Ceta introduced the man with her as Dr. Wycroft. A bit shorter than her, he was well-dressed in a long black coat fastened in the front by a gold chain. His hair was mostly gray, neatly trimmed, and he carried himself with an air of confidence. Lara thought he was a very distinguished-looking gentleman.
"Mistress Woodall tells me that you and your cousin hail from Ashford Township," he said, shaking hands with Akin and presenting a slight bow to Lara.
"Yes," Akin replied as casually as he could. "We're on our way to Barcora to visit some relatives. Would you care to sit down?"
"No, no, thank you very much. The hour is late, and I was about to take my leave anyway. Susa Barkley is expecting her first child and I promised to look in on her in the morning."
"Well, perhaps another time," Akin said pleasantly. "We hope to secure passage on a ship in the next few days, but I imagine we'll be passing back through here in a few weeks when we return home."
"To Ashford?" Dr. Wycroft asked, his brows coming together.
"Yes... of course," Akin said, looking from the doctor to Lara, then back again.
The doctor's fine features suddenly took on a serious expression and he pulled a chair up to the table. "Then I must assume you have not heard the news?" he asked, sitting down.
"News? We've been on the road for quite some time and have only just arrived."
"My dear young man," the doctor said, putting his hand sympathetically on Akin's forearm and lowering his voice. "I am very sorry to have to tell you this, but ten days ago the Nyngaryns and Sibuyan attacked Stermark, and the Alor Satar and Bajani attacked Toland. If I am not mistaken, Ashford was in the middle of the fighting. The duchess sent troops north to support King Malach at An-deron, which we have heard is also under siege. Of course, much of the news is still incomplete, but the ship's captain who told me is a reliable man, so I think we must give it credence."
Akin stared at him in disbelief. "War? I can't believe it."
"I am very sorry," the doctor repeated again, this time looking to Lara. "If there is anything that I can do . . ."
Lara was the first to recover. "No. Thank you, sir," she said. "We are at war, then?"
"That decision is usually something for politicians and the crown, but yes, I would have to say that is exactly what it means."
"This is horrible," Lara said. "Was there any news of Ashford, Doctor?"
"None that I have heard directly, but rest assured, I will certainly inquire. I can understand what a shock this must be to you."
"Yes... it is. My relatives and I will have to discuss what to do when they arrive," Lara said.
"Of course, my dear," Dr. Wycroft said. "Ceta told me you are expecting them in the morning. Would that I could have spared you this. We can only pray it will be over quickly. I have no desire to experience a war again. If I can be of any service, please don't hesitate to call upon me."
The doctor rose, shaking Akin's hand once more and giving Ceta Woodall a kiss on the cheek before he said good night and departed.
Ceta watched him go. "He's a good man," she said, and turning back to them, added, "It's time I was off to bed as well. Call on me in the morning. We can walk down to the docks together and I'll introduce you to Captain Donal."
"Thank you, Ceta," Lara said.
The innkeeper gave her a quick wink and then stared at Akin for a second. "He does look better once you clean him up."
But she was gone before Akin could reply.
20
Elberton
Their ride into town was quiet and uneventful. Even after Collin had relieved him to stand guard, Mathew was unable to get any sleep. He'd lain in his blanket and eventually watched the sky turn gray. Painful thoughts of Bran reemerged, and of Giles, and of Berke Ramsey's face as he died. Everything seemed like a jumble to him—his future, Lara, what the Orlock had said. Bran once told him that nighttime always made things seem more serious than they were, and the light of day was far better to put matters in their proper perspective. He wished Bran were there with him now.
In the morning they had a quick cold meal of bread and cheese.
"I used to enjoy cheese," Daniel said, sitting with his back against the trunk of a tree.
"What's wrong with cheese?" Collin asked, taking another bite of his sandwich.
"Nothing, I guess," Daniel replied. "I could just do with a change, that's all. Nine days of cheese in a row may have cured me."
Collin shrugged, took another bite of his sandwich, and got up to tie his pack onto his horse.
"Nothing bothers him," Daniel observed to Mathew. "It's depressing."
They broke camp as quickly as they could and made then-way back to the road. After riding several minutes, they passed the ruins of an old town off to their left. The forest
was well on its way to reclaiming the land. The blackened timbers of the few houses and buildings remaining told them there had been a fire. A few foundations and chimneys still stood here and there, though most of them had collapsed or fallen under the weight of downed trees. Long grass and dried-up shrubs grew everywhere. The wind blew dust in a cloud along what must have once been the town's main street. Other than birds chirping angrily at their approach, no sound or sign of life came from it at all.
"Gosh," Daniel said as they rode by. "I wonder what place this was."
"Weyburn," Father Thomas answered. "It was called Weyburn."
He paused his horse for a minute to look at the silent town, then pulled his reins and continued down the road. Daniel, Collin, and Mathew exchanged glances and followed him silently.
Elberton was nothing like Mathew expected. The town didn't seem to have any precise center, or even a beginning point; it just started, one street following another. The result was somehow unbalanced and awkward. They had no trouble finding the oddly named Nobody's Inn, however, which was at the opposite end of Elberton.
On their way, they passed the same house Lara had asked Akin about, where two sleepy-looking young ladies were just returning from an evening's work. The smaller of the two, a pretty brunette with a very attractive figure, flashed Collin an inviting smile. He slowed his horse and was about to engage her in conversation when Father Thomas rode up alongside him and took him by the elbow.
"Ah ... come along, my son. Unfortunately, only the smile is free."
"Oh," Collin said, looking back over his shoulder at the young lady, who continued to watch him with professional interest.
They had scarcely arrived before Lara bounded out of the front door and all but launched herself at Father Thomas, grabbing him in a tremendous hug. Mathew, Daniel, and Collin received similar greetings. She was followed by Akin, who elected to simply shake hands.
A sleepy-looking Will, wearing his usual long-suffering expression, emerged from the stables, took their horses, and pointed toward the front door of the inn, indicating for them to go in.
Ceta Woodall came out to greet them. She had changed into a comfortable-looking blue dress with a thin gold belt that clung well to her trim figure and set off her hair nicely.
"I was told you were coming, and I'm so pleased to have you as our guests," she said, looking principally at Father Thomas. "I take it you must be Uncle Siward, and these are your boys. Lara's told me so much about you already, I feel as if we're old friends."
Father Thomas opened his mouth, then closed it again after a glance at Lara and Akin, who smiled back at him.
"I'm very pleased to make your acquaintance as well," he said, recovering his composure. "May I introduce my, uh ... boys, Mathew, Daniel, and Collin."
Despite some puzzled looks, each of them bowed.
"Lara, why didn't you tell me you had such a handsome uncle?" Ceta asked, taking Father Thomas's arm. "I've put aside two rooms for you. If you'll follow me, Uncle Siward, I'll show you up. Lara told me you wouldn't mind doubling. We're a bit full at this time of year."
Father Thomas allowed the innkeeper to lead him through the common r
oom, which was mostly empty of guests at that late hour of the morning. Lara, noticing the priest's discomfort, exchanged a mischievous glance with Akin, who rolled his eyes. The innkeeper, followed by Lara, led Akin and Father Thomas to the room she had set aside for him. Once inside Ceta closed the door and turned to face the priest.
"Your niece thought it best to keep your plans private," she said to him. "I'm sorry, but too many of my people
were around to allow time for an explanation. Several of the duchess's soldiers were also here last night."
Father Thomas listened to her calmly. He wasn't certain, but from the amused twinkle in her eye, she seemed to be enjoying herself. "I see," he said. "Well, perhaps that was for the best after all. Thank you for your discretion." "Your.. . ah . . ." Ceta frowned at Akin while searching for the right word. Not finding it, she went on, "Well, I'm not sure what your relationship is, but I'm sure Master Gibb will explain to you about the ship and the other news. In the meantime," she added, with a pointed sniff at the air, "I'll have some tubs and water brought up. Midday meal will be in an hour."
Giving Lara a quick wink, she left the room, and a perplexed Father Thomas.
"Remarkable woman," he murmured under his breath. Akin quickly told them what he and Lara had learned since their arrival. The news of war came as a shock to Father Thomas, but before they had time to discuss it, they were interrupted by a knock. Will and another man came in carrying their things and a tub. "Where'd you want these?" Will asked. "The bed will be just fine for the packs," Lara answered, taking charge. "And you can set the tub right there."
When they were finished, Father Thomas fished two copper pennies out of his cloak and gave one to each of the men.
"Thankee, sir," the first man said with a smile and a small bow, before withdrawing.
Will just stuck the penny in the pocket of his vest and said flatly, "She said for me to show you to the other
room."
Lara was surprised to find the boys engaged in a quick discussion among themselves. They decided to share one room and let Father Thomas have the other.
They all followed Will out and down the hall to the second room, which was located across from her own.
After helping everyone get settled, Lara went downstairs to talk to Ceta and see if another bed could be brought up.
When the boys were alone, Collin sat on one of the beds and whistled.
"Do you think the news about the war is true?" he asked the others.
Mathew shook his head and stood by the window, looking out at the view, which consisted mostly of rooftops. "I don't know. But if it is, it changes everything. We'll have to go back."
"Go back?" Daniel said. "I thought we've been through all that."
Mathew turned around to face him. "It's not a matter of my going to jail this time," he said. "If we really are at war, then it's up to us to do our duty. I'll just have to deal with the other thing when it comes up."
"And having met Jeram Quinn, how long do you think that will be?" Daniel asked. "I may be going out on a limb with this, but my guess is he didn't take too kindly to our threatening him with bows and arrows."
"I think Mat's right," Collin said from the bed, "We're going to have to go back. Maybe Father Thomas can work something out."
"Father Thomas is as involved in this as we are," Daniel replied. "Look, I'm as keen as you are about doing my duty, but I say let's find out just exactly what the situation is and how bad things are before we make any decisions.
"I don't know," Collin said, stretching out on the bed and looking up at the wooden ceiling. "I guess we need to think about it. Why don't we see what Father and Akin say after lunch? In the meantime, I'd like to see some of this town."
Their discussion was interrupted by the arrival of a third bed and a large tub, brought in by Will and John, as they learned his name was. John seemed harmless enough, but Will went about his business with a sour look on his face, muttering continually to himself. More than
once, Mathew caught him looking at his ring. He handed each of them a copper penny, as Father Thomas had done. John left with a smile, but Will just looked at the penny, smirked, and put it in his pocket.
Before the door even closed, Effie and Gayle appeared with a set of fresh bed linens and a pillow for the extra bed. Each girl was carrying a bucket of hot water.
"Here, let me help you with that," Collin said, jumping off the bed and taking the buckets from them.
"Oh, sir, you don't need to do that. It's my job," Effie said. Gayle just giggled and left to fetch another bucket.
Collin poured the water into the tub and handed the bucket back to her with a smile.
"Miss Lara certainly has some handsome cousins," she said, smiling back at him while rearranging a strand of hair from her forehead. "Will you gentlemen be staying with us long?"
"Possibly," Collin said. "It depends how long it will take us to get passage on a boat to Tyraine. We're on our way to visit our aunt. She just had a baby, you know."
"Oh yes, sir. Mistress Woodall told me about it earlier. What did she have?"
"Have?"
"Your aunt, sir," she prompted.
Incredibly, Daniel and Mathew, standing on opposite sides of the room, decided to help by answering "a boy" and "a girl" at the same time.
Bewildered, Effie looked at Collin. "Sir?"
"Ah . . . twins. . . she had twins," he said quickly.
"Oh, I see. That must be why you're all going, then. Although I don't see what use men can be with babies," she teased.
"Yes. Well, the farm needs a lot of work," Mathew said. "Her poor husband is a bit overwhelmed."
"We're very handy," Daniel supplemented.
Effie looked from one to another and gave a small, dismissive shrug. "I'll just be off to fetch the rest of your water. If you gentlemen are interested, there's a tavern down by the docks called the Blue Goose. There'll be dancing and music tonight. Gayle and I'll be there after we're off from work ... and some other girls too."
"Well, that sounds just wonderful," Collin said, leaning closer and giving her one of his most endearing smiles.
"Won't there be dancing here as well?" Daniel asked.
"Oh yes, sir," Effe replied, "but more the quiet kind, if you know what I mean—for people like your uncle and such."
"He does tend to be the quiet type," Daniel agreed.
"I imagine we'll be able to stop by," Collin said. "After you're done with work, you say?"
"Mm-hmm," Effie said, sounding delighted. She gave them a quick curtsey and left the room.
As soon as she was gone, Collin rounded on them. " 'A boy and a girl!' " he said. "Pathetic. Simply pathetic. I swear, neither of you will ever make a good liar."
Mathew began to chuckle, recalling the shocked look on Collin's face. Daniel joined him a moment later. Soon all three of them were laughing uncontrollably.
After almost two weeks on the road, a hot bath felt very nice indeed to Mathew. They had flipped a coin and he lost, so he had to wait for Daniel and then Collin to vacate the tub.
Just as well. It'll give me more time to soak.
He settled back in the water, promising to join them downstairs after he finished cleaning up. With a small mirror balanced on his knees, he lathered his face and enjoyed the sensuous feel of scraping a razor across his chin as he removed two days' growth of beard. The stubble, he noticed, stretching the skin under his throat, seemed to be thicker and darker of late. When he finished, he set the razor and mirror on the stool next to him and lay back to think, weighing the avenues open to him. Each possible scenario ended with his going back—by himself if need be, and striking an agreement with Jeram Quinn that would allow him—and him alone—to bear the consequences of
what had happened. If his assessment of Quinn were right, the man would be reasonable. It was just a matter of working out the details. At that moment, however, he didn't know exactly how he was going to manage that.
&nb
sp; Mathew dropped his arms into the suds, letting the warm water cover them, and slid backward until the water reached his shoulders. A casual movement of his hand caused the ring to bang against the side of the tub. It made a small clinking sound. Reflexively, he pulled bis arm out of the water and examined it. There were markings on the outside, letters worn smooth over time. They were faint and difficult to make out. Giles's ring.
If nothing else, it was unusual. The oddest thing about it, he decided, apart from the words he could not understand, was its color. It was neither yellow nor white, but a kind of rose shade. He had seen lots of jewelry before, but never any gold that looked like it. Not that he had much experience with jewelry, he admitted to himself.
A cool breeze blew in from the window and sent a little shiver up his spine. He sank back down into the warm water and considered whether it was worth getting out of the tub to close it. A second breeze, accompanied by another chill across his wet skin, decided him—the window definitely needed closing.
With a sigh, he reached for the towel and started to get up, only to freeze part of the way as the window slowly slid down, shutting itself. At the same time, the briefest tingling sensation coursed through his arm. The whole thing happened so quickly, it almost felt like a feather touching him but it was definitely there. He recalled experiencing the same sensation in the forest a split second before his vision had changed. He'd put that off then to being nervous at the time.
Stepping out of the tub, he wrapped a towel around his waist, removed the ring from his finger, and set it down on the wooden stool. The tingling did not return. And other than a slight quickening of his pulse, he felt completely normal. On a hunch, he walked over and tried the window. There was no play in the frame, and it certainly was anything but loose—in fact, it took an effort to lift it again.
Experimentally, he looked around the room, then out across the rooftops. His vision appeared the same to him as it had been a moment ago. Mathew picked up the ring, walked over to the light, and turned it over in his hand, carefully examining it. For the first time, he noticed writing on the inside as well, only so small that he could barely make out any of the letters, with the exception of an E and an L that were larger than the others. He gave up and put the ring back on. The tingling came and went so quickly it caused him to question whether it was really there or not. He took the ring off again and lifted it in his palm. It was definitely heavier than it looked, and cold to the touch as well.
Mitchell Graham - [Fifth Ring 01] - The Fifth Ring (v1.0) Page 21