by Unknown
Hawkmoon sipped the last of the ale. “You should pick a destination other than the Royal City. It might not be the safest place in times to come”.
“I would but Shula has family there.
Hawkmoon took a notebook from his breast pocket. Writing in it he tore a page and handed it to his friend.” Go to this address and give my name. You will be helped.
Bekter folded the note. “Why?”
He shrugged “You won’t be able to sell any assets…. Not at a decent price”
“Why would you do this?”
“I have few friends”
“Hawkmoon you don’t have any friends, at least, none that survived”
“You did”.
“ You pulled me out of a pile of corpses and had me throWn out of the army. Speaking of friends what about those that came with you? “
Hawkmoon reached for the pitcher .Bekter shouted and a servant appeared. The thumb and first finger of his right hand were missing. Bekter ordered more ale and a cold platter.
“Find out what the women are up to”
The servant bowed and hurried off.
“He looks familiar”.
“Reeves, he won the Seaver Cup two years running. Someone didn’t want him to win a third so one night they waylaid him in a back alley and took his fingers. They should have taken all of them. He is almost as good with the left as he was with the right ….Showed up here last winter with his wife and kids. I gave him a job. He is useful to have around. Keeps an eye on things when I am away. He wants to stay and keep the place running when we leave. I asked the women up at the Keep to keep an eye on him …. You didn’t answer my question”
“I was sent to find a half man. The plan was to go to the Keep and ask the Matriarch”
“A bird couldn’t fart in the woods without those women knowing about it. I heard a rumour about one of the wee men running about the forest with a price on his head. …The girl is royalty. Trouble follows them like bees to sugar.”
“There would be an army after him if they knew his value. He made an ointment that saved her life. Before the Daywalkers came he coated the bolts with the same paste.It was effective whatever was in it. He got between her and a Shadow. Combat hardened veterans have fallen to Shadows but the half man survives, ... “Hawkmoon shook his head “I am caught up in a web, worse than anything I have ever known.”
“Someday you will have a small problem and I will die of shock .He is a handy little fellow to have around. What about the woman?”
“I have a feeling about her... You know what happens when I get those feelings”
“People die… Do yourself a favour Hawkmoon, get her to the city and have done with her”. Laughter came from the stairs. Mira entered accompanied by Reba. They were wearing new costumesand made a glamourous pair. Shula stood beside them.
“My lady, have you eaten” Bekter enquired getting to his feet..
“Thank you Master Taverner, we have had food brought to us. Your good wife has been most kind” Mira smiled at Shula who beamed. Hawkmoon stood to give his seat to the princess. As she walked past him she touched him lightly on the shoulder.. Bekter invited Reba to his chair and went to bring another for his wife.
“Are you leaving us?”
“Your pardon my lady, I have to show Hawkmoon our defences”
“Very well, carry on”
As they stepped out into the street Bekter turned to Hawkmoon..
“Being told to carry on in my own house. Some things never change”
Hawkmoon chuckled.
They made their way to the graveyard by the light of torches .Inside the entrance was a stack of logs and straw. Women stood near , crying. A shout brought them to the side of an open grave. It was a man, perfectly preserved. As they looked his eyes opened. An axe took his head.
“Burn every corpse, regardless of age”. A cry drew them to another grave . It was empty.
“Send groups of men through the town. Find it”
Hawkmoon started to run. “Where are you going?” Bekter called.
“Back to the Inn”
Bekter grabbed an axe and followed.
The tavern was in uproar. Lights were on with people running in and out. Bekter stopped a servant. The man was pale...”A vampire… he tried to get in”.
“Is anyone hurt?”
“He walked past me……”
Bekter slapped him. “Answer me”
“Reeves, Reeves stopped it. I think he’s dead”.
Hawkmoon ran at the front door. The place stank of rot and burning flesh. Shula was on the flagstones in Mira’s arms. Something crawled towards them. Bekter brought the axe down. It passed through the neck striking the flagstone in a shower of sparks. The head rolled to the fireplace, blinking. Reeves was crumpled in a corner.
“What happened?”
Reba stood to one side. “Reeves brought us food. Then it was there. It caught Reeves and threw him against the wall . It moved towards Mira. Shula pulled a faggot from the hearth . She hit it and it went on fire. But it would not stop. It lashed out at Shula . Reeves came from behind and hit it with a chair. It backhanded him, then it fell.”
“It attacked Mira”
“It was trying to get to her. Shula would not let it pass.”
Bekter was holding his wife. It was the first time Hawkmoon had ever seen his friend cry.
In the morning everyone was sombre. People were talking of moving but the truth was most could not afford to leave. The mood lightened when Shula appeared, insisting on seeing to her guests. Reeves was in his quarters being cared for by his family.
Reba stood by the wagon as Hawkmoon came out...She glared at him... Earlier she had informed the Ranger that she had no interest in going to Oran, that it was her grandfather’s plan to travel to Oran, that she had no wish to travel to Oran, now, or at any time in the future...
The horses were fed, watered and tackled. Wheels had been repaired, the axles freshly greased. Norry had been deposited in the caravan. Mira was inside saying her farewells. Shula gave her a pitcher of cream, flavoured with alcohol and honey.
“I made it myself”
“Are you coming to the city? “Mira enquired, sipping appreciatively.
“I don’t know, my Lady… I want to. If it were not for the children he would never come home.” They embraced and walked out arm in arm. “You take care of her, Hawkmoon, or you’ll have me to deal with”Shula scolded.
“I will do my best, mother”.
“Do more than your best, tinker, this one is precious…” Mira climbed up beside him, taking the reins. Reba tied the spare mounts to the rear. She walked to the side and handed a packet to Hawkmoon. His favourite cheroots. Hawkmoon took her hand and kissed it.
“If I were ten years younger, I’d marry you myself” Reba blushed.
With a smile at the folks on the ground Mira flicked the reins and the wagon began to roll. Bekter and Shula stood as they moved on to the road. As they watched four riders passed by;ex cavalry, slovenly in appearance but well armed. Their kind would do well in the days to come. The leader, swarthy with a broken nose had eyes for the wagon as it disappeared over the rise.
A man alone on with two beauties. You think he hasn’t seen you; that’s the last mistake you will ever make.
“I don’t understand what you see in that man. There is darkness about him”
Bekter paused as memories swept over him. “I was in a ditch with a lance stuck in my belly, waiting for death; thinking of the children and how you would manage. It would have been easy to let go, but he said he would be back. All the years I knew him, he never broke his word. So I took the pain and stayed awake. He came at sunrise; out of the shadows, killing two and wounding four, the others ran. They must have thought they were facing a demon; perhaps they were.”
“Roman!” . The boy ran up. “Close the barn and lock the shed.”
“The day I saw you. We killed the slavers. I could not have managed it alone.”
“I know what he did for you. “ …
“Did she say anything?”
“Only that she is in love with him”.
“She said that?”Bekter stared in surprise
” I saw it in the way she looks at him”
“Did you ever look at me like that? “
She elbowed Bekter in the gut, “That girl will be Queen. She is trapped between her duty and her dreams as a woman . She yearns for the life that was stolen”
Shula went back inside while Bekter remained by the roadside, watching.
On the Road Again.
Mira woke to the smell of toasting bread. Hawkmoon had the fire going with eggs and wild mushrooms sizzling. A boy and girl sat on a log waiting, eyes glued on the skillet Hawkmoon poured glasses of milk and passed it to them. They gulped the milk and took plates of food. “Ah , she’s up. I thought you would sleep all day” Mira wrapped her cloak around her and sat by the fire. “This is Roz and the boy is her brother Maran. They came in this morning. They will be travelling with us …We had a little excitement during the night. Some mercenaries tried to sneak up on us”.
“What happened?”.
“Your friends bit them”. Roz spoke up. “We saw them, the wolves, two nights ago. They were huge, like this” she raised her arms, “their eyes were red. Maran said they were werewolves, but I don’t think so”
“Oh, Why not?”
“If they were they would have eaten us. One of them brought us food. We were so hungry.”
“How came you to be on the road?” Mira asked.
“We had no money at home. We make our living cutting trees but everyone is gone to the city. Father told me to leave; he couldn’t feed all of us. Maran said if I left he would leave also. Father beat him and tied him in the barn.. Maran found me when he escaped. Now father has no one” Hawkmoon passed her a plate of hot food She watched him as he laughed with the children.Norry ran up from the track, breathless. “Cavalry, they will be here in minutes”
“Get in the wagon”. Hawkmoon stood as outriders swept into the camp. A thunder of hooves announced the arrival of the main force. Lancers, well ordered and drilled.
.
A tall young man rode forward and nodded. “I am…”
“I know who you are Bashir, I worked with your brother”.
“I have instructions to bring you to the city without delay.”
“Thank you captain, as you see, everything is in hand. We will be in the Royal City at the end of next month
“I have orders to produce you and your companions in the city much sooner ”.
“And I am telling you that no one in my party is subject to military authority. In any case my wagon could not keep pace with cavalry.”
“I have horses to spare. The wagon will be escorted and will come on later”.
Mira took Hawkmoon to one side. “What are you doing?”
“I am not about to be delivered in to the queen’s custody.”
“He has orders and by the looks of him he intends to carry them out.”
Hawkmoon went back to where Bashir waited.
“Might I enquire who issued your orders?”
“Your director and mine.”
“You are a Ranger?”
“Yes”
Hawkmoon relented“There are children, they will accompany the wagon. There are twin babies. You will have them escorted with the wagon and returned to me in the city.”
The Royal City.
Two guards were pulling a boy by the legs. They crossed an open sewer and he was dragged through it. Someone laughed. “You there, stop”.
The guards halted when they noticed the lancers. The Bashir rode forward. His riding crop flickered and the guard yelped, covering his ear. “What is happening here” .
“Arresting a thief , sir. Nothing for you to be concerned about”.
“I’ll decide that… You, stand up”. The youth got to his feet.
“Beg your pardon sir, I stole a loaf for me and me sisters. We’re starving. But he arrested me ‘cause he didn’t get his share. That’s the way it works. We split everything with them.” The Bashir pointed with his crop. “Trooper, arrest that man. Tell the jailer I want to see all of them tomorrow. The boy is to be fed and clothed. No marks. I will check”. The lancer saluted..
Mira came up. “How long has it been like this?”
“The problems in the countryside are spilling into the towns. There are forty thousand people outside the city. If they decide to riot there is nothing to stop them.”
The company passed inside the city walls. A swarthy man, middle aged with stubble on his face watched them go. He whistled through broken teeth and a small boy ran to him. Scribbling in a notebook and tearing the page , he handed it to the boy.
“Take it to the market.” The kid raced across town the note in his fist and a silver coin in his pocket. After he found the girl he would buy bread and run home before he was robbed...
The market was shutting up for the day. Some of the traders had already packed away. The poorer customers came late. This was the time for the bargains. There was a girl standing at a fruit stall.
The trader was smiling at her. She was a regular Came late in the day. Worked for one of the big houses. They could have had their provisions delivered and spare the work. Still if they wanted to waste money who was he to complain? The urchin stood by her. Her dress had a slit pocket . He slipped the note into it. His hand felt the cheek of her buttock. She turned to slap him but he ducked and ran.
The barrowman shouted. “Here, you little bastard…..Sorry miss”. “That’s alright good man” She went to leave. “Not buying today?”
She filled the basket and left. There were cabs drawn up at the other end of the square, kids sweeping up horse droppings. She was in a hurry but it wouldn’t do for a kitchen maid to be seen taking a cab…
The kitchen was busy when she came in by the servants entrance. Cook told her that the Butler was in the silver room. Leaving the basket with Cook’s helper she went to find him.“Pardon, Sir. I got this at the market”. The Butler looked at her after he read the note.
“Did he pinch your bottom?”.
“Yes sir”, she blushed.
“Good girl, Rosie”. Here is a silver... You may have tomorrow off.”
“Yes sir. Thank you sir”
The Butler went to the drawing room door and knocked .“Come in Bar”
A dwarf sat at an imposing desk... It was handsomely carved, inlaid with silver; it cost more than the home of a working man.“A note from Bell, your Excellency.”
Dwarfdale rose from behind the desk. He was tall for a dwarf. City life had given him a paunch but he carried it well. He read the note, and then read it again.
“He is following them until he knows where they will pass the night.”
“Send a man to the Red Feather. Ask for Betsy. “
Mira drew up before the bridge that led to the Palace gate. She looked along the street to a series of small hotels. “I will go to court in the morning .”.The Bashir saluted. “As you wish my lady. I will leave my lancers with you”.
“That will not be necessary.”
“My lady, much has changed in this city since you were last here”.
She looked at the soldiers” Detail four to dress in civilian clothing and not to draw notice.”
Hawkmoon came up with Norry and Reba
“I have to take the halfpint to meet some people. Reba will have to go with you.”
“Certainly”.
Reba swung back to Hawkmoon.“I don’t want to go with her. I want to stay with you.”
“Well, you can’t”. He answered brusquely.
“Hawkmoon, may I have a word?” Mira stepped aside.
“I brought her to the city, now I’m finished with her.
“It won’t be that easy.”
“Why?”
“She is in infatuated with you”
“What?”
�
��Keep your voice down. You rescued her. You protected her. You cared for her. What did you think was going to happen?”
“I can honestly say I never thought of that.”
“Why would you, you’re a dolt”.
“You can’t stay here”. Hawkmoon held up his hand. “Just for once listen to me as if I know what I am talking about. …If you stay in that place you will not see morning”
“The lancers…”
“The captain is a good man but he does not know what he is up against. Why are you so argumentative?”
Mira bridled at his tone. “I dislike been spoken to in that manner”
Hawkmoon fought to contain his frustration .“Your stepmother wants you dead so that idiot son of hers can succeed. Human killers I can manage but there is sorcery at work here. We have been lucky so far. That luck is about to run out. Now for the last time will you do as I ask?”
The Palace.
Dwarfdale walked by Mira holding her dress.. People stopped and stared The previous day was a round of dress shops. Dwarfdale paid outrageous sums. When it came to a matter of rings and precious stones Mira would have nothing but her marriage ring. A number of guards were lounging at the gate, their appearance ill kempt. One, a sergeant, stepped forward as she made to pass through.
“And where might you be going.” Mira fixed him with a glare. “Sergeant, It is obvious you do not recognise me and my arrival is unexpected, so I will excuse you impertinence on this occasion. Send for the captain of the guard.” One of the other soldiers, an older man, whispered to the sergeant who went pale.
“Your Royal Highness, of course, please “Mira swept past him. He ran by her side. “The captain is away this morning …”
“Where is the Chamberlain?”
“In the Hall of Audience ….”
“Escort me there.” The sergeant relaxed, happy to be given an order. The hall was empty except for a frail man who sat at a desk inside the door. He looked up, eyes widening in consternation.