“My Lord, I slept in the horse stalls and only visited the hall two times.”
“You’re denying that Lord Werner paid you?”
“Em, no, but that was for helping a girl.”
“So you are a spy who works for Hanstein freeing women…whores?”
I shook my head. I’d never get anywhere with this idiot, no matter what I said.
The beadle leaned back and took a sip from a pewter mug. “Return him to his quarters. He needs more time.”
The guards grabbed my elbows and shoved me toward the door.
“What about my clothes,” I yelled over my back.
“My Lord?” The guards had stopped, looking expectantly at his master.
“I will keep his pants and the tunic with the letters. Give him the rest.” One of the guards grabbed the pile of cloth and stuffed it in my arm.
I stared at the beadle. For the first time I wanted to kill a man. I limped back to my cell. In the darkness I struggled to pull on my clothes. My legs were bare now and the tunic didn’t go past my calves. I imagined the rats looking for a place to sleep next to my skin. I needed to get away—fast.
“Is that you, young Max?” Lippold’s voice drifted across the stone wall.
“Yeah, I’m back.”
“Did you come to an agreement?”
“Schwarzburg still didn’t like what I said. He was looking for money and stole half my clothes.”
“Sorry to hear that. It will behoove you to go along with the Duke’s wishes. He’s an evil man and will not stop.”
I had only half listened while I groped around the filth. I’d stuck the purse under the straw along the back wall. The guard would come soon with his evening ration. I kept rooting, touching the walls and sweeping my hand back and forth. I had placed it right against the wall. I was sure of it. Despite the cold I began to sweat. The coins were gone.
While I’d been interrogated, someone had come and stolen my money. My perfect plan had turned to dust. A terrible anger seized me then and I smashed a fist into the wall. The stabbing pain in my knuckles didn’t bring relief and I did it again. I was falling apart anyway, so what difference did it make.
The outer door opened and I heard the neighboring cell open and close.
“The Duke has granted you an audience,” I heard one of the guards say. The doors banged shut and it turned quiet.
I crumpled into the straw, wiping at the slimy mess of sweat and tears. I’d lost it all. Nothing I’d started had worked out. I was finished. This time the game was really over. I didn’t hear the slot open and close as the guard filled my cup and tossed in a chunk of bread. The rats took over and feasted while I slept the sleep of the worn. When I woke it was completely dark.
“Hello? Lippold?”
No answer. My neighbor was asleep. I straightened and started to walk. Then I slumped down again. Why bother exercising? I’d be dead soon. The face of my mother appeared, looking sad and worried. Then my father, Jimmy, his father, a few of my teachers. They all stared at me and shook their heads. A new scene unfolded: my parents at a funeral—my funeral. I began to shout. I swore, cried and blubbered. Again I fell into restless sleep as exhaustion and nightmares took their turns. No sound came from my neighbor’s cell.
I woke when the slot opened.
“Guard?”
The cup returned filled with water and a chunk of bread appeared. “Please guard?”
“Make it fast,” the voice grumbled. He sounded like the man from my march.
“Did Lippold leave?” I asked.
“What’s it to you?”
“I must know. Tell me.”
“He’s been released.”
I didn’t answer. How much worse could my timing be? Why hadn’t I asked Lippold to get a message to Hanstein anyway? I could’ve just asked him instead of writing a stupid note.
“The rats ate my bread,” I muttered. I didn’t even know why I said it. My mind was definitely going.
“I must leave,” the guard said.
“Thanks anyway,” I said. After the outer door crashed shut, I sobbed. I cried and cried until I had nothing left. If they saw me now, I thought—my mother, dad, Jimmy, my classmates…even Bero and Juliana. I had reached the end.
Chapter 26
Minutes, hours and days turned into a glob as I tried coming to terms that my life was over. Worst was how I felt my body weaken. I shivered in the cold, especially at night. I’d piled straw into a corner to sleep, opposite from my toilet. But no matter how I pulled the tunic over my legs I froze, the fabric too thin and short, the straw meager and reeking.
And then there was my mind. One minute I wanted to fight: exercise and shout, develop escape plans and speak with the guard. The next minute I felt like the end was near and nothing made sense. I was cold with dread and regret, the certainty I’d never see my family again. What had I been so mad about with my dad? He’d left because he no longer loved my mom. It happened every day millions of times. I’d refused to talk to him, barricading myself in my room. All my anger had been for nothing, childish temper tantrums.
The real evil was in the keep fifty yards away. I could’ve been happy and satisfied with my life. I’d had it pretty good, a decent house, my mom. Even in my new life I’d had Bero and Juliana. New tears dripped down my face. Amazing I still had fluids to cry. I knew I had to conserve energy, but the rations were too small to sustain even a child, not to mention a teenager.
Twice I slept through the delivery of rations and lost half my bread to the rats. I’d learned to listen for their rustling, the tiny feet scampering near me. I’d sit still until I felt movement by my foot. Then I kicked. As the rat flew through the air and smashed against the opposite wall I hollered like a mad man.
“One zero,” I chuckled as shreds of soccer game memories flooded my brain. Then I walked across to the other side, waiting for another chance to fling a rat. Soon my legs were too weak to stand and I slumped back into the straw. It wouldn’t be long now. I almost welcomed it.
I awoke. Leaning on one elbow, I listened—nothing. I was imagining things again, my mind no longer able to distinguish between reality, dreams and memories. I lay back down. Another sound trickled into my consciousness, something bumping outside the wall. I looked at the ceiling. No pin-sized rays of light. It was definitely night.
There. My ears picked up sound behind the door. Maybe they were delivering a new prisoner to the other cell. Or I was going for another visit with the beadle. I was ready to say anything, just let it be over. Another scrape. I sat up and stared at the door where a hint of light was growing. A shadow joined the crack along the door, which slowly opened. I heard somebody breathing and began to tremble. This was either a ghost or they were coming to torture or execute me.
“Come,” a voice said.
I straightened and slowly approached the door.
“Quiet,” the voice said. I felt a hand on my forearm. I was thankful it didn’t clamp down for a change. I stumbled outside. The sky was filled with a million stars. There was no moon, yet I saw everything. I followed the dark figure that walked quickly around the building toward the outer wall.
I was immediately out of breath and fell behind. The man scrambled back and took hold of my shoulder. We walked in silence along the wall until we reached a squat shape. I smelled incense—the chapel. No matter how crooked the lords of this medieval world were, they all had private churches where sins were freely forgiven. The man pulled me into a narrow passageway behind the building. In the deep shadow a rope hung across the wall.
“Climb,” the man said.
I looked up. The wall loomed ten feet high. I grabbed the rope and stemmed my feet against the wall. As I tried to haul myself up, my arms quivered, then shook until I lost my grip and plunged to the ground.
The man pulled me up. “Wait,” he whispered.
I leaned against the rocks, trying to ignore the new pain in my knees and hips. If I broke something I’d be dead for sure. My
arms felt like overcooked spaghetti. My legs burned. I had to ignore it all. Someone allowed me to get away. This was my last chance.
After the initial adrenaline I trembled in the frozen air. The air had sharpness to it and easy access to my bare legs. Chances were good I’d be discovered if my helper didn’t return soon. Surely they had sentries making the rounds. I crouched low and pulled the tunic over my knees to wait.
Minutes passed. It was completely still—rats and mice busy inside the buildings. I wondered what time it was. The sky was clear and I wished I could read the stars. All I felt was confusion. Despite my exhaustion my heart beat fast. If I got caught now, I’d be done for. Schwarzburg would have me killed with a flip of a finger. He already seemed to know everything about Lady Clara. It would be a matter of time before he got bored and ordered me out of my misery. I shivered harder.
I heard footsteps, faint at first, then coming closer. They moved quickly and I cowered lower. With a sigh I recognized the shadowy figure from earlier. This time the man carried a ladder, its rungs lashed rope. He leaned it against the wall and waved at me.
“Make haste.” The man’s hand gripped my shoulder. “Use the rope for the other side.”
I nodded though the guy surely couldn’t see my face. I had to be strong. I climbed, careful to hit the rungs with each foot. Do not fall, I ordered myself. I was so slow, each movement, even bending my knees painful. My breath rattled and seemed to echo across the grounds. The top of the wall was rough and six feet wide. I crawled across, fumbling for the rope. I wondered who’d prepared my escape. I hadn’t even thanked the man.
I clutched the cord and slid off into the void. Below me was blackness. I had no idea how far I had to go. My body weight pulled on my arms and shoulders and I began to pant. My legs flailed as I tried to fish for the rope with my feet. By the time, I found traction my biceps and hands were on fire. I gritted my teeth and kept going, my palms burning. My shoulders and biceps were worse. I had no muscle left. My hands opened and I slid to the ground with a thump, tearing open the flesh along my fingers. Immediately, the rope disappeared above me.
With a deep breath I scrambled to stand. I had to get to Hanstein except I had no clue what direction I was supposed to go. Chances were good I’d run into a sentry or get lost. What had Lippold said? It was fifteen kilometers away. I’d never make it. I stuck out everywhere even if I wore a Surcot. Come daylight they’d find me easy enough. Still, I had to get off this hill—away from evil Schwarzburg.
After a few yards, I found myself in a dense pine forest. I smelled it more than I saw it. The resin cleared my sinuses, the needles below swallowed my steps. I held out one arm to avoid crashing into the trees. But no matter how wide I opened my eyes I saw nothing but shadows.
Something rustled and I crouched in fright.
A dark shape, much larger than a man, loomed ahead. I panicked. The beadle’s guards were out to get me. I gasped, unable to keep my lungs quiet.
“Pst.”
Next to the large shape a second shadow materialized.
I slowly straightened. No use to hide. I had no strength to run or fight. Resigned I approached.
“Climb on the horse,” a voice whispered. “Not a sound after that.”
I felt my way to the saddle, willing my shaky legs to push me upward. Branches lashed at my face and I leaned forward, hugging the horse’s neck. My guide obviously knew his way around. He never hesitated as we first descended the mountain and then walked into the meadows and fields of the countryside. The regular steps of the horse, its warmth and smell were comforting. I dozed off. The horse kept walking as I slipped in and out of consciousness. I was no more than a lifeless blob now, an invalid too sick to move on my own.
Something shook me.
“Get down,” the guide whispered.
I blinked. I had no idea how much time had passed or where I was. I scrambled out of the saddle and slid to the ground. A huge shadowy mass towered above me. My heart raced. It was Hanstein.
I turned but the man and his horse had vanished. And I didn’t even say thank you, I thought…or found out who’d helped me.
A torch danced near the gate. “Who goes there?”
I recognized the guard from my earlier days. It seemed like years ago.
“Max Nerds,” I whispered. My voice wasn’t working right. I tried to get up and walk but my legs wouldn’t obey. I seek refuge with the Lord I tried to say but all I did was mutter. I’d lost my mind. I wanted to sink to my knees and kiss the ground. But wait I was already on the ground.
Everything turned black.
Chapter 27
As I floated in and out of consciousness, I saw the ghosts of Juliana and Bero, Knight Werner and Lady Clara. My mother appeared, then my dad and Jimmy. Their faces danced above me with soft edges, detached and floating like balloons. I dreamed and hallucinated. One minute I shivered, trying to dig beneath the covers. The next minute I sweated, drenching my sheets. I writhed and kicked, lay still as if I’d died.
“Mom?” I mumbled. I was in bed underneath real blankets that were soft against my skin. I’d returned home.
But when I opened my eyes, I saw curtains. The canopied bed was surrounded by heavy drapes and a ceiling made of dark blue velvet. The curtain to my right was yanked aside and I was face-to-face with a young maid whose cheeks were pink with excitement.
“My Lady,” she cried. Then she curtsied and disappeared from view. I sat up in confusion when Lady Clara appeared in my vision.
“Max Nerds,” she exclaimed. “I am pleased you are better. May I send for nourishment?”
I blinked. What was I doing here?
“Sure, yes, thank you,” I stumbled. Within minutes, an assortment of foods appeared next to my bed. I was just selecting an apple, when shouts rang out and Juliana hurled herself on my chest.
“Max.”
She trembled as she buried her head against my shoulder. Dropping the apple I squeezed her tight and closed my eyes to sniff her hair: roses like Lady Clara. Despite my weakness, I felt my body react. Discreetly, I moved a hand under the blanket to put space between the girl and me. Then I froze. Underneath the comfort of my covers, I was stark naked—and had the biggest boner of my life.
Quickly I rolled sideways, carefully pushing Juliana away. “I need clothes,” I said, struggling to steady my voice.
“I missed you so. What happened?” Juliana sat up, her doe eyes shiny with relief and curiosity.
“Schwarzburg had me.” I shuddered as the darkness of that stinking hole wanted to swallow me.
Juliana stroked my arm. “Poor Max, I’m so sorry to bring back memories, but the Lord has requested to see you as soon as you’re able.”
“Where am I?” I said, finally taking a bite from my apple. I leaned back, yanking the blankets up to his neck.
“Lady Clara made up a guest chamber. She insisted you get the best care.” Juliana smiled. “You were very ill. We had to clean you up.” Her eyes swerved across the bed and my body underneath and she abruptly turned away.
“You took off my clothes?”
“Not me alone,” she said turning back to me. Her face and neck glowed burgundy. “The other maids helped. You had sores and bites. We made the pine water to wash your wounds,” she hurried.
I swallowed. So here I’d lain naked and helpless like a newborn. “Can I get clothes now?”
“Of course.” Avoiding my eyes Juliana ran off.
“Great,” I said aloud while chewing the apple and marveling at the fresh, juicy texture. I’d never take fruit lightly again. Despite it all, I found myself grinning. Taking a sip of watery beer I inspected the other mug. Pine needle tea. With a smile I drained the cup. Then I tried a few spoons of a stew with meat, leeks and carrots, followed by bread. It was spicy and I drank more beer.
When the door opened, I dug beneath my blankets.
“You swag-bellied son of a bastard,” Bero yelled as he came into view. He had tears in his eyes and roughly g
rabbed my shoulders. Then he wiped his eyes and smiled the brightest smile I’d ever seen on him. “Whatever happened to you?”
“I’m glad to see you, too.” I grinned, punching Bero in the forearm. “Schwarzburg held me prisoner.” It was easier to say the second time.
“You were a sore excuse when you showed up,” Bero said, flopping on the edge of the bed. “Mmmh, it smells good.”
“Help yourself. No way I’ll eat all that.”
Bero got busy with the dishes, but his eyes barely left my face. “He just about destroyed you,” he finally said with a quiet voice.
I tried to smile, but my face refused to cooperate. “Now we’re even. Ott got you and the beadle got me.”
We looked at each other, Bero’s face suddenly grave. “You had it a lot worse for much longer.” He jumped up. “Ach, I’m so pleased you’re back. Juliana went about crazy, you disappearing for a week. Nobody had seen you.”
“Someone helped me escape,” I said, taking in the fact that I’d only been gone a week. “I thought Lord Werner did it.”
Bero shook his head. “The Lord didn’t know where you were. Nobody did. I thought you’d gone for good. Probably dead.” He swallowed and cleared his throat. “But you’re good as new now. My Lady took care of you.”
“And her maids,” I added.
“And you,” Juliana said over Bero’s shoulder. “He kept watch the entire time. We had to practically kick him out to get some peace around here.” She smiled affectionately at her brother and held up a bundle. “Your clothes. We burned the old ones except for these smallclothes. We washed them.” She held up my boxer shorts. They looked like they had spent a year in the ground. Juliana wrinkled her nose. “Just dreadful what the Duke did to you.”
“I want to slay him,” Bero said, waving his bony fist through the air.
“Let’s leave it to grown men, Bero.” Knight Werner peered at me over Bero’s head. Great, I thought, I’m still naked. Now I have the Lord von Hanstein checking me out.
Escape from the Past Page 19