by James Wisher
“So you’re going to handle me, boy?” The captain's voice was so deep Gabriel felt the vibrations in his chest.
Gabriel raised his pitiful shield and pointed the tip of his sword at his opponent’s throat, one of the few places not covered by the mail coat. The captain attacked, his blows coming fast and furious from every angle forcing Gabriel to duck and dodge for his life. When a blow came at his head Gabriel dove at the pirate’s legs, hammering his knee with the steel edge of the shield. He heard a crack as he rolled clear of the pirate’s counterattack.
Gabriel popped to his feet and spun ready for the onslaught to continue. The captain hadn’t moved and he held all his weight on his undamaged leg. He must have broken the man’s knee, there was no way the pirate could swing and maneuver his heavy ax on one leg. The captain knew it too; he threw his ax away and drew the curved sword from the scabbard at his waist.
“Surrender and you’ll be spared,” Gabriel said.
The captain laughed. “I’d rather die in battle then swing from a gibbet.”
Gabriel turned away from the injured pirate to survey the rest of the battle. The rangers had things under control save for his first opponent from the sparing match. Michael was bleeding at the edge of the river, barely holding off a pirate twice his size. Gabriel ran towards them. He was three steps away when the ranger lost his sword.
“Behind you!” Gabriel said.
The pirate turned as Gabriel leapt and thrust his sword though the pirate’s throat. He jerked the blade free, and the pirate fell in a gurgling heap. Gabriel ignored the fast dying pirate and knelt beside the injured ranger. A slash had laid his side open and the bone of his ribs was visible. It was ugly but nothing vital had been hit.
“How you feeling?” Gabriel asked.
“Fine, sir.” the ranger trembled and Gabriel barely heard him over the rush of the river. “Just a scratch.”
“Right, hang on and we’ll get you stitched up.”
Gabriel spun around, ready to reenter the fray, but no fray remained to reenter. All the pirates, save the captain who shouted for someone to fight him, were down.
Sergeant Orn walked over to Gabriel. “We’ve got them, sir.”
“Good. Anybody have a fowling arrow?”
“Fowling arrow?” Orn asked.
“You know a blunt arrow for shooting birds.”
Orn frowned. “I know what a fowling arrow is. Why do you want one?”
Gabriel pointed at the shouting captain. “To shut him up so we can shackle him and take him back for trial and execution.”
“Why not just kill him?” Orn asked.
“Because that’s what he wants and I’m not in the habit of killing men who can’t fight back. Look after the wounded. I’ll take four uninjured men and sweep the ship. When I’m done I expect you to have him unconscious and bound for transport.”
“Yes, sir.”
Gabriel left Orn to deal with the captain and went over to the gathered rangers. One of them was binding the young man’s ribs, so that was good. Gabriel pointed to four uninjured men. “Let’s go, we’re going to sweep the ship, make sure no pirates are hiding on board.”
Gabriel went up the boarding ramp shield first in case a pirate with a bow was waiting. When he reached the top he stopped, struck dumb by the sight of twenty men chained to the oars. They were thin and scarred and cowering away from Gabriel and the rangers. The only pirates on board were near the ballista up front and they had half a dozen arrows apiece stuck in them.
“Please, sir, don’t kill us.” one of the slaves said.
Gabriel knelt beside the man. “Don’t worry; no one will harm you. We’re the king’s men and we’re going set you free. Do you know where the keys are?”
“Captain Dorik has them.” The slave sounded so relieved it pained Gabriel to look at him.
“I’ll get the keys,” Gabriel said. “You four get the rest of the deer roasting. I imagine these men would enjoy a good meal.”
Gabriel followed the men down the ramp and went to join Orn who was putting manacles on the now unconscious pirate captain. “Did you search him?”
“Yeah, six knives, a set of brass knuckles, some coin, and a key.”
“I’ll take the key. He had twenty slaves chained to the oars. How are our injured?”
Orn looked at him. “Six wounded, two serious, but it looks like everyone will make it.”
“Good.” Gabriel accepted an iron key from Orn. “I’m going to free those men.”
* * *
Later that night when everyone had eaten and had their wounds tended to one of the former slaves approached Gabriel where he sat thinking and looking into the fire. Gabriel looked over when the man approached.
“Beg pardon, me lord, but what’s to become of us?”
Gabriel cocked his head. “Become of you?”
“Aye, sir, we figured since you fed us and fixed us up you don’t plan to kill us or make us slaves again so we wondered what you intended?”
Gabriel laughed softly. “I don’t intend anything. You’re free men. Your lives are your own. I’m Lieutenant Kane of the Lord’s Way Watch and these others are the king’s rangers. Though we had no idea there were slaves on that ship we were glad to set you free.”
“I reckon that’s the best news I’ve heard in a year. If there’s anything we can do to thank you…”
Gabriel slid down toward the end of the tree trunk he was using for a bench and gestured for the former slave to sit. When he’d made himself comfortable Gabriel said, “I’ve been wondering about that pirate ship. My first thought was to sink it, but that would be an awful waste. If you and the others have any skill with ships I was hoping you’d help me sail it back to Lord’s Way. Manned with a crew loyal to the crown she’d make a good deterrent to anyone else planning to conduct privacy on the river.”
“Well sir, I can’t speak for the others but I’d be glad to give you a hand. I’ve worked river barges for ten years so I expect I can get her to port for you.”
“I appreciate it. What’s your name?”
“Lorn, sir, pleasure to meet you.”
“Gabriel Kane, and the pleasure is mine.” They shook hands.
* * *
Mooche studied the chessboard, trying to figure a way out of the old priest’s trap. He tapped his chin then moved a pawn.
Solan moved a bishop and he was in worse shape than before. “I notice you have gotten less restive of late. Has your new home begun to grow on you?”
Mooche looked up from the board into the kind, gray eyes of his benefactor, a man he’d arranged to have killed not that long ago. It pained him to admit he found living in the church soothing. He had no worries here, save if the boy and his grouchy partner would wake him at some gods’ awful hour of the morning. That wasn’t so bad, truth be told. The young Watchman, Gabriel, treated him well enough even if Griff was a little harsh. They’d saved his life and now he’d been reborn, a novice in the church. Life never ceased to amaze.
“I suppose it has.” Mooche said at last, claiming one of Solan’s pawns with his knight. “Do you think Gabriel is all right?”
“I hope so.” Solan’s queen avenged his pawn. “That boy has a great future if he lives long enough to so reach it.”
“What kind of future?” When Solan didn’t answer Mooche looked up from the board to find the priest listening, head cocked. “What’s wrong?”
“We have visitors.” Solan got up and grabbed his staff. “Stay out of sight.”
Solan went out into the chapel and Mooche poked his head around the corner. Three men, armed to the teeth and wearing metal studded leather armor, stood halfway to the altar in the center aisle. Mooche didn’t recognize them but he knew a gang of leg breakers when he saw one. He wanted to shout a warning to Solan, but the priest looked perfectly calm as he walked over towards the thugs.
“Can I help you gentlemen?” Solan asked.
“We’re looking for Mooche. You turn him over and w
e won’t have to hurt you.” The largest of the three thugs said.
“I can’t do that,” Solan said, no sign of worry in his tone. He could have been discussing the weather for all they fazed him. “He’s under my protection. If you leave now there won’t be any trouble.”
The thugs laughed. “You got it wrong old man. You don’t turn Mooche over there’s going to be trouble.”
“This is your last chance.” Solan’s voice turned hard and the hair on Mooche’s neck stood up.
“Out of my way old man.” The thug made to brush Solan aside, but it was like he hit a brick wall and couldn’t move forward.
A bright white light gathered around Solan. He brought his staff down in front of him with a great clash like he’d struck a gong. “In the Bright Shield’s name I cast you out of this place!”
The priest’s words rang in Mooche’s ears and the light grew blinding. The last thing he saw was a giant figure in archaic plate armor striding through the light. When he could see again Solan stood alone in the chapel, leaning on his staff and looking gray. Of the thugs there was no sign.
Mooche hurried out into the chapel. “Are you all right?”
Solan offered a wan smile. “Fine, though we’ll have to finish our game later. I think I should very much like to lie down.”
“Please, what did you do? What was the giant in the light?”
Solan’s face turned grave. “You saw the giant?”
Mooche offered a mute nod.
Solan brightened. “Excellent. That was an aspect of the Bright Shield sent to protect us. That you were allowed to perceive it and survived is a sign that you have begun to reform.”
“What happened to the leg breakers and what’s an aspect?”
Solan started toward his room leaning heavily on his staff. “An aspect is a fragment of a being of power that can be sent to work its will. As to those unpleasant men, when a mortal comes into contact with a divine aspect they tend to go to pieces, in this case many tiny pieces.”
Mooche looked back over his shoulder and on the chapel floor where the thugs had stood he could make out a fine gray dust.
Chapter 17
“The river pirates have been wiped out, master.” Ick winced as he reported the bad news.
Slevas hissed. “The boy again?”
“Yes, master. He has claimed the pirates’ ship and is returning to the city as we speak.”
“This is intolerable,” Duke Cariden said. He had joined the demons in the great hall of his country estate twenty miles outside Lord’s Way. Amanda’s precious boyfriend was ruining everything. “He’s picking apart our sources of funding. Gabriel must be stopped, permanently.”
Just give the word. Gorn’s mental voice grated on the duke’s mind.
“I can’t, not yet,” Slevas said. “The overlord commands us not to harm the boy so he may lead us to the key fragment. Without his approval I dare not move against him.”
“Who knows how much damage he may due before the overlord gives his permission,” Duke Cariden said. “I insist you kill him at once.”
Slevas eyes flashed crimson and the duke staggered to the floor, blood running from his eyes and ears. “You would do well to learn the value of silence, human. I will contact the overlord and he will decide.”
Duke Cariden said nothing as the golden serpent slithered away.
* * *
Gabriel stood in the front, bow as Lorn told several times, of the pirate ship and looked out over the river. The sun was low in the sky. In the distance the docks jutted into the river, but he still couldn’t see the city proper. The planners had built it several hundred yards inland to protect it from spring flooding.
Two days ago Gabriel, the wounded rangers, the former slaves led by Lorn and the pirate captain in chains, all boarded the ship and started toward the city. Sergeant Orn and the rest of the rangers were riding back with the extra horses and equipment.
They reached the landing station an hour later. Six piers jutted out into the river, none of them occupied at the moment which was odd. “May as well take the first one, Lorn,” Gabriel said.
“Right you are, sir.” Lorn guided the ship up the pier and two former slaves leapt out and tied her up. Everything about the process was smooth, like the whole trip down the river. Lorn had a knack for managing the boat and Gabriel was glad to have him running things.
“Company coming, sir.” Lorn pointed to the company of Watchmen forming up, swords drawn and shields out.
They looked anxious, but Gabriel recognized the man in charge, a friend of Griff’s named Tan. Gabriel hopped down to the pier and waved. “Sergeant Tan, nice to see a familiar face.”
Tan sheathed his sword and motioned for the others to do the same. “Lieutenant Kane, Didn’t expect you here. The merchants were running around acting like the world was coming to an end saying a pirate ship was docking at the landing station.”
“The merchants were right, though the ship is under new management. You’ll find the former captain tied up in the bilge. The ship is now property of the crown, assuming Lord St. Jaques wants it. We’ve also got wounded rangers on board and I’d appreciate it if you would send a messenger to their barracks and tell them they’ll need a wagon when they come to get their men as two of them are in no shape to walk.”
Tan nodded to one of his men who jogged over to the horses. “What about these other folks, they look like they’ve seen better days.”
“Former slaves of the pirates. They’ve been a huge help getting the ship here in one piece.” Turning to the ship Gabriel said, “Thank you for all your help. If any of you wish to apply for crew positions when the ship is commissioned I’ll be happy to give you a recommendation. Until then go home to your families. Sergeant, if I might trouble you for the use of a horse, I should go check in.”
“Help yourself,” Tan said.
Gabriel walked down the dock, untied the first horse he came to, and rode for the city gates. It took him fifteen minutes to reach Watch headquarters. He left his horse at the stable and went inside. He found Griff at their desk doing paperwork. His partner looked up when he approached. “Made it back in one piece I see.”
Gabriel sat across from him. “I made out better than the pirates. Did I miss anything?”
“There was a little excitement at the church. Some thugs tracked Mooche down and three tried to take him. According to Mooche the old priest called down the wrath of his god on them. Said Solan blasted them to dust. Damnedest thing he ever saw.”
“I guess we found a good place for him anyway. Anything else?”
“Knight Commander comes in here once a day to bitch about you taking off and leaving him shorthanded. Mind you he only bitches at me, hasn’t worked up the nerve to say anything to his lordship.”
“He won’t either; Uncle Duncan told him if keeps making a nuisance of himself he’ll need a new job. Guess I should report in.”
“You’re in luck, Knight Commander’s out on business. You only have to talk to Commander Lincoln.”
“That’s a relief. After I check in I’m heading home. Duncan’s probably worried. We’ll go visit Mooche and Solan tomorrow. Now that the blood ruby problem is taken care of we need a new project to sink our teeth into.”
Griff shook his head. “Don’t you ever get tired?”
“Sure, but I try not to let it bother me. See you in the morning.”
Gabriel left their office and went to Commander Lincoln’s. He knocked and poked his head in. “Commander.”
“Back from your secret mission?” Commander Lincoln said. “Ready to get back to your real job?”
“I thought stopping the flow of blood rubies into the city was part of my real job.”
“Your job is inside the city, far as I’m concerned. Outside the city is someone else's job.”
“We’ll have to agree to disagree on that one, sir. Do you need a report or anything?”
“No.”
Gabriel heard the dismissal in hi
s tone and left, shutting the door behind him. He left Watch headquarters and headed for home. He took his time walking through the twilight city, enjoying the familiar sights. When he got home the front door was unlocked so he went in and shrugged out of his cloak. Gabriel got it hung up along with his sword when Domino arrived.
“Master Gabriel, his lordship has been most worried about you. I’m sure he’ll want to talk to you at once.”
“Give me a few minutes to clean up won’t you, Domino?”
She wrinkled her nose. “Perhaps that would be best.”
“Is he in the study?”
Domino nodded.
“Tell him I’ll be there shortly.”
“Yes, sir.” She looked around then stood up on her tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek. “I’m glad you made it back safe.”
When he’d washed and made himself presentable Gabriel went to join Duncan in his study. Duncan sat behind his desk sipping one of his myriad liquors he’d collected over the years. As soon as Gabriel entered Duncan leapt to his feet and hugged him.
“I’m glad you’re safe. Tell me everything.”
They sat in the overstuffed chairs and Gabriel told him about the mission, everything save for Kiera’s visit. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Duncan; he just didn’t want to drag him any deeper into his mess.
When he finished Duncan said, “That’s quite a report. I hope you didn’t hurt any of the rangers too bad.”
“No, I took care not to. I hate being judged on nothing more than the fact that I’m nineteen.” Gabriel shook his head. “Anyway, with your permission I’d like to refit the pirate ship to do river patrols, Keep anyone from picking up where this lot left off.”
“Good idea. I’ll write the college of admirals and arrange for a proper crew.”
“I thought, if the masters were agreeable, some students from the academy could serve on the ship. If any of them wanted to join the navy it would give them some experience.”
Duncan nodded. “I see no reason that wouldn’t work.”
“I’ll speak to the masters in the morning.”