A Soldier's Honor: The Scepter of Maris: Book One
Page 22
CHAPTER THIRTY ONE
Harder Times
Meric was standing at full height again, the ringing in his head finally subsided to a point he could think straight. He ran his hand up and down Alyssa's back a couple times in silent thanks for giving him a steady prop while he recovered, and then turned to Zeke.
"What do we do with them?" He jerked his head in the direction of the men on the floor. A more focused look around the common room revealed three other people present. None of them looked too concerned with the fact that five of the King's soldiers had just been knocked out in front of them. In fact, the white-haired old man and the younger man and woman, that could be his children from the look of them, only scowled at the defeated soldiers.
"There's a shed out back, we can put them in there for now. There will be some boys here in a little while that will take care of them."
"Is this going to cause you any trouble?"
"Not a soul in this village that wouldn't help hide the bodies. Those soldiers were the only outsiders, until you showed up. They were here to meet up with a patrol that is due around mid-day tomorrow, a patrol that's out lookin' for those same boys that'll be showing up later, as a matter of fact."
"So we should be safe here as long as we leave first thing in the morning." Meric eyed the three patrons again before looking back at Zeke, only to find a confused look on his face.
"I'd guessed you'd be going to the rebel's camp tonight."
"What? What rebels?"
"Ain't that why you're here?" Zeke's confusion was growing, and so was Meric's.
Meric exchanged a look with Brody and Alyssa, receiving the same bewildered look in return. Brody faced Zeke and asked what all three of them were thinking.
"Zeke, what exactly are you talking about? We haven't heard of any rebellion."
Zeke scratched at his head. "I thought that was why you were here. Maybe sooner than I expected, but I figured you just came quick when Cody explained everything."
"We haven't seen Cody," informed Meric.
Zeke's brow furrowed heavily, and he looked back and forth between Meric and Brody several times before he spoke again.
"Let's get these scum out to the shed. Toby, will you keep an eye on 'em until the others get here?" The question was aimed at the younger of the two male patrons. The man nodded and moved to help them carry the still unconscious soldiers. It only took a few minutes for them to get all five men stashed away and return to the inn's common room. They found Silas and Malina sitting at a table with Zeke's wife, all three of them were eating. As soon as they filed back in, Mable got up and went back behind the bar, returning with some drinks. She passed out the six mugs she was carrying, and then went back for more. There were a few confused minutes of sliding tables around and rearranging chairs, before they were all seated together where they could talk. After Mable had placed a plate of chicken and potatoes in front of the last person to be served, Zeke began to explain.
"Things have gotten worse since you left. Taxing us till we starve and people being arrested for no reason, people disappearing without a trace. Xavier's thugs razed a whole town because they stood up to some soldiers that tried to rape one of the innkeeper's daughters. Oh, they claimed the village was harborin' traitors and was a known headquarters for a rebellious group that the king had been huntin'. It was bull. A few people escaped, fled through the woods, but most of the village was murdered; men, women, and children. It was an example being made, a lesson taught. Now the soldiers do what they want, and everybody's too scared to do anything about it. This knot on my head was just because I asked for payment on the food and drink those men ordered. There's still some good men in the Guard, but they're more the exception than the rule nowadays. People been gettin' tired of it. You don't know from one day to the next if there gonna come knock in your door and drag you out into the street for some imagined crime. Yeah, I know... they would actually have a reason to arrest me now, but I'm talkin' about other villages. Neighbors turnin' each other in for gold or favors. There are some places like here where the people stick together, but more and more we hear stories of that kind of thing. You remember the town of Haven? Had that rich merchant's widow named... uh..."
"Leah Corvis," supplied Mable.
"Right, Leah. She was helpin' out families that were taxed to starvation, or had their property taken 'cause they couldn't pay. The soldiers drug her out of her home and burned her at the stake for bein' a witch. A witch! Can you believe that nonsense? They did it right there in the center of town.
"One of the local women here was in another town the other day and watched as soldiers drug a teenage girl off behind one of the shops. They all stood there, not doin' anything as they heard the girl screamin'. When the woman went to help, the other town folk stopped her. Said she would only make it worse for the rest of them, and they sent her on her way out of town. Everyone is terrified, and don't know what to do about it. So a bunch of the men and some women that have suffered in some way from the Crown's 'justice' has banded together. At first it was just to find some way to survive, but they got the idea to attack a supply wagon headed for one of the garrisons. They were successful and decided that they did not have much to lose anyway. Word got out and they started gettin' more people come lookin' to join 'em. Now it's a small army, spread out to keep from being tracked easily, but they have one group of leaders that's in charge. They're gettin' more organized and startin' to cause some real trouble. The problem is they ain't but a few of 'em that have ever been a soldier or really know how to fight. One of the former soldiers came up with the idea that they needed some leaders that knew what they were doin' and he remembered what had been done to the four of you. He was with you at Besston, when you stopped the King's men from their killin' and rapin'. Said that was when your trouble with the Crown started, they accused you of the crimes that he had ordered his own men to do."
Meric nodded, ignoring everything else around him for a moment as his mind went back to that fateful day. He had thought that it was some rogue unit that had lost it during the war and ordered his company to stop them. They had been at it for some time and Meric's people were not able to save many of the villagers, but they were able to save some. A few of the rogues got away, the commander included, and got to Xavier before they could report what had happened to the chain of command. Xavier used that instance to finally make a move to get rid of Meric for good. It was completely silent in the room for a few seconds, and then Zeke cleared his throat and went on.
"The soldier thought that if there was a real chance for them to succeed, it would be with the four of you leading them. He thought that just the mention of your names would bring more fighters to their cause. They sent Cody to Yost with a message, asking you to come back and help free your people from Xavier's cruelty. Like I said, thought that was why you're here."
Meric shook his head in disbelief. Two months ago he would not have had to think about it. He knew the kind of evil Xavier was capable of and had even felt guilt for leaving without trying to do something, anything. It had not mattered that there was nothing that he could have done at the time to make a difference. Now, there was a possibility that a real difference could be made.
Again, silence blanketed the room, though with a more thick and cruel feeling to it this time. Meric tried to keep any expression off of his face as his gaze swept those at the table. Westerly, Woodard, and Pierson had the look of men that thought their job was about to get more difficult. James' face was a complete blank. Alyssa was looking at him with concern and a little sadness. The faces he was truly worried about all wore the same look; sorrow mixed with determination. He thought that he knew what that meant, but this was too important to leave to a guess.
He straightened in his chair and faced Zeke.
"I am sorry, but we have a mission that cannot be abandoned. Even for something so important, something that every fiber of my being wishes to be a part of." He looked to his three longtime companions before
Zeke could respond. "I will not speak for you in this. It is too hard a decision to make... you know what is at stake on both sides. Decide which path you feel is right, and know that I will support you either way."
The three looked at each other for only a brief moment and did not speak any words, but then Brody looked back at Meric and answered for all of them. "We will see this mission through. You're right, we do know what's at stake and in the end it could be much more important than deposing Xavier."
Meric nodded, and looked back to Zeke. The innkeeper was starting to get angry.
"What mission could possibly be more important than freein' your own people from a tyrant? Who's giving you these orders? Who are these people you're with? They ain't from here. That I do know!"
Zeke's face was getting redder the more he talked, and he was leaning up out of his chair. Meric waved at him to calm down, but it was not working too well.
"I am not able to tell you everything, but what you need to know is that what we are doing is vital. We are working with Glendon, on a mission that will benefit both our people. You know us Zeke... we would not be doing this unless it was important."
Meric's words only appeared to make the man madder. "I thought I knew you! The friends I knew would never turn their backs on us. They were loyal!"
Zeke was practically shouting now and Meric was about to ask him to calm down again, but the last comment touched on something deep in his heart. He leaned toward the innkeeper, his own voice rising.
"Do not talk to me about loyalty! Yes, you and others like you took us in when we needed help, but there were just as many that turned us away and even worse, sold us out for gold and empty promises." Meric felt a hand on his shoulder pulling him back into his chair, and he let himself be guided.
"Everyone needs to calm down. Zeke... you do know us. Both of you do, and you know if it wasn't the direst of circumstances, we would be more than willing to get right in the thick of this rebellion. There are some things you aren't aware of."
Brody looked Zeke in the eye as he spoke in a calm but firm voice. Zeke sat back down, but he still did not look convinced. Next to him, Mable had a conflicted expression on her face as she put a hand on her husband's shoulder. Brody did not wait for a heavy silence to settle this time. He kept his attention on the older couple and tried to explain.
" It's Orcs, Zeke. They have been found south of the mountains again. They're in Glendon this time, but we believe that they are making a stronger push. We also found some evidence that Xavier might be involved in some way." Brody held up his hands, palms toward the man, trying to cut him off before he interrupted. "We do not have anything that can be proven beyond a doubt, but what we have is enough to convince us he is somehow mixed up with the Orcs. They are after some kind of artifact, and if they get their hands on it, it will be bad for all of us. It could allow them to finish what they started years ago, no matter who holds the power in Parna."
Zeke ran a hand through his hair a few times and lowered his head. Meric, though still a little angry at the earlier comment, felt some sympathy for the man. His hopes had probably soared when he saw all four of the former Rennick soldiers enter his inn, only to have that hope come crashing down with what they were telling him. There was no doubt that the men he had spoken of earlier would react the same, but he would stand by his decision. If the Orcs got hold of that scepter, no human in either kingdom would be safe. There was no way that the beasts would just quietly cross back over the Hackles and leave them in peace. Any resistance would be crushed and the rest of them enslaved.
"We will not abandon you, Zeke. This task should not last more than a couple months. We have given our word that we will help in the fight with the Orcs, but if what we suspect is true, it might be just as useful to have someone here keeping Xavier from causing any trouble while Glendon is fighting off an invasion. If that is the case, then one or more if us will be free to join the fight."
The disappointment did not leave Zeke's face at Meric's words, but he did let the anger go. He eventually met Meric's eyes again, and nodded with reluctance. "I ain't gonna say I'm happy about it, but I guess I can understand. Those boys will need some convincing, though. And Meric... I'm sorry. I had no call to be saying that. I was just angry and..."
"Forget it. I can understand your anger, but I have to do this. We have to."
"Well, let's see about gettin' you settled for the night. Get me up a list of any supplies you might need and I'll get that taken care of too." With those words, Zeke and Mable pushed away from the table and headed back behind the bar.
Meric felt burdened with this new knowledge. He had meant every word he said to their hosts, and that just made it all the harder to leave. He could only hope that the rebellion could hold on or even succeed without them. He would come back and join them if at all possible, and maybe they would finally be able to bring down some justice on Xavier's head. These thoughts were racing around in his head when Zeke came back from behind the bar and waved them toward the hallway leading to the rooms they would be staying in for the night. As he got up to follow, Alyssa's hand slid into his and tried to send some reassurance as she gripped it tight. The smile he gave was most likely weak, but she just bobbed her head and moved after the others.
There were six rooms, and they took little time sorting them out. It was a given, by now, that James and Malina would share a room and they went into the first on the left. Woodard and Westerly took the next, being the most junior men present. Brody chose the last room on that side of the hall, and Pierson took the last on the right. Meric picked the room across from James and Malina. He assumed that Silas would share with Pierson or Brody to leave the last room for Alyssa, and was therefore surprised to turn around and find her coming into his room and closing the door behind her. She set her pack on the floor and moved to stand next to him, once again taking his hand.
"Are you alright with this?" She softly voiced her concern.
"Of course, just surprised. Are you not worried about what the others might think?"
She looked confused for a second and then smirked at him. "I was speaking about the decision to continue on the mission. Do not be getting any ideas about the sleeping arrangement. There will be no ravishing me tonight."
His slump-shouldered pout must not have been too impressive, because she threw her head back and laughed at him before moving to the bed to sit. A bit of dust swirled around her hand as she patted the straw packed mattress next her and he watched it absently before doing as ordered. Rays from the sinking sun angled through the half-opened curtains and lit her up when he half turned so he could watch her face. The light hit her just right to make her light green eyes shine and her auburn hair turn bright with golden streaks. She was so beautiful it made his chest ache. She took both of his hands this time and the look she gave him was solemn.
"I know that must have been difficult, do you want to talk about it?"
He took a moment to really think about it, so he could give her an honest answer. "It was definitely not easy, but there was no other choice I could have made in good conscience. I truly think that what we are doing is more urgent. We might not be able to stop them if they get that relic and it really does what we were told. I am sure it will be on my mind; they will be on my mind until this is done, but it is the right choice."
"It is, and the sooner we can complete this task and stop the Orcs, the sooner we can help these people."
"You would help us fight a rebellion? I am not too sure your King will allow that." He could not keep the surprise from showing.
"He will if what we suspect is confirmed. If Xavier had a hand in the attempts on Teresa's and Sara's lives, he should have all the rationale he needs to help remove him from the throne. Maybe he will have even more cause before this is all over, because who knows what that sick bastard is truly up to?"
By the time she was finished he was nodding in agreement, his eyes on the floor as he took in her words. She let him brood for a few
minutes, but then he felt her soft touch slide along his jaw and gently turn him to look at her again.
"We will deal with this like we have everything else so far; together. You and I and our friends. That is a promise."
He hoped she realized just how much she had come to mean to him. Of course, showing her could be an enjoyable experience so he leaned in to kiss her, but made sure to keep it reasonably tame. For now. She pulled him with her and they lay back on the bed, content to just enjoy the closeness until they had to meet with the rebels. He knew that the upcoming meeting with these men might get tense, and was thankful for some peace and quiet while it lasted.
CHAPTER THIRTY TWO
Surprise Attack
The men they were expecting did not show up until two hours later. Though she had not intended on taking a nap, lying there with Meric's arms around her had been too nice and she could see no good reason to move. Several knocks on the door followed by Brody's deep rumble had pulled her from a light doze, and a few pokes to Meric's ribs later, they were both straightening out their clothes before leaving the room to meet up with the rest of them in the common area.
As expected, the rebels were not pleased with the news. One of the three was a bit more hot-headed than the others and had nearly gotten violent, but must have realized how foolish that would be because in the end he only mumbled in anger and remained seated. The soldier Zeke had spoken of was one of the three and was known to Meric and the others. Dane listened to the same speech they had given Zeke without interrupting and chose to believe them. He even helped calm his two companions down by assuring them that Meric and company would not leave them for anything less than life and death circumstances. After that, they spent the next few hours listening to the rebel's stories and helping them with some plans for causing Xavier more trouble. They all weighed in and each suggestion or idea was discussed thoroughly, but Meric and Silas laid out most of the strategy. Meric with more broad view tactics and Silas spoke on the many ways he caused so much trouble to the Orcs back in the war. His methods were well suited for the kind of campaign these men would be waging against the Crown. When the men gave their farewells and left, all of the hostility and most of the resentment was nowhere in evidence. As she followed Meric to their room, she could tell that he felt a little better for being able to help, even if it was only with advice. She bade the others good night and closed the door, leaning back on it for a moment before moving to the bed. She had a feeling that their pace would pick up now that they were so close, and as she was drifting off she could not shake the feeling that things were about to get a lot more interesting.