by Alessia Brio
I did not wait long. The tarnsman landed quickly, springing from his saddle with sword drawn and striking at the dummy. I had waited, not knowing for sure whether this would be the same tarnsman, he with the raiders. His actions revealed him enemy, same or not.
"No," I said. "I'm over here."
The tarnsman whirled, his sword ready. He paused for a moment, then rushed me. He was not unskilled, but I knew myself the better and killed him quickly. The tarn regarded me with its black eyes, calm, dangerous. I moved to it, mounting quickly. Once in the air, I turned north. The raiders camp was deserted, except for draught tharlarion and the wagon. I surmised they had gone searching for their former captives. I moved on north. It was still some two pasangs before they could reach the guard post when I came upon them. Tullius was carrying the Lady Allina, Lady Melna at their side. Claudius Flavius strode rearguard, watching their back trail. I brought the tarn down beside them and took off my helmet that they might recognise me. A grin twisted Claudius Flavius's face as he came to me.
"The tarnsman came after you? I thought he might."
"Aye. Attacked me in my camp, without warning. Except that he, unknowing, attacked grass and twigs, and my cloak." I held it out, showing the slashes inflicted by the tarnsman's sword.
"I would be proud to gift you another, Warrior." The Lady Melna had approached as we talked.
"Lady Melna is most kind," I said, bowing to her.
"You saved us from captivity and slavery, Han Lero. It is little with which to reward you."
I had a vision of her naked in my arms and grinned. She coloured, lowering her eyes, almost as if she read my mind. "I fear we must leave this discussion for the moment, Lady Melna," I said. I turned to Claudius Flavius. "There are a hand or so of raiders not more than a pasang behind you." I nodded across to where Lady Allina sat in the grass, Tullius beside her. "What happened?"
"Lady Allina twisted her ankle in the dark. She cannot walk. Can you take them?"
"Easily, but I need stirrups for them."
"Sword belts?"
I grinned at Claudius Flavius. "Excellent!"
In moments we had fastened two sword belts together, fashioning a loop at each extremity. I slung it over the tarn's saddle so that a loop hung at each side. I mounted to the saddle and a look of dismay crossed Lady Melna's face.
"You leave us, Warrior?" she said, her voice cracking. She knew well her likely fate if the raiders took her again.
"No, Lady. I carry you and the Lady Allina to safety. Stand in the loop, and lift your hands to me." She did, and I took binding fibre from my belt. "Your pardon, Lady Melna, but I do not want you to fall." Quickly I bound her wrists and hooked them over the saddle horn. She nodded, smiling. Lady Allina had been watching, supported by Tullius and she made no demur as I bound her wrists, too, and hooked them over the pommel. Standing in the sword belt loops as they were, there was little strain on their wrists, but I was confident that even if the loops gave, the Lady Melna and the Lady Allina would not fall to their deaths.
Claudius Flavius and Tullius stood, swords in their hands. Claudius Flavius raised his in salute.
"I will see you at the guard post, within the ahn," he said.
"Aye," I said. "For now, farewell." I pulled the one-strap and the tarn sprang into the air. There was a startled scream from Lady Allina, but Lady Melna, although nervous, was silent, smiling a little as the tarn's strong wing beats lifted us. Below, Claudius Flavius and Tullius had dropped into the mile-eating trot of the warrior. I looked south. Their pursuers were less than a pasang back, pausing uncertainly as they saw the tarn rise. I circled them, so that they could see the women, then turned the tarn north. The crossbow bolts came nowhere near us.
It did not take long to reach the guard post. Tarn wire was strung and I landed us about fifty paces from the gate, quickly freeing the two women. Lady Allina collapsed in a heap, Lady Melna quickly kneeling beside her. Four men hurried towards us from the post, swords drawn ready. I took off my helmet and saw a broad grin on the face of their leader.
"Captain," he said. "I had not looked to see you here!"
"Tal, Haral," I said.
He gestured. "Captives? Slaves?"
I shook my head. "Free women, rescued from raiders. Lady Allina of Rorus, and her cousin, Lady Melna."
Haral made a courteous bow. "Ladies." He turned back to me. "We have no tarncot here, Captain. What of your mount?"
"I go on to Ko-Ro-Ba. Will you give the ladies refreshment, Haral? I will return with more fitting transport. I think it will take me two or three ahn to make the return trip. Two of the Lady Allina's escort will be here shortly. Her captain, Claudius Flavius, and a young warrior, Tullius. Bid them welcome and feed them. Tell them I will return soon. If anyone else approaches, it is likely they will be raiders. Claudius Flavius might be able to recognise them, but I doubt he saw all of them. Be suspicious." I went to the tarn and took the sword belts. I passed them to Haral. "Your guests might like their sword belts back when they arrive."
Haral grinned. "They shall have them."
I leapt to the saddle of the tarn. Lady Allina was being helped to the safety of the guard post by two guards, Lady Melna following. As the tarn rose, she turned and lifted her hand in farewell. Surprised, I returned her salute. I turned the tarn north and headed for Ko-Ro-Ba. I wondered again what the Lady Melna would look like unclothed.
Next day, late afternoon, a meeting took place in my father's quarters. Lady Allina was there, in borrowed robes, Lady Melna, too, in borrowed finery. Both wore the light, opaque, house veils with which they might greet friends, but not close family. I was there, Claudius Flavius, Tullius, and my father.
Claudius Flavius stood. "You have heard of Lady Allina's uncle, Pel, and of his treachery. Lady Allina is due her inheritance in two days. Pel attempted to have her enslaved. Were that completed, she would indeed forfeit. Pel was overconfident, and was leaving the enslavement until morning. I, Claudius Flavius, of Rorus, hereby bear witness that the Lady Allina, although captured, was not enslaved but is a free woman and thus due to receive her inheritance." He paused and looked at each of us in turn.
My father stood. "So let it be recorded. What would you of us, Lady Allina?"
"I seek your assistance in obtaining my inheritance. Any soldiers involved will be duly rewarded." She turned to Claudius Flavius. "Captain?"
"Pel has a garrison of some forty men. Ten were with me, seven of them now slain. Two others traitor, in the pay of the raiders. The only ones of which I am certain are myself, and Tullius. There will be others in Rorus, those who served the Lady Allina's father, but for now I have to proceed on the assumption that all are hostile."
"Your plan?" said my father.
"If I may borrow the men, by tarn to Rorus, first to see the Administrator. Luc Nelm is honest, and it is he who Lady Allina's father trusted to handle her affairs until she inherited. Once we have established that she is safe, and free, I think all will be well."
"Why, then, do you need to borrow my men?" said my father.
"There is a reckoning with Pel due," Claudius Flavius said, his tone flat.
My father nodded, unsurprised. "How many?"
"Forty?"
My father nodded. "Done. I will ask for volunteers."
"Your plan, Captain?" I said.
"Lady Allina is due her inheritance in two days. There is a peasant holding some four pasangs from Rorus. I want to land the troops there. The headman knows me, and will lend me a cart. I will go into Rorus disguised, and see Luc Nelm. Once he is appraised of the situation, I will return. I will then challenge Pel."
"To single combat?"
"He is not worthy of that. I will challenge him to defy me and we shall see what transpires." Claudius Flavius grinned, the grin of the hunter.
"Take care, Captain," said Lady Allina. "I would not lose you."
"You shall not, my Lady."
There was a tone in both their voices that was strange to me. I r
ealised suddenly that I had just heard them pledge to each other. I wondered if they realised. The Lady Melna glanced across at me, quickly looking away when she caught my eye. I think she, too, realised.
"May I accompany you, Captain?" I said.
"I would be glad, Captain," said Claudius Flavius with a courteous bow. I nodded. I now wore my insignia.
"There is little to do now," said my father. "Lady Allina, Lady Melna. Claudius Flavius, Tullius. Would you do me the honour of joining myself and my son at dinner tonight?"
"We would be delighted," said Lady Allina.
"My Lady," said Claudius Flavius. "If I may be excused for the moment? I need to do a little organising for tomorrow."
"Of course," said Lady Allina.
"Let me show you the way," I said.
"My thanks, Captain." I could almost feel Lady Melna's eyes following me. Could it happen this quickly?
We were at the peasant's holding at early dusk next day. Originally in fear of the tarnsmen and the troops they carried in baskets, the peasant was greatly relieved when Claudius Flavius identified himself and sought the peasant's aid. It was he himself who drove the cart, shuffling along behind a pair of bosk. Claudius Flavius and I, and Tullius, in peasant robes covering our warrior garb, rode with him. As did Lady Allina and Lady Melna, peasant robes over their own. Lady Allina had quite rightly insisted that only her presence could convince Nelm, if Pel had sown his lies. It was full dark when Claudius Flavius and I sought audience with Luc Nelm and at first his captain of guards was reluctant, until Claudius Flavius identified himself. The captain, young, had served with Claudius Flavius and showed no further hesitation in bringing us before Administrator Nelm.
"I though you dead!" was his surprised reaction on seeing Claudius Flavius.
"Pel told you?"
"Aye. He said the Lady Allina had been taken by raiders."
"She was, and rescued by young Tullius and this good Captain of Ko-Ro-Ba, Han Lero."
"Ral Lero's son?" said Nelm.
"I am," I said.
"I know your father. Please convey my greeting when you see him next." Nelm turned to Claudius Flavius. "What is this all about?"
A cold smile crossed Claudius Flavius's face. "Treachery," he said. In a few short sentences he told Nelm what had happened. The administrator was shocked and wanted to send guards to seize Pel immediately. "No," said Claudius Flavius. "I have a plan." He smiled, and I went out, returning in moments with the women.
"Lady Allina," said Nelm. "It gladdens my heart to see you safe."
The following day, Nelm issued an invitation for Pel to call and see him, so that they could discuss the matter of the Lady Allina's abduction. Shortly after noon, Pel was ushered into Nelm's audience chamber, two of his guardsmen with him. Beside me where we stood behind the curtain, Tullius gripped my arm, but I too recognised the men. Luc Nelm stood to receive his visitor.
"My dear Pel," said Nelm, "have you heard aught of Lady Allina?"
An expression of manufactured grief crossed Pel's face. "I fear she has been enslaved, good Nelm. These two fine lads are all that survive from her guards. Both were left unconscious by the raiders." I saw that both men bore marks, as if from fighting, and bandages, as if wounded. They nodded and murmured agreement.
"There is no doubt?" said Nelm.
"None, I fear," said Pel. I almost admired his acting. In a party of travelling players, performing, he might even play the lead, I thought. "The Lady Allina must be considered enslaved, and thus her fortunes forfeit," said Pel.
Nelm nodded sadly. "In that case, it would seem that it is you, Pel, who inherit the estate of the Lady Allina's late father.
"I fear it is so," said Pel, his voice thick with emotion. He was an even better actor than I had thought. "I would much rather it were not so."
"You do?"said Nelm.
"Of course. To have my niece safe and well, instead of enslaved, could only bring me joy."
Nelm nodded, smiling. "Please, my dear Pel, be seated, while I have the letters of administration brought to you." He signalled to an aide, gesturing at Pel's men. "Have these good lads treated as they deserve for their heroism."
"At once, Administrator. Follow me, please," the aide said to Pel's guardsmen. They looked at each other uncertainly but Pel signalled irritated assent. They followed the aide out. A clash, as if of swords, and a distant cry came to us. Pel looked up, surprised.
"It is nothing," said Nelm. "Before we bring the letters of administration, I would be grateful if you would sign a declaration."
"Declaration?" said Pel.
"A mere formality," said Nelm. "A simple statement that your niece is enslaved. Were any others of the party?"
"I fear her cousin, Lady Melna, she too was enslaved."
"What of the Lady's guards?"
"All dead save those two noble lads who came here with me." The expression of sorrow on Pel's face was magnificent.
"You will sign to that effect?" said Nelm.
"Of course," said Pel.
"In that case the matter of the Lady Allina's inheritance can be settled this very day," said Nelm.
Pel nodded, apparently not trusting himself to speak.
"Prepare the statement for Pel to sign," said Nelm to his scribe.
"At once, Administrator."
In a few short moments the statement was prepared and placed before Pel. He read it through and then took the pen from the scribe and signed it.
"Excellent," said Nelm. He took a small bell from beside him and rang it once. The door opened immediately and two guards entered.
"Yes, Administrator."
"Show my guests in, please," said Nelm.
"At once, Administrator.
"Guests?" said Pel.
"Just some people I'd like you to meet. Ah, Ladies," said Nelm as two figures, in the robes of free women, entered the audience chamber, "welcome."
Pel stood, uncertain. Nelm gestured. "My dear Pel," he said, "may I present to you the Lady Allina and the Lady Melna?"
The colour drained from Pel's face. "Impossible," he blustered. "These females are impostors!"
Allina's cold gaze was fixed on Pel as she gracefully loosened her veil, letting it fall to one side. "Uncle Pel," she said.
"They were enslaved," said Pel. "You cannot bring slaves before me purporting to be free women! Kneel, slave!" he said, "kneel, or be slain."
Lady Allina regarded him calmly. "I am no slave. Remember," she said, "your own words. 'Morning will be soon enough to brand them and complete their enslavement. Let them spend the night anticipating'." She smiled at her uncle, a smile as cold as winter. "Instead, dear uncle, I spent the night, safe in a Ko-Ro-Ban guard post, anticipating your fate."
"She is slave!" Pel insisted. "Examine her!"
"Lady Allina, in the privacy of her bath, insisted that my wife, and my daughter, examine her for slave brands," said Nelm. "None such were found."
"This farce has gone on long enough," said Pel. "I am leaving." He turned to the door, but at a signal from Nelm, the two guards who had unobtrusively followed the ladies into Luc Nelm's audience chamber blocked his way, hands on sword hilts. Pel's shoulders sagged.
"Take him to a holding cell," said Nelm, "let him join his guards." The guardsmen took Pel away. The Lady Allina refastened her veil and Tullius and I came out from behind the curtain, witnesses to the fall of Pel. Nelm turned to us. "You heard, and saw, everything?"
"Yes," I said.
"Yes," said Tullius.
"I will have my scribe write a report of the matter. Perhaps later you will bear witness?"
"Of course," I said.
"Gladly," said Tullius, his tone savage.
"Now," said Nelm, " we wait."
It was scarce an ahn before Claudius Flavius returned, the leader of the Ko-Ro-Ban contingent at his side. Lady Allina sprang to her feet.
"It is done, my Lady," said Claudius Flavius. "Your holding is ours."
"How many hurt?" sh
e said.
"None, serious, on our side. Three dead, of your uncle's men. Full half of them came over to us as soon as they knew the truth. They are loyal men, but not to a traitor. Most of those who came to us have been with your family for years. They were your father's men, and are now pledged yours."
"My thanks, Claudius Flavius." She turned to the Ko-Ro-Ban officer. "I would like to give your men a feast tonight. Tomorrow, return to Ko-Ro-Ba with my thanks, and a fitting reward. Tonight, dine with me."
"My thanks, Lady," said Ban Taal. He glanced at me and I signalled him to one side. He nodded and moved unobtrusively to the corner.
Lady Allina turned to me. "Will you join us for dinner, Captain?"
"Please do," said Lady Melna, almost the first words she had spoken.
I bowed. "I would be honoured."
"At the seventeenth hour, Captain," said Lady Allina.
"In your holding?"
I could see her smile even through her veil. "Where else, Captain?" she said. She moved away to talk to Luc Nelm and I crossed to where Ban Taal stood.
"No problems?" I said.
"None, Captain. It was exactly as Claudius Flavius said. When the Lady Allina's men realised they had been misled they surrendered to us immediately. All bar ten or so who Claudius Flavius said were Pel's own guard. They fought well, but they had no chance. Three slain, four seriously wounded, three lightly wounded." Ban Taal grinned. "Only one of our men has a scratch. I think young Olnar has finally learned he must keep his guard up. A real opponent makes such a good teacher."
"Keep the prisoners under close guard, but treat them as prisoners for now, not slaves."
"Aye, Captain," said Ban Taal. I think there was relief in his voice. As a fighting man he had respect for men who were true to their cause, even if such cause were misled, and such were these men of Pel, save the two we already had in custody. I knew Claudius Flavius, and Tullius, had plans for those two. Ban Taal saluted, and went out. I detected perfume and turned.