Conn told the Folctoga his plans, and as Daray arrived with three extra men and two pack horses with supplies, they headed down over the border in the failing light. By the time they arrived at bottom of the wall, they were at the river’s edge, and there was just enough light to cross safely – the ford in the river at this point was dangerous in day and treacherous at night. Safely on the other bank, a well-travelled path headed towards the port of Tegeste and they set out at a brisk but steady pace. Before long, they spotted a camp site on the road side.
It was located in a small hollow, and a dozen horses were tied up to graze. The camp consisted of three tents and a fire, and as Conn scouted closer, he could see the ‘slavers’, which is what he assumed them to be, pushing the Eaorl’s daughter, her hands tied, into one of the tents. Conn was relieved to see she looked otherwise unharmed.
They could also see three riders leave in the direction of the cotlif – which must still be a two hour ride, and they were travelling at night. It must be very urgent to be travelling at night. They did a quick scout around the camp, sending Wilgar and Daray in opposite directions. In about twenty minutes they returned.
‘There isn’t a sentry on the north side – near the river.’ Wilgar reported.
‘They must not assume any danger from that side, I guess; their mistake.’
Leaving Wuffa to guard the horses, they crept up to the camp from the river side. Whilst the moonlit night was advantageous for attacking, it was likewise for defending. However, Conn was able to get in close enough before he was noticed, and when they noticed him, it was too late. Two large men sprang to their feet, grasping their swords and rushed to him. A swing, a parry, a thrust and one fell to the ground grasping his throat where the Katana had severed his artery; the second was more skilled and had more time to look death longer in the face before he too was dying.
It was a short but deadly exchange. The two remaining men, in their late teens, stood still, looking terrified; it was over before they had time to fetch their weapons. So they raised their arms in surrender, as they saw two bows aimed towards them.
‘Don’t kill us.’ they begged.
‘Why not?’ a female voice from the tent called out; ‘you are nothing but slaving scum. You deserve nothing but death – and a slow one. The other two died much too quickly for my liking. But I presume we are now the property of more pond scum.’
As Conn walked into the fire light, he waved his men forward; they soon had the two slavers bound and were dealing with the dead bodies. Conn walked to the tent.
‘Pond scum is a bit harsh…’
‘Gyden, Thane, it’s you!’ a female voice interjected with a sense of relief and surprise. ‘What are you doing here?’
As Conn looked into the tent, there were three women tied up, two Silekians and the Lykian girl who Conn had once met in Lykiak with her father and whose name was Bettia.
One spoke. ‘You know this man? Who… what… how… he isn’t even Lykian?’ She was Silekian, mid-twenties, obviously a noble of some sort. The third was most probably her maid, a girl in her thirties. Conn untied the ropes and Bettia hugged him; more in relief than affection. The younger woman interjected.
‘Just who are you? Not that I’m not grateful but I’d like to know’.
‘Evalyn, this is Conn il Taransay, Thane of Hama in Tabae. He is a friend to my father. Thane, this is Evalyn, bedda of Sebbi, Eaorl of Pelva in Silekia.’ She pointed to the third girl who stood timidly in the background. ‘This is Valeri, Evalyn’s maid.’
Conn nodded and bowed to the ladies. ‘Greetings from the pond.’
Evalyn missed the comment but looked at Allowena surprisingly, ‘I know that your father is an Eaorl, but to send a Thane to rescue you?! I’ve never heard of such a thing…’
All this time Conn had been unable to get a word in edgeways, and though about to start, he had been interrupted by Evalyn. He raised his hand for her to stop talking.
‘Sorry, it is important for me to ask questions for now; you may ask me questions later. We saw three men leave for Tegeste – who were they?’
‘There were only two men – two of the slavers – and a captive – a Twacuman girl.’ Evalyn answered.
‘A Twacuman girl?’
‘Yes, they captured her after they caught us. She is I think from Piada – which is strange because we didn’t know that there were any Twacuman in Piada anymore.’
Conn was surprised as well. He knew that there had been no contact between Piada and Halani for over a hundred years – and what was this girl doing out alone?
Conn escorted them outside to the fire while his men set up camp. They posted sentries, kept the two prisoners under guard and prepared a meal. They also did a survey of the camp and its contents.
‘You are going to have to start at the beginning, I think,’ Conn decided. ‘I don’t know how all of this fits in – Bettia is from Lykia, you are from Silekia, and the Twacuman girl is from Piada.’
Evalyn started her story. ‘Pelva is on the coast, about five days north of Silekiak. About 12 days ago I was with Valeri riding in the woods near our Cotlif – we were visiting Valeri’s sister who was sick. We thought we were safe – her house is within our patrolled zone – but we were attacked by these Rakian scum. I think they intended to go south but our patrol was there so they headed north…’
‘The Twacuman girl?’
‘The strangest thing – not a day later when we were past Lugia, there she was – all alone. She was collecting firewood or something – she was away from her horse and they captured her easily. She must be no more than ten and out there all alone?’
‘Did she explain what happened?’
‘No, she hasn’t said a word.’
‘So how or why did they capture Bettia?’
‘That’s my fault – a couple of nights ago I was able to escape and I rode my horse across the river into Lykia – I didn’t think they would follow me there, but they did and just after they had caught me, we were discovered by Bettia and her guard. He came to defend me and was killed for his troubles. They captured Bettia soon after that.’
Bettia nodded and broke down in tears.
‘What are you going to do with us – or me for that matter?’ Evelyn suddenly asked, ignoring Bettia’s tears.
Conn was resolute. ‘I’ll take you home of course; can’t leave a lady out here by herself, can I? Even if I am pond scum…’
She almost blushed. ‘I apologize for my outburst…’
Conn smiled and turned to his men.
‘Daray, what do we know about the people who went into Tegeste from our prisoners?’
Daray had been questioning them for some time and they seemed scared enough to give him the information they required.
‘They are taking the girl to the house of a slave trader.’
‘Do we know why?’
‘Something about needing to see someone urgently – it seems that only some people will buy a Twacuman girl and apparently the captain and his ship in due to leave in the morning. They were delayed because of the escape.’
‘Then I will need to get her back tonight.’
‘You going into Tegeste to rescue her – are you mad?’ Evelyn was astounded. ‘Tegeste is the home of pirates and brigands – not to mention the Eaorl himself – he murdered his own brother and nephew to become Eaorl. You would be inviting death.’
‘An invitation I’ll endeavour not to accept.’ Conn stood. ‘Daray, you come with me. Wilgar; in the morning sent two men with Bettia back to Abela – we can’t have her father worrying. Take everything else and head for Pelva; it will take me at least three days to catch up with you but staying still is too dangerous. Leave signs as to where you are heading; and we’ll catch up as soon as possible.’
Evelyn stood and asked – she had a look of confusion on her face; ‘I don’t understand why you would go to all this trouble for a girl – or anyone not important.’
‘Somethings are not easily exp
lained. You will be safe with Wilgar. I will see you again… soon.’
Bettia went to Conn and hugged him again, ‘Thank you Thane. I did not expect to be rescued. I hope my father will reward you handsomely.’
Conn smiled as he went to his horse. ‘Your thanks is all the reward that I need.’
As he rode away, he smiled again when he heard Evalyn exclaim. ‘Extraordinary.’
CHAPTER 12
It was almost night when Conn started out but there was moonlight and the path to Tegeste was well travelled so easy to follow in the feint light. It was also a boon that the road was deserted, as Conn didn’t want anyone to know he was there. Given that it was at least a two hour ride to the cotlif, it would be very late when they arrived, and finding the girl might not be that easy. But he had to try.
After they arrived on the outskirts of the larger than usual cotlif, they were met by a downpour of heavy rain, which luckily kept everyone indoors. They were also able to avoid most of the villagers by travelling on the river flood plain, and finally arrived in sight of the keep walls.
The palisades were definitely larger than most, a mixture of stone and wood, and older in design. Conn needed to find the docks, but they were well protected by the palisades, and it was very obvious that they were patrolled. It took them some time to find a position where a single person might find access to the walls without being noticed. It was near the river and the land was marsh and flood prone; the signs of a recent flood were evident in the tall reeds and grasses. With no inhabitants or animals, they would be free from discovery until first light.
He told Daray to stay hidden with the horses, and took a rope and grappling hooks from his saddlebag, and disappeared into the dark. From his vantage point, and through the rain which had lightened a little, Daray would have been able to just make out a shape scaling one of the walls and sliding over the top.
Conn fell softly onto the allure. He could see guards in both ends, but they were not patrolling – they obviously weren’t expecting trouble – especially in the downpour. He travelled along the allure to the guardhouse at one end. Inside was a single guard; a Rakian, he was warming his hand over hot coals. He heard a noise behind him and turned to see Conn’s katana an inch from his nose.
‘Life or death?’ Conn asked.
‘Life…’ the guard responded weakly.
Conn punched him in the jaw, and as he collapsed, unconscious, Conn grabbed him, bound him hand and mouth and tucked him in a corner. ‘Now do not make a noise.’ he ordered unnecessarily before exiting via the stairs down to the street.
Being very late, there were few people in the streets. He needed to find the stable where the riders could have left their horses. That would give him a lead to where they went. He headed in the direction of the port, blending in as much as possible. There were about six stables in the port area, and in the third one he found what he was looking for – three horses still showing signs of use. He knew that he had found the right ones because one of the horses was a pinto filly – just like his mare.
So this is an Elfina. He stood and looked at the filly for a moment and she turned and looked at him. Her eyes were very intelligent and she neighed softly. She hadn’t been unsaddled; a beautiful hand tooled saddle was still on her back. He stretched out his hand and she came over and nudged it. He told her what he was doing; ‘I’m getting your master – I will be back’, though he had no idea why.
He could see the stable hand raking manure, and he silently crept up behind him; grabbed him by the mouth and dragged him quickly into the shadows. He kept the boy facing away from him and spoke quietly.
‘Boy, what is your name?’ Conn asked while pressing a cold blade to the center of his back, though in truth it was his finger.
The boy stuttered ‘My name in Imar…’
‘OK, Imar. Now, if you would like a thousand Ryals for your trouble, you need to tell me something.’ He held a gold Ryal in front of the boy’s eyes and tossed it a yard forward. Six month’s pay lay on the ground.
Greed overtook his fear. ‘What do you want to know, Master?’
‘Three people came in earlier – one was a Twacuman girl – they stole her from me and I’ll like to get her back. Where did they go?’ Slavers were ruthless men by necessity so by pretending to be one was a good ploy.
‘I heard them say that they were going to see Luatha. He is a Rakian captain- slaver who is at the dwelling with the Red Sail over the front door down this street. It’s a big building.’
‘If your information is incorrect, I’ll be back; if you tell the town guard, I’ll be back – and if I come back, you will wish you had never been born. Have I made myself clear?’
‘Master, I will not tell anyone. I will continue my chores like nothing has happened.’ Conn tossed a second gold Ryal to join the other, and by the time Imar was finished talking, Conn was out the window and down the alley.
Conn was down by the Red Sail within moments, as he slid down along the side of the building, he could hear men talking – or rather arguing.
‘That is not a reasonable offer, Luatha; she is very young and pure. She must be not more than ten years old. You know I do not spoil my product.’ This must be the slaver. Luatha responded.
‘It’s not my fault that the price is low. Because she is a Twacuman, I can find a buyer in Rakiak – those bloody Ancuman always like Twacuman girls – but the prices are lower than before because they can buy five Silekians for the same money. If she was older – you could name your price – but she is too young – even the Ancuman won’t touch her for five years.’ Conn could hear the twinkling of coins. ‘Anyway, my best offer is five thousand Ryals – I can go no higher.’
‘Five thousand! You are stealing her from me.’
The captain laughed. ‘Did you not say that she just turned up – you were after Silekians weren’t you?’
‘I was after girls – but they guard them too well – I only have an Eaorl’s daughter and her maid to show for three months away.’
‘You are a fool to try – the market is flooded with Silekians. You will make more joining a fyrd.’
‘I was in a fyrd – I saw a business opportunity and took it.’
‘You mean you deserted. Even more the fool! Anyway, feeling generous, I’ll give you six thousand for the three. I might keep the Eaorl’s bedda for myself. Breed a better class of kid.’
The slaver was not so easily impressed. ‘That is an outrage – ten gold Ryals for the three! That is a third of what they are worth.’
‘That may be so but that is my offer. And where are the other two?’
‘I left them behind on the road.’
‘It is the best offer you will get; Half now, half later.’
Conn could hear a sigh. ‘Okay. But you are robbing me. I will bring you the others in the morning.’
‘You need to hurry – the tide make it difficult after noon.’
The building was long, and Conn crept down the side of the house until he found several sets of timbers shutters; it also had another level; a half cellar. That must be where the girl was. With his kunai, he pried open a set of shutters and entered a small store room. He was in time; he could hear the slaver walking along the corridor. Conn opened the door and peaked out, and waited.
As the slaver passed Conn’s position, he was surprised to see the door open in his face – even more when Conn reefed him into the room and put the point of his dagger under his chin.
‘What the…’
‘I suggest that you keep real quiet if you want to live. Now take me to the Twacuman girl.’
With Conn’s knife to his back, the slaver led him down a few more doors until he gestured to a door; Conn opened it and found the girl tied to a wall, her arms tied behind her. Conn spoke to her in Twacuman.
‘Child, you need to follow my instruction quickly if you want to return to your people.’
She looked shocked but still didn’t move. So Conn reached under his shirt and br
ought out the medallion.
There was a distinct look of surprise but she controlled herself well. However, she immediately stood up and turned her back to him. Using his wakizashi, he cut through the rope, and within moment she was free. The slaver was stunned – Conn was probably Priecuman but he spoke the Twacuman tongue. He was more shocked when the girl spoke to him in Twacuman – none of which he understood.
‘I did not know that the Feorhhyrde had returned.’
‘Long story, little time – now we need to move quickly.’
The slaver’s courage was returning. ‘If you steal my goods, I will track you down and kill you like a dog.’ Conn punched him in the stomach.
‘You should be grateful I’m leaving you alive – or maybe not’. He rescued the Ryals from the slaver’s pocket. ‘My compensation for having to go to all this effort – oh, the two girls outside are already in my care – and your men dead. Time to start a new career, I think.’ Conn then used a choke hold on the slaver until he had passed out. The Twacuman girl gave him a nice kick in the face for good measure.
‘Is he dead?’
‘Nope – but he will wish he was when the Captain discovers you and the money gone. Time to go, I think.’
Conn was going to use the entry path as an escape path but it seemed that the broken shutter had been discovered. He could hear men walking and searching. He needed a new exit – but he was in a cellar so it limited his options. He could kill everyone – but that was not plan B.
Instead Conn tried the doorway directly across from the cell and finding it open, he barged in – walking in on a woman as she stood wet and naked near a tub of water.
The woman was tall for one of the locals, and muscular – even in his quick appraisal of her almost perfect naked form, Conn could see that she was no theow or maid; she had warrior written all over her. The opened door surprised her and she spun around to see Conn stride into the room. She also saw Conn’s eyes traverse her body.
Anger sweep across her face; she reached for her sword, and freeing it in a smooth movement, leaped to attack Conn.
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