by L. E. Waters
“How come you didn’t help him? How is it you got away?” Art asks.
Cahir smolders. “If I shot at any of them, they would have filled Captain with bullets. I knew the only thing I could do is run and get you all.”
I say, “Well, it’s not Cahir’s fault. It’s not the time to bicker. Hogan, you’re our fastest rider, you go and try to follow them and see where they take him. Come back and we’ll have a plan by then.”
“Isn’t this Blind Billy’s bargain, Redmond?” Art asks. “Don’t you think sneaking into the gaol when they’ll be expecting us is the nail in your coffin?”
“I made a promise to Captain, and I’ve got to uphold it.”
Cahir turns to me. “There’s still a rat among us, though. The boy couldn’t have known, since William told us only last night.”
“We don’t have time for that now. We have to get Captain out. They’ll be time for finger pointing after,” I say.
“But how can we be sure that someone here’s not going to snitch this plan?” Síofra asks.
I look around at everyone at the campfire and say, “Because I’m not letting anyone out of my sight until we’ve got him back.”
Chapter 22
We wait up all night discussing our options based on the gaol he’s in. Hogan comes back at four in the morning.
“Where’ve you been?” Síofra asks.
He sits down. “They took him to Armagh.”
“That’s good news for us. I know that gaol well,” I say.
Cahir smirks. “Redmond, once—”
“Don’t you start with that now, Cahir.”
“Any other news?” Art asks.
“They’ve got him in Armagh until tomorrow night. They’re going to take him to Downpatrick.”
“What?” Berragh asks.
Ned follows with, “Why Downpatrick? That’s a day’s ride from Armagh!”
“Apparently Captain’s charge is that of a murdered merchant. He shot and killed a man in Downpatrick and his relatives want to see him hanged on the spot he killed him.”
“Well, we’ve got to set a plan now and get in to speak to him by tonight, then,” I say.
At dawn, William shows up at the fire and asks, “What’s going on this early in the morning?”
Cahir stands up and tries to read his face. “You really don’t know?”
“Know what? What’s happened?” He looks legitimately worried.
I say, “Your tip went wrong. ’Twas a trap, and Captain’s been taken to Armagh.”
His mouth drops open. “I got that tip from a good source, though. Rory must have told Lucas I’m in league with you.”
“Let’s not go over this now; we don’t have time. Sit down, William, and hear your part.”
I make them pledge to stay at the campsite while I leave with William to go to Armagh.
There are sentries all over the place. William and I are dressed in our finest clothes and head to the door with only one guard. When the guard looks up at me, I see ’tis the very same guard I bribed years ago.
“I was hoping you could assist us, guard,” I say in my haughtiest English. “I am looking to speak to your notorious prisoner, Richard Power.”
“Go around to the front speak to the lieutenant. He’s put out orders to let no one visit the prisoner.”
“Even if there’s money in it for you?” He glances up but stays quiet. I take a step closer and say, “Power robbed my merchant carriage only last week. I knew he and his ruffians hid the large amount of coin I was delivering.” I take out a pouch. “All shillings, and if he talks, then I will give you £10 of it.”
He opens the pouch to check the amount, then whispers, “I’ll have to wait until the lieutenant leaves, and then when I wave you over, go right into the room on your left. Tell the guard there that Percy says he’ll give you a cut.”
William and I wait for about an hour, and we see Lucas leave with two men, and Percy waves for us. When we walk by him, he says, “Now be quick about it, the lieutenant will be right back.”
Once through the next guard, we open the door to see Captain lying on his cot, whistling. He smiles upon seeing us. “Sweet is your hand in a pitcher of honey! Good to see you’re a man of your word, Redmond.”
“Well, we’re not here to bust you out just yet. The building’s surrounded with guards, but I came to tell you my plan. Before you’re set to leave tonight, me and my men will come and light every building in the town on fire. All the troops will be scattered and busy putting out fires, and in that chaos we can break in to rescue you.” I smile, proud of the plan we came up with, but Captain shakes his head.
“No, that won’t do. It’s not just the guards you see around the building here. Lucas, expecting you might come, has brought most of his troops from Ulster in while I’m here.”
“Well, you got a better plan, then?” William asks.
“Actually, I do.” He gives a smug smile. “They’re transporting me to Downpatrick tonight, but since we’re traveling at night, midway they’re going to stop for lodging. And guess which inn they’re planning on lodging at?”
“Sean’s?” I can’t believe the luck.
“Sure thing. I bribed my guard for the details. It’s a better time to free me, since there’s only a small troop of infantrymen under Lucas.”
There’s a tap on the door. “Times up!” the guard says.
“Fine, we’ll have a plan ready for the inn.” I get ready to go.
William nods. “Sit tight, Captain. The Lord will open a gap for you.”
“Wait.” Captain puts out his hand. “I need some coin to pay my bribe.”
I hand him a pouch and leave with William. On our way out, the guard asks if we got the location of his stash.
“No, the thief didn’t open his mouth.” I take out another small pouch for him and say, “Thank you for your troubles.”
William and I race back to camp to pull together a new plan. By nightfall, we all mount with our saddlebags full of ammunition and loaded guns and head to the tavern.
“They’re staying here? Are you sure, Redmond?” Sean asks.
I reply, “’Tis the word. They’re coming right through here, and they’re planning to stop for the night, with Captain.”
“Oh, Redmond, you know I’d want to help you and Captain, but if we do what you say, someone’s going to come back and suspect me as an insider.” He starts panicking.
“Sean, we can’t do this without your help.”
Sean bends over and tries to breathe in and out to calm himself. “You’ve been so good to me and my ma, how can I say no? But,” he emphasizes, breathing quicker again, “you’ll have to wound me in some safe way to cast suspicion off me.”
“If that’s what you want, I’m sure we can think of something,” I say. “We better get in position. They’ll be here shortly.”
I wait in the woods, and in my position, I can see when they arrive. I hear the troop coming and let a breath out in relief when it pulls to a stop at the tavern. Lucas gets out of the carriage first, and he gives the order for all men to stand guard as they secure the inn and bring the prisoner out. Lucas goes in for some moments; then one of his men gives a whistle, and they bring out Captain heavily manacled. After ten minutes, all the men are allowed in.
When I open the ancient door, I pretend to be caught off guard by the full room of soldiers.
The men turn to stare at me, in one of Bawn’s most ruffly and lacy pale blue outfits.
“Little Bo Peep has come for a drink!” Lucas exclaims to the enjoyment of everyone.
I wear a long, curly haired wig under my plumed hat and hope I look different enough to fool Lucas.
Síofra heads my way with her tray. “You pay them no mind, sir. What will you have to drink, then?”
I look to see where Sean is, and I see him bent over behind the bar.
I put on a thick French accent and say, “I’ll have some cognac.” I walk over to Lucas and ask, “What is all
this?”
Lucas appears impressed by my worldly accent and changes his tone.
“We’re here transporting one of Armagh’s most infamous characters, Richard Power.”
I feign a touch of fear. “Is this not safe here?”
“Oh, no, it’s safe. We have him manacled up there with four armed guards on watch. There’s probably no safer inn tonight.”
Síofra brings my glass and I turn to Lucas. “Will you share one of France’s best cognac with me?”
Lucas’s eyes flash, and he replies with a smarmy smile, “I think I could manage that.”
I turn to Síofra. “Bring us the whole bottle and a glass for my friend here.”
As she walks away, I whistle at her swaying backside. “These Irish women are beautiful in the extreme!”
Lucas studies Síofra intently. “This one is rather unusual.”
Síofra comes quickly back and smiles seductively at Lucas as she’s placing the bottle and glass down.
I stand up. “Pints for all the guards keeping me safe tonight!”
They cheer, and Sean, finally pulling his nerves together, gets to work filling the pints. I turn back to Lucas, who is still set on Síofra while he sips his cognac. I throw back mine and ask her to fill my glass back up for me.
She says as she’s pouring, “I love a man who can throw back his liquor.”
I say, “Well, then, come and sit on my lap as I drink it.”
Síofra comes over with a wide smile and sits on the edge of my lap. I wink at Lucas, who immediately throws back his glass too.
Lucas catches up quickly, and Síofra says, “You sure can handle your liquor too, Lieutenant.”
I push her off my lap. “I am a generous man, go on.”
Síofra spins between us and lands on the lieutenant’s lap, and seeing the troops have finished their pints, I say, “Another two rounds of pints on me!”
Lucas is too enamored with Síofra tickling his chin to have heard it. I lean over to Lucas, annoying him slightly since it distracted Síofra away from him, and say, “Lieutenant, I would give anything to see a swarthy fellow like Power. Is there any way I can get a little peek?”
He says, “Go, it’s the second room on the right of the stairs.” He turns back to Síofra, who is giggling and leaning into him.
I walk upstairs and wave to the four guards, who stand at my appearance. “The good lieutenant has allowed me to get a little peek at your prisoner. I’ve heard much of your outlaws and wanted to see one for myself.”
They look at each other. One nods and opens the door a crack. I already know which room Sean was going to get the lieutenant to pick, but I have to check if there are any guards within the room. I peek in, and Captain, seeing me in my ridiculous disguise, beams and gives a girlish wave. I nearly laugh and pull my head back quickly to compose myself.
“Oh, he is a shady fellow. To show my thanks, I will send you up a couple of rounds.”
They give me a quick bow of thanks, and I walk down and nod to Sean, who brings strong drinks up.
Síofra’s now holding the lieutenant’s cognac up to his lips and giggling away as he drinks. I walk over to Lucas and say, “I’ll be right back. I have to go make my water.”
But Lucas sweeps his hand for me to go, too engaged in Síofra to care. I pretend to be looking for a place to go and dart around back to the window I know Captain to be at, and check that Lucas didn’t put any guards back there. Seeing ’tis all clear, I whistle three times for the all-clear signal, and eight of my men come out of the trees.
“William, Art, Cahir, Kelly, Ned, Liddy, and Hogan go in the secret chamber to the upstairs hall and tie and gag the four guards. Captain is alone and manacled, so you will have to break the shackles with the butt of a musket—”
“That will make a terrible noise, though. What will we do about that?” Ned interrupts.
“I was about to say there, when you jumped in, that I will get Sean to play his fiddle, and Síofra and I will get everyone dancing and singing to an old English song. We’ll cause such a ruckus, they won’t hear a thing.” They all nod. “Cahir whistle for Ghost and get him to put his legs up like you trained him and you all can slide down his back. The rest of the plan still stands, and Bawn, you stay to hold the horses.”
I head back in, and the room’s swaying with drink. I look to Sean to bring out his fiddle, and he starts playing. I start to sing at the top of my lungs, and some of the more intoxicated fellows join in. Síofra bounces off Lucas’s lap and begins to dance around the floor like a pixie. She keeps her eyes fixed on Lucas as she spins around, and it appears that she’s dancing just for him. I glance up, seeing the boys struggling in the hall, and even see Cahir turn to look at Síofra wide-eyed in jealousy, but a hand pulls him back. Since the whole room’s singing the chorus, nothing’s heard from the landing.
I yell at the end of the chorus, “One more time!” and Sean keeps playing while the men keep singing. I hear one slight bang and know they’re breaking the manacles, and I start to stamp around on the floor at every beat. Síofra throws her weight down to do the same, and it catches on, and all the men are stamping. The old tavern seems to rock with vibrations as the plaster starts crumbling in places on the ceiling, and at the last note, I stamp wildly, ending with one loud jump.
Everyone cheers, and Lucas immediately brings Síofra back to his lap. I sit back down with them out of breath and I say, “I forgot to send the guards upstairs a round of drinks.” I turn to Sean. “Go bring them two bottles.”
Lucas hardly notices. After five minutes, I say, “Where has the barkeep gone to?”
Lucas turns slightly. “Upstairs.”
I go back upstairs and to my dismay see the guards all lying in blood on the floor. I check each one for breath—all dead. Sean comes limping in from the other room with a knife stuck in his leg.
He whispers, mighty proud of himself, “What do you think, Redmond, look good?”
I say, “Lie down, then, so you appear badly injured, and put some of their blood on you so you look like you’ve got more stabs.”
I take a moment to check out the back window to be sure they all got away, and once I see no one, I run to the landing and yell, “Lieutenant, come quick!”
He sobers up immediately and pushes Síofra off his lap so fast she falls to the floor with a yelp. Lucas and four men run up the stairs with arms, see the dead men with bloody Sean moaning on top of them, and search the room for Power and the intruders. Lucas picks up the broken manacles and swings them at the window, breaking the glass.
He screams, “Check all the rooms to be sure, and everyone to their horses!”
They file out of the tavern, and each man—so clearly drunk— has difficultly mounting his horse. Lucas throws his hat down and yells, “Pull yourselves together, men!”
He kicks his horse and speeds down the path. I whistle for my horse and catch up quickly. He gives me a glance. “Glad to have you with us.”
“Let’s catch the scoundrel! Where do you think they’re headed?”
He squints at the road. “They look like they’re headed away from the mountains. We’ll just keep following them.”
I smile, knowing Hogan has reversed all of their horses’ shoes. I check behind and see that the troops are in terrible formation, some lagging way behind. After following the tracks back to the woods, he looks back at his men and curses. The woods are pitch black, and the tracks are lost. Lucas spits, and rears his horse. “Men, go back to the tavern. We’ve lost the trail. We’ll have to begin again in the morning. And don’t mention to any superiors about any liquor!”
He charges down toward the tavern and I slowly drift off to follow the path to where they’re really headed. By the time I reach them, they’ve started a fire in the middle of the bog and are laughing about the events of the night.
Once they see me, Captain stands up. “Three cheers for O’Hanlon!”
They give three cheers for me, and I take a bow. We lau
gh and toast into the night, even in the midst of treachery.
∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞∞
In the morning, Captain pulls me aside. “I’d love nothing better than to tarry and fight alongside you, Redmond, but it looks like you have a caged wolf here.”
I nod. “Sorry ‘bout that.”
“No worries. It is a long road that has no turning.” He breathes out. “I’m going back on my own again, and I suggest it might be the best thing for you to do too.”
I shake my head. “I will find out who did this.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of.” He smiles and gives me a pat on my back. “I’ll never forget you, though, O’Hanlon, and my promise still holds that I’ll come back to help you if you ever need it.”
“I know you will, Captain.”
“Say good-bye to everyone for me. I think it’s best they don’t see which direction I’m headed in.” He laughs heartily as he gets on his horse.
“Captain!” He turns. “May you die in bed at ninety-five, shot by a jealous spouse!”
He laughs. “May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.”
I watch him saunter off with his face to the sun.
Chapter 23
Alister sits beside me in the snug. He has a worried look on his face. “What is it now?” I sigh, getting used to bad news.
“Where’s Sean?”
“Oh, he stabbed himself in the leg to cast suspicion away during the breakout. He’s mending at his ma’s.”
“You’ve got some pretty loyal members there, O’Hanlon. Don’t know if I’d stab myself in the leg for you.”
“I hate to tell you now, but you’re putting your life on the line for me just meeting like this.” He smiles. “So what’s the word now?”