Matthias smiled, it was what he had hoped for. Now he would be able to take part in classes with Harry and Sophie. He thought about teaching Harry a thing or two and couldn’t wait to get back and tell him.
“Thank you, sir,” he said and made to leave. As he did so Mr Cook had something to say.
“Matthias.” He halted and Mr Cook looked at him with a serious face. “Today you came away with an enhanced reputation, honour but more importantly your life. Remember that.”
He nodded and hurried back into the castle as the morning sun made its way to the middle of a cloudless sky.
Chapter 12
The entrance to the cave was over a hundred feet high. An enormous gash in the side of the mountain; its sharp edges and detritus littered entrance made it look as if some giant creature had clawed away at the rocks. There was no breeze here even at this height thousands of feet above the sea. Alonso looked around him, always wary when approaching the secret lair of his kin. There were no guards at the entrance. No flaming torches or gate. Few could get here; fewer still would even notice the cave mouth and none had ever entered.
He could see the plains of Spain from these peaks, the purple twilight just brushing the hills and towns. It had been so long that his heart fluttered for a moment with memories. Breathing in deeply, he turned and headed towards the cavern. As he approached the light was slowly swallowed by the mountain; darkness rising around him until finally, some twenty yards inside, the entrance itself was a mere suggestion. That is, to a normal man, but Alonso being a mystic saw things differently. His eyes picked up on the light that others never saw. A purplish tinge to the rocks and rubble on the floor was accompanied by strange colours that could not even be described as he ploughed on ahead through the cave. Far at the back he could see a smaller entrance which led to the meeting chamber.
The three other mystics stood in a circle around a small fire; its smoke climbing so high above them it was lost in the black canopies of rock. They lived solitary lives in the mountains, hardly ever coming across each other and only meeting for trade or, as in this case, an assembly. As Alonso entered one looked up from underneath a hooded cowl.
“Why have you summoned us?”
“I seek advice,” responded Alonso, his head bowed at the fire. “My vision has become clouded. I no longer see myself in the boy’s future; indeed, I see a strange battle. A curious clash between two men, one of whom may already be dead. Hopefully, my peers will grant me their eyes and we may search together.”
“It has been a long time since we all looked for something. What you ask is no small matter.”
“No it is not. But it is my duty to try to find out, for in his future I saw my own and perhaps all of ours. I would ask this of you only in the name of my quest.”
One of the others looked up now also; tiny slithers of light sparkling from underneath the hood suggested eyes. “Alonso you have been searching for this boy now for too long. Is it not time, perhaps, to admit you were mistaken?”
Alonso shook his head. “No it is not. I found him some months ago and have been in England watching him.”
“The last head jerked up, “We received no message?”
“Forgive me brothers, but it was not possible to get one to you. I have been tracking a man on behalf of my employer.”
The three mystics appeared to confer, but from across the crackling fire their words were barely audible to Alonso. He had taken a risk coming here, of that much he was certain. Whether his brothers shared his faith in his quest was not his concern. He only knew what his visions had told him.
Mystics saw visions all the time; images and patterns amongst every day signs. Often they would guide people. Kings paid princely sums for their counsel whilst noblemen begged for their advice. Sometimes they gave it, for a price, other times they refused to depart such knowledge. However, one thing had always been constant - the visions were never about themselves. They never saw their own fate or that of their brothers. Mystic’s lives were a zigzagging stream of events darting along the surface of time.
But strangely Alonso had seen himself and also a boy. Graver still, he had seen his brothers. He had shared this knowledge with them and asked for their help in his search to find the boy. After it was refused, he had left the caves. That had been ten years ago.
Since then his quest had become entwined with that of the Guard. But that was another story. Right now, he needed help to understand his dreams and only the four of them working together and sharing their minds could do this. The question was, would they help?
Chapter 13
Matthias, Harry and Sophie sat in Mr Butler’s secluded classroom, deep inside the castle. It was a cold Sunday outside and the frost had charged down at the castle from the distant mountains. Chilling winds had whipped against the walls and the turrets sending fierce rain and debris at anyone who dared venture out. Most of the other children were in their dormitories, but the three friends had ventured off in search of some solitude.
“Well, I can’t understand how that thug Gerard got off so lightly.”
“He’s shrewd and well connected,” said Matthias.
“The boy is, at best, a simpleton.” Sophie was sitting on a bench casually browsing through one of the many textbooks that adorned the shelves. Harry was at the back poking a jar that contained some lungs in alcohol solution.
“It was a fair fight,” he said, “Gerard knew he’d lost.”
Matthias was in Mr Butler’s seat with his feet on the table. His hand absentmindedly touched the point on his ribs where Gerard had wounded him. It had taken several days to begin to heal and the castle physician had changed the bandages again only this morning.
“I’ve a score to settle with Gerard,” said Matthias, “but the important thing is I’ve been pushed up to the best classes. Looking forward to Monday, Harry?”
Harry turned around from the jars he was looking at, nearly knocking one over. “I’m not scared; if that’s what you mean?”
Matthias was due to have his first senior combat lesson tomorrow with O’Grady and the rest of his apprentices – which included Harry. He had been teasing his friend all week about their first practice which, frankly, couldn’t come too soon for Sophie. In her opinion the boys’ egos were now starting to fill rooms.
Matthias chuckled. “I never said you were Harry! I just said it was going to be fun. What do you think Sophie?”
She looked up from her book, her long black hair dangling over her face. “I wouldn’t get over confident if I were you Matthias. Harry is no novice.”
“Neither was Gerard,” said Matthias.
Sophie returned to her book and smirked.
“What?”
She looked up, “You’re forgetting that Harry has certain skills.” Her eyes looked to Matthias’s right and she nodded in that direction.
Matthias made to look and then too late realised he had been tricked. Harry, unseen and unheard, had snuck up behind him and placed a dagger casually across his throat.
“I don’t believe Gerard can do this,” he whispered. Sophie chuckled somewhere in the background. Matthias was aware of, but couldn’t see, Harry poised somewhere behind him.
He had to concede and Harry gave him a friendly pat on the shoulder and sat down on the chair next to him.
“How do you do that? You literally vanish.”
“It’s my gift.”
Suddenly, outside of the room, they heard footsteps and voices. They all stood up just as the door opened and in walked Mr Hardy, Mr Cook and Alonso.
Their conversation trailed off and Mr Hardy spoke with authority, “What are you doing in here?”
Matthias looked to Sophie and said, “We were just reading our books, sir.” As soon as he spoke he realised his own book was lying on the desk unopened and his eyes rolled. Classrooms were technically out of bounds on Sundays but the rule wasn’t often enforced.
Mr Hardy’s eyes narrowed and he gave his moustache a slight twirl. “K
indly vacate the room please,” he said, “both of you.”
Matthias nodded and joined Sophie as she made her way to the door and he was almost out of the room when it hit him. Both of you? Where was Harry? Sophie’s eyes caught his and he knew instantly she was thinking the same thing. What was the idiot up to now? He could get in real trouble. As they left Alonso shut the door firmly behind them.
“What’s he playing at?” whispered Sophie.
“I don’t know,” said Matthias, shaking his head. “You know what he’s like.”
Sophie stood near the door. “That boy’s thirst for excitement is going to get him into real trouble one of these days. Can you hear anything?”
“No,” whispered Matthias, “They’re speaking quietly. What should we do? We can’t wait out here.”
“We’d best head back to the mustering hall and wait for him. If he gets caught it’s his own fault.”
They headed down the gloomy corridor until they arrived at the brightly lit hall where several of the other children were relaxing and playing games. Matthias and Sophie found a secluded corner to sit themselves down in and got their books out under the pretence of study.
They didn’t have much of a chance to even begin to feign interest in the texts before a bell started to ring out from the watchtower. Everybody looked up from what they were doing with puzzled expressions.
“It’s the alarm,” said Sophie. “We need to get outside.” Sophie started packing her book in her bag and turned to him. “This doesn’t look good. Do you think they caught him?”
“Well if he’s in trouble at least we’re not involved.”
“What do you mean?” whispered Sophie. “We knew he was in the room. If they’ve found him they’ll have our guts for garters as well!”
Matthias looked at Sophie as she ran her fingers through her hair. He knew it meant so much to her to be here that the thought of jeopardising it filled her very bones with dread.
“Don’t worry,” he said. “We can say we didn’t know. Harry’s used to getting in trouble.” He patted her on the back and then the two friends followed the throng outside.
As they reached the courtyard the wind hit them in their faces but luckily the rain had stopped and the children lined up in their class groups. As they sought their own Matthias and Sophie were stunned to see Harry stood amongst some of their classmates with a big grin.
When they arrived they stood in line behind him and tried not to act surprised. “What happened?” said Matthias.
“I’ll tell you later,” said Harry. Before they could discuss things any further a silence descended upon the crowd as Mr Hardy made his way to the front and started to address them.
“Until further notice the castle is to be locked down. We have a security concern and so for your own safety nobody is to leave these walls.”
A collective groan enveloped the courtyard and the children started to chatter amongst themselves. Mr Hardy made a loud coughing noise – he was not used to having to do so and he looked cross.
“You will be advised when restrictions are to be lifted but until then nobody leaves and everybody is confined to their respective wings after lessons. You are all dismissed.”
The students started to disperse and make their way back to their various halls and dorms. But Matthias and Sophie grabbed Harry and cornered him underneath a large stained glass window.
“What happened?” said an exasperated Sophie. Harry looked at the pair and waited a suitably long time to build up the tensions, a big soppy grin across his face.
“I found out a secret. You’re going to love it!”
“What?” said Matthias.
“We’d better go inside I think,” said Harry, nodding towards Mr Butler who was ushering children back into the castle. “Sophie, head to our room and we can talk there.”
They mixed in with the swarm of students trickling back to various parts of the castle. However, where Sophie should have turned right for her dormitory she instead turned left for the mustering hall and followed Matthias and Harry straight through to their room just off the back.
Harry strode in and sat back on his bed his hands behind his head. He was clearly relishing being the custodian of whatever secrets he had learned.
“Well?” said Sophie, as she and Matthias pulled up chairs.
“Alright,” said Harry, as he settled himself. “So, after you two left I slipped into the shadows behind the large book case. They all sat down on desks and chairs and Mr Cook stood at the front. Apparently Hardy’s office was being used by someone for a meeting. Then they start talking about a prisoner.”
Sophie and Matthias exchanged excited glances and then stared back at Harry. “Turns out Alonso had been tracking someone and he’s finally got his man.”
Matthias felt a cold sweat cross his chest. “A prisoner?”
“Yes,” replied Harry. “Apparently he’s in the cells right now under Mr Cook’s guards.”
Sophie looked at Matthias with a raised eyebrow. But he wasn’t looking at Harry anymore.
“What is it Matthias?” said Sophie.
Matthias stared at the floor. “Did you get the name of the person Alonso brought in?”
“What?”
“The name,” he said, “did you hear them mention the name of the prisoner?”
Harry looked to Sophie in confusion and then turned back to Matthias. “Yes. I think they said he was called Balthazar.”
Matthias stared into space. Softly, he said the name again, “Balthazar.” His eyes closed over and both Sophie and now Harry looked at him with genuine concern.
“Are you alright?” said Harry.
“I’m fine,” said Matthias, suddenly straightening himself. He looked at them both and smiled. But the smile was not true. It was a sad smile and it didn’t hide the pain underneath it.
Sophie placed her hand on Matthias’s. Her deep brown eyes looked at him and for a second he thought he might break down and cry.
“Tell us Matthias,” she said. “Tell us who this man is.” And with that, Matthias told his story and he did not leave out one bloody detail.
Chapter 14
The three friends sat in silence for some time after Matthias had finished recounting his tale. Harry looked at the floor uncertain of what to say and Sophie merely held onto his hand staring into some faraway distant space. Finally, after several minutes it was the young girl who spoke.
“You must take this opportunity, Matthias,” she said, calmly. “I can help you.”
Harry’s head snapped up. Matthias took a moment to turn Sophie’s words over in his mind.
“Wait a minute,” said Harry. “You don’t really mean that do you?”
“Why not?” said Sophie.
Harry got to his feet in front of the pair. “You mean to waltz into the cells and murder this man? He’s guarded by four of Cook’s men, or had you forgotten?”
“He’s going to be killed anyway, surely?” said Matthias. Sophie nodded.
“Yes, but after a trial. Besides, Matthias, you don’t even know if he did it. You never saw his face.” Harry looked concerned and turned to Sophie; maybe this was one adventure too big for him.
“I’ll know when I look in his eyes.”
Harry hadn’t finished. “You’re not ready for this, Matthias. Let it go.” His eyes, that were normally so full of mischief, were pleading with him.
He regarded Sophie, before looking back to Harry, “We’ll need you,” he said. You can get in there, find out where he is. Maybe even steal a key.”
Harry shook his head. “It’s too difficult. These men are experts. There’s no way I could get into a prison block, let alone back out again, without being discovered.”
“Maybe not,” said Sophie, “but if you could just get me into the kitchens. I could take care of the rest.”
The two boys turned to look at her, their eyebrows raised. “Poison him?” said Matthias.
“We wouldn’t need to get anywhere n
ear his cell.”
“How could we be sure?” said Harry. “I mean, they might have several prisoners down there. How would we know which meal was his?”
Sophie sighed and started to play with her hair, something Matthias noticed she always did when she was trying to remain calm. “You could watch. Do it a few times and you’ll soon see their routine.”
“But surely Matthias would want to do it?” he said. “After all, this man murdered his sister.”
They both looked at him and waited for an answer. Matthias started to think about the man in the abbey. To think about the face he had almost seen. That voice, the harsh whisper. Then, his thoughts turned to his friends. He saw the blood pooling on the floor and children’s bodies lying all around him. He imagined the pain they had gone through, their cries for help and their screams. Finally he saw Rebecca’s face as she fell, her eyes rolling into the darkness.
Just for a moment he was back there. Back in that room amongst the flames. He looked down and saw a knife in his hand. Startled, he blinked and sat upright.
Sophie and Harry were watching him. Matthias spoke softly. “He’s right. I want to do it.” The light was failing now and he was covered in shadow.
“I will not rest until I have taken his life and spilt every drop of his blood.”
They could barely see his face and they weren’t sure if he was looking at them. Sophie started to speak but Matthias interrupted. “I want to look into his eyes as I kill him. I want him to know who I am. I will make this man’s last moment one of fear, pain and despair.”
He waited to see if either of them said anything. “I need to know if I can count on you, Harry.”
“Matthias, I’m your friend. But this…”
“This is the big adventure you’ve always wanted. Everything we’ve learned; now we can put it in to practice. Otherwise what’s the point?”
Harry sighed, his chest sank a little and he sat down again. “I’m with you, Matthias.”
Children of the Fountain Page 10