“What of your obligation to King Stefano?”
“I’m sure he will understand my desire to protect my friends.”
“I think you are overreacting. Why don’t we finish our tea and see what develops before we go fleeing back to Florenza?”
I sighed and nodded my agreement. We continued eating but my previous contentment had evaporated. I ate rather quickly, but Lady Ilena savored every bite and ignored my obvious impatience.
“Sighing will not compel me to eat faster,” Ilena asserted after the waiter brought a new pot of tea.
“This is a nice floral tea to compliment the desserts. Is there anything else you need?”
“No, thank you. Everything is delicious and your service is impeccable.”
The waiter smiled widely and bowed low. He deftly collected the empty plates and gracefully left. I didn’t hear any unusual sounds from the other side of the curtain, so I forced myself to relax and take a strawberry macaroon. As if she’d tortured me enough, Ilena ate more quickly.
“Have you had enough, Conran? Or, will you need to dine at the inn?”
“Oddly enough, I’m stuffed. I wouldn’t expect such small portions to fill me.”
“They did bring us an extra tray but I found everything filling, too. And so delicious. Thank you for suggesting tea.”
The waiter swept the curtain back with the metallic whoosh of dragging curtain hoops.
“The mayor is here to see you.” He noted the empty plates and cups, and quickly and expertly stacked and cleared our table.
I stood in anticipation of our illustrious guest. A tall man stood behind the waiter and waited until he’d exited before ducking into our small dining area. The mayor bowed deeply.
“Please sit down. Mayor Constantino de Montego, at your service,” he said with a short bow. “I apologize for interrupting. I hope you don’t mind I have ordered a digestif for us to enjoy together.”
“Not at all, Mayor de Montego,” Lady Ilena responded graciously.
“Thank you for the service you’ve done our town. Signora Legnica killed every constable sent to apprehend her, and destroyed their families, too. After the second murdered family, I couldn’t find anyone to go against her. I rushed over here when I heard she was dead. Senora Fiore told me what happened. I insisted on thanking our saviors.”
I became more and more uncomfortable with each sentence. Fortunately, Ilena maintained her calm and eloquence.
“You are far too kind, Mayor de Montego, but I believe Senora Legnica must have had some sort of seizure that killed her. Why would we harm her when we didn’t know her?”
“Why…uh…but…” the mayor stuttered.
“Lady Ilena is right. We are only here for a few days. We are relatively new to your country and have never heard of this Layne…Leg?”
“Legnica, Conran.”
“Ah, that’s right. Legnica. Such an unusual name. However, it is good to hear that her unexpected death makes things better for your town, Mayor de Montego.”
The poor flabbergasted man looked back and forth between us. I kept my face neutral though I pitied him. As he started to open his mouth, the waiter threw the curtain back with a flourish to set a tray with a bottle and three crystal glasses on our table.
“Your digestif, Mayor de Montego. It is Senora Fiore’s special blend,” he said as he removed the crystal stopper and filled the glasses. “She makes it herself from her garden. Please enjoy.”
“This is very thoughtful of you,” I offered as I handed the mayor the first small glass.
I gave the second one to Ilena. We each sipped. I found the digestif too sweet and put it down. Ilena sipped and smirked at me. A laugh burst from me, causing the mayor to jump.
“Did I do something funny?”
“No, Sir. Ilena made a face at me as she knows I don’t like sweet liquors. I apologize for laughing.”
A smile broke across his pink face. “Nonsense.” In a lower, conspiratorial voice, he added, “I find it terribly sweet, too. I should have brought a bottle of my favorite whisky, but that would have been frowned upon it.”
We laughed, partly in relief at the easing of tension. De Montego and I pushed our drinks aside as I told him what little I felt it was safe to of the possibility of an invading navy.
“Thank you for trusting me with the information, Lord Pierce-Seahorn. Commander Harnois requested a meeting this afternoon. Now I know what it’s likely about and can have the right men attend.”
“You’re welcome. It is getting late. I need to escort Lady Ilena to her room.”
“My carriage is outside. Please let me drive you to your inn.”
“Thank you,” Lady Ilena interjected. “That would be welcome. Your town has far larger crowds than anywhere I’ve lived.”
“It is not normally so busy but we have a festival scheduled in a few days. You were lucky to find rooms.”
The mayor’s luxurious carriage soon pulled up before our inn. After thanking him and agreeing to dinner at his home the following day, Lady Ilena and I entered the inn.
“That was an adventurous outing,” I commented wryly.
“I still enjoyed myself and we have a nice meal to look forward to tomorrow. It was thoughtful of him to include Silvesto.”
“I’m not sure Silvesto will be pleased.”
I knew Silvesto enjoyed formal dinners even less than I.
“What are you sure I won’t be pleased about, Conran?” Silvesto’s deep voice inquired from behind.
“The anticipation of a dinner with Mayor de Montego tomorrow,” I replied, grinning as I turned around. My grin dimmed slightly at the scowl on his face. “Rough day?”
“They insisted they needed my expertise but proceeded to discount almost all my advice. I deserve a medal for holding my temper,” he growled. “Once I saw the sun dipping, I decided I’d borne enough and left.”
“Have you eaten yet?”
“No, and that hasn’t aided my temper.”
“The food here is supposed to be very good. When we entered, it smelled delicious. I’m not hungry but I would be happy to keep you company while you eat.”
“Are you sick, Conran? I’ve never known you to pass on eating.”
“Ilena and I just had an enormous tea. The owner brought extra food, as she could tell it wasn’t enough for me.”
“That sounds familiar. How you manage to twist women around your finger without even trying,” he paused, shaking his head. “I would be thankful for the company. Be good to complain where it won’t get back to Commander Harnois. Can you join us, Ilena?”
She seemed to vacillate within herself before finally nodding.
“I do feel tired but fear it is too noisy for me to fall asleep easily. Maybe she won’t mind brewing some of my chamomile tea to help me relax.”
“Haven’t you had enough tea for one day?”
“It is herbal tea to help me sleep,” she protested with a humorous glint in her eye. “Can you gentlemen find a table for us?”
I’d already scanned the busy room and spied a small table in a rear corner. Without answering, I grasped Ilena’s elbow and quickly led the way to the available table. Silvesto maneuvered in front of me to ensure no one got to the table before us. His bulk would intimidate anyone thinking of nabbing our table.
Smiling, I slowed so Ilena wouldn’t have to trot to keep pace. Reaching the battered and scratched table, I pulled out a chair for Ilena.
“I should go to my room for the tea.”
“Sit and relax. I’ll check if Mrs. Calhoun has chamomile and lemon balm tea.”
Ilena laughed. “You know me too well to know I add lemon balm!”
Impulsively, I bent to kiss the crown of her head.
“Tell Silvesto about our eventful tea while I give Mrs. Calhoun our order. What would you like, Silvesto?”
“Whatever red meat they have tonight with a pitcher of ale.”
“Be right back.”
I weaved my wa
y between crowded tables to the bar where Mrs. Calhoun was directing several tavern wenches burdened by heavy trays. I waited until she was alone to approach.
“Good evening, Mrs. Calhoun. What is your special tonight, and do you have chamomile and lemon balm tea?”
“I recommend the beef pot roast stew. Yes, I have chamomile and lemon balm tea. I need it myself to rest after a long day.”
“One order of beef pot roast with a pitcher of ale and two mugs. One order of chamomile and lemon balm tea for Lady Ilena. We are in the back corner.”
She looked past me and her eyes widened. “He’s a big fella. I’ll put a little more meat in his order,” she said, smiling. “I’ll send Catriona over quickly with the ale.”
“Thank you. Silvesto has had a rough day and it may soften his temper.”
I started turning away when I saw a luscious chocolate cake resting on a rear sideboard. I found it hard to pass on chocolate cake.
“May I have a piece of that chocolate cake, too?”
“Very good choice. I just baked it today. I’ll bring extra for your friends, Lord Pierce-Seahorn.”
Flustered, I smiled my thanks. I hadn’t given my title when I’d checked in. I wondered how she’d found out.
“Commander Harnois left this message for you,” Mrs. Calhoun said, handing me a sealed message with my full name on it. “I hope it isn’t anything serious.”
“So do I.”
At least now I knew how she’d learned my title. I hoped the message wouldn’t spoil the rest of my evening. I carried it back to my friends and found a pitcher of ale and pot of tea already on the worn table.
“Conran, what’s wrong?” Ilena inquired.
I showed the folded and wax sealed letter. “Commander Harnois left a message for me.”
I sat down, broke the seal and opened the missive. I read quickly and my tense muscles relaxed until I was smiling.
“Good news?”
“Yes, Ilena. Commander Harnois thanks Silvesto and I profusely for our assistance and says they will not need us for anything else. We can both accompany you shopping tomorrow, go to dinner and leave when you’re ready.”
Silvesto groaned exaggeratedly.
“Why would you volunteer our services to shop?” He emphasized and sneered on the last word.
“It’s very crowded here and I don’t want Ilena on these streets alone. Besides, I’ve noticed how people part before you like the Red Sea for the Israelites.”
Ilena sputtered over her tea. I grinned in response. Reluctantly, Silvesto smiled in response.
“I shall part the crowds but you will be the one to accompany her into every shop and carry her myriads of packages. Agreed?”
“I may need help if she has ‘myriads of packages’. I’m not a packhorse.”
“Me neither,” Silvesto grumbled.
“You can both stop arguing,” Ilena interjected. “I only saw a couple of shops today that I want to explore, so I doubt I will over burden either of you.”
High laughter made me look up and behind to see a tavern maid holding a tray of food.
“Most of the shops will deliver your purchases here, my lady,” she offered as she set the stew before Silvesto and slices of cake next to each of us.
“Thank you, Miss. That is good to know.”
“I will let Mrs. Calhoun know, so she can secure the packages in the back. Just let her know when you return. Do you need anything else?”
“A refill of ale,” Silvesto asked before digging into the steaming and aromatic stew.
“More sweets, Conran?”
“It’s chocolate cake! How often do we see that?”
“Not enough,” Ilena conceded as she dug her fork into her own piece of rich cake.
I closed my eyes in pleasure as I slowly chewed the first bite. It was moist and delicious.
“Mmm. This is the best chocolate cake I think I’ve ever had,” I commented, after swallowing. “I hope all the sweets don’t keep me up tonight.”
“I brought a cup of mint tea for you, Lord Pierce-Seahorn,” Mrs. Calhoun’s voice said from above my right shoulder. “It helps with digestion.”
I hid a smile as she slid a plain white china cup in front of me before setting another before Ilena.
“Is there anything else I can bring?”
I glanced at Ilena and Silvesto before answering.
“No, thank you. Can you bring me the bill when you have time?”
“Of course, me lord.”
I sipped at the tea, steam twirling and tickling my nose. It did help cut the sweetness of the cake. I stared into my cup and felt everything fade away including all sound. A disturbing vision flashed and faded. My hand jerked, spilling the tea. Ilena reached out to steady the cup.
“There will be no shopping trip tomorrow. We need to return to Florenza Court.”
“Tonight?” Silvesto asked.
“The two of you can leave in the morning but I think I should ride back tonight.”
“I don’t want you riding alone at night,” Ilena protested. “Everything is already packed, so I can leave tonight. We can have them send my trunks tomorrow. I can ride side saddle with the two of you.”
“Are you sure? I’ll be riding hard.”
“I’m sure they have a steed that can keep pace.”
“I will look into it,” Silvesto volunteered after downing the rest of his ale and wiping his mouth.
“I will arrange the transport of your luggage when she returns with our bill,” I offered.
“How bad is it, Conran?”
“I saw a small squad of men advancing on the palace. I believe they are from a ship that slipped past the watchers. I can ride faster alone. I know how to evade them and warn the palace.”
“You expect me to believe you won’t try to dispatch them on your own?”
I met her look and shook my head.
“You know what I can do. I will be fine alone.” I saw no need for false modesty.
Ilena gave an unladylike snort. I saw her look over my shoulder in surprise. She subtly signaled me to stand. I stood and turned to see the mayor and Commander Harnois.
I bowed deeply and found myself eye to eye with a beautiful silver-brushed black coated, enormous dog who gazed at me with interest. I loved dogs and held my hand out for him to sniff, which he did before nudging my hand. Smiling, I scratched behind his ear.
“He likes you. I thought he might.”
“He’s handsome and so alert. What kind of dog is he?”
“Actually, Bayard is a wolf hybrid. His dame is a Beauceron, which is a French breed that is very agile, intelligent and protective. What do you think of him?”
“He’s magnificent,” I responded as I rubbed under his chin where I knew dogs enjoyed. He appeared to smile as he lifted his head, so I could scratch easier. Laughing, I obliged before straightening.
“We’ve taken care of your meal, and let the inn keeper know that your rooms and any other charges will be paid by the city. It’s the least we can do for all you’ve done,” the mayor said with a pointed look at Ilena and I.
“You are too kind,” I said as I stroked the dog’s head.
“And I would like to present Bayard to you,” Captain Harnois interjected. “You’ll never find a better companion and he can keep pace with any horse.”
I’d missed having a dog but felt overwhelmed by the gift.
“Are you sure? All I gave was some advice,” my voice trailed away. I really wanted Bayard but the gift seemed too much.
“I’m sure and it would be my honor. Besides, I think Bayard has already chosen you. He’s never been so taken by anyone, including me. He’s only eight months old and I think he’s been waiting for the person he felt was worthy of him.”
I quickly made my mind up as Bayard’s intelligent eyes met mine.
“I will take very good care of Bayard. Thank you. I hope Silvesto won’t be too jealous.”
“We thought he’d prefer a hefty purs
e.”
“That he will,” I replied, secretly relieved that Silvesto was being suitably acknowledged. Any purse would help him to establish his own home. “You are far too generous when we are only serving King Stefano.”
“Perhaps, but Silvesto’s and your insight have been invaluable. However, I have some disturbing news,” he added in a lower voice. “We believe a small vessel evaded our blockade. We have soldiers searching the countryside. If we don’t find them, I insist on sending a contingent with you when you leave.”
I didn’t have to look at Ilena to know that she was smiling in satisfaction.
“I need to leave tonight but do you have men to spare to escort Lady Ilena tomorrow? I don’t think she should accompany me if there is a chance for a skirmish.”
“Agreed and I will see she is properly protected. How many men do you need tonight?”
“No more than four, Captain Harnois. I’m sorry I will miss your dinner, Mayor.”
“Think nothing of it. Duty takes precedence. Will you and your man be able to attend, Lady Ilena?”
“It would be our honor. Seems I shall have time to shop tomorrow after all,” Ilena commented with a smile at Silvesto.
“I cannot begin to say how happy that makes me,” Silvesto responded sarcastically.
Chapter 16
To my immense relief, the men Captain Harnois sent with me rode hard and fast. Bayard easily kept pace with Scimitar who’d unexpectedly accepted the wolf hybrid. However, the other horses snorted and tried to keep their distance.
A bright moon lit the road. Long tree shadows crossed the road in the silvery light. The cool air whistled past me. I heard sounds of wildlife in the woods before a squeaky cry from the woods indicated a successful night hunter.
Suddenly, the evening sounds deadened. I slowed and pulled up Scimitar. My armed escorts did the same. We stood quietly, listening.
Bayard growled softly. I glanced down and saw the fur along his back was raised. I didn’t need to touch the Druid’s Egg to know the invaders were just before us and riding slowly. The squad captain pulled up next to me.
“Are they close?”
“About a mile or so ahead of us,” I whispered. “They are walking their horses. Is there a way to get in front without alerting them?”
The Sigil of Sobek: Book 2 The Chronicles of Conran Page 22