by James Bee
“Aye. Maybe I shouldn’t have been so keen to draw my sword that day on the docks,”Gerald said, the guilt of putting his friends in danger sickening him.
“No way you could have known this would happen. You regret coming, Orland?”Kayl asked.
“Not one bit,”Orland said, shaking his head. “One more day at court, and I would have died of boredom or drank myself into the grave. At least if I get killed here I won’t have to go to another fucking ball! Not that I’m going to die, of course. I’m much too valuable and will be made a hostage for certain,”he added hastily. Gerald smiled, his first of the day.
“They’d execute you for trying to seduce their leader’s daughter within a week. If they didn’t rip your tongue out first,”Kayl said.
“We shall have to discuss the manner of my death some other time, I’m afraid. I promised Felicia I would join her for dinner tonight,”Orland said. The smile slid off Gerald’s face like he’d been slapped. The ball of jealousy he’d tried to push down rose up again, followed by a flash of guilt at what had befallen her.
“How is she?”he asked thickly.
Orland looked at the ground and shuffled his feet.“Not good. Been crying since yesterday. Tristan’s death broke her. Poor bastard, just plain old rotten luck to be there when they attacked,”the nobleman said, emotion choking his voice. Gerald was surprised; he hadn’t known that such a friendship had formed between them. He’d been too busy to pay attention to such things.
“I found a few of the clansmen with his arrows in them. Things might have gone worse had he not been there,”Kayl said.
“When this is over, we’ll have a drink for him,”Gerald said, wishing he had something better to say.
“Come with, I’m sure she won’t mind,”Orland said. Hastily, Gerald shook his head. Being in a room with the two of them, he doubted he’d be able to hide his feelings. Besides, he wasn’t sure he could face her now. Her brother’s blood was on his hands. Everyone who’d died was on his conscience.
“I can’t. Too much to look after. Send my condolences, for what little they’re worth,”Gerald said. Orland nodded, too lost in his own thoughts to notice the strangeness of his friend’s behaviour.
“I’ll come find both of you tomorrow,”Orland said before walking off into the opaque darkness.
“He’s terrified,”Kayl said as soon as the nobleman was out of earshot.
“I know. Putting up a brave face, though. His hands were hardly shaking,”Gerald replied, gazing absently into the night sky.
“That’s the drink’s work. He’s half-drunk most of the time, as much as he tries to hide it,”Kayl said. “I wish he’d stayed at home.”
“Me too. I wish we’d all stayed at home. I’d have gladly stepped into the square if I’d known this was the alternative.”The two men were silent for a time, staring transfixed at the flickering lights in the trees. Then, one by one, the lights went out and the darkness claimed the woods once more. When the last one was extinguished, Gerald snapped out of the trance.
“What are our chances, do you reckon?”Gerald asked, afraid of the answer. Kayl had a better mind for battle than he. And a blunter tongue.
“Not as bad as the last siege we were stupid enough to get stuck in. Not much better, though. My men are solid, but too few. If we had twice the number, then I would be sleeping sounder. I can’t vouch for Blane’s lads. Haven't seen them train or fight before. Many are too young or too old. You’re right about their weapons being in a sorry state. Add that to the possibility of traitors inside the walls and the uncertainty of the guild coming to our aid, and I would say we’re neck deep in the shit.”Kayl spat over the wall. “Everything depends on how many are out there and how determined they are to see us dead.”
“We still don’t know what they want. They’ve sent no messengers, asked for nothing. If it was a raid, why not attack now? The more time they waste the more chance we have to prepare. They can’t mean to take Redstone over. They’d never be able to hold it. Why not talk to us? It makes no sense,”Gerald said.
“I don’t reckon they’re here to steal some gold, a few women. Nor are they here so they can take Redstone and hide behind its walls. I’d wager it’s simpler than that. They’re here to burn this place to ashes and slaughter all those within,”Kayl said quietly. Gerald felt no reaction to his friend’s words. In his heart he’d come to the same conclusion.
27
Chapter 27
“Rounded these up last night,”Fletcher said, holding the jail cell door open for him. Ducking his head, Gerald stepped past the rusty bars. Immediately, the stench of unwashed bodies and urine washed over him. Wrinkling his nose, he peered at the men huddled against the stone walls. The whole cell wasn’t more than four paces across, the ceiling pressing oppressively down on them.
Three prisoners stared back at him, eyes blinking rapidly in the light. When they saw who he was, they began to loudly protest their innocence through the gags in their mouths. Fletcher burst into the room and kicked at them, screaming for silence. Immediately they cringed away from him, terror plain on their faces. As his eyes adjusted to the dimness, Gerald noticed that all bore the marks of abuse.
“You caught them? In the act?”Gerald asked.
“Caught them conspiring. Got tipped off to their location.”Fletcher sucked his teeth and spat at the manacled men.
“Tipped off by who?”
“A trusted friend. Don’t worry, the information is solid. These were found in their pockets.”Fletcher held out his hand; three carved wooden half-moons sat in his palm. The prisoners could see the trinkets too, and one of them started thrashing, trying to shout the cloth in his mouth. Casually, Fletcher kicked the man across the face, sending him sprawling onto the stone floor. One of the carvings fell out of Fletcher’s hand onto the stones.
Frowning, Gerald picked it up. The wood was still prickly, as though newly carved. The smell was still fresh. Whoever had made the moons had done so recently.
“What do you want to do with them?”Fletcher said, breaking into his thoughts. Gazing down at the men, Gerald’s mind was in turmoil. What is the correct punishment? I can’t let them walk free. I just can’t. Perhaps I could use them to boost the town’s morale, make an example.
“You’re certain that they are guilty?”Gerald asked, looking for a way out. If there was some doubt, he could afford to be more lenient in dealing with them. He had little desire to have their blood on his hands; they were already dripping as it was.
“As certain as can be. What more evidence could you want?”Gerald felt the finality behind his words. He was trapped. He couldn’t keep them imprisoned. Word would get out and a mob would form. Their deaths wouldn’t be pleasant or fast. Better to do it, quick and merciful. Perhaps it would discourage further disruptions.
“It’ll have to be the block for them. Death is the punishment for grave-robbing. There’s no way around it,”Gerald said, feeling sick to his stomach. At once, the three men began thrashing and moaning. Dizziness washed over him, and the already close walls felt as though they were closing in around him. He stepped out of the cell and strode away hastily, muffled cries chasing him down the damp walls of the jail.
Outside, it was a crisp afternoon, and Gerald gratefully sucked in the fresh air. He had to put the three men out of his mind. What was done was done, and he couldn’t back out now. There was no room for mercy anymore. The respect of the townspeople would be preferable, but he’d settle for fear.
What to do now? All there was to do now is wait. Wait for the Sanish to make a move. So far they had done little besides patrolling the forests. From time to time a group would walk into the open, just out of bowshot, and do nothing. Just stand and watch, gazing silently into the town. Their goal was clear and effective. Fear and panic had spread, infecting all like a plague. Everyone inside Redstone were armed, bows on every shoulder, knives on every belt. Many had a blank look in their eyes, the look of those already resigned to death. A look Gerald h
ad seen many times before on the eve of battle. They were reaching a breaking point, and Gerald didn’t know how to pull them back. If the prince were here he’d know what to do. Rauf could inspire a pig.
Gerald realized he was wandering aimlessly, not something that would get anything done. Instead, he headed toward the north gate, the one that had been attacked. Kayl figured that would likely be where the hammer would fall. It was closest to the tree line, and the wall was the shortest there.
As he strode by, people nodded at him or called out greetings. Folks who had sneered down at him when they’d arrived. Fear had changed everything. Now he wasn’t Gerald the queen’s grown-up bastard. He was Sir Gerald, battle-tested hero of the Grain Rebellion. He snorted. They’ll be quick enough to put the blame on me if things go sour.
Up ahead the gate came into sight, looking worryingly small and weak. Thank the gods, the Sanish have no experience with siege weapons. A strong breeze might knock it down. Standing beside the wall was a large man clad in gleaming mail.
If Gerald had risen in the esteem of the people of Redstone, Kayl had become something of a demigod. Tales of his bravery and martial prowess had reached every ear in town, no doubt spread by his men over drink and card games. Tales which, unlike his, were not exaggerations. The big knight could barely walk anywhere without someone rushing up to him, offering him some food or other token. Gifts for the Bull, as most had taken to calling him, a result of his carrying around the helmet. Truth be told, Gerald was greatly heartened by his presence as well. He’d seen what the man could do in a fight.
Kayl waved as he got closer, motioning him over. Concerned, Gerald jogged over, hand on his hilt. A knot of men was standing by the gate, or more accurately pressed up against it. As he approached Gerald could see why.
Arrows, sticking into the ground, were everywhere. Dozens of them. Breaking into a sprint, Gerald suddenly wished he’d thought to put on his full mail. An arrow to the neck would be an underwhelming way to die.
Instead he made it safely to the walls. Where before they seemed almost pathetic, now the timbers felt secure, a solid wall between him and the bows.
“Started a little while back. Been dropping shafts in, just enough to keep us pinned down in here,”Kayl said. Gerald could hear the irritation in his voice.
“Why aren’t we returning the favour? We’ve got the cover. They’d be slaughtered,”Gerald asked, more mystified then angry. No doubt these men would be spoiling for a fight. Lying against the wall and hoping an arrow didn’t land on you was no pleasant way to spend a day.
“We can’t. I’ve never seen anything like it. Some of the hunters told me about their bows, but I didn’t believe them. Their range is incredible. They’re hitting us from inside the tree line! There’s nothing we can do. Our arrows wouldn’t have a prayer of coming close. Not that we’d be able to see much inside the forest. There isn’t much we can do but sit here and take it,”Kayl growled. Their arrows are being shot from inside the trees!
An arrow landed nearby, causing Gerald to jump. They can’t have much hope of hitting us; the shot would have to be perfect. Why waste arrows? Gerald mused. Just then another arrow fell, jangling his already frayed nerves, and he had his answer.
“Keep calm, men. The Sanish think that a few arrows will break our resolve, make us cringe away and leave the walls undefended! I think it’ll take more than a few rotten shafts to put the fear in us!”Gerald said, eliciting a number of cheers and fists thumping on wood from the other soldiers pressed against the wall.
“Just come for a stroll?”Kayl asked, sidling closer to Gerald.
“Not quite. I was looking for you. I wanted to speak on something.”Gerald told him about what he’d seen in the prison. When he was finished, Kayl looked over at him with a frown.
“No proof, eh? Didn’t catch them or nothing?”Gerald shook his head. “You can’t condemn men based on that, Gerald. What if they’re innocent? What then? You’ll be made a murderer,”Kayl pressed him, quiet enough that the men around couldn’t hear.
“Fletcher said he was tipped off. Fletcher said…”
“Fletcher said! You put too much trust in the man! Too much! Why? Because he doesn’t look down his nose at you like the others?”Kayl asked. Gerald pressed his head into the wall, unwilling to look at his friend. Kayl’s words had hit too close to the mark. What reason did he truly have to trust the man? Not much. Just that he’d given him some good advice. Hardly much at all.
“I have to trust someone, Kayl. We can’t hold this town by ourselves, and if we don’t people will die. Badly. We can’t afford to fight on two sides. Maybe punishing those men will scare the others, keep them from getting up to any mischief,”Gerald said.
“Even if they are innocent?”Kayl said, quieter than before. Gerald didn’t give him an answer. He had none. The moment passed, and Kayl slowly blew air out of his nose.
“It’s not right, Gerald. It’s not. It’s a dreadful thing to do,”Kayl said. Gerald could hear the reproach in his voice, and it angered him.
“I am afraid. I am! Every time I move and my shoulder hurts, I get more afraid. Any moment someone could stick a knife in my back or an axe in my head! Now I don’t know if these men are the right ones! But they’ve been accused and that is the best I can do. Tomorrow we might all be dead! I’m in charge here! Me! I don’t need you second-guessing everything I do!”Gerald didn’t realize he was yelling until he was finished. All the men had gone silent. An arrow falling into the ground nearby was the only sound.
Kayl didn’t say anything, just stood silently. Gerald knew he should say something, anything. The anger kept him quiet; the frustration that had been building for weeks had finally boiled over. Picking up a nearby shield, he took off down the wall, holding it over his head. No one yelled to stop him. I have to find Orland. He’ll know what to do.
Gerald found his friend where he knew he’d be. Breathing deeply, he knocked on the door sharply, three times. Hushed voices and frenzied movements behind the door confirmed his guess. The wood opened a crack, and an eye poked out.
Upon seeing him, the door opened widely. Orland was standing on the other side. The nobleman was shirtless, though if he was embarrassed to see him, there was no show of it.
“Gerald! Unusually good timing from you. Come in, we’re just about to have tea!”Orland said, stepping aside for him. In an instant Gerald could tell that his friend was drunk, roaringly so. Face flushed, Gerald stepped into Felicia’s house. It was not large, around the same size as his, but it had a much more homey feel. The room was tidy, with a crackling fire in the fireplace. Looking around, he saw no sign of Felicia.
“She’s just in the back, changing clothes,”Orland continued, winking at him. Gerald’s chest felt tight and his face was burning. How foolish! To be jealous at such a time! How many times in the past had Orland told him of his exploits with the ladies of the court? Gerald had always smacked him on the back and raised his glass. Why would now be any different? Gerald told himself that Orland had no way of knowing, no way to see his true feelings. But it didn’t help. The jealousy was too strong, and he couldn’t stop the feelings of bitterness.
Why should everything come easily to Orland? Why should he have everything? A true-born son of an ancient family, good looks, no responsibilities, an easy way with women. Why should he not have to struggle like Gerald did? It wasn’t fair!
“Why did you come here, Gerald? Were you looking to find me or Feli?”Orland asked. Realizing he hadn’t yet said a word, Gerald struggled to mumble out a response.
“Not much for me to do, actually. Had a falling out with Kayl.”Gerald lowered his head, the rage gone, only shame and embarrassment in its wake.
“You and Kayl? Never thought I’d see that. What happened? You get mud on his helmet or something?”Gerald opened his mouth to answer, but at that moment Felicia appeared. Unlike Orland, she appeared less at ease to see him.
“Hello, Gerald …erm …my lord …what a pleasure
to see you,”she said, the formality jarring. Guiltily, he realized he hadn’t spoken to her since the day of the attack. There had been too much to do.
“How are you? I’m sorry I haven’t come to see you since. It’s been a nightmare…”
She waved his apologies away, motioning for him to sit on a nearby bench.“I’m fine. Tristan’s death was …not easy … Orland has been helping me through, though. Honestly, with the Sanish appearing, I’ve stopped grieving. There’s too much of a chance that I’ll be joining my brother in the afterlife,”Felicia said, sitting down beside Orland.
“You’re not going to die. Redstone is not going to fall,”Gerald said, willing some conviction into his voice. Conviction he wasn’t sure he felt.
“Of course not. What’s a few hundred murderous clansmen against the glory of the kingdom!”Orland said jauntily. Despite his tone, Gerald could see the fear behind his friend’s eyes.
“This isn’t a joke, Orland,”Gerald said.
The slight smile that had been on the nobleman’s face slid off.“Isn’t it? This was supposed to be boring, was it not? A way to get Gerald the troublemaker out of the capital. Stick him up in the mountains where he can’t get into any more mischief. Send him with his friends to keep him happy! Who would have thought that a pack of bloodthirsty woodsmen would show up, bent on murder! You are a cursed man, Gerald. If there are any gods, they must truly hate you. Perhaps they punish you for your father’s crimes.”Orland’s eyes were mocking as he looked across the table at him.
“Orland!”Felicia said, shocked.
Gerald stood, not trusting his voice, unsure of what would come pouring out of his mouth. There was too much anger, too much frustration, jealousy, fear, and uncertainty in him. It swirled like a tornado, tearing him to shreds. Gerald turned and walked toward the door.
“Wait!”Orland’s hand was on his arm, holding him in place. “Gerald I’m sorr—”It was the easiest thing in the world to smash his hand across Orland’s mouth. With a cry the nobleman fell backward, blood dripping from his mouth.