This time death would be certain. I couldn’t ride well. Getting into Miranda’s manor was like jumping headfirst into a hundred swords. They’d cut me down before I’d raise a blade. My eyes stopped at Juliana’s face. She hadn’t said much, but her eyes were dark with agony.
“All right,” I finally said. “I’ll do it.”
“You are valiant.” Lady Clara nodded at Juliana who helped the Lady out of her chair. “I will return to my chambers.”
I wanted to shout. Wait. What if the plan doesn’t work? Schwarzburg would find Lady Clara sick and helpless in her bed. And Juliana with her.
“May the Lord protect you,” Juliana whispered as she planted a quick kiss on my cheek. “I’ll wait for you.”
I nodded, feeling numb.
“Let’s go,” Enders said. “We’ve got a lot to do to make you into a knight.”
Bero nodded. But this time, he didn’t comment.
I followed Bero and Enders into the bowels of the barn where Enders had set up house in one of the stalls. Spare pants and a Surcot hung on hooks. Next to them dangled his uncle’s robes, leather vest, armored plates, the helmet and Hanstein shield.
“I can’t believe I’m doing this,” I mumbled as Bero handed me items of clothing. Enders had organized an extra pair of linen underpants, tights, socks and shoes. The Surcot was short and tied on the sides. Over it, I fastened the leather vest and arm protection. Then came the armor, front and back breastplates. They were large and hung loose.
“He’s too thin,” Enders mumbled as if I were some mannequin to be dressed. “We need more clothes.”
“Thanks a lot,” I said. “I should’ve gone into bodybuilding instead of soccer,” I mumbled to myself.
“Body what?” Bero said.
“None of your business,” I snapped. I hadn’t really meant to, but I was getting really pissed at everything. A fine plan they had. I had to be completely mad to go through with this.
“Put on another Surcot. It will make you appear bigger.” Enders grabbed the last garment from the hook. “It better work,” he said. “I have nothing else.”
They reattached the armor and Enders handed me the helmet. “Try it.”
I shoved the piece over my head. It reminded me of a can—a tin can for skulls. I hardly heard anything and my sight was restricted to an inch-wide slit. The metal felt cold and unforgiving against my forehead and ears. How could anyone operate with a thing like that on their head?
“Just like a knight,” Bero said. He’d stepped next to Enders and folded his arms. Together they inspected their handy work.
Enders leaped into the back corner and emerged with a sword. “Make sure I get it back. It’s all I’ve left from my uncle.” He fastened it to my belt and handed me the shield.
“How am I going to ride a horse with all this stuff weighing me down? I can hardly ride as it is. Now I can’t see or move.”
“You’ll get used to it.”
Like a sore throat, I thought. Werner and his knights had practiced with swords since they were toddlers. They’d worn armor and fought battles for years. I had an hour to get comfortable. On TV it always looked easy when the actors took on new roles and infiltrated enemy territory. I felt like I’d been screwed into a vice with fifty-pound weights hanging from my limbs.
“Why aren’t you sharing?” Bero said. He’d unfolded a tiny bundle and had lifted one of the berries to his mouth.
“Don’t!” I shouted. “Do not eat that. It’s for Ott.”
Bero’s eyes widened and he threw the berry into the cloth. “What is it?”
“Bella something. Luanda gave it to me.”
“Will he die?”
“If I give him too much, he will.”
“Good,” Bero said.
I won’t kill him, I thought. He’s been awful but I can’t murder a man just because he’s gone after a girl. I stuck the package inside my leather vest. Killing in a game was easy. This wasn’t playing.
For the first time I realized I may not return. Not here to Castle Hanstein, not home to present day. That Ott would see through my disguise and cut me down before I had a chance to warn Werner. I felt my knees turn soft and my breath catch. I was glad for the helmet that hid my face and my wavering resolve. In the back of my mind, an argument ensued.
What if I didn’t follow through with it? Juliana and Lady Clara would be lost. So would Bero…and the servants and maids inside the castle. If I didn’t go, Schwarzburg would laugh his head off and squirm his way into Werner’s seat. Like the rotten worm that he was.
I knew that my impending death didn’t matter. Scrawny or not, I had to go and trust that my instincts would carry me through. If not, it would be quick. Ott would take my head off in one practiced swipe. With a shudder I hid my shaking hands behind my back.
“Let’s get you on the horse,” Enders said. “This one is tame like an old woman.”
“You’re sure about that?”
Enders nodded, but I had trouble seeing anything inside the metal cage.
“I trust you know the way to Miranda’s place?” I asked.
Enders grabbed the reins and led the horse outside. “Juliana gave me instructions. Let’s go.”
“Gottes speed,” Bero shouted. “May Ott roast in hell.”
He looked tiny from my horse.
Chapter 32
Instead of strategizing and planning what to say, I had to keep my attention on the horse. My peripheral vision had disappeared. Unless I swiveled my head side to side I only saw a tiny patch of land about thirty feet in front of me. We’d decided I should wear the full armor the entire way in case of Schwarzburg’s men watching. The unaccustomed weight of the sword on my hips and the shield pulling sideways made me slide and lose my balance. The smallest slope or obstacle on the path threatened to eject me from the saddle.
It looked impossibly high. I’d surely break something if not my neck. My right hand cramped around the front of the saddle while my left felt numb under the shield. Enders walked slowly, leading the horse. Every few minutes, I wanted to ask how much farther. Every time I caught himself.
We saw a few peasants who stopped and bowed. I wondered how a knight was supposed to act and raised a hand in greeting. Whenever nobody was around I lifted the visor to catch fresh air. It felt like breathing through a sieve, the metal cold and rigid against my skin.
Dusk was settling as we approached Miranda’s walled estate. Torches blazed along the gated entrance and Enders slowed to a stop. I tried to remember where’d I’d been during my first encounter, but nothing looked familiar. It had been dark and I’d been locked up in some shack.
Two guards approached with raised spears. “Welcome to master Ott’s name day celebration,” one of them said. “Festivities began this afternoon. Who may we announce to My Lady Miranda and master Ott?”
I bowed my head, which was nearly impossible with the helmet’s stiff metal neck. Crap. With all the dress-up I’d never bothered to learn the name of Enders’ uncle. Or think of a suitable medieval name. Sweat poured from my head, running down along my temples. Who was I supposed to be?
“My Lord, Knight Werner von Hanstein arrived earlier. I seek to join him and extend my wishes to Master Ott’s birthday.”
“We shall alert My Lady at once,” the first guard said and bowed, while the other kept staring at my helmet. It was probably rude to keep my visor closed.
“The visor of my helmet was bent in battle,” I shouted through the metal grate.
“Sir, who may we announce to My Lady?”
I remembered the stories of King Arthur and the knights of the roundtable, especially Lancelot. But chances were good they’d know the name. I raked my brain for other ideas. The guard stood waiting patiently, but I surely appeared suspicious.
“Please tell My lady that Lord von Hanstein’s loyal knight, Sir Dagonet, is here to join him.”
“Sir Dagonet, of course,” the guard said, and disappeared inside the gate while his bu
ddy stood watching us.
Enders threw a side glance at me, his eyes squinted into a frown. “May we enter?” he asked the second guard.
The guard hesitated, but finally nodded and waved us through. “The stables are to the left. The Lord and Lady’s house is straight ahead. Behind it are the festival tents.”
Enders bowed and led the horse along a path toward the stables. Thankfully the barn stood back from the main house. I didn’t want witnesses when climbing off the huge thing. Everyone would know I was a fraud. Plastered against my forehead, the hair under my helmet itched like crazy.
“Make haste,” Enders said as we came to a stop near the barn door. I clambered down, my sword tangling in the saddle. Enders hurried to free me. “What stupid name is Sir Dagonet?” he hissed.
“You never told me your uncle’s name,” I whispered back.
“Ah, Sir Dagonet. Lady Miranda and master Ott are expecting you,” the first guard said behind us.
“Thank you,” I said, trying to push my voice to a lower octave. Somehow I’d thought to sneak into the revelers without drawing attention to myself. Instead, I was short of breath and hyperventilating. I straightened my shoulders and forced my legs to march forcefully toward the ten-foot entry to the great hall. This is how it had to feel going to your own execution.
A servant at the entrance bowed. “Sir Dagonet?”
“Yes,” I said in my deeper voice while nodding regally. I tried to remember how Werner had looked at me when I’d first met—dismissive and with authority. For once I was glad to hide behind the helmet.
The door pushed open and gusts of steamy air filtered into my visor. Sweat was pouring down my back now as I marched into the crowd. To my horror, the torches along the walls and on the ceiling were so numerous that it was bright enough to see everyone clearly. The only good thing was that I saw better.
Near the head-table lined with men and women eating, drinking and laughing stood Lady Miranda. Ott, rat-faced as usual, slouched next to her. His eyes shone with obvious drunkenness while his mother looked cool and collected.
“Sir Dagonet,” Lady Miranda shouted over the noise. “I welcome you to our humble manor.”
“My Lady,” I boomed. “I thank you for your generous invitation.” Breathe, I told myself. “And to you, Sir Ott, may I extend my deepest congratulation to your birthday.” I bowed at the hip.
“Will you not make yourself comfortable and remove your helmet?” Lady Miranda said. “How will you partake in the delicacies of our table?” she hooted as if she’d made a joke.
Ott had stepped closer to peer through the slits of my visor. “Have we met? Your name is unfamiliar and you speak strangely,” he slurred.
A tremble began in my knees, threatening to take over my voice. “I went to see Landgrave Heinrich von Hessen,” I said. “I will remove my gear as soon as I greet my master, Lord von Hanstein.”
I could tell that Ott was suspicious. He squinted and pulled his upper lip over his front teeth, making him look more like a rat than ever. I decided it was time to move on.
“Will you direct me to the Lord’s men?” I said, bowing to Miranda. I looked past her into the vast room filled with endless rows of tables and benches. There had to be a hundred people assembled. At the very back, I caught sight of a pair of blue eyes staring in my direction. It was as if Knight Werner were alone in the room while he zoomed in on my helmet and the Hanstein crest on my chest and shield. He’d raised his mug, but set it back down, saying something to his neighbor without taking his eyes off me.
A servant planted himself in front of me, taking away my line of vision. “Will you follow me?”
I nodded and ran after the guy, hoping not to trip. I felt Ott’s eyes burn into my back as I meandered between the benches, the traffic of maids and servants, the swaying lords and ladies. Most had reached the stage of stupor, some were shouting and laughing. Others sat quietly engrossed and talking to their mugs. I was drenched in sweat underneath the layers of clothing, harness and the terrible helmet. I looked ridiculous among the knights dressed in fine robes and leather and the ladies with deep-cut velvet dresses.
The servant had approached the back table where the three dozen men and handful of ladies of Lord Hanstein’s entourage sat partying. Squeezing between the benches, he whispered something to Werner who nodded and stood up.
“Sir Dagonet?” Werner put an arm on my shoulder. “You’re arriving at a late hour,” he said loudly. And then more quietly: “What is the jester of King Arthur’s court doing as my knight? Your harness was once worn by a brave man.”
“It’s me,” I hissed through the slots of the visor.
“A clever disguise,” Werner whispered as his gaze penetrated the helmet. “What might have brought you into the lion’s den?”
“Only the worst of danger,” I sighed, scanning the people around us. Everyone was talking and drinking. “Can we go somewhere more private?”
Werner nodded at Konrad. “Follow me,” he said. As I closed the door to the courtyard behind me, I thought I saw Ott staring in my direction. Despite his drunkenness, his face showed concentration and something like contemplation. He’s recognized my voice, I thought. Hopefully he won’t remember where he’s heard it before.
We passed by a half dozen smaller tents with more people. By the looks of them, they were merchants and of lesser status. A minstrel was plucking something that looked like a harp as a chorus of drunken voices followed along.
Werner and Konrad followed the path toward the outer walls of the manor. Fewer torches blazed here and the occasional visitor had other business in mind like a leisurely piss or puking up the last meal. We stepped behind a shed.
“What is so important to risk your life, Max Nerds? I recall Ott is loathing you and your companion, Bero.”
“My Lord, your castle will be attacked by Duke von Schwarzburg tonight. I don’t know when, but Miranda will put stuff in your drinks so you’ll sleep through the night and by tomorrow, your castle will be lost. And so will Lady Clara…and everyone else.”
Werner stood silent, his eyes seeking to pierce my helmet. “How do you know this?”
“I went swimming this morning. I overheard two of the Duke’s men—they spoke of the attack.”
“You are absolutely certain?”
“I wouldn’t have come otherwise.”
Werner nodded. “Wise words.” For a moment he turned quiet. Underneath my helmet, the cries and laughs in the tents sounded muffled. Werner stood unmoving. Only his eyes glittered.
“I can only hope Miranda and Ott didn’t get suspicious,” he finally said. “We must play along so they think we’re going to sleep. If we all leave now, Miranda will have time to warn Schwarzburg.”
“Maybe that’s a good thing,” I said. “He won’t attack with you at the castle.”
“But he may attack faster than we can return. And if we surprise him he’ll suffer more losses. He thinks he’ll walk right in, overrun my guards and take women and children with him. Give his men free reign to rape and pilfer.” Werner’s voice was filled with rage, but he caught himself and returned to a whisper. “We shall repay him dearly for his evildoing.”
“How is Miranda going to put stuff in our drinks? She won’t want to give it to her other guests,” Konrad said.
Just then, Miranda appeared at the back entrance, a servant at her side. Werner pushed me into the shadow and grabbed Konrad’s arm. Together they walked toward the main house.
“Ah, My Lady. What a pleasant evening you have prepared for your guests. We had to relieve ourselves from too much wine,” he chuckled. He sounded drunk. “I wonder if you might accommodate my men for the night. We’re in no state to travel far.”
I sank to my knees and peeked past the bushes just as Miranda nodded.
“My dear Lord Werner, I will be glad to offer you quarters in my guest house. It is but a few feet to walk.”
“So I can instruct my faithful knights, will you show me now?�
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To my horror, Miranda took Werner’s arm and led him toward where I was hiding. Not twenty feet away they swerved to the right and disappeared behind an ivy-covered wall.
“This way, My Lord,” Miranda was saying. “I trust you have found your loyal knight, Sir Dagonet?”
“Yes, My Lady, he had been detained.”
“Will he not join us in the festivities?”
“Of course, My Lady. He experienced a most unfortunate difficulty with his harness and will be with us very soon.”
“Where did he come from?” Miranda said as a door squeaked open and closed. I couldn’t hear what Werner answered. Chances were good that he’d give a different explanation than me.
I remained in the shadows behind the shed. Why hadn’t I asked Werner what to do or say? With every minute I worried more. I couldn’t run around and be seen with or without the helmet. It was completely dark now, probably after nine. We had to leave soon, if we wanted to make it in front of Schwarzburg’s troops.
More guests staggered around the area as I remained waiting. My head was freezing now and a shiver was taking over my body. My stomach growled, the aroma of roasted meat wafting across. Most of it would be loaded with spices and colors and impossible to eat. A nice hunk of bread and a glass of wine would’ve been just fine.
Why wasn’t Werner returning? I had noticed how Miranda was gazing into the Lord’s eyes and pressing her roundish hips to him. Was he going to shut her up with sex?
The door squeaked open. “…I am so pleased you could finally visit. It has been too long. We shall become dear friends,” Miranda said. “I have set aside a special vintage—a new wine from France—reserved for you and your men,” she laughed. “Let us toast to Ott.”
Werner joined her laugh. “Most gracious of you,” he said. “I’ll make sure my men learn of your charity.” At the door, he stopped. “Will you excuse me? I must pinch off another time, an aging man’s weakness.”
She crowed, “Hurry back, My Lord, so that we shall be merry once more.” The door banged shut and moments later I heard footsteps.
Escape from the Past Page 23