“Oh, yes,” Jabin jeered. “You have been busy with your pitiful raids, which net us nothing.”
Now it was Samoth’s turn to be angry. “Nothing?” he shouted. “How many men have I brought for your army? How many slaves have I brought for your gardens and labor camps? How many places have I spread your propaganda, turning people’s hearts to you? I have worked long and hard for your cause! I’m not going to stand here while you ridicule all the work I have done for you and you alone.” The two men glared at each other.
“Then why was I driven from Amity?” Jabin asked. “You and your father were to prepare the people for my coming. I was to be their salvation. The garrison was to be gone. Never in my life have I seen such a small force hold me back. Where were your troops when we fought at Green Meadow?” Jabin was growing angrier by the second. “I’ll tell you where! They were holed up in your filthy little fortress. And who built that fortress while he should have been opening the road for me? You did!”
“I only did what my father told me to do!” Samoth retorted. “And James did not keep all the troops out of Amity. Violence surged as far east as Headwater. We even won some hearts at Stonewall! We pushed pacifism hard and won much sympathy for your cause!”
“Little good it’s done me,” Jabin shouted. “You’ve failed! Your father has his own designs. He wants Amity for himself! That fortress proves it! Neither of you even spoke with me when I was encamped at Green Meadow. You just lay low in that oversized house of yours.”
“What did you expect? If we had come out and looked chummy with you, we would have looked suspicious to all the citizens of Amity,” Samoth countered.
“You could have come by night and offered a show of force for the war,” Jabin growled. “As it was, you did nothing to aid us in our time of need.”
“Nothing?” Samoth said angrily. “You think getting rid of both James and Thomas Stafford is nothing? All your thousands of troops weren’t able to do that!”
Jabin’s eyes opened wide in surprise. “You got rid of both?”
Samoth began to swell with pride. “James was shot several times in the back from our walls.”
“How did you lure him so close?” Jabin asked.
“He was a fool.” Samoth laughed. “He rescued a girl who was shut outside our gates.”
“Well, maybe your little stone house has done some good,” Jabin snorted. “That should make Stafford squirm. Good job! You eliminated the eldest son. And what was that you said about Thomas?”
Samoth was fairly bursting with pride now. “I kidnapped him myself and brought him here to Endor.”
“Here?” Jabin nearly shouted. “Do you mean I have Stafford’s son here in Endor? I have a bargaining chip: Gaff and Stafford’s surrender for Thomas’s life.” Jabin jumped up and hugged Samoth tight. “I take back what I said about you and your … no, I don’t take back what I said about your father. He still is out for himself. But my boy, you truly are on my side.” He beamed at Samoth.
Samoth suddenly felt sick. Where would this conversation lead? Jabin’s praise would be short-lived when he realized that Thomas was no longer available. “Very good, sir,” Samoth said, turning to leave.
“No, wait!” Jabin held up his hand.
Samoth reluctantly turned to face Jabin.
“When I came in here this morning, I could think of nowhere to turn, but you’ve given me an out,” Jabin said. “What can I do for you?”
This was an unexpected ray of hope for Samoth. “How about your daughter’s hand in marriage?” he asked.
Jabin’s eyes narrowed. “Why do you want to marry her?”
“Well …” Samoth needed to think of an answer quickly. He had everything he wanted from Maria already, and he really didn’t want to marry her, but how could he explain that? “I would like to enhance my position with you and your kingdom, sir,” he lied.
Jabin stroked the rough stubble on his jaw as he considered. “I guess you have a way with people, and you definitely are a smooth talker. Some people might even think you are handsome. Maybe you would be an asset to my team. But if I find treachery in your words or actions, it will be your death!”
Samoth felt very vulnerable. The color drained from his face, but he stood nose to nose with the old tyrant, and his voice never faltered. “You can count on me.”
CHAPTER 34
Making Plans
All the members of Seagood’s team had assembled in the throne room along with Lady Helsa and Levi. “We ride at dawn,” Seagood stated.
“Who is going?” Rudy asked.
“All present, barring the Lady and my uncle,” Seagood said. “I cannot permit them to face such peril.”
Wart glanced at Lady Helsa. Her head was bowed in submission, but he thought he saw dampness on her cheeks. She wants to go, and I want to stay, he thought to himself, but aloud he said, “May I help?”
All eyes turned to Wart, and Seagood smiled when he noticed the lad. “Well,” he said, “we were hoping you would be our spokesman, Wart. None of us understands or speaks the language of Endor better than you. And you know the intentions of this court as well as we do. Are you willing to do that for us?”
“I can try,” Wart said bravely, but his heart sank. It sounded like an important job, and he wasn’t sure he was up to it.
Maria heard a door slam and footsteps race across her outer rooms. The door to her bedroom swung open, and Samoth panted breathlessly, “We’ve got to get out of here!”
“What are you talking about?” she asked coolly.
“Your father thinks we still have Thomas. He wants to use him as a bargaining chip with Gaff and Stafford. When he finds out you sent him to the oubliette, heads are going to roll.”
Maria turned pale. She knew her father better than most, and she feared his violent temper. “Where can we go?” she heard herself asking.
Samoth was thinking out loud. “Stafford is marching on the city, and your father has pulled every available man to form a resistance. The countryside is nearly empty. If we could get outside these walls, we might have a chance. But we have to get moving. Your father is sure to check with Melzar. Is there a back stairway?”
Suddenly everything Maria loved, and all her lavish toys, seemed insignificant. Lose it all? She would lose nothing of real value if she fled this very moment with her lover. She would still have all that brought value to her life. “Maybe,” she said, grabbing his sleeve. “Follow me!”
Dawn was beginning to soften the night sky in Gray Haven as the intrepid little group gathered at the palace steps. Hesketh dismounted, as did the others. He and Thomas climbed the steps to where Levi and Helsa stood waiting.
Hesketh took his sister’s hand and said, “I’m sorry, sister. I cannot let you go.”
“I know,” she said. Her face was flushed, and her voice trembled as she spoke. Her eyes were puffy and betrayed a night of tears.
Hesketh turned away. He hated to see her in such distress, but he could not allow her to ride to the very gates of Endor.
Thomas waited until Hesketh had said his goodbye, and then he took Helsa’s hand. “Dear lady,” he said, his voice soft and low.
Her eyes glistened as he spoke.
“I love you,” he whispered.
“Then why must you leave?” she asked.
“Helsa,” Thomas said quietly but firmly, “the Lord has a plan to deliver those held captive by the power of Endor. God has spared me once, and He will do so again!”
Helsa knew she should be confident, but her heart wasn’t sure. She did not answer.
“Helsa,” Thomas said, “when this is over, I will go and prepare a place for you. Will you wait until I send for you?”
Helsa’s eyes glistened, and she could feel her heart pounding in her chest. She knew in her heart that she had been his from the moment their eyes had met. “You mean
—” She faltered.
“Yes, my love,” he whispered. “When the time is right, I shall call for you. Will you come to Amity and marry me?”
Tears washed over her cheeks. She threw herself into his arms, and they held each other tight. “Yes,” she whispered. “I’ll come when you call.” Finally, when she knew she could hold him no longer, she withdrew.
Thomas pulled the chain with the silver key from around his neck. “I will call for you,” he said. Handing her the chain, he said, “Keep this as a reminder of my promise.” He turned, ran lightly down the steps, and mounted with the others.
Helsa clutched the key tight and watched the party ride away. It was long after they were out of sight that she opened her hand to inspect his gift. It was just what she expected. On the tiny silver key were the raised letters: FAITH.
Maria stopped where several hallways intersected. “We must go see Melzar,” she said, panting. She pulled her skirts above her knees and started to run.
Samoth caught her arm and spun her around. “Are you crazy?” he hissed. “That is the first place your father will look.”
“Maybe not,” she fired back. “Besides, Melzar knows this temple like the back of his hand. He’s been around forever. If there is a way out, he will know it.”
They moved swiftly until they reached Melzar’s room. Samoth paused at the heavy wooden door and listened intently. He heard low voices from within and whispered, “Someone is inside. Let’s get out of here.”
“It can’t be Daddy,” Maria said. “Whoever is in there is talking softly, almost as if they want to remain secret. Daddy yells. Come on. Let’s go in.”
Samoth suddenly grabbed her arm. “Hey, what is this? Are you going to betray me to your father? Wait a minute. I can see it now. You want to earn some favor by pointing all the blame at me!”
“That’s not true!” Shock and anger shook Maria’s voice. “I want to get out of here without being seen. Do you know how to do that?”
Samoth shook his head and softened his grip on her arm.
“I don’t either,” she shot at him. “Melzar is our only hope.”
“But what if he is talking to some guard that will tell your father?” Samoth asked.
“We have to take that chance,” Maria said. Without knocking, she lifted the latch and walked into the room. Sitting in a circle on the floor were six men, all clothed in the crimson garb of the temple guard. Maria had seen them all before, but the face that surprised her most was that of Mandra, the man she had interviewed only yesterday.
She was about to question Melzar about this when Samoth began to speak. “Melzar, do you know a good way out of here?”
Melzar moved his startled gaze from the Lady to Samoth. He spoke almost woodenly. “Past the guard station, take a left, and follow the hallway to the staircase. Then down and—”
“No, no, no,” Samoth fumed. “I mean a back way. Something secret! Jabin must not see us.”
Everyone turned to stare at Samoth.
Melzar’s eyes narrowed. Turning to the Lady, he asked directly, “Are you in danger?”
Maria knew that Melzar had never loved her, but he had been in charge of this temple when her mother had reigned. Maria had grown up under his eye, if not under his care or teaching. There was an unspoken bond between them.
“Melzar,” she pleaded. She looked into his eyes to see if he felt any sympathy. “When Daddy finds out what we’ve done, I’m afraid he’ll be very angry. We want to escape, unseen if possible. I knew if anyone knew a way, it would be you.” She sensed the old man softening. “Please help us, Melzar.”
Glancing about the room, Melzar stroked his chin wearily.
Maria could see that Melzar was torn. She was seeking his protection, but Jabin was his master and had placed him here, and Jabin could easily remove him. And what about these men seated on the floor? Would they betray the lot of them?
“I can’t hide you here,” Melzar mumbled under his breath.
Maria knew he had taken their side and was taking his life in his hands to help them. “Thank you,” she cried, hugging the old man’s shoulders.
“You are not safe yet,” the old man scolded. “Save your thanks until it is deserved. Will your father come looking for you soon?”
“He will come looking for you,” Samoth interjected.
“Why?” Melzar asked.
“He thinks you are holding Thomas of Amity,” Maria said. “Armies are marching upon Endor, and Daddy wants to use Thomas as a bargaining tool. But we … I threw him away.” She bowed her head.
The men on the floor stirred restlessly and looked at each other. Melzar held up his hand, and his thumb and forefinger were crossed. He addressed them as men under his command. “You men need to get back to your duties!” He gave them a knowing glace, and at once they leaped to their feet and fled the room.
“Will they tell Jabin?” Samoth fretted.
“No,” Melzar said. “They fear the wrath of Jabin as much as you. Quickly now, we must be moving. We will take the back stairs to the kitchen.”
They descended two flights of stairs and rounded a bend where Melzar, who was in the lead, nearly bumped into a plump, elderly woman carrying a tray laden with fresh loaves of bread. Samoth and Maria halted out of sight around the corner.
“Quick, woman, I need your clothes,” Melzar demanded of the startled woman.
“My lord—” she stammered. “Here? I—”
“For heaven’s sake! Not the clothes you have on!” Melzar groaned. It wasn’t as if he had asked for clothing from the woman’s personal wardrobe. She was in charge of all the slave women’s apparel. “I need an extra dress or so—make it two. And fetch two cloaks for me as well.”
The large woman carefully placed her tray of steaming bread on a bench and fled to her quarters.
Melzar scooped several of the hot rolls from the tray and handed them around the corner to Samoth and Maria. “Eat these,” he said. “Lord knows when you will get a chance to eat again.”
“What are you doing with us?” Samoth asked between mouthfuls. His fear seemed to have subsided as his appetite returned.
“There is a labor force of women who go out to the gardens every day,” Melzar explained. “I’m hoping to pass you off as female slaves. Once you are outside the city gates, you might make your escape complete.”
“Why must we dress as women?” Samoth asked. “Wouldn’t it be easier to pass Maria off as a man than me as a woman?”
“It would,” Melzar said. “However, the women slaves are free to move about outside, while the men are shackled together before they leave the fortress. As men it would be impossible to escape.”
“But—” Maria began. The reality of becoming a slave, escaping the city, and living as a fugitive began to weigh heavily upon her.
“Shh,” Melzar shushed her. “I hear someone coming.” He stepped around the corner and positioned himself near the hot rolls. The woman was bustling down the hallway, carrying several items in her arms.
“There, Lord Melzar,” she puffed as she drew near. “You had me so flustered I forgot to ask what sizes you needed.”
Melzar hadn’t thought of that either. “I’m sorry I caught you by surprise, good lady. I do hope you have brought at least one large dress.”
“I did!” The woman beamed. “I don’t know why. Just the first one I came to, I guess.”
He took the items from her hand and said, “I took liberty with a loaf or two from your tray. They are very good! Where are they going?”
She frowned and wagged a finger at him. “They were going to the master’s chambers. There were plenty for you in the kitchen, mind you.”
“They were for the master?” Melzar asked uneasily. “Can you restock the tray before you go?”
“I most certainly can and will,” the woman responded.
“Are you taking it to his rooms or elsewhere?” Melzar asked, trying to sound causal.
“His rooms,” she laughed. “More like a pigsty, it is. He and his officers have been drinking again. They got wind of some great plan this morning, and they’ve been having a party ever since. I don’t know why I worry about how many loaves are on the tray. They won’t even know there’s a tray of bread. But as sure as I take a tray one loaf short, it’ll be my demise.”
Melzar feared this tirade could go on all day if he didn’t cut it short, but it was comforting to know Jabin’s whereabouts. It might give them time to work his plan. “Excuse me,” he interrupted the woman, “but the master may want his bread, dear lady.”
“Dear me, you are right!” She snatched the tray from the bench and bustled into the kitchen.
Melzar waited until she was out of sight, and then he ducked around the corner. “Here, get these on,” he said, tossing Samoth and Maria the ragged dresses and heavy cloaks.
“You mean here?” Maria began to protest.
“Yes, here,” Melzar snapped. “I’ll watch the hallway. Just hurry.”
Samoth looked at Maria and grinned. Even in the dark shadows, Maria felt very conspicuous as she unbuttoned her collar.
“What do we do with these?” Samoth asked, holding out his shirt and breeches to Melzar.
“I’ll take everything and roll it up inside your shirt,” Melzar said. “How does the dress fit?”
“Lousy!” Samoth grumbled.
Maria stifled a giggle. She had never seen Samoth so—she couldn’t find a word for it. He seemed so human. She wanted to throw her arms around his neck and give him a hug, but Melzar seemed in such a hurry.
“Are you ready, my Lady?” Melzar asked, his back still discreetly turned to her activities.
“Yes,” she said, tying the belt around her waist.
Melzar turned to inspect the disguises and nearly laughed. Maria resembled a princess in a tattered work frock, and Samoth looked utterly ridiculous in a ragged dress that barely covered his knees.
Beyond the Fire Page 37