by C. J. Archer
"Come out!" one of the men shouted. "Answer to the people!"
More and more joined the group, pouring in from the surrounding streets. The guards were vastly outnumbered, their horses skittish from the noise and activity. The constables stood where I'd seen them earlier, but they looked worried now, their hands hovering near their swords, ready to draw.
"Come out, coward!" shouted a man at the front of the mob.
A roar of "Coward!" erupted. Fists punched the air. Some of those fists held clubs, and some even clutched burned bricks. These men had been working to clear away the rubble only yesterday. Today, there must be only the palace guards and servants working there. Most of the villagers seemed to be here, and more came with each passing moment.
As the crowd increased in number, their voices grew in volume, their chant of "Coward" filling the village green. Then a roar erupted as a face appeared at an upstairs window of the council building.
"Come out!" they shouted.
"Coward!"
"Fire starter!"
"Murderer!"
Merdu and Hailia. This wasn't going to end swiftly or quietly.
"Josie!" Lyle emerged from the crowd, his eyes bright and beads of sweat dotting his forehead. "Join us. We're trying to get the governor to come out, to answer for his crimes."
"It's going to turn violent," I said. "You know it is."
"We're voicing our anger, that's all. If the governor comes out, there'll be no need for violence."
"And if he doesn't?"
He answered by punching his fist in the air and shouting, "Show yourself!" along with the rest of the mob. He rejoined the crowd. I saw many people I knew in the group, including good friends. Ivor Morgrain was among them. So much for his assurance that he would stay away from trouble.
"Josie!" Max called out as he rode up to me. His hand rested on his thigh, not because it was a casual pose and he was not worried, but because it meant he could quickly draw his sword. "Go home and stay there!"
While I didn't like being told what to do, I'd been about to head off anyway. I wouldn't admonish Max. He must be anxious. They were vastly outnumbered.
"Keep Meg and her sisters safe too," he said.
"I will if you promise to keep an eye on Lyle." I nodded at Meg's brother. "She will appreciate it."
"I'll try."
I hurried off as the crowd roared again. I didn't head home, however, but to The Row to warn Dane that he needed to send more men to help Max.
He was a step ahead of me. He rode towards me with no less than twenty of his men riding behind. The men wore armor, but Dane did not. He slowed and fixed a glare on me when he saw me.
"I'm going home," I told him before he gave me the order. "But you should hurry. It's volatile."
"Stay indoors. Do it for me," he added. He rode off before I could assure him I would.
I ran all the way to my street, stopping abruptly when I rounded the corner. A carriage laden with trunks strapped to the back and roof waited outside Meg's house. Two palace guards wearing armor and mounted on armored horses stood guard.
Merdu, what now?
A blonde head popped out of the window. "There you are," Miranda said. She opened the door and stepped out to embrace me. "Thank goodness you're here. We were just about to leave. My mother is worried and didn't want to wait much longer."
"Your mother is right to worry." I looked through the open door and bobbed a curtsy to the elegant woman clutching a closed fan in both hands. "Lady Claypool."
"Miss Cully, please tell my daughter we must hurry. The guards say we need to leave the village immediately."
"We arrived at the same time as the captain and his men," Miranda told me. "He says there's a mob forming in the village, demanding the governor be arrested for starting the fire. Is it true? Did he start it?"
"The sheriff doesn't have any evidence that he did, but many in the village are convinced he orchestrated it."
"How awful."
"Miranda," Lady Claypool barked. "Say your goodbyes. I don't want to get tangled up with the protestors."
Miranda clutched my hands and blinked back tears. "I have to go."
I indicated the trunks. "You're not returning to the palace, are you?"
Her lower lip wobbled as she shook her head. "My father is sending us home. We heard about the trouble last night in the village and he's worried it's going to get worse."
"He's wise."
"Surely the palace is safe. It's miles from here."
"Possibly, but with the king gone, who knows what will happen there, too?"
"You're always so practical." She suddenly threw her arms around me. "I adore you so much. I wish I didn't have to go. I want to stay here with you and Kitty."
I put my arms around her and kissed her cheek. "I'm going to miss you both too."
She pulled away. "Kitty isn't leaving. The duke isn't sending her away."
"Why not? I know things aren't very good between them, but surely he's worried about her safety."
She leaned forward to whisper. "Not if he wants to kill her. Don't look so shocked, Josie. You also thought the Deerhorns and the duke might plot her demise so Violette can marry him. I'm quite certain Kitty has reason to worry now."
"What's happened?"
"He has been more awful to her than usual. He constantly tells her how much he despises her, how she has failed him as a wife, how stupid and hopeless she is. I've told her to ignore him, that he's saying those things in the hope she'll fall into despair and end her own life."
"As horrible as that is, it's not really proof he wants to…" I lowered my voice. "…murder her."
"He told her to go drown herself yesterday."
"What a snake!" I spat. "Poor Kitty. Is she holding up?"
"Barely. I wish I didn't have to leave her at a time like this. She's lonely and frightened. She suspects everyone of trying to murder her at her husband's or Violette's order."
"She can trust the palace servants," I said. "They wouldn't jeopardize their positions for the duke."
"You ought to tell her that. If you can get to the palace to reassure her, that would be the best thing you can do right now." She took my hands again. "There's one other thing," she said, voice low. "If things get very bad, if it seems as though there's no other way, I've urged her to take drastic measures and leave her husband."
I squeezed her hands. "I'll help her. She can take shelter here until the danger passes then I'll take her to the priestesses. She can live in the goddess's temple—"
"No, Josie, you don't understand." She glanced over her shoulder at the carriage. "The only way she can be free is if the duke and the Deerhorns think she's dead. If they know she's alive, they'll keep trying to kill her. Violette can't marry the duke if he's still married to Kitty. She has to die."
"What are you saying?" I hissed.
"I told her she should make it appear as though she died."
"You want her to fake her own death?"
She nodded. "Will you help her if the time comes? She's not particularly bright. To make it look convincing, she's going to need help."
Lady Claypool peered out of the carriage. "Miranda," she snapped. "It's time to go."
Miranda drew me into a fierce hug. "Be careful, Josie, here and at the palace." When she pulled away, her cheeks were damp.
My eyes welled with tears. "I will. And don't worry about Kitty. I'll see that no harm comes to her." I wished I felt as certain as I sounded.
"Write to me often," Miranda said with a wobbly smile.
Lady Claypool leaned out of the carriage. "Come, Miranda. I want to be out of the village before the riots start."
Riots.
Hopefully it wouldn't come to that.
But as I watched them drive off with their armed escort, my heart felt heavier than ever with the weight of all our problems.
The day dragged on. There was little to do in the house but perform domestic duties, my least favorite thing to do. I tried to k
eep Tilly and Meena occupied with games but found it hard to be cheerful.
Meg and I stepped outside frequently and listened to the shouts brought to us on the breeze. The only news we had was when a neighbor, Mr. Grinsten, returned for the club he kept under his bed.
"The governor still hasn't come out," he told us as he paused outside his house to catch his breath. "Everyone's riled. Some are talking about storming the council building and dragging him out." He thumped the club into the palm of his hand. "Everyone needs to protect themselves."
"Don't you use that unless you have to!" Mistress Grinsten shouted at him as he ran off. He brandished the club in response before turning the corner.
Meg and I returned inside, only to rush to the door again when someone pounded on it moments later.
"Miss Cully," said the frightened girl on the doorstep. "Miss Cully, you have to come now."
"Is it your mother, Kirrin?" I said, bending to her level.
She nodded. "Mama says the baby's coming but she can't catch her breath."
"Where's your father?"
"He said he was just going out real quick to see what all the fuss was about in the green, but then Mama felt the baby coming and she couldn't breathe properly." She grabbed my hand. "Let's go."
"Wait," I said. "My bag."
"You can't go," Meg said, following me into the bedroom. "It's too dangerous."
"I'll take the long way," I assured her. "We won't go near the village green."
"Didn't you just see her this morning?" she said. "Surely she can't be in labor already. You would have noticed the signs."
"Kirrin said her mother's having difficulty breathing. That's worrying enough."
She blocked the doorway, arms crossed.
I leveled my gaze with hers. "Meg, she sent her twelve-year old daughter here when she knows there's trouble in the streets. She wouldn't have done that if she wasn't very worried. Let me through, please."
She squeezed her eyes shut and emitted a frustrated growl. Then she stepped out of the way. "Just be careful."
"I will."
I ordered Kirrin to remain with the Divers and set off, taking the long route that bypassed the center of the village. Even so, I was close enough to hear the mob's shouts as clear as day.
They called for the governor's execution.
I hugged my bag to my chest as I hurried down streets that were empty of people but filled with the echoes of the mob's cries. Late afternoon shadows kept the air cool, but even so, I sweated as I ran. I didn't dare slow. Kirrin's mother must be terrified, all alone with her four year-old son and a baby on the way, worrying if Kirrin had arrived at her destination.
I kept my wits about me, listening for any movement of the crowd in case they decided to march through the streets this way. Despite my heightened awareness, I wasn't worried when I saw the horses and cloaked riders up ahead. It was probably some lords from the palace come to see what all the fuss was about.
The riders had their backs to me. They were not advancing or retreating, but simply seated in the saddles. They must be listening to the mob too, from the safety of these quieter streets.
One of the riders was in advance of the others, peering around the corner. From there, he should be able to see the village green. He turned to rejoin his friends and spotted me.
"You there!" he shouted. "Get going."
The other five riders turned as one. I recognized two of them, despite their hoods.
Lady Deerhorn and Lord Xavier Deerhorn.
"Well, well, isn't this fortunate," Lord Xavier said with a slick smile. "And she's all alone, too."
I turned and ran.
"Get her!" Lady Deerhorn commanded.
Chapter 7
Hooves thundered behind me, drawing closer, closer, until I was sure the horse would run me down. I didn't dare waste precious moments and glance back. I jumped into a recessed doorway and flattened myself against the door.
Lord Xavier rode past, the horse's momentum propelling him along the street, just far enough away for me to escape.
I ran, but he chased me again. Behind him rode his mother and their armed escort, black cloaks billowing behind them like pirate flags, warning of the advancing danger.
My breaths came hard and fast.
I turned a corner, checked left and right for an open doorway that I could dive into, but there were none. It was all brick walls and high fences.
Hailia, save me.
I pretended to turn into a narrow lane I knew was a dead end, but instead I dodged into another street. My efforts were in vain, however. They kept coming and coming. Lord Xavier was almost on top of me, his huge beast of a horse snorting like a creature from the underworld.
I stumbled and lost my balance, but somehow I managed to dive to the side, stilling holding my pack. My left hand and arm scraped against the cobbles. Searing pain tore up my arm as the flesh scraped off and my bones jarred.
I backed up as the six horses surrounded me, blocking all escape routes.
Lord Xavier sneered, his mouth twisted into a satisfied grin. He licked his lips, as if he could taste my fear. He was the sort of man who relished the thrill of the chase, no matter that his prey couldn't possibly win.
Lady Deerhorn urged her horse forward. I scrambled away until my back slammed against a wall. Blood pounded in my ears and rushed through my veins so fast that I felt sure my heart would give out.
"What do you want?" I asked.
My trembling voice seemed to delight Lady Deerhorn. Her sneer matched her son's. "You tried to ruin us, so I will ruin you."
"I don't know what you mean. I've done nothing to you. I wish you no ill."
"Ha!" Lord Xavier barked. "I like your pluck, but we know you're lying."
I glanced around, searching for an escape route. But there was none. I couldn't get past the horses.
"There is no one to save you now, Miss Cully," Lady Deerhorn said. "The captain and guards are occupied. You are friendless."
"Is it the gem?" I asked. "Because I will get it for you. I just need time. As you say, the captain is busy. I haven't had the opportunity to ask him about it."
"Liar," Lord Xavier snapped.
"Get her," Lady Deerhorn ordered.
"Wait!" I cried as her man dismounted. I licked dry lips and scrambled to think of something to say, to try to talk my way out of this predicament. If that didn't work, I still had the scalpel in my skirt pocket. But I couldn't stab all of them if they came at me as one. "If you kidnap me or harm me in any way, the captain will know. Not only will the guards come looking for you, but he'll never give you the gem."
Lady Deerhorn smiled. "He will if he wants you back."
Lord Xavier's tongue flicked over his top lip as he eyed me hungrily. "The longer he takes to rescue you, the more time I get with you."
Hot, bitter bile surged into my throat.
"You deserve everything you get," Lady Deerhorn said as her man advanced on me. "It was you who started the rumors that we set the village on fire."
"No!"
"I know you did. The governor's man said he saw you when he offloaded the barrels."
So they were behind it.
Her guard, a giant of a creature with an ugly scar where his left ear should be, grabbed my scraped arm and hauled me to my feet. I hissed in pain. Satisfaction flashed in the icy blue depths of Lady Deerhorn's eyes.
"But it was the captain's threats that truly annoyed me," she said in a deadly calm voice.
The guard's grip tightened around my arm. "I—I don't know what you mean. What threats?"
"Don't play the innocent. I know you sent him."
"He warned us to stay away from you," Lord Xavier said. "Or he'd make us pay." He snorted. "As if that would scare us."
Lady Deerhorn signaled for her guard to put me on the horse. "No one threatens my family. Especially nobodies like you."
I shifted my pack and slowly, slowly slipped my hand into my pocket. My fingers wrapped around th
e slender scalpel. I would have only one attempt to stab my captor. If I missed, he would overpower me.
I whipped the scalpel out and dug it into the hand holding me. He cried out and let go, but only to pull the scalpel out. It happened so quickly, I didn't even get a chance to run off. He grabbed me again and threw the scalpel on the ground with a growl.
My heart sank, just as a chorus of shouts rose from the direction of the mob. Something had antagonized them further. The chorus did not diminish but kept going and going. It echoed in my head and plucked at my already frayed nerves.
It disturbed the horses too. They shifted and jerked their heads up and down. The riderless one jostled the horse of the guard holding both sets of reins. It was towards this horse that I was pushed. I struggled, hitting out with my fists and feet.
It was useless. I was too weak. All I managed to do was anger the guard when I kicked his leg.
"Stop fighting or this won't go well for you," he snarled in my ear.
I squeezed my eyes shut against a wave of hopelessness washing over me. There were six of them, all armed. I would not get out of this.
Lord Xavier's brittle chuckle echoed off the walls until it was drowned out by another eruption of shouting then a sudden, booming crash.
Two of the horses reared in fright, their hooves thrashing the air. The riderless one bolted, dragging the guard that held its reins off his own horse. He let go, but fell to the ground with a bone-crunching thud.
I swung my free arm in an arc and smashed my pack into the head of the guard holding me with as much strength as I had left. He loosened his grip and I slipped free.
I took off in a sprint through the gap left by the fleeing horses. Lord Xavier, Lady Deerhorn and their other guards struggled to control their frightened mounts, leaving the one on foot to chase me.
I was mere steps ahead of him. I hardly knew in which direction I ran, I just knew it had to be forward.
"Get her!" Lady Deerhorn screeched, sounding closer.
I glanced back to see her and Lord Xavier advancing rapidly on the guard chasing me, their horses once more under control. The guard reached out. His fingers grasped the back of my skirt, flapping behind me.