Stoc (A New Druids Series Book 3)

by Donald D. Allan

  Brent found his brothers eyes looking at him. Frederick's eyes shone with fear and desperation. He tried to breath but was unable and his mouth gaped open. Brent wept and called out his brother's name as he watched the light of his eyes dim until there was nothing left.

  Gillespie reached down and wiped the dagger blade on his brother's shirt. He looked down at Brent and grinned. "You're a sorry sight. Enjoy the company of your brother. Get some rest. Looks like you could use it."

  Gillespie and the sergeants left the cell laughing and locked the cell door leaving Frederick's sightless eyes staring back at Brent.

  Part Two: Thrust

  Eleven

  Jergen - Outside the main northern gate - June 901 A.C.

  THE BARON OF Turgany, Lord Andrew Windthrop, led the long train of men and women soldiers on the final mile of approach to the main northern gate of Jergen. The high stone wall with wide rampart was clearly visible with the flags of the realm, Turgany and the city flapping briskly in the stiff onshore wind. He could see the gatehouse and the wall tower that overlooked the entrance. His train was spread out for at least a mile. The Baron had picked up his main host once they left Rigby Farm and now, combined with Steve Comlin's sixty men and women, he had an army numbering nearly seven hundred. He smiled to himself. He had amassed his army in secret and with Steve's help had trained them hidden from the eyes of the Lord Protector. It wouldn't do to have an army this size, now would it? he thought and chuckled.

  The journey from the farm to Jergen had been uneventful, but slow going. Steve Comlin had insisted on keeping his men and women separate from the Baron's army. The Baron had agreed if for no other reason than to keep the bickering down. It was not Steve's crew he worried about, but his own soldiers. He admitted to himself that his men were not as well-disciplined as Steve's and they resented their skills. He had often admired Steve's crew in the past, and now they were even more seasoned and all the more professional. If not for Steve's crew, they would still be days away from the city gates. Steve's senior crew had kept the discipline and kept the carts and wagons moving down the road. Camps at night were established in a way the Baron's men had never seen and they were quick to set up and equally quick to strike down. Steve had tried to discipline a couple of his senior officers but the Baron had stopped that. It was not his place to admonish his soldiers. That is my right. He still didn't understand what Steve had seen wrong with his officers, but he had yelled at them, anyway. Major Sibbald and Captain Tibert had the decency to look chastised.

  He regretted in some small way how he had treated that insufferable Will Arbor. Still, after the fiasco at the farm he needed to find a release. A release only Jergen could provide him. What grated him the most was he had never been spoken to by a commoner in that manner. The slight will not be forgotten, he vowed for the hundredth time. Once I am King, I will bring these druids under my thumb.

  The astonishment of seeing Peter, his long dead lover, had shaken him to his core. Afterward, he had realised the trickery of it and decided then that Will Arbor and his lot would be ruled by him for his purpose. His attempt had been thwarted and the image of his men encircled by wild animals had almost loosened his bowels. Their trickery had robbed him of his voice and he would never forgive the slight. Or the condescending words that young pup and his bitseach had said to him. I had the last laugh though, he chuckled to himself. I took away his Steve Comlin.

  The journey along the main road approaching the city had been beautiful to admire. The road hit the coast north of the city and allowed an unobstructed view of the ocean. An onshore breeze was cooling and the Baron's relished the break from the oppressive heat of summer. Jergen was nestled on the coast around a deep bay and could be seen from miles around. He was proud of his capital city. He visited as often as he could. From here he could see the white stone of the Cathedral rising above all other buildings and the thick city wall. The city was built around the cliffs rising from the sea and wrapping around a large natural bay. It was a naturally defended bay, one the Admiral of the Fleet often bragged about.

  The Baron smiled as he thought of the Admiral. He enjoyed his company. He hadn't wanted to be with anyone after Peter had died. Then the Admiral and he had discovered each other at one of the many galas the Baron held in his mansion. They were like-minded people and they bonded immediately. Now, the Admiral often came south from Munsten and Portsmouth to engage in Navy manoeuvres in the broad bay as often as he could. The Baron had sent word to the Admiral he would be in Jergen this month and he hoped the man would soon be in port. He longed to see the Admirals great big ship sail into the harbour with its red sails snapping in anticipation.

  The Baron's messenger had recently returned with word the mayor of the city and the garrison commander, Colonel John Masters, were pleased to receive him and that his staff at his mansion would be informed at once. Room in the barracks would be arranged and stables for the horses. He worried that an army this size would raise alarm in the city. It's not every day this many armed men stroll up to a major city, even if it's mine. He admitted to himself that he was anxious to return to his home in Jergen and the comforts it would bring. He preferred it to his country estates. There is immediate access to the pleasures in life I can't get in the country.

  The gate was much closer now, and he smiled knowing he would be soon be surrounded by people who owed him allegiance. He liked the mayor of the city. An affable man and quick to please. The man owed his rise to mayorship to him and the Baron never let him forget it. Colonel Masters, on the other hand, is a pompous ass. He was too proud of his heritage and equestrian skills. And he was favoured by the Lord Protector.

  Colonel Masters had the privilege of leading a garrison of over three hundred men and women. He and Steve had discussed the garrison at length. They were uncertain how they would be received. It would bring conflict but Steve was certain they could gain access to the city under the Turgany flag. The city owed allegiance to Turgany, but it also held allegiance to the capital and the realm. Only the fact that Turgany had long fought the tyranny of the Lord Protector gave them hope for a quick resolution to where the city's loyalties lay. Colonel Masters was the unknown element. Steve said he would need to be replaced immediately, and the garrison sworn over to Turgany. The Baron could see the need. My position as Baron of Turgany, and next in line as King, should assure their loyalty.

  The Baron knew he would be expected to review the garrison and dreaded doing so. He hated military things despite the army at his back. Insufferable bunch the lot of them, he thought miserably. Still, they will serve me in seizing back control of the Realm. All tools should be used for their purpose. And I will use mine for great gain. I will strike down Healy and take the throne. He hated John Healy to the core of his being. The past incident between his family and the Healy family could never be resolved. They were first cousins on their mother's side. When the King was imprisoned, Healy had his father, the former Baron Windthrop, thrown in gaol in Munsten. His father died in the dungeon, and his mother soon after with grief. The Baron wanted his revenge. Soon, he thought to console himself. Soon, I will have Healy's head sitting on my dining table in Munsten watching me eat

  He was pleased to see the numerous caravans and travellers on the road move to the side to permit unimpeded transit of his soldiers. They swung in behind his train for safety and that was fine with him so long as they stayed back and enjoyed the dust he was kicking up. He was glad to provide a small amount of protection for his people. It was his duty. The road traffic was heavy in both directions this time of year and his scouts were doing an admirable job keeping the road clear. Plus, the weather was perfect for travel. Which also meant it was perfect for highwaymen such as Steve Comlin used to be. The Baron smiled to himself and glanced at Steve who rode slightly behind him to his right.

  "Lovely weather," said the Baron.

  "It is, Lord Windthrop, perfect for travelling," replied Steve and watched the Baron blink at the words. He heard Frank
y snort behind him, but ignored her.

  "When we get inside the city, I want your crew taking the entrance area of the barracks. Watch my men. They still require discipline."

  "Sir, you have your own senior officers to administer discipline."

  "Yes, I do. But I also have you, don't I?"

  Steve remained silent as they continued along their way until the wall of the city loomed high and the gate could be clearly seen. They watched as a small band of men on horseback emerged from the gate and trotted toward them. Three carried flags raised high; one for the realm of Belkin, one for the county of Turgany, and the last, the city flag of Jergen. The Baron grunted and signalled to his flag bearer. The man lifted his standard and the flag of Turgany snapped in the wind.

  Central to the troop was the Mayor of Jergen, Robert Oldfield, and flanked to his right was Colonel John Masters. The mayor had donned his mayoral robes with a large golden chalice hanging from thick gold chains around his neck. Masters wore his finest uniform and displayed his expertise in horsemanship with a flair. His horse pranced next to the mayor's, and the Baron thought him foppish; however, they looked a magnificent pair as they exited the shadow of the wall. The noon sun glinted bright off their uniforms.

  The Baron halted his train with a bellow and allowed his horse to advance a few paces before halting himself. Steve and Franky stayed back with the front line. The army train jostled and the carts and wagons slowed to a staggered halt. The mayor and the Colonel waited for the noise to settle before riding up to halt in front of the Baron. The colonel saluted and then raised a gauntlet in greeting. Baron Windthrop flapped a hand in response.

  Mayor Oldfield bowed a little in his saddle and looked aside at Colonel Masters. "Lord Windthrop, it is my privilege and honour to welcome you to Jergen. Our gates are open to you and your men. Your men have been given accommodations in the barracks and Colonel Masters will see to their comfort and needs. Your officers have been given rooms in the officer quarters. Plus, I have taken pains to ensure that your mansion staff know of your arrival. Your home should be ready on your arrival if not sooner.

  "My Lord, my family would be most honoured if we could open our home to you and your senior officers for a meal once you are settled. You merely need to have your men send word to my deputy and it will be arranged. With regrets, I must inform you that the Castellan of Jergen could not attend your arrival, and he sends his apologies. He was called away to Munsten unexpectedly. He left by ship yesterday morning."

  Steve listened in to the conversation and pondered that piece of news. He found it odd that the representative of the Realm in Turgany saw fit to leave the city right before the arrival of the Baron of Turgany. He caught Franky frowning at the news. The mayor was fidgeting on his horse and stealing looks at the Colonel. He focused on the Colonel as the Baron responded.

  "My dear mayor, thank you for this honour of being greeted in such formal attire outside our city gates. My men will be here only for a fortnight. We have business elsewhere. Nothing elaborate is required. Dinner tomorrow evening will be wonderful. I accept and will bring only four officers with me." The Baron turned in his saddle and gestured at Steve. "I introduce Stephen Comlin, the Reeve of Jaipers and now my trusted advisor. He has accepted a senior officer position with me. Beside him is his second Franky... er..." The Baron hesitated when he realised he didn't know Franky's last name. "Just Franky," he finished after a moment.

  Steve had watched the Colonel feign pleasure at seeing him with the Baron. He knew somehow, he thought. He knew we were coming. This does not bode well. The Baron continued to exchange pleasantries with the mayor. He caught a fleeting amusement in the eyes of the Colonel before his eyes fell firmly on Steve and appraised him. One eyebrow lifted, and he turned his attention to Franky. Steve watched him frown as he noticed her missing arm and a slight smirk appear. He immediately disliked the man. He can ride a horse better than anyone I have met, but his attitude needs adjusting. The Colonel looked to the sun to mark its position and the look of amusement crossed his eyes once more. The Colonel's horse turned slightly and Steve spied a war hammer strapped to the saddle.

  Franky moved her horse up beside Steve and looked at the hammer and gave him a meaningful look. She knows something is wrong, too. No one would ride out to greet the Baron and carry a war hammer. Unless... He looked above the gatehouse to the battlements and saw archers silhouetted by the sun looking down at them. Far more than required, if at all. The guards outside the gatehouse were glancing at one another repeatedly. He nodded to Franky, and she moved back to warn the crew. Steve nudged his horse with a knee and it moved forward to stop beside the Baron.

  "A word, Lord Windthrop, if I may?"

  The Baron looked annoyed and opened his mouth to chastise Steve when Steve frowned at him and beckoned sharply with his head. The Baron clenched his teeth and turned to the mayor. "One moment, please. My man wants a quick—and no doubt terribly important—word with me."

  "Oh course, Lord Windthrop. Please, we are at your mercy." The mayor inclined his head and shot a worried look over to the Colonel who ignored him and continued to watch Steve with interest. Steve moved his horse out of earshot and the Baron followed. "This better be good, Steve."

  "It is, this is a trap of some kind. They were expecting us."

  The Baron opened his mouth and kept it open, staring at Steve. "A what? A trap? Are you out of your mind? I have close to seven hundred men!"

  "Shh! Keep your voice down!" Steve looked to the Colonel who was blatantly staring at them. "Yes, a trap. The Colonel has something going on. The mayor knows something and is being watched by the Colonel. Once we enter the city streets, our people will be pinned. They know nothing of fighting in a city. Plus, it's no coincidence the Castellan has left the city. Something is up."

  "Yes, well, sometimes that ass of a Lord Protector makes unreasonable demands. Have you nothing more to go on?"

  "No, just my instincts. And Franky's too. She knows."

  "Your instincts."

  "Yes."

  "You want me to leave Jergen, my capital city, right in front of its gates because of your instincts?"

  Steve pursed his lips. "Yes."

  "Not on your life. This is foolish. Stop wasting my time. Follow." The Baron urged his horse back to the mayor. "My apologies, mayor. It was nothing. Please lead on."

  The mayor grimaced and nodded before turning his horse toward the gatehouse. The Colonel hesitated a moment and then nodded to Steve with a smile.

  Asshole, thought Steve.

  Steve let Franky ride up beside him. He leaned toward her and whispered. "Warn Sibbald and Tibert. Quietly. I want the crew up front. Be ready to retreat. This is a cluster." Franky nodded and slowed her horse to fall in beside Sibbald. He saw her whispering to Sibbald and urged his horse forward to take a position behind the Baron, mayor and the colonel.

  They passed through the gates with Steve nervously looking for an immediate attack. The Baron's men made slow progress through the streets of Jergen. The mayor had ordered the streets cleared to speed their way but the Baron's men and horses were not disciplined enough to march in an orderly fashion. They bunched up and spread out repeatedly and movement often ground to a halt. The windows of the tall buildings pressing in on the narrow streets held many citizens gazing down at the men and Steve tried to determine threats from every location. He wasn't comfortable in large cities. There were too many places where danger could come from.

  Now they were inside the city walls Steve could smell the rich scent of the ocean carried on the strong onshore wind. The harbour was obscured for the moment by the buildings and Steve was eager to set eyes on it. On the road along the coast he had spied the sails of merchant ships heading in and out of port. It had been years since he had seen the sea and he had loved to watch the ships make their way through the water. Seeing the ships had raised a longing inside him to be elsewhere.

  What am I doing here? he thought for the hundredth time since leavi
ng the farm. I left Will at that farm. I broke my promise to him and never explained why. I was too much the coward. He looked ahead to the Baron swaying on his saddle and engaged in some discussion of some kind with the mayor. Did my oath to the Baron all those years ago truly come before my promise to Will? I thought I had left that behind. The oath should have died with it. But he brought it up, didn't he? He never forgot.

  Steve broke his thoughts when he caught a movement out of the corner of his eye down a side street. He looked, but the street was deserted. Franky cleared her throat and Steve slowly turned his head to his left to catch her in his peripheral vision. She was tilting her head toward another side street on the opposite side. We are being encircled.

  Steve and his crew had a series of hand signals they had used for years as highwaymen to communicate. He lifted his right hand and gave the signal for ambush and could almost feel his crew react silently to the signal. Lowering his hand to the pommel of his sword he raised it an inch from the scabbard to make sure it was free. The Baron was too far ahead and talking much too loudly with the mayor. The Colonel was looking from side to side and glancing back at Steve. He is checking on his men. Making sure they aren't seen. But it's too late for that, we've seen them and we know. What now? Curse the Baron for moving so far out of position ahead.

  Just then the front of the train rounded a street corner into a large open park with a large statue in the middle. The harbour was exposed below them down the steep city streets. Ships ploughed the large bay across wave tops foaming white with the brisk wind. Steve's eyes were immediately drawn to six large dark foreign ships racing for the docks. Even from up in the city Steve could see that the people on the jetties were bunching together and pointing at the speeding ships. Stevedores stopped their work and turned to stare.

  The black ships were ignoring all other shipping and moving at a reckless rate of knots for the inner bay and harbour. Although the distance was great, Steve spied armed men covering the upper decks, crouching down, and avoiding the heavy bow spray. It was then his eyes truly saw the scene in front of him. He spied the red sails of two Navy frigates and one massive ship-of-the-line giving high pursuit. He recognised the centre ship-of-the-line as the BNS Munsten, the Admiral of the Fleet's flagship.