The Righteous Whisper of Allsaints (The White Blood Chronicles Book 2)

by Mark G Heath

  “ Sorry about that Michael, but we are out now.”

  Vindicta looked up and down the lane and saw that it was empty.

  “ Let's get you to some help,” he muttered to Sanctus and headed away to the Grizel.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  The Brother Knights crossed the hump of Tallow Bridge, their armour jangling with the motion of their steeds.

  “ I must admit,” said Sir Simon, “ the revelation about this Thaindire fellow comes as no surprise.”

  “ I agree. I did not take to him when we met him here, when Coffyn was being judged,” answered Sir Joshua.

  “ Yes, I found him rather aggressive and rather too swift to challenge our authority.”

  “ Typical aspirant.”

  “ To be expected really, the high-handed arrogance of those from Lancester,” said Sir Simon.

  “ Precisely.”

  “ So, our outsider is to be arrested. Do you think he will resist?”

  “ I hope so,” answered Sir Joshua patting the hilt of his sword, “ I rather fancy some swordplay.”

  “ Is that so brother? Well, I shall let you lead the charge against him if he proves to be difficult.”

  “ Father Thomas suggested that Mistress Kathryn might become rather excitable when we arrest Thaindire. I don’t think running her through will be necessary though.”

  “ Yes, it appears that she has rather taken to our outsider. I have warned her father about this before. She has form for this kind of behaviour. It invariably results in a complication,” said Sir Simon.

  “ Yes, do you recall that merchant she fell in with.”

  “ Oh yes, what was he called?” asked Sir Simon. The Brother Knights became silent for a moment as they neared the statues at the end of the bridge.

  “ Master Truelove,” said Sir Joshua after consideration.

  “ Yes, that’s him. How could I forget,” said Sir Simon. He laughed, his breath clouding in the air.

  “ She told everyone in the tavern that he was going to propose marriage to her and that he was upstairs readying himself to make a grand gesture in front of everyone in the bar.”

  “ Thus everyone was waiting for him to appear on the staircase and declare his love and desire for her, but he was taking an age to appear,” smiled Sir Simon.

  “ Yes, so Kathryn went to find him and there he was stealing all her fragrances, the rascal.”

  “ Then she set his hair on fire and he came haring through the bar, flames trailing after him.”

  “ Yes and a furious Mistress Kathryn not far behind, if I remember rightly,” added Sir Joshua.

  “ Wonder what happened to him? He just ran off up the Widow’s Way screaming.”

  “ Maybe he became our grave digger, it would explain his attitude to the village women,” suggested Sir Joshua. Sir Simon snorted.

  “ Hush now brother, we are here,” he said as they arrived at the apothecary.

  “ Are you going to go and get Father Thomas?” asked Sir Joshua. Sir Simon nodded and dismounted his horse. He handed the reins to his steed to Sir Joshua and walked up the steps to the door of the apothecary. With a mailed fist he knocked heavily on the door, causing it to shake. There was no answer and after a short wait, Sir Simon addressed the door again. He turned to his brother.

  “ Nobody’s answering,” he said.

  “ Enter then,” replied Sir Joshua. Sir Simon tried the handle and pushed the door but found it locked. He shoved it again but there was no movement.

  “ He must have gone back to the church,” said Sir Joshua. “ Come on, we had better go and find him there.”

  Sir Simon nodded and returned to his horse, mounting the steed and straddling it, sliding his feet back into the stirrups.

  “ He certainly said to meet him here,” mused Sir Simon.

  “ I know. Oh well, back we go,” said Sir Joshua and they wheeled their horses around to head back across the bridge.

  Vindicta walked down the lane returning to the Grizel’s residence. Sanctus remained slumped over his shoulder, his fellow witch hunter far lighter than when he was in his prime. Vindicta reached the Grizel’s house and tried to open the door but it would not open. He banged on the door with his fist, catching his breath.

  “ Come on,” he muttered casting a glance back along the lane.

  The door soon opened and Grizel ushered him inside. Vindicta climbed up the steps, weariness beginning to consume him and he stepped into the entrance hall. Grizel closed the door behind him.

  Eustace Reznik smiled to himself as he watched Vindicta enter the Grizel’s house, from his vantage point down the lane, in the shadow of a house.

  “ I knew you had somebody in there, you weasel,” said Reznik, “ Now, two of them. You old snake, luring them there for your own purposes I shall wager.” Reznik caressed his stubbled chin.

  “ This will be worth considerable coin,” he said and slipped away from the wall.

  “ Lie him down before the fire,” instructed Grizel. Vindicta complied and knelt down, carefully lowering his weakened comrade to the rug, in front of the fireplace.

  “ Michael?” he asked.

  Sanctus opened his eyes, the usual piercing blue was now considerably dulled.

  “ Yes Gabriel, I am still here. Where are we?”

  “ This is Grizel,” said Vindicta indicating towards Grizel who was also knelt over Sanctus.

  “ He is in a poor state,” he commented.

  “ Yes he is,” said Vindicta, “ that witch Thorne had him hooked up to some device which was draining the blood from him.”

  “ I told you how precious a commodity your white blood is,” reminded Grizel, “ where was Thorne, did you encounter her at the apothecary?”

  “ Yes, she was there, but she was in the front of the store which enabled me to gain entry and go and find Michael down in her basement. I was about to free him when Thorne and the priest, came down into the basement. I hid from them.”

  “ What happened?”

  “ The pair argued over the white blood and began to fight. The priest rendered the witch unconscious and he was about to kill Michael when I confronted him.”

  “ Did Campion flee the apothecary?”

  “ No, I have slain that demon,” said Vindicta.

  “ Campion is dead?”

  “ If that is the demon’s name, then yes.”

  “ There has been quite a shift towards returning the balance with your rescue of Sanctus and the death of Campion, you have done well.”

  “ Save your praises Grizel, Michael is our concern now. You must help him as you helped me,” said Vindicta. Grizel did not reply.

  “ You are able to help him?” asked Vindicta, concerned.

  “ Yes, he is very weak, but he is safe here. I can restore him to strength. If I so choose.”

  Vindicta rose to his feet.

  “ If you so choose? You will do it Grizel or I shall cut you down,” threatened Vindicta, his hand reaching for his sword hilt.

  “ Calm yourself man, there will be no blood shed within these walls. It is forbidden.”

  “ Then help him,” implored Vindicta.

  “ Matters remain imbalanced notwithstanding your good works,” commented Grizel.

  “ I care not for balance master Grizel, but rather the health and wellness of my brother Michael,” said Vindicta.

  “ Then it appears we both want something then don’t we?”

  “ It does,” said Vindicta.

  “ Come now Master Vindicta, we can both help one another.”

  “ What is the price for the health of Michael?” asked Vindicta.

  “ Master Thaindire has fallen into the hands of darkness. There is only one escape from the hold of darkness for him. He is no longer one of your Order,” said Grizel.

  “ Can the enchantment not be broken? Surely you can use some of your works to dispel it?”

  “ No, I am afraid I cannot, darkness has permeated his heart and turned him against t
hose things he once held true. Whereas Master Sanctus here, he is perfectly capable of being saved, with the right care.”

  “ What would you have me do?” asked Vindicta looking towards Sanctus who lay still, eyes closed.

  “ You must slay Thaindire and remove a powerful tool from the possession of darkness,” said Grizel.

  “ Slay one of my own?”

  “ He is no longer one of your own, you will realise that as soon as you set eyes upon him.”

  Vindicta walked over to one of the chairs and lowered himself into it, his chest and shoulder paining him.

  “ It is what you must do, to save Michael,” pressed the Grizel.

  “ I hear you Grizel, you have made the bargain plain enough,” retorted Vindicta irritated by the pressure being placed on him.

  Grizel stood up and left Sanctus. He walked to the table and poured some wine into a goblet before picking it up and returning to the fire.

  “ Here,” said Grizel offering the goblet. Vindicta took it and swallowed the wine in several gulps. He returned the goblet to Grizel and wiped his hand across his mouth.

  “ Very well, I will do as you ask,” he said looking up at Grizel, “ I must take rest however, I shall seek out Stead,” he cut himself short unable to refer to Thaindire by his Order title. “ I shall seek him out on the morrow, but you must have a care for Michael this instant.”

  “ Of course. Oh, just in case you think you might outwit me, if I commence caring for Master Sanctus and you do not adhere to your side of our agreement, I can readily return him to this state. Or worse.”

  “ Spare me your threats, Grizel, I will uphold my side. See to Michael,” answered Vindicta.

  “ I am pleased we understand one another.”

  Grizel made his way to a cupboard with a locked glass door. He produced a small key, unlocked the cupboard and lifted out a small bottle with a yellow liquid inside it.

  “ This will get him started,” he said and turned back towards the prone Sanctus.

  The Brother Knights halted at the church gate and climbed down from their horses. A figure, clad in black was stood outside of the church door, looking across the churchyard. As soon as the two knights stepped through the church gate, the figure left its post and headed into the church.

  “ I wonder who that is?” remarked Sir Simon as they began walking along the path to the church.

  “ I should imagine it is one of the pilgrims that Father Thomas was expecting.”

  “ Of course,” said Sir Simon.

  “ Probably gone to fetch Father Thomas,” said Sir Joshua.

  “ Looks like another burning will be taking place,” observed Sir Simon jabbing a thumb towards the pyre in the corner of the churchyard.

  “ It might be in anticipation of this Thaindire fellow's confession.”

  “ Do you think he will do so? Looked an obstinate chap.”

  “ Well, I suppose it depends on his method of trial.”

  “ True enough. What is it for a charge of demonic activity?”

  “ Do you know, I am not sure, Father Thomas will know.”

  The two brothers walked up the steps to the church door and were about to enter when Novac emerged, one of his acolytes behind him.

  “ Good day,” said Sir Simon, “ we are looking for Father Thomas.”

  “ Who are you?”

  “ I beg your pardon?” said Sir Joshua.

  “ I said, who are you?” asked Novac.

  Sir Joshua bristled, but Sir Simon placed a restraining gauntlet on his brother’s arm.

  “ He is not from here, is he?” he said.

  “ I am Sir Joshua Pennant, this is my brother, Sir Simon Pennant. We are the overseers of Aftlain. You must be one of the pilgrims Father Thomas told us about.”

  “ Yes, that’s right, I am Syed Novac, Cam, Father Thomas did make mention of you. My apologies, I was busy at prayer when my brother brought to my attention your arrival,” said Novac.

  “ Is Father Thomas here?” asked Sir Simon.

  “ No, no he isn’t,” answered Novac. “ In fact, I don’t know where he is. He did say he had to attend to some business in the village. Have you tried there?”

  “ Yes, we have,” said Sir Joshua, regarding the crescent emblems on the sleeves of Novac’s attire.

  “ He attended on us within the last hour and agreed to meet with us at the apothecary,” explained Sir Simon.

  “ Well, have you tried to find him there?”

  “ Of course, but he was not there and nor was Alyssia. Nobody answered the door.”

  “ He had better not be cavorting with some village girl,” muttered Novac to his acolyte.

  “ Cavorting?” said Sir Simon, “ Whatever do you mean? Father Thomas does not cavort.”

  “ Sorry, I am mistaken. Do you wish to leave word for him?”

  “ What does that symbol mean?” asked Sir Joshua pointing towards the half-moon.

  “ Oh it is the emblem of our chapter. Part of our works is to protect our people when the moon is high in the sky; we dedicate ourselves to guarding the night, in the name of the One True God. Few know about us as our works go on whilst others sleep,” Novac replied smoothly.

  “ Most admirable,” said Sir Joshua.

  “ So, do you wish to leave word for Father Thomas?”

  “ Well, this is somewhat untoward. Father Thomas is about to lay charges against a transgressor who has come to our village and he requires our presence, as is always the case when charges are brought, to arrest the accused and maintain order.”

  “ When was Father Thomas to do this?” questioned Novac.

  “ This afternoon. Now,” said Sir Simon.

  “ We cannot proceed without him,” added Sir Joshua.

  “ Unless,” commented Sir Simon, “ you are a holy man are you not pilgrim Novac?”

  “ Yes, yes I am,” he replied.

  “ You could lay the charges for us, in Father Thomas’ absence,” suggested Sir Simon.

  “ Well, I am not sure about that,” said Novac. His acolyte leant forward and whispered in his ear.

  “ I am expecting a visitor here at the church. They have travelled far and it would be most rude of me not to be here when they arrive.”

  “ When do you expect them?” asked Sir Joshua.

  “ Any time this afternoon or evening,” said Novac.

  “ How frustrating,” muttered Sir Simon.

  Sir Simon turned to his brother and the pair huddled together speaking quietly as Novac looked on.

  “ We shall leave matters in abeyance then, if nobody is available to lay the charges, but we are displeased as this may disrupt order in the village,” said Sir Simon.

  “ I am sorry I have been unable to assist,” said Novac.

  “ We shall retire for now and hope that Father Thomas makes himself available. Should he return this day, explain to him that we sought him out and invite him to call on us immediately so that the charges can be laid,” instructed Sir Joshua.

  “ I shall ensure it is the first thing I tell him when I see him,” assured Novac.

  “ We shall return in the morning. If for some reason Father Thomas remains unavailable, you will lay the charges as these matters must not be left to fester.”

  “ In the morning, very well, yes,” answered Novac content to agree since he expected Campion to show his sorry face long before then.

  “ Good, thank you pilgrim Novac, we may see you on the morrow,” said Sir Joshua. The two knights turned and made their way down the steps and along the path.

  “ That idiot had better show himself soon, I don’t want these two knights near our business,” said Novac to the acolyte, “ especially since Ringthane is expected to deliver shortly.” Novac watched the knights pass through the gate and climb on their horses.

  “ Come, we must continue with our work, these petty interruptions are of no use to us,” said Novac and he swept back into the church, followed by the acolyte.

  Chapter
Twenty-Three

  Redway sat up sharply in his bed as if an icy bucket of water had been thrown over him. Something had invaded his slumber, dragging him violently from his sleep. He let out a gasp, a cold dread seizing his heart, his hands clutching at the blankets as the chilled sliver of anguish ran through him. He looked about his bedroom, eyes darting and his sight alighted on the two dark columns that manifested at the end of his bed, just visible in the pale candlelight. The cold that surrounded him caused him to shiver and he pulled at the blankets, gathering them about himself, but it did nothing to alleviate the chill. A sickness gripped him as a wave of foreboding crashed over him, filling him with despair, as if every misery and injustice in his forty winters had been stockpiled and was now collectively stacked upon his person. Melancholy, regret and sorrow prevailed; any feelings of happiness and joy were sucked from the room. Redway was no coward, yet he felt like a child, separated from its mother in a strange place, helpless and pathetic. His breath came in short, staccato bursts, clouding in the freezing air. He watched the black pillars swiftly coalesce into two vaguely human shapes. The dark red eyes glowed into life as the spirits wavered before him.

  “ Master Redway,” came the voices, hollow and desolate, sweeping at him from all sides. Redway looked to his side. His wife lay asleep, oblivious to the intrusion into their intimate chamber, her body gently rising and falling with her soft breathing. He glanced back to the spirits.