Baldo looked up from a potato. His dark eyes bulged in his pale face. He closed a book and tucked it under his stool.
“You remember my girlfriend, Rebecca?” Denny smiled tightly.
Baldo lifted an eyebrow to this but played along. He pushed back a lock of mousy hair, revealing dirt smudges around his small wrists. He glanced behind them and assured them it was safe to speak.
“Have you heard? The Lieutenant has been taken by Mouthrot’s men,” Denny said.
“Mouthrot?” Baldo shook his head.
“He works here. I guess he’d probably use a different name.” Rebecca leaned closer to Baldo to lower her voice. “He’s got gold teeth now.”
“Chessman? But he just started working for Shreb last week,” Baldo murmured.
“We think he’s trying to use Shreb as a cover to amass enough strength to go after the king.” Denny pulled out a bag of food and a few scraps of paper for his little brother. “Can you sketch us a map of the fortress? We’ll need it to plan a rescue for the Lieutenant.”
“You’re planning a rescue?” Baldo wrapped his thin arms around the offering.
“Well, not us. Benjamin actually,” Rebecca said.
“Benjamin?” Baldo’s eyes narrowed.
“He’s brilliant—or so he says. Claims he graduated the top of his class at the Villains’ Academy. Trust me, this is right up his alley.”
Baldo stared vacantly, his dirty clothes hanging loosely over his shoulders as he took it all in. Rebecca didn’t remember him being quite so thin. He set his new items under his chair on top of his book after Denny offered to help him store the stuff in the corner of the pantry where he slept. Rebecca helped peel potatoes as Baldo quizzed them about the Lieutenant’s capture and their newest recruit. His thirst for information was nearly insatiable.
Finally, Baldo spread the papers on the floor and crouched over them to sketch some rough maps but then shook his head. “I’ve got some already made up and a few other helpful things set aside.” He folded the papers back up and tucked them in the back of his pants.
“I don’t want you to put yourself in any danger,” Denny said as he placed his hand on Baldo’s shoulder.
Baldo stepped back and waved his brother off. “No danger. I’ll fetch the maps after I drop off Shreb’s lunch. Meet me in the courtyard.”
Rebecca grinned at Denny’s little brother. He nodded back and darted past them to the kitchens. Denny raked his fingers through his hair. He wrapped his arm around her waist to lead her around the fortress. She could feel the hard cords of his tense muscles press into her back. She wrapped her arm around his waist and squeezed reassuringly.
“He’ll be fine,” she whispered in his ear.
Even though he smiled at her, his blue eyes searched for Baldo.
FOURTEEN
Benjamin opened the door for Denny and Rebecca. Denny managed a nod before he slid into a chair. Rebecca shuffled in and collapsed at the table.
“What a horrible place,” Denny sighed. “To think of my own flesh and blood living there. He’s always been thin, but—” He rubbed his face roughly.
Benjamin tried to imagine what Denny’s definition of thin might be. He fanned out his jacket and sat up taller. He didn’t want to know what word they would use to describe him.
Rebecca sat up. “It wasn’t that bad. Baldo was very helpful. We couldn’t have planned a better setup.” She opened her waterskin and drank deeply. “I’m starving.” She hobbled into the pantry.
“Baldo certainly put himself in the middle of things. I wouldn’t be surprised if he knew everything that went on in that castle. Modest, that Baldo, even though he’s easily the most brilliant kid around.”
Benjamin bristled at this and brought the conversation to a more relevant point. “So he gave us some useful information?”
“Yeah, you could say that.”
Rebecca hooted at Denny's comment as she returned carrying a ham and a basket of eggs.
Denny stood up and pulled out a couple rolls of paper and slammed them on the table, followed by the clang of keys. Benjamin’s jaw nearly came unhinged.
“Told you Baldo can do anything.” Denny shook his head. He was obviously impressed by his youngest brother as well. “It’s a real shame he’s stuck there. I don’t see that going anyplace good.”
“You never know.” Benjamin said. “It got me here.”
Denny didn’t look comforted. He emptied his pack and hung it on the wall. He ran his fingers over a flute that rested on the mantle. Rebecca frowned and stoked the coals in the stove.
Benjamin smoothed the crumpled pages that Denny left on the table next to a set of heavy keys. His breath caught in his throat. There in front of him were sketched maps, which, while not exactly to scale, were full of immense detail. Guard schedules and rotations were scrawled on the sides, along with bad habits of some guards and all sorts of useful tidbits. Benjamin looked up, shaking his head.
“Did he spend the whole time drawing this out? It must have taken hours and hours. And the keys? These might be missed. Surely they’re not his?”
“No, of course not. Baldo’s too smart for that. He pulled them off a dead guy weeks ago. That whole storm blew over long ago. Baldo works in the kitchen. No one even thinks to look his way. These maps he drew out in his spare time. He keeps them in the pantry and works on them while he’s watching the roasting spit.” Denny grinned. “He knows how to be useful.”
“He certainly does.” Benjamin tapped the map.
Rebecca poured cider into mugs. “I suppose he probably already knows how to get the Lieutenant out, and we can skip all the genius planning sessions?”
“If he had, I’m sure the Lieutenant would be sitting gift-wrapped right here at this table.” Benjamin glared at her.
“Well, Baldo did have some suggestions but said we’d have to do it ourselves.” Denny scooped up a mug. “He couldn’t be seen anywhere near the dungeons. You know, a kitchen boy.”
“Right.” Benjamin pulled his book out of his jacket pocket and flipped to an empty page.
“He thought the best time to come in would be late morning.” Denny sipped his cider. “The place is completely packed by noon.”
“So we could bring in a cart of whatever without having to do too much talking.” Benjamin had to admit that was an excellent idea but tried to look skeptical as he wrote noon in his book and circled it.
“The merchants usually pull in here.” Denny jabbed the map with a finger. “And are directed to the kitchens or stables as needed. We could make it as far as the guards’ mess hall for a drink before we’d get challenged. From there we could take any of these three routes toward the dungeons.”
“Why those three and not others?” Benjamin pointed out other routes not marked on the map.
“Those three bypass many checkpoints within the fortress and will take us past the laziest guards.”
“Hmmm. Well, we’re going to need either a distraction or a really good disguise to get a smelly prisoner out of the dungeons. Do you know any good drinking songs, buddy?”
Denny scowled. Rebecca chuckled over the sizzling eggs and ham. Benjamin paused a moment to appreciate the aroma of cooked ham before writing down “distraction.”
“Well, we’ll put that on the back burner,” Benjamin said, peering back at Denny. “Did you have time to walk around and see any of this personally?”
“Oh yeah, we walked through the kitchens and then wandered through the dining hall, courtyard, and stables. Apparently, Mouthrot and his men were out, so we took advantage of it. No one seemed to mind. Everyone was busy taking a breather, if you know what I mean.” Denny winked before continuing. “Baldo said it would be best to wait a day, though. Mouthrot will still be out collecting taxes around the plain and border lands. He’s not expected for days.”
“Having him gone would be ideal.” Benjamin deflated into his chair, tucking his book back into his pocket. “We could do without his sharp eyes.”
“You’re not actually disappointed, are you?” Rebecca frowned over Denny’s shoulder at him and set two plates on the table.
“No, not exactly. I was expecting there to be a little more to work out is all. Baldo has definitely saved us time and worry.”
“It will be difficult enough,” Denny added before popping some ham in his mouth. “I suppose you were hoping to show us how brilliant you are?”
I am brilliant, he thought somewhat petulantly, but there’s no point in arguing the point. You will all see soon enough. He got his own plate and sat down forcefully.
I am brilliant.
+ + +
Benjamin glanced up from Baldo’s maps as Rebecca finished scrubbing the kitchen. As Denny grabbed the bucket of grimy water from her to dump outside, his hands grazed hers. She nodded her thanks and pulled her hands into her chest, a faint blush on her cheeks. She pulled the broom out from behind a pile of buckets in the corner. Her sweeping kicked up a lot of dust. Rebecca stopped and studied Benjamin when he coughed.
“What?” he asked over the maps.
“Do you think you should be going in there?” Rebecca stomped the broom into the floor. “Someone might recognize you.”
Benjamin crossed his arms and scowled. “Mouthrot will be gone for days.” No way was he missing this moment to shine if he wanted to make a name for himself.
Rebecca scoffed as she swept under a bench set against the wall. Gobs of twine, wires, and dust flittered out. “You’re ready to take that risk, are you?” She stabbed the broom into the pile of debris. “Denny and I are the only ones Mouthrot or his men aren’t looking for.”
Benjamin slammed the maps down on the table, his heart hammering behind his ears. No way was she going to decide what his role would be. “You took a class on picking locks and got the fastest record, did you?”
Rebecca dropped her broom, her eyes burning back at him as she pressed her fists into her hips.
“We have keys, idiot!”
The front door opened. Denny froze to examine the scene.
“What?”
“Benjamin thinks he’ll be running this rescue all on his own.” Rebecca pointed a sharp finger in his direction.
Denny flexed his jaws and closed the door. He blinked at the ceiling, his chest expanding and contracting as he listened.
“She wants to go.” Benjamin jerked his head toward Rebecca. “She thinks she can worm her way into the dungeons.”
“Rebecca, no way! The Lieutenant would have my head on a pike if he knew I already took you to the fortress.” Denny’s Adam’s apple jumped as he swallowed. “You know he would never allow you to put yourself in danger.”
“But it’s the Lieutenant! I can help!”
Denny pressed his lips into a straight line as he shook his head.
“Benjamin, you said I was probably better trained than Denny.” She flicked a braid behind her shoulder and scowled at the boys. “Is this because I’m a girl?”
“Yes,” Benjamin said.
Denny shot a warning look at Benjamin, but it was too late. Rebecca screeched and kicked the broom.
“No! No!” Denny stumbled forward. “You’re the Lieutenant’s ward. He has always insisted on keeping you out of things. I can’t go against his wishes.”
“Even if it means his death?” She crossed her arms, waiting for Denny’s answer.
Denny glanced at Benjamin, as if he could help him out of this. Benjamin shrugged. She’d have a valid point, if Benjamin weren’t convinced that she’d make everything more difficult. She would probably try to sabotage him just to watch him sweat. Denny raked his fingers through his hair and scrubbed the back of his neck.
“I think the Lieutenant would probably agree with Benjamin.” Denny glanced up and frowned. “I agree with Benjamin too. I think you should stay here.”
Rebecca screamed and slammed herself behind her bedroom door. Denny groaned and collapsed in a chair. “There’s just no winning with her.” Benjamin shook his head and moved to sit closer to Denny. Benjamin tried to go over the plan with him. It took a good twenty minutes before Denny stopped staring at the bedroom door.
FIFTEEN
A few mornings later, Benjamin helped Denny load the cart in a show of solidarity. They both stood united against Rebecca; there was no way she was coming on this rescue trip. The Lieutenant would skin them all—or worse. Yesterday had been the tensest day Benjamin remembered in his life, with doors and pots constantly slamming banging and crashing. Benjamin and Denny eventually went to the barn to finish their plans, keeping the front door of the shack in view.
Rebecca, meanwhile, stormed through the shack in a cleaning frenzy. Dust poured out of the door and windows. She beat the rugs with such ferocity that Denny stepped further into the barn to hide. He didn’t look happy to have Rebecca this angry with him, but he held to his decision. She knew perfectly well the Lieutenant would not want her going into that place.
If she wanted to be a part of the team, she needed to start suppressing a few of her death glares. How was it that the Lieutenant hadn’t dumped her earlier? Benjamin was beginning to suspect that maybe the old man went willingly to Shreb’s dungeons for a holiday. Perhaps Benjamin could offer to exchange places with him when he got there. It might be safer.
He scanned through his notes and checked the heavy keys in his pocket. They were still wrapped in rags to muffle any sound. Denny went back to loading the wagon. He stuffed an extra cloak in by the cider and then tied a tarp over the hay.
At least no one was going to fight Benjamin over going down into the dungeons. Denny wanted to keep an eye out for Baldo and create a distraction to cover their exit, so he could hide the Lieutenant in the cart.
When Denny refused to go over the plan again, Benjamin decided it was time to go. Denny cast a worried glance toward the quiet shack. Benjamin could hardly believe that he was about to walk into Shreb’s fortress—the place he had wanted to work only weeks earlier—and snatch a man from its bowels. This would be legendary! He smiled and helped steer the cart down the dusty road that would lead to his destiny.
After a half mile, Benjamin was sure that even he wouldn’t recognize his own face covered in all the road dust kicked up by the carts. He caught up to Denny, whose stride was much longer than his. Benjamin grabbed the waterskin. “I don’t remember it being this dry and hot,” he said.
Denny set the cart down and took a drink himself before answering, “They say that when the first archvillain took residence in the fortress, the rain dared not fall without his permission. But when Shreb took over, the flames of hell raged all the stronger and dried the rain up forever.” He shrugged and placed the waterskin in the cart.
“All this talk of curses over the land should have died off by now.” Benjamin dropped back to help push. Their departure time was well calculated. Several others would arrive at the same time; it would help mask any unplanned difficulties. If there’s one thing I’ve learned about putting schemes into action in real life, Benjamin thought, it’s that things rarely go as planned.
As the road grew more congested, their sparse conversation died completely. Benjamin focused on the travelers who steadily filled the road as they approached the fortress.
First they passed an old, crusty farmer with a slight limp, pulling a skinny cow, followed by a small group of women wearing tattered skirts with bundles strapped to their shoulders. In front of them was a large wagon filled with giant barrels of mead or ale, which was easily the most prized item to sell to a stronghold full of troublesome men. The ale merchants were probably the most familiar with the inside workings of the fortress. Benjamin and Denny could follow them in if they needed to.
Small clusters of men and women followed behind them. Dust clouds floated up further down the road, nearly veiling the mountains at their backs. There must have been even more people far behind them, allowing them to easily blend in when they departed.
Benjamin glanced at Denny, who raised his eye
brows and directed Benjamin’s gaze to the stone fortress. For as far as Benjamin could see, nothing but dusty roads surrounded it. He hunted out the lone tree that he had shared with the Lieutenant not so long ago and then shoved the thought away and focused on pushing the cart.
When they arrived at the gate, the line was backed up. Overwhelmed red-faced guards barely glanced at packs and wagons, with almost no attention to any exiting merchant or farmer. The odor was stifling as the smell of hot animals and people baking in the heat merged into one foul stench. Well, at least my mission is in the dungeons, Benjamin reflected gratefully as he stifled a gag, far away from the heat and masses of people. That was something to look forward to anyway.
As they neared the gate, one guard merely glanced at them as he wiped his brow, while the other half-heartedly prodded the hay in the wagon before waving them through. The courtyard inside was organized chaos with loose lines merging and then drifting apart as groups were directed to the appropriate areas.
“You’d think they’ve never done this before,” Benjamin said, leaning into Denny, who nodded in frustration. In fact, fatigue and frustration lay on everyone’s faces. They were directed to the stables, where they were given an unfair price for their wares.
“I know we’re not here for profit, but still,” Denny mumbled when they were out of earshot.
“Okay, on to the dining hall?” Benjamin tried to draw Denny away from the stables. “Well, you should at least be able to buy a few penny ales with that. Enough to lubricate the mood inside.”
“Right.” Denny lowered his voice and added, “You go through the laundry, and I’ll go in the main entrance.”
They nodded and mingled with separate crowds.
Fortunately, not much laundry was being done—not a big surprise in the domain of evil, really. An old woman slept in a sea of shredded rags propped against a giant cauldron on the other side of the courtyard. Benjamin weaved through a few sheets hanging randomly across the space. Benjamin prodded the contents of the tub with a paddle as he passed by and let the paddle drop back into the metal tub. The old woman snorted and sat up, blinking at the limp sheets hanging on the line.
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