The Rebels of Cordovia

by Linda Weaver Clarke

  When Giles came riding at a fast speed, he held his hand in the air, giving the signal that the taxman was on his way. Then he slid to a stop and led his horse into the woods. He quickly prepared his bow and arrow and waited.

  Polly got down from her seat and stood in the middle of the road beside her carriage. She thought it was best to begin crying her eyes out before the soldiers arrived so her face would look a little red. All she had to do was think about the little children that she and Robin had given food and clothes to. Their thin clothes barely kept the children warm. That brought the tears on quite easily.

  When the soldiers and taxman finally arrived, they were leery and had their hands on their muskets, ready to defend themselves.

  As Polly cried, the captain climbed down from his horse and walked up to her, asking what had happened.

  “I… I was robbed,” she stammered.

  “Who were they?”

  “Some thieves,” she said as she wiped the tears from her cheeks. “They took my money and my horse. I was going to visit my aunt when they stopped me.”

  “Where did they go?” asked the captain.

  “Toward Charlottesville.”

  The captain still seemed a little guarded. So she broke into tears all over again, hoping for more sympathy.

  Seeing her distressed situation, the captain finally let out a sigh and took her in his arms to comfort her. He patted her back and said, “It’s all right. We’ll take you where you need to go. What’s your name?”

  “Polly,” she said as she clung to his jacket.

  He smiled at her. “Well, Polly, lately these woods haven’t been safe for anyone to travel. There are a lot of rebel groups that are roaming about, so you might not want to travel without someone escorting you from now on.”

  She nodded and sniffled a little. When he got his handkerchief out for her to use, the taxman yelled with frustration, “Get that woman out of our way. We have no time for this. We’re on the king’s business.”

  Polly could see this annoyed the captain quite a bit. He had pursed his lips as if trying to hold back his temper. Apparently, he didn’t like the taxman anymore than she did. Noticing how the soldiers had relaxed, she decided it was time to give the signal.

  “Oh my!” Polly called out. “You’re grouchy for an old man!”

  The soldiers snickered and the captain grinned as the taxman turned red with anger.

  Just at that moment, seventy-five arrows flew through the air with the sound of buzzing bees and burrowed into the taxman’s coach. Instantly, Daniel called out his message.

  “Drop your muskets and scat! I’ll give you one second to consider it.”

  When the soldiers hesitated, seventy-five more arrows covered the rest of the coach just like a pincushion. With that, the soldiers dropped their muskets, kicked their horses, and took off running. The captain, although, was quite chivalrous. He quickly picked up Polly and placed her on his horse and then took off at great speed.

  Robin hadn’t expected that. She smiled as she climbed down from the tree. When she and all the men walked out from the woods, the taxman knew the procedure. He climbed out of the coach with a disgruntled look on his face and stood beside the coach. His eyes looked like daggers as he stared at Robin. She thanked him and took all the bags of money from under the seat.

  “For a mere boy, you sure have a good following,” said the taxman. “But no matter… I’ll have more soldiers next time, but ones that aren’t so easily distracted.”

  “By the way,” said Robin. “Your cravat is crooked.”

  That night another meeting was called which included Daniel. After everyone settled down, Robin handed Daniel the money and said, “Would you please count it out evenly for each of the villages and assign your men to distribute food for the needy and clothes for the children? You can give the portion for Charlottesville to me or Polly. We’re going to distribute the clothes and food ourselves.”

  Daniel nodded. He was pleased she had included him in this manner.

  Merek chuckled as he looked at Polly. “So what happened after the Captain took off with you?”

  Polly sighed. “He was such a gentleman. His name’s Nathaniel. After we arrived in the next village, he told his men to go back to the palace. Then he bought me some pastries and we talked and talked. It was great. Then he dropped me off at my aunt’s house. I might see him again tomorrow.”

  Merek’s eyes widened. “Really?” Then he burst into laughter. This had been so unexpected.

  Chapter 15

  The following day, Daniel dropped the money by for Robin to buy food and clothes for the needy in Charlottesville. When she went shopping, he went along and helped her pick up everything that was needed. Robin didn’t realize how much fun it would be to have Daniel help. He wanted to pick out clothes for the boys. When he was done, he helped her choose some play dresses for the girls. He even wanted to choose the colors. He liked the peach colored dresses more than the green ones. This made her laugh.

  “You’re really enjoying this, aren’t you?”

  He nodded with a smile. “Peach seems to be the real fashion now days. Red-flowered print dresses are popular, too. Have you noticed? Let’s get one of those for that little girl that gave you those wild flowers. She was so sweet. Do you remember Amy?”

  She nodded.

  “What do you say?”

  Robin was taken aback. This man standing before her, who considered himself a rogue and had the body of the Greek God Zeus, was enjoying shopping for clothes.

  She smiled. “Yes, I think she would love it.”

  Daniel picked a pretty flower print dress about the same size as Amy. They both figured she was about eight years old.

  When they were done, they headed back to the Bakery to pack everything in the cart. While they stood talking, Robin noticed Polly sitting on a bench beside Captain Nathaniel.

  The Bakery was situated next to a public square with a large beautiful fountain in the middle of the road. Benches were placed around it with tall trees to create shade. This was a popular place for lovers to come and sit, whisper to one another, and watch the water roll over the edges of the fountain.

  Robin smiled when she saw Polly giggle. The captain leaned toward her and whispered something in her ear. When she smiled at him, he leaned toward her and kissed her cheek, which brought a blush to her face.

  “What do you suppose they’re talking about?” asked Daniel.

  Robin shrugged. “I’m not sure but I’m guessing that he’s flirting with her.”

  When she noticed that Polly had become serious, she wondered what had happened. She had just been smiling and laughing a moment before. Then she saw Polly shake her head adamantly and speak to him in a sober manner. After a while, she took his hand and pulled him from his seat and led him toward the Bakery. She had a determined look on her face. Robin creased her brow and wondered what was happening.

  When they entered the Bakery, Polly said to Robin. “This is Captain Nathaniel. When are we going to deliver the clothes and food to the poor?”

  “Right now if you’re ready.”

  “Good. I’m bringing Nathaniel along.”

  “Really? Why?”

  She looked affectionately at him and replied, “He was telling me how he is in charge of one hundred soldiers. Well, the king has ordered him and his men to guard all the towns and villages in this area so they can keep order.”

  “Order?” asked Robin. “We’re doing just fine. We don’t have any problems in Charlottesville.”

  “That’s what I said and he told me that the king wants to be sure he has control over the people. I was shocked. So I said the king should be in control of the poor. That’s what he should be worrying about.”

  Nathaniel laughed. “She’s a spunky one, isn’t she?”

  Robin nodded with a smile.

  “Anyway,” continued Polly. “I asked him if he had ever been on the outskirts of town where the poor live and seen their conditi
on. He said that he never has.”

  Robin’s eyes widened. Surely all the soldiers knew the condition of the people. But apparently not.

  She turned to Daniel. “Would you mind coming with us?”

  He nodded. Daniel could see in her eyes that she was a little uneasy about taking the officer along. She needed a little support, especially since she had been fighting against them lately.

  Nathaniel retrieved his horse and met them at the Bakery. Daniel unhitched his and was ready to go. They followed the women in the cart pulled by their favorite mule.

  When they arrived at their destination, small wooden shacks could be seen in the distance down in a little valley. The dirt roads were narrow and children played in the street with ragged clothes and no shoes. The children were thin, so thin it would break a person’s heart. Their large dark eyes were trusting and innocent. When the children saw the cart approach, they yelled to their parents. They recognized Robin from other visits.

  When Robin pulled the cart to a stop in front of a small shack, a young mother walked out to meet them.

  “I can’t believe my eyes,” she said with tears running down her cheeks. “You said you were coming back and you’re here.”

  “How about your husband?” asked Robin. “Has he found a job, yet?”

  The woman nodded. “Yes, he’s working for a farmer, but he doesn’t know how long it will last. Just until harvest season, I guess.”

  Robin smiled affectionately. “I’ve got the clothes I promised. Tell your children to come along and we can find out what sizes are best for them.”

  The woman wiped the tears from her eyes and said, “God bless you. If it weren’t for you, we wouldn’t have had enough food until my husband got this new job.” Then she turned to Captain Nathaniel and said, “Tell the king what kind of condition we’re in. He needs to know. Why isn’t he doing something to help us?”

  Nathaniel scanned the area but didn’t say a word. He had never seen this part of town before. He didn’t even know it existed. He, too, wondered why the king didn’t do something about it.

  After measuring the children and then distributing the clothes to them, they went to the next home. Every home was the same. Some needed clothes, others needed food, and some needed both. The children were sweet and acted grateful for what they received. Some had dirty faces from playing outside and others had muddy feet from walking in a puddle.

  Before trying on the clothes, the mothers insisted they get washed up first. With a groan, they obeyed. Robin noticed this brought a smile to Nathaniel’s face. At one home, they found a mother bathing a child in a round wooden tub outside. She was preparing her children for their afternoon meal.

  They had spent the day giving to others, chatting with families to find out their needs, and talking to the children. Now they would make one more stop. It would be little Amy’s home. Daniel had picked out a special dress for her.

  When they arrived, Robin noticed a white flag had been stuck in the ground next to the house. This worried her.

  She turned to Daniel and the captain and said, “A white flag means that someone is very ill. It’s a warning to others to stay away so they don’t get it.”

  Robin quickly slid from the cart and walked to the door with everyone following. She knocked and waited impatiently.

  Daniel could see the concerned look on her face. He put a hand on her shoulder for comfort and support. She turned to him and slightly smiled.

  After a few moments, a woman answered the door and said, “Oh my! You’ve come back. You don’t want to come in. Amy has the grippe and it’s real bad. We sent for the doctor but he said he has done all he can. He can’t do anymore and there isn’t any medicine to be had. He’s not the best doctor but he’s all we have.” The young mother wiped a stray tear as she said, “Amy can’t breath very well. She struggles with every breath she has.”

  Robin took a deep breath, hoping to push away the ache in her heart. “How about the other children, Betty? Have they gotten it?”

  Betty shook her head. “No, they’re quite healthy.”

  Robin nodded. “Good. May I see her, please?”

  Betty opened the door and allowed everyone to enter. She led them to a room where the small child was lying on a bed. Robin could tell Amy was taking chills and shivering, even though her bed was near a lighted fireplace. She was pale and her eyes looked hollow. Robin groaned inside herself, holding her stomach for fear it would twist in knots.

  She quickly knelt beside the child and took her hand and said, “How are you feeling, Amy?”

  She gave a weak smile and said, “I’m fine. Did you bring me that dress you promised?”

  Robin blinked away a few tears and said, “Of course. Daniel picked out a pretty red-flowered dress for you. He said it was so lovely that he wanted you to have it.”

  Amy smiled. “I don’t have any flowers for you today but I’ll get some next time when you come back.”

  She coughed and held her hand against her chest. Her face became ashen as she struggled to take a breath.

  “Does it hurt when you cough?” asked Robin.

  The child nodded.

  Robin’s heart wanted to break. It looked as if the grippe had turned into pneumonia. When a stray tear made its way down Robin’s cheek, Amy reached out and brushed it away.

  “Don’t worry about me. I’m fine. Mama says God blesses little children. And he’s going to bless me, too.”

  Such faith! Robin immediately took the small child in her arms and held her tightly against her chest as she struggled to hold back the tears welling up in her eyes.

  Then taking a deep breath, she gradually let go of Amy and said with a smile, “Get better, all right? I’ll check up on you next time we come around.”

  Amy coughed and gave a nod.

  Without another word, Robin left the room and went outside. As she leaned against the side of the house, she wept. Her chest was aching and her throat was constricted. She never imagined becoming so close to the children that she was helping.

  Daniel bid farewell and told Betty they would return so he could give the dress to Amy when she was feeling better. Then he put his arm around Robin’s shoulders and walked her to the cart. Polly took Nathaniel’s arm and quietly led him to his horse.

  Standing by the cart, Daniel took Robin in his arms and held her tight. The comfort of his arms around her was wonderful but it wasn’t enough. Her heart was breaking.

  He lifted her chin upwards and looked into her eyes. “I know what you’re thinking, Marie. The grippe has taken so many lives this year, both little children and the old. You don’t have much hope, but there is something we can do.”

  With a surprised look, she asked, “What? Betty said the doctor has done everything he can.”

  Daniel shook his head. “I don’t think so. We have a doctor over in Georgetown that my father goes to. I’m going to ask father to pay him a visit and tell him this is an emergency. He needs to come out here tonight. Don’t worry about the bill. I’ll take care of it.”

  Robin tried to smile but all she could do was bite her lip. She looked up into his eyes and said, “We should go home. It’s getting late. The sun will be going down soon.”

  As they traveled, Nathaniel asked, “Do these children go to school?”

  Polly shook her head. “They’re too embarrassed. They’re dressed in rags while the other children have nice clothes. It’s a pride thing. Besides, the children make fun of them because of their clothing.”

  Nathaniel looked shocked as he shook his head.

  “That’s why we have so many rebels,” Polly said firmly. “They are fighting for the people’s lives, Nathaniel. If the king really cared about his people, we wouldn’t have rebels. There would be no need for them.”

  With a raised brow, Nathaniel asked, “How do you and Marie come up with all the money to buy food and clothes for these people?”

  She smiled. “The merchants in Charlottesville donated their mon
ey to help the poor. It’s done anonymously.”

  Robin nodded. That was true. All the merchants in town had given their taxes to the taxman and her rebels had taken the donation to give to the poor.

  “Well,” said Nathaniel. “I’m going to tell the king about the condition of his people. He should know about it. I’m so surprised…”

  Daniel interrupted with a frown. “I’ve made appointment after appointment to talk to him and he won’t see anyone unless it has something to do with planning a party or fitting him with an outfit.”

  Nathaniel creased his brow and frowned.

  “It’s true,” said Daniel. “I even sent a message about what I wanted to say to the king and he still refused me.”

  Nothing more was said. Daniel had given Nathaniel something to think about. For the rest of the journey home, everyone was quiet.

  Chapter 16

  A week had passed and Daniel finally made it into town to visit Robin. It was early in the morning when he walked into the Bakery. He smiled and announced, “I think it’s time to go out and celebrate.”

  She raised her eyebrows curiously. “For what reason?”

  He laughed and said, “I brought my carriage along.” He pointed to it. “See?”

  Robin smiled at his excitement.

  “Grab your bonnet and let’s go,” he commanded.

  “But…”

  Andrew heard the commotion and waved his hand toward Daniel. “Go ahead. Business is slow.”

  With that, she grabbed her bonnet and headed out the door. He helped her into the carriage. Sitting on the seat beside her was a package.

  “What’s this?” asked Robin.

  Daniel grinned. “You’ll see.”

  Without another word, he whipped the reins and they headed down the road. When she tried to question him, he shook his head and refused to answer. As Robin watched him, it seemed that he was enjoying her curiosity because he would grin and chuckle at every question she asked.

  “Does it have something to do with me?”

  He shook his head and grinned.