the deceased lord descended the gangplank, carried by half a dozen sailors. Sir, now Lord, Phil Val followed, his face drawn and hollow, and clothes wrinkled and stained. Guardsman Johnson bowed to the grieving man and ordered his troops to form up around the bier. They passed along the length of the Hythe, and into the city.
Lizzy and her remaining companions followed slowly behind. Prince Michael saw his sister reach the Hythe in safety and rode to join her.
“Hello little brother. What've we missed?”
“Nothing much, we're going to war with Sumoast, that's all.”
“I know. What did they find at the Rocks?”
“Lizzy, time and place?” Alex gently chided. The young prince smiled at his sister and cousin, while Lawrence rolled his eyes appreciatively.
“Come on Lizzy, that can wait until we get back to the Palace.” Lawrence grumbled.
“Oh, your mother has gone back to their estate.”
“Why?”
Michael shrugged, “A lot of ladies have gone to the country.”
It was Lizzy's turn to roll her eyes now. “What do they expect to do there?”
“Recruit and knit bandages I think. There was something in the paper about it a few days ago.”
“I see. Well, if that's all they can manage, I suppose it's better than nothing.”
“And what do you plan to do Lizzy? Father won't let you fight.”
“I haven't had any fun since he legitimised me. Any chance we can get him to change his mind on that?”
“Don't joke about that.”
“Why?”
“...” Michael tried to find the words and failed, so he shut up.
“Leave him alone Lizzy, we have to get to the palace.”
“And I should go to my Regiment, introduce them to my new ADC.” Harry smiled at Justin and then his friends.
“Come to the Palace first, father will want to know everything we found out in Belenos.” Lawrence suggested. “You need to get orders from Lord Marshal Sommerton.”
“And you don't know where your regiment is.” Alex added.
The wind started to pick up as they talked. Sarah looked to the sky, mused in the advancing clouds and their metaphorical aspects, and tapped Lizzy on the shoulder.
“I don't want to interrupt this family reunion, but it's going to bucket down soon and I'd like to be inside when it does.”
“She's quite right sister; there's a carriage waiting and your baggage can follow us.”
Grateful for the chance to stretch their legs after so long confined to a small ship, the party turned their steps towards dry land and the waiting coach. The rain hit just as they crossed the Hythe bridge. Huddling inside the guard towers as their documents were checked, Lizzy noted the change in the atmosphere. Nobody had bothered to check her documents on her previous, rare, visits out of the city by ship.
“What's this for?”
“Uncle thinks we might have an infestation.”
Sarah snorted, “I knew I should have sent someone else to Belenos with you. I've been gone a month.”
“It's in hand, Sarah. Colson is dealing with it.”
“Oh dear. Lizzy, if you don't mind, I need the carriage to drop me at the Office first. I'll join you at the palace once I've got my subordinates straightened out.”
“I knew it!” Lizzy turned on her, “I bloody knew you were more than you admitted to. How long has this been going on?”
The twins synchronised their eye roll, Harry and his amour laughed. Everyone had known who Sarah was in the Office structure, except, apparently, Lizzy.
“Yes, yes, Lizzy, we'll talk later.” Sarah waved her away. “Come on, the rain's slowing down, and I have work to do, even if the rest of you don't.”
Lizzy sighed and gave in; someone was going to suffer later, probably her uncle. They hurried to the carriage in the splattering rain. Lizzy stopped suddenly as she opened the door, looking up at the driver, the unfortunate but loyal Dawson.
“While we're going through the city we need to stop at the Press. And try not to let anyone steal me this time”
Her companions skidded on the wet cobbles, piling into her. Lizzy fell forward, Sarah and Lawrence almost on
top of her.
“What's so pressing?” Alex laughed, he had avoided the collision but still felt the need for poor puns, while Lawrence groaned and shuffled backwards, regaining his balance. Sarah straightened up, smoothed her dress and scowled at everyone as she helped Lizzy to her feet and into the vehicle. As they pulled away from the Hythe and docks, Michael riding ahead with his Guardsmen, Lizzy answered the question.
“I need to let them know I'm back; there are things I have to do.”
“She's going all cryptic on us again.”
“That's what we get for not telling her about Sarah, isn't it?”
“Probably.”
The twins carried one in this vein, getting sillier and sillier, until Justin threatened to kiss them both. Lawrence shut up while Alex became thoughtful.
“You really shouldn't have said that.”
“Why not? It worked, didn't it?”
“We're not in the Empire now Justin. An accidental slip like that could get you into trouble.”
“Oh nonsense, nobody thinks like that anymore.”
“You've been away too long.” Harry patted him on the knee.
“What, have things got worse?” Justin laughed.
“'Fraid so, mate, the Conservatives and their”
“Slightly barmier”
“friends – thanks for the qualification their bro – among the Fundamentalist are gaining ground for some unknown reason. They'll get worse if the queen comes back.”
“People fear the war, that's all. We've avoided them for a few hundred years.”
“That's not it Lizzy; the Fundamentalists were gaining followers before the prospect of war arose, the last three or four years at least.”
“But I thought it had steadied out at thirteen percent?”
“Of the clergy. Didn't you read the census report I gave you before we left?”
“Strangely enough Sarah, I didn't. I wonder why?”
“Oh do stop it the pair of you. Where is safe?”
“Anywhere with us, and in most of the city, just don't go into the more conservative chapels. Some people might laugh but most of them won't say a thing.”
Hidden Fire (The FIRE series Book 1) Page 18