He winked at Matthias, “See you at eight o’clock.”
In the cool darkness of the room Matthias lay back on his bed and dozed only to be awoken by the church bells chiming seven. He was so tired he had slept all afternoon; his last few nights had been restless and it was starting to take its toll. Lord alone knew how he was going to get to sleep tonight but he promised himself he would try. He went to the mustering hall to see if he could manage some supper and was relieved to find some bread and cheese still lying around unclaimed.
Taking it, he returned to his chamber to eat whilst he prepared for tonight. His plan was to go straight to the stables after testing the flash powder in the forest and then lay in wait.
He packed his small kitbag with the black clothes Harry had provided, two knives, the rest of the food and his water canteen. Then he made his way to the back of the kitchens. It was still only a quarter to eight but Harry was already there. Smoke billowed out of the chimneys where the evening’s fires were dying and the sunset bounced off the castle brickwork giving everything an orange glow.
Harry stood next to the large barrels used to store rotten food. The smell of the decomposing meals wasn’t pleasant but they didn’t have long to wait before Sophie joined them. She appeared around a corner in the dingy light carrying a small sack cautiously in one hand.
“They’re in here,” she said. “Be very careful.” She opened it and the two boys peered inside. What they could make out were several small parcels of paper moulded in to rough ball shapes.
“What do we do?” said Harry.
Sophie raised an eyebrow and quickly sealed the bag handing it to Matthias. “You need to throw them at something. A hard stone or wall, possibly a tree and then make sure you turn away.”
“Have you tried one out yet?” asked Matthias.
“No,” said Sophie, “someone would hear.”
“So I’m holding in my hand a bag of experimental bombs?”
“That would be correct,” replied Sophie, with not a trace of humour.
He exhaled and then turned to Harry. “Let’s go. Sophie, we’ll need you to lower a rope back down the walls in an hour. Harry will signal with a bird call.”
“I’ll be here,” she said. “Good luck!”
Harry led the way over to the waste area and ducked behind one of the outhouses and Matthias closely followed.
“We need to be careful,” whispered Harry. “We’re still under lock-down so there are probably some people on watch duty, perhaps even Gerard. We won’t know until we get up there though.”
“What do you suggest?” said Matthias.
“I’ll go first, and let you know if it’s clear.”
Without further discussion Harry made his way across the yard to an alcove at the foot of the walls. He came back holding a rickety ladder which he held up against the stone face. At this part of the castle the walls were reachable from the ground due to the drop being bigger on the other side. From the top and, with the assistance of a rope, the forty feet or so down was climbable.
The two scaled the ladder onto the stone parapets, Harry first and then Matthias. As they neared the top they were immediately hit by heavy gusts of wind raging their way over the castle’s walls. Harry turned to look at Matthias as he ascended the final steps and took a rope out of his knapsack. He tied one end around an iron hook that was sticking out of one of the turrets with some complicated knot Matthias hadn’t seen before. He gave it a good tug to check its strength and then hurled the remainder over the walls. He gestured to the rope to Sophie who nodded from below, she would have to climb up and hide it once they were over.
“Alright,” he shouted, above the wind. “Watch me closely; feet first and try to guide the rope between your shoulders.”
Harry went over the top and began to climb down. The wind was now whipping in their faces and the rope flailed like some un-caged animal. As he neared the bottom he jumped the final few feet and then signalled up for Matthias to begin his descent.
He took the rope with some trepidation and climbed over the side. It burned his hands as he lowered himself slowly but Harry shouted for him to use his legs more on the walls to take some of the strain away. This helped and the pain, in his shoulders at least, ceased. When he reached the bottom Harry was eager to move lest they be spotted.
They reached the woods without event and managed to find a small clearing not too far in to be in total darkness, but far enough that they wouldn’t attract attention or be heard.
Matthias reached inside the bag and pulled out one of the paper bombs. He looked at it and raised an eyebrow. Harry shrugged and pointed to a large boulder near a tree which prompted Matthias to throw the device against it.
The resulting bang and flash nearly knocked the two boys off their feet. The light was so bright that both were completely blinded by it. Matthias could see the imprint of the tree and boulder in a multitude of colours on the inside of his eyelids but other than that everything was white. The noise was so loud that neither could hear anything and when they both could finally see they couldn’t hear the other speak.
Harry was crouched on one knee holding his hands against his ears and grimacing. Matthias looked over at him from where he had stumbled to the floor. He shouted to ask if he was hurt, but couldn’t even hear his own voice. Harry waved back and mouthed something.
Both looked a sorry sight rubbing their eyes and holding their ears dazed and confused amongst the dead leaves. Harry again shouted something that Matthias couldn’t hear but in the end resorted to holding his thumb up to show he wasn’t injured. Eventually, the buzzing died down and he could just about hear Harry say, “I was waiting for you to give a signal!”
“Sorry,” said Matthias, “I forgot we were supposed to turn away.”
Harry groaned and got to his feet. He walked over to the boulder by the tree where only a black smudge showed any trace of the explosion. “It doesn’t cause any damage,” he said wiping the stone, “just the noise and the flash. This could be really useful if you need to escape.”
Matthias got up and gave his eyes another tender rub. “How long do you think it lasted – ten, twenty seconds?”
“Long enough,” said Harry.
The two boys waited for a few minutes until the effects completely wore off before trying again. Although this time Matthias counted down from three and the two turned away from the flash covering their ears.
“Definitely better,” said Matthias, although the thunderous bang was still excruciatingly loud and they again felt the dizziness and confusion associated with an explosion at such close quarters.
“Let’s get back,” said Harry. “I think it’s time we took one last look at the coach.”
Harry turned and walked off and Matthias was about to join him when he thought he saw a movement out in the forest far to his right. The light was disappearing quickly as the sun set and the blackness of the trees was gradually spreading outwards. But there it was again; a flash of white, almost like a ladies dress. Darting between two trees, then on to another and another. The figure had, at first, been heading toward them but now Matthias was sure it was moving away.
He turned to shout Harry but his friend was gone. He looked back and now the figure had been joined by two other shapes; Were they shadows? Animals? Was the forest playing tricks on him?
He made after Harry; whoever or whatever was out there was of no concern to him. Undoubtedly the noise had attracted someone; but if they were members of the Guard he would already be on his way to Mr Hardy’s office by now.
He ran towards the edge of the forest and searched out Harry. “Where did you get to?” said his friend.
“I thought I saw something, someone.”
“Probably just a deer,” said Harry, still rubbing his ringing ears.
They made their way back to the castle walls where they heaved themselves up the rope Sophie made sure was dangling from the turret. She greeted them behind the kitchens with a wave as she s
tepped out of the shadows.
“Well?” she said.
“Successful test,” said a slightly dishevelled Harry.
Chapter 18
The three decided to try and sleep for a few hours with a view to getting up before dawn to head down to the stables. Sophie suggested it would be best to move about the castle when most people were asleep and the boys agreed.
When Matthias and Harry quietly made their way to the mustering hall, shortly before sunrise, Sophie was already there. She and Harry had agreed to keep a lookout at the stable entrance whilst Matthias hid himself, before giving a signal when the prisoner was on his way.
They reasoned it would be hard for them to move Nunez so some sort of cover story would once again be arranged. They were not disappointed.
Matthias had been sizing up the carriage for about thirty minutes and was trying to stash his satchel somewhere inside the roof when Harry sprang around the corner.
“What?” said Matthias.
“The alarm, did you hear it? They must be bringing him here.”
He looked around and listened. The sound of bells was very faint but he could hear it none the less.
“Thanks,” he said. “You’ve done your part now. You don’t need to stay.”
Harry looked back with a face that said otherwise. “We’re here for you. We’ll stay out of sight though. This is your mission.”
His friend turned to exit but ran into Gerard and Evan who had just walked around the corner. Gerard sneered and shoved Harry backwards and he fell to the floor.
“There you are,” he snapped, “I knew you’d be up to no good!”
Matthias turned around from the carriage where he was preparing to hide, “What do you want Gerard?”
“Didn’t you hear the alarm? You should be in the courtyard not sneaking around. Mr Cook put us in charge of rounding up the students. I knew you were up to something in here yesterday. Get away from that carriage!”
Sophie arrived behind the boys looking perplexed. Gerard noticed her and turned on her too.
“You stupid little girl,” he said, “What are you doing with these two? Is one of them your love perhaps?”
Matthias made his way over and put himself between Gerard and Sophie.
“Go away,” he said. “This isn’t anything to do with you.”
“Oh, it’s you isn’t it? Being all brave in front of your beloved Sophie.”
Gerard shared an exaggerated laugh with Evan and then turned to look down the stables.
“Here come two of Mr Cook’s men, Matthias. Let’s see how you explain this one.”
Matthias cursed Gerard; he was going to ruin everything! Perhaps he could reason with him? Offer him something to just go away. If the soldiers thought there was anything suspicious going on they were bound to investigate. A detailed examination of the carriage and they’d doubtless find him, unless Gerard betrayed him first.
But then a movement from the corner of his eye made him look across at Sophie who had suddenly gone pale. “Those aren’t Mr Cook’s men,” she said.
“Of course they are, stupid,” said Gerard, and turned to wave at them. “They’re over here, sirs!” he shouted, pointing at Matthias.
Sophie started walking back to the carriage, “Gerard, don’t!”
Evan stepped forward now, “We found them, should we report back to Mr Cook?”
The two men’s faces were in shadow and they increased their pace as they turned into the enormous room. Matthias noted they were out of uniform, all wearing dark clothes with cloaks.
“You’re for it now, Matthias,” said Gerard, with delight in his eyes. He turned once more to look at the approaching men who were now only yards away. Evan was walking to meet them and as he did so they drew their swords.
“Gerard, get back!” roared Matthias.
“What are you doing?” said Gerard, but he would never get an answer.
It all seemed to happen so quickly for everyone else but Matthias saw it as if time was moving at a snail’s pace. The man closest to Evan stepped toward him and pulled his blade back high. Matthias again called out; but with no time to react, or even move, Evan just looked puzzled. The man struck the boy with a slashing blow across his head and he crumpled to the floor dead before he reached it. Everyone froze and watched as the men drew closer. Harry appeared from nowhere and grabbed Sophie, pulling her back to the carriage.
Matthias followed and when they reached it all three spun just in time to see the other man withdraw his sword from Gerard’s chest. The poor lad managed to look at Matthias and mouth for help as he too, fell where he stood.
The man wiped his rapier on his boot and then turned to confront the three by the coach. The other stood blocking the entrance of the chamber but made no move towards them. Now Matthias realised what was happening – these soldiers were preparing an ambush of their own. They must be Nunez’s men!
The closest looked up and as he did Matthias caught sight of short black hair and dark eyes. The man paused and looked to the other for some instruction. The taller man by the doorway, who was dark-skinned and with a shaven head, nodded and then gestured to the three friends or at least it should have been three - Harry had taken to the shadows!
Excellent, thought Matthias, as he drew his knife; that would give them something to think about. He looked to his right and could see Sophie pull out her own knife and start to reach inside one of the pouches she had around her waist.
He spoke to her, but kept his eyes on the advancing man. “I’ll stand my ground. You get behind the carriage and do what you can.”
Sophie gazed back, her face pale. She blinked, lost in the moment, before nodding and retreating behind the coach.
The man approached Matthias and made to attack. When it came it was slow and off target. A feint, Matthias realised as he stepped back with ease – the man was seeking to judge the boy’s ability. Another swipe followed and again he stepped back. This time the man chuckled and his vile laughter echoed around the stables.
The man pressed forward again and Matthias stepped sideways this time to avoid being backed up against the carriage. Where was Harry?
Another, more serious lunge, followed. Matthias stepped to the side and brought his knife crashing down on the foil. From his training he knew where the sweet spot was and the blade clattered away causing the man to hold his wrist in pain. Snarling, he stepped back and pulled out his own knife and then attacked again; this time reaching out with his arm as made to grab Matthias.
He held his ground and ducked the attack slipping around the man’s waist and bringing his blade upwards as he did. The edge of the knife scraped at the man’s flailing arm and he cursed. His tough leather clothing took most of the blow and he turned to face Matthias again. The man swung once more and again Matthias was too quick; but as he stepped back he found himself pressed up against the wall.
The man stood in front of him and breathed heavily. Matthias was cornered and he looked around for Harry but saw nothing. Then, suddenly, there was a voice. It was Sophie screaming, “Close your eyes!”
Neither Matthias nor the man really knew what was coming but it was Matthias who came off the least worst as the flash bomb hit the wall above them; Partly due to him facing away from the wall, and partly to at the last second remembering what Sophie had in the pouch he’d seen her reach for.
With the buzzing still in his ears he slowly regained his sight and saw the man crumpled before him. His eyes were staring blankly at the floor and his hands were over his ears.
Still groggy, Matthias rushed past him to reach the stagecoach and Sophie, but she wasn’t there. He turned and scanned around the back but again he couldn’t see her. Then his heart sank as he looked to the door and saw the other taller man with the shaved head holding a knife to her throat. He was standing in the shadow of some barrels and with his other hand he brought his finger up to his lips instructing Matthias to be silent. He nodded to a pile of boxes in the corner.
Sophie’s eyes pleaded with Matthias but it seemed they were out of options. He duly walked to the shadows of the boxes in the other corner of the room. As he got there he felt a crushing of his chest as the other man appeared from nowhere to grab him and restrain him with his knife.
“So it was you in the forest last night,” he hissed in Matthias’s ear.
The figures from the trees – it had been Nunez’s men! If he had known he could have raised the alarm – why had he not investigated? As Matthias cursed himself the man pulled him in tighter and held a knife to the base of his skull.
To the left of him he saw something move by the carriage; it was Harry, knife in hand lying underneath the coach. He caught Matthias’s eye and nodded; as Matthias shook his head in response the man pushed the knife harder against his neck. Harry clenched his fist but the two boys realised situation was hopeless.
Then, they waited. It seemed like hours but was only minutes. Voices, footsteps and then the familiar figure of Mr Cook and his guards but with a prisoner in tow. It was Balthazar Nunez. Matthias squirmed under the grip of the man holding him as he looked into the face of the murderer.
He was unshaven and his long black straggly hair was unkempt and dangling across his face. He was bloody and bruised – perhaps the work of Alonso? His body was lean and strong looking but his face gave away the evil depths of his nature.
Matthias instantly knew this was the man he had seen at the abbey. He knew this was the man he had to kill. But now he was about to get away and possibly he would lose his own life too. His shoulders sagged in the grip of the man holding him. He almost felt like asking him to get it over with.
As the soldiers entered the room it was Mr Cook who realised something was not quite right. Maybe it was the smell of the flash powder? He paused and looked around. Matthias wanted to scream out but knew it would mean quick deaths for him and Sophie.
Then Mr Cook knelt down and touched the floor. He had spotted blood on the spot where Gerard had fallen. With a sickening realisation Matthias saw that the bodies of Gerard and Evan had been moved on to the floor only a few feet away from him. The man holding Sophie must have moved the corpses in expectation of Mr Cook’s arrival.
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