Brimstone

by Skinner, Alan

  ‘But at last I did stir myself and began my own investigations. Two years ago, I narrowed down the list of those who were likely to possess it to four rich men. I sent agents who could be discreet to find out which of the four had it. Robert was one of the agents I approached, and the one I most trusted. He is also the smartest, for he quickly realised that it must have great value, but that it must also carry great risk. Three months ago he sent me word that he had located it and would obtain it. For a fee, of course. And you know the rest. He must have realised he was being watched, and so gave it to you.’

  Antrobus gave a low snort of derision. ‘I must have been careless at some point and alerted those who slew my brother that I had discovered the key. And I am willing to wager this house that they have assumed I have a copy of the manuscript, otherwise why would I want the key? They’ve attacked you twice to get the astrolabe. They’ll try again to get it, and the manuscript. I think they’ll be safe in my little alcove, but we won’t take chances. And both of us must take extra care from now on, Jenny. I have told no one. Not even the Duke. Not even John.’

  Jenny’s brain felt like it was caught in a whirlpool in her head, spinning round and round, and occasionally crashing into her skull. Two days ago, she had been happy and content in the peaceful cottage in Queerwood. She was beginning to lose track of everything that had happened to her since then.

  ‘When do we start?’ she asked.

  ‘Start?’ Antrobus replied ‘Start what?’

  ‘Working out how to use this –’ she pointed to the astrolabe – ‘to unlock the manuscript.’

  Antrobus smiled. ‘Not tomorrow. I want you to rest for a day or two. You’ve been through quite an ordeal. And we have other important matters that require our attention. Have you forgotten the talk we had with the chancellor?’

  To be quite honest, Jenny had forgotten, which she admitted.

  ‘Don’t worry,’ Antrobus reassured her, ‘we’ll spend time on this. When the days allow it, and maybe one or two evenings a week you can come here and we’ll study together.’ He sighed. ‘The Pledge, when you truly start your apprenticeship, is still twelve days off but it seems you’ll be starting it early.’

  A knock on the front door took their attention. They could hear Annie rushing to answer it.

  Antrobus rose from his chair. ‘That will be the guests I asked to stop by. Now, not a word about any of this to anyone, Jenny. When asked – and you will be asked – you must lie, I’m afraid. Just for a little while. They can know about the astrolabe, but not what it really is.’

  ‘I won’t speak of it,’ Jenny promised.

  ‘Good,’ said Antrobus. ‘Now, let’s put these away and then go see our guests.’

  Chapter 9

  The Wrong Coin

  Manuscript and astrolabe safely back in the secret room, Antrobus and Jenny went to greet the guests. As the alchemist opened the door of the study, they were confronted by Annie. The housekeeper looked agitated and flustered.

  ‘Sir, your guests ... you said two but there are three ... and ... and one is ... oh, sir, I hope I did the right thing ... it’s ... it’s ...’

  ‘Three?’ said Antrobus, his eyebrows rising with surprise. ‘Calm down, Annie. I’m sure you behaved most suitably. I’ll attend to them. Come, Jenny.’

  ‘Oh, my goodness!’ whispered Annie and scampered off to the kitchen.

  Jenny followed her master into the sitting room and was surprised to see two men she recognised and one she did not. The first she noticed was Rayker. He was standing slightly apart from the others, near the window. He looks like a wolf, Jenny thought, watchful yet aloof. Rayker acknowledged her glance with a slight nod of his head.

  The other person she recognised was Chancellor Montebray. He and the third man were sitting on the settle and the chancellor was talking in a low voice. He stopped as soon as Jenny and Antrobus entered. Both men rose.

  Antrobus himself seemed taken aback at his visitors. He looked at the third man and bowed low, from the waist.

  ‘Your Grace,’ he said when he was once again upright. ‘I’m honoured. I wasn’t expecting you.’

  ‘I’m sure you weren’t, Richard,’ said the man. ‘Neither was your good housekeeper, I fear. I hope she is more composed now.’

  Jenny looked at the man. He was about thirty, good-looking but not dashingly handsome, with intense, intelligent eyes. He was clean-shaven, and expensively but not ostentatiously dressed. His manner was confident and easy, with a touch of arrogance, as if he expected the respect of others.

  He addressed him as ‘Your Grace’, she thought. Jenny felt her eyes widen. Your Grace!

  She realised Antrobus was speaking. ‘Your Grace, may I present my apprentice, Mistress Swift? Jenny, this is Duke Emeric,’ he said.

  Jenny had enough presence of mind to curtsy. It wasn’t a particularly good curtsy, but she managed to complete it without tangling her feet and falling over. She rose and found Emeric right in front of her. His smile was warm and genuine and he held out his hand. Jenny put her hand in his and he clasped it warmly.

  ‘I am pleased to meet you, Mistress Swift. I have heard a great deal about you. I knew your father, of course. Not well, but he was much respected by my uncle, David, and served the palace well.’ Emeric’s voice dropped. ‘I’m sorry to hear about your mother. From David’s account, she’s a remarkable woman.’

  His gentle manner put Jenny at ease. ‘Thank you, Your Grace. From my own account, I can assure you she is remarkable.’

  Emeric laughed. ‘I suspect that her daughter will turn out to be just as remarkable.’ He resumed his seat on the settle.

  The chancellor gave Jenny a slight bow. ‘Mistress Swift, it’s good to see you again. You’ve had an eventful time in Vale, I hear. I trust you are recovered?’

  ‘Completely, thank you, Lord Chancellor,’ Jenny replied.

  ‘Splendid,’ he said. ‘And I believe you have met the Duke’s ....’ He frowned and turned to Rayker. ‘Rayker, what did we agree you are?’

  ‘You agreed, Chancellor,’ the wolf replied, with a familiar insolence that is only possible with someone you respect and like. ‘The Duke’s particular.’

  A gleam crossed Jenny’s face. ‘Yes, I have had that particular pleasure.’ She was certain Rayker smiled. It was only with his eyes, but she was sure it was there, if only for an instant.

  The chancellor did smile, then indicated that Jenny be seated. Once she was he took his place on the settle next to Emeric. Antrobus took the other chair. Rayker remained standing, distant and watchful. Annie, who had been hovering outside the door, entered with a carafe of wine, a jug of water and honey, and five of Antrobus’s best glasses. She placed the tray on the low table and bowed out backwards, bobbing her head continually.

  As soon as they each had a glass of wine – except Jenny, who had water and honey – the chancellor spoke.

  ‘Richard, what do you think was behind the attack on Jenny today?’ He looked casually at his glass, swirling the claret into a tame whirlpool.

  Antrobus eyed the chancellor. He knew Montebray; the man was leading to something. Whatever it was, Antrobus was not about to let it be a trap. He glanced at the other two men. Rayker stood, apparently indifferent to the conversation, staring out of the window into the dark square. Emeric was looking directly at Antrobus, his face expressionless.

  ‘I assume they were after something,’ he answered.

  ‘And what do you think that might be?’ said the chancellor. His wine was swirling faster now, almost coming to the top of the glass.

  ‘Something they must have wanted very much to risk invading the palace,’ said Antrobus.

  The chancellor stopped swirling his glass. His eyes met the alchemist’s. ‘And you have no idea exactly what it is?’ he asked.

  ‘As a matter of fact, I do know exactly what it is.’

  ‘But you don’t want to say?’

  ‘I don’t think it would be wise. Not right now.’


  ‘Perhaps Jenny will tell us,’ said the chancellor, though he did not look at her. Jenny felt nervous and hoped he wouldn’t ask her.

  ‘I have told her not to say anything about it. I would prefer that you didn’t force her into a difficult position. She will not lie to you, but she’ll not want to go against my wishes,’ said Antrobus.

  The chancellor nodded and glanced at Emeric. The Duke dropped his eyes for an instant. Montebray took that as a sign to continue.

  ‘We have had some progress on the matter with Cleve,’ he said. Antrobus was surprised at the sudden change of subject, but he was too wise in the way of politics to know that the other topic was done with, and that, somehow, there was a connection between the two. The chancellor continued.

  ‘Cleve – through their diplomats – insist that the attack on our crops was not of their doing. They have been very open. If we have evidence that their city was involved, then it is not official and they would be very willing to help us find who is behind this. They have also offered to send some grain to us. We have refused, of course, which they expected. We don’t want to make the problem appear to be ... severe ... at this stage, lest it alarm the people.

  ‘Interestingly, though, our diplomats had the impression that the officials in Cleve knew of the attack on our crops before we raised it with them. And they informed us – tactfully, of course – that they have reason to believe that it will be repeated this year.’

  Antrobus remained silent, waiting for the chancellor to continue. To his surprise, it was the Duke who spoke.

  ‘Richard, if Cleve is not officially behind the poisoning of our crops, then there must be a faction within that city working against us. That makes the situation worse. We cannot deal diplomatically with a rogue group. And such people would be very dangerous. Whereas Cleve would be very reluctant to approve officially of the assassination of one of Vale’s prominent citizens, a bunch of unofficial conspirators would have no such reluctance.

  ‘You and Jenny will be crucial to preventing famine in Vale this year. We cannot take the risk that something unfortunate happens to you,’ Emeric concluded.

  ‘I am flattered by your concern for my well-being,’ said Antrobus, ever so slightly sardonically.

  Emeric smiled wryly and briefly. ‘Richard, you are impossible. You are far too proud to make a good courtier and at times you infuriate me. But if someone were to cut off that stubborn and opinionated head of yours, I should miss you. More importantly, Vale would miss you. However, once we are past the peril facing our city, then someone can come and remove your head and then you’ll see who misses you,’ he said.

  ‘We cannot afford to take chances, Richard,’ added the chancellor. ‘So, I have to ask you to stop this Morien business.’

  Antrobus was startled. How had Montebray known? And Emeric?

  His surprise must have been evident, for Emeric looked at him coolly and said, ‘Richard, do you really think we don’t know what’s been happening? Rayker has been keeping track of your efforts for the past few years. He himself has used your trader friend Robert on a number of occasions. In fact, Rayker was quite helpful to Robert in finding the object you were looking for. When that rogue attacked Jenny, and she had just visited Robert, Rayker figured that he had finally found it.’

  Antrobus felt both uncomfortable and annoyed. It appeared that he had been keeping secrets from the Duke, but his search for William’s killer was his own affair. And his work, including Morien’s discovery, was also his affair. He looked over at Rayker. Had the man been keeping an eye on him? He hadn’t reacted to anything that had been said, beyond a quick flicker of his eyes at the alchemist. Well, if he had, Antrobus had to admit that the thought made him feel better. He turned to Emeric, who was smiling slightly, as if he read Antrobus’s mind.

  ‘Do you want to see it, Your Grace?’

  He had his answer before Emeric uttered a word. He could see the gleam of excitement and anticipation in his eyes. The Duke was scholar, a learned, intelligent man who believed in the advancement of science and the pursuit of the arts. But he also saw Emeric control his desire.

  ‘Now is not the time, Richard,’ he said. ‘But we must talk of this later, when the matter with Cleve is finished, though I suspect what you have to tell me will ultimately prove what we are now facing to be insignificant. I was aware of what William wanted to establish and what he was seeking. We spoke sometimes when he was here. I can see your surprise. You didn’t know. But do you really believe that the money you provided was enough to do what he did all those years? The palace provided considerable funds. It was a worthy idea, and one I hope is not lost.’

  Antrobus shook his head. ‘I knew William also earned money by his own efforts while he travelled but I should have realised it never would have been enough,’ he said. ‘Very well. Jenny and I had just agreed to put our efforts to the task you have given us, so you don’t need to worry on that account.’

  The chancellor leaned forward. ‘You should also know that we believe the two things may be connected,’ he said. ‘Rayker’s been busy tracking down the man who escaped. What he’s discovered has convinced me that there is more to the affair than meets the eye. It seems this second man, Kurt, is not from Vale. He’s from Cleve. Like his ill-fated companion, he’s a thief and paid murderer.’

  ‘Where is he now?’ asked Antrobus.

  Rayker spoke for the first time. He turned from the window and he sounded displeased with himself.

  ‘I don’t know. He’s still in Vale, that I am sure of. He’s hiding somewhere. But I’ll find him.’

  Jenny had no doubt he would. She looked at Rayker. Despite his nonchalance, he was alert and ... compressed, like gunpowder in a musket. He was tough, determined and very good at his job. She almost felt a stab of pity for Kurt.

  The chancellor spoke again. ‘Both of you will be in danger. Rayker has spoken to Pitch and asked him to keep an eye on you. He’ll be along after he’s eaten his dinner.’

  ‘Pitch is a good man,’ Rayker put in. He peered out of the window as he spoke. ‘Not many could get past him. But he’s only one man. And he needs to sleep.’

  The chancellor nodded. ‘Rayker has enlisted others he trusts. There will be one of his men watching the front of the house at all times and another in the alley at the back. Whenever either of you leaves, at least one man will follow, discreetly.’

  ‘Will you be watching out for us, too?’ Jenny asked the Duke’s particular.

  ‘I have a man to find, Jenny, and ask him who he’s working for. And find those in Cleve who are responsible for the crop failure,’ said Rayker. His eyes were fixed on something in the square.

  Without a word, moving like a cat, Rayker made his way along the wall away from the window, then headed for the kitchen.

  ‘In three minutes, open the front door,’ he snapped, ‘but stay inside!’ And he disappeared. A moment later, they heard the back door creak, then shut with a soft click.

  Jenny resisted the urge to go to the window. The others watched the clock on the narrow shelf over the hearth. No one spoke. Not a sound came from the square. They sat in silence and watched the clock.

  Antrobus nodded and made for the front door. Emeric started to follow, but Montebray caught his arm and shook his head. Emeric smiled, pulled his arm free and followed the alchemist. The chancellor stood frowning in disapproval.

  Jenny moved around the room and went to the window, taking care she couldn’t be seen from outside. It took a few seconds for her eyes to adjust, but then she caught sight of a figure standing at the corner where she had placed the torch two nights earlier. The figure was watching the house, and she could see moonlight glinting off something in his hand.

  At that moment, Antrobus opened the front door. Alerted by the sound or movement, the man raised his hand and pointed whatever was in his hand at the door. At the same time, Jenny saw the outline of another man – Rayker – step quickly round the corner behind the stranger. He moved fas
t. His arm encircled the stranger’s neck. At the same time, the stranger’s hand seemed to flash and explode. Rayker jerked the man back savagely. His other arm came up and Jenny saw Rayker held a knife in his hand. He pressed the blade against the man’s neck. The man dropped his pistol and went still.

  Antrobus could hear the Duke behind him as he opened the door. Almost too late, he had saw the man’s hand rise. Instinctively, he stepped backwards, pushing Emeric away from the door. He heard the roar of the pistol and felt small shards of wood prick his hand and cheek as the ball thudded into the door frame.

  Galvanised by the pistol shot, the chancellor rushed into the hall and caught Emeric as he staggered back. He saw Antrobus turn from the door and reflexively raise his hand to his cheek. The alchemist shot a questioning look at Emeric.

  ‘I’m fine!’ he cried, pulling free of the chancellor. ‘Rayker?’ he asked anxiously.

  ‘Don’t worry about Rayker! He has his man!’ Antrobus said, adrenalin adding volume to his voice.

  From the window, Jenny saw doors open in the square and faces peer from windows, wondering who or what dared shatter the peace of their evening meals. She saw Rayker push his captive towards the house, keeping his dagger pressed against the man’s neck. From the garden in the centre of the square she saw a shadow rise. The shadow resolved into the figure of a man. She saw the pistol in his hand. She saw him raise it and point it at Rayker’s back.

  At the same instant that Jenny shouted her warning, Rayker pushed his prisoner to the ground. In the same motion he spun round, drawing back his arm. His dagger flew across the street, a small, spinning wheel of silver in the dark. It would have been an ambitious throw in daylight; by moonlight it was a desperate, impossible one, but it was enough to save his life. The figure in the garden flinched as he fired. Once again, a pistol roared angrily in Fenwick Square but its lead ball flew wide, crashing through the window. Glass showered Jenny and she heard the ball whistle as it passed.