The Wolves of Solomon (Wolves of Solomon Book One)
Page 37
There was a light spring in De Floyran’s step as he swept into the main hall. The smell of the feast that had been prepared on the eve of the King and Pope’s departure, made his mouth water. He was ravenous and had much to celebrate. He saw De Nogaret sat on the dais table and next to him, a spare seat loyally reserved. Instead of feeling the usual dread at having to share the councillor’s company, De Floyran rather relished the opportunity this evening.
He nodded at his men who sat on the trestle tables with the King and Pope’s entourages and bowed respectfully to the two dignitaries before making his way to De Nogaret’s side. He sat down, quickly drained the cup of wine which had been poured for him, and grabbed at one of the roasted fowls that was set amongst many others on numerous silver platters.
“Mmmm,” he said, licking his lips as he tore at and devoured the bird, “there is almost too much food here!” He took a hunk of bread and broke it up, dipping it into its juices. “But I feel like I could eat the fucking lot!” He smiled with his mouth full and wiped his hands on a napkin so he could pour himself some more wine. He motioned to De Nogaret’s cup.
“A little.” The councillor said dourly. “You are in high spirits this eve.” He said almost enviously.
“I am, there is much to celebrate and I would think that you would be in a more amiable mood. We all have much to be pleased about.”
De Nogaret noticed De Floyran’s bandaging on his finger and how it was absorbing the grease of the food he was dining on. He wondered how the man didn’t choke, so fast he was wolfing it down.
“Yes, you are right of course.” De Nogaret said, picking half-heartedly at some of the food.
“If you are still belly-aching about the gift I promised you, then you needn’t.” De Floyran washed a mouthful of food down with more wine and then in a whisper said: “You have my word. The transition is long and arduous and you will need to stay with me some time so I can help you adapt.”
“De Molay said that you would never initiate me.” De Nogaret said resentfully. De Floyran’s eyes widened and he showed his teeth.
“You told De Molay?”
“No!” De Nogaret said, looking around the room nervously. “He guessed it. I told him nothing.”
“You’d better keep your mouth shut and be careful who hears it. We are supposed to be destroying the werewolf brethren, not adding to it. If I can’t trust you . . . ” De Floyran trailed off.
“You can!” De Nogaret said almost too desperately and grabbed De Floyran’s sleeve. De Floyran looked down at his hand disdainfully and De Nogaret quickly removed it and sighed defeated.
“Just relax Guillaume, enjoy your favour with the King. Let things calm down and then we will have some fun.” He smiled at him reassuringly and De Nogaret appeared to relax a little.
“Of course,” he agreed and raised his cup in a toast and downed it quickly.
They ate and drank in silence for a while and when De Nogaret felt full, he turned to De Floyran, who was still eating like a starving man, and said: “They want to move De Molay.”
“Risky, there could be a battalion of Templars waiting to liberate him beyond the château walls.” He said in a blasé manner.
“That’s why the King wants you and your men to escort him.”
“What?” De Floyran said not so blasé. He sighed irritably when he saw that De Nogaret was serious. “I’d hoped to relax here for a few more days before heading to my new estate, which I haven’t yet even decided on.”
“I have the list with me,” De Nogaret said, as way of appeasing him.
De Floyran rolled his eyes. “Where do they want him moved to?” He poured them both some more wine.
“Chinon. It is where the other Templar dignitaries are incarcerated. The Pope wants them kept together and for their imprisonment to be overseen by the Church.”
“My, my, he is flexing his muscles,” De Floyran noted with a little surprise in his voice, “I must admit, I thought the old bastard weaker than that but I suppose that he wants the Church to be seen doing the right thing. You cannot wipe out one of the most powerful military orders and keep it from public scrutiny. Or perhaps his friendship with De Molay has clouded his judgement.”
De Nogaret looked at De Floyran with surprise. “Surely even old friendships have their breaking point.”
“Clement may be weak but he is wise, perhaps he likes the idea of the Church being protected by a brotherhood of supernatural knights. Did not my revelation to you lead to your desire to become one yourself?”
“That is different. I am but one man. The Pope would not risk the Church’s reputation and besides Philip totally dominates him, he fears the stake himself and knows that he has no impunity against Philip’s wishes.
Remember that the King has never shied away from going after the man in the top job. Boniface had much more about him than Clement. If it were him here and not Clement, I may agree with you. The King still went after him though and you frightened him to an early grave.” De Nogaret reminded him in a lighter tone.
“Perhaps, you are right. My former observation is probably the correct one. Philip’s methods are over zealous and Clement knows that history will judge them.”
“’Tis the more likely reason.” De Nogaret agreed. “The King has said he will pay you and your men extra for this service.”
“Yes, yes,” De Floyran waved his hand dismissively. He wiped his hands again and made to leave.
“Where are you going?” De Nogaret asked, sounding disappointed.
“Well I had hoped to enjoy the evening and relax, but seeing as I am to leave with you tomorrow, I have business to attend to that cannot wait.”
“The girl?” De Nogaret asked, unable to keep the spectre of envy out of his voice. De Floyran raised an eyebrow knowingly and smiled but then shook his head.
“It involves her but my pleasure must wait. I’ve found a way of making her pliable to my advances.”
“How so?” De Nogaret asked intrigued.
“I have promised to free Galeren, if she gives herself to me willingly.”
De Nogaret’s face crumbled in horror. “But you cannot let him go! He cannot live, he must die here. He will hunt us the length of his days, he is too dangerous to be left alive.”
“Shut up!” De Floyran growled. He looked around to make sure there were no interested ears before continuing. “Do you think me stupid?” A note of menace entered his voice. “I have no intention of letting him live, only that she believes he does.”
“What are you going to do?”
“Well, I haven’t quite got to that point. I rather thought I had a few days grace.” He grabbed a napkin and shook it out so it was flat. He then grabbed one of the roasted fowl and wrapped it up within it.
“What time do we leave tomorrow?”
“First light,” De Nogaret answered.
“Well then, I have a busy night ahead of me.” He nodded curtly and got up. De Nogaret watched as he went over to speak to Raymond Caradas. He then left swiftly, with Caradas and the rest of his men in tow.