A Druid Stone

by Kim Allred

  They drank in silence while Finn waited for the water to hydrate him. Ethan set down his mug first, his earlier sulk replaced with a thoughtful look. "If we are in the hold of your friend's ship, why would he lock us in a cell?"

  Finn shrugged. "Maybe to hide us from French inspection."

  Ethan considered the possibility. "And if it's not your friend?"

  "I'm not sure anyone else would leave us a jug of water." He scratched his chin, just as confused as Ethan. "We shouldn't discount that another smuggler grabbed us, but if so, why not hand us over to the French?"

  Ethan shook his head, then winced when he rubbed the back of his head. "None of this makes sense. I'd feel better if I knew we were traveling to England and not the far east."

  "Agreed."

  The scraping of wood announced an opening door. Both men dropped into low crouches. With nothing but a mug in their hands, they were as threatening as toddlers, but the instinct couldn't be helped. The door quietly closed, and footsteps approached, but shadows blocked the man from their view.

  Valentin stepped from the darkness and gave a slight bow. "Hello, my friends. Welcome aboard the Gypsy Runner."

  18

  Before leaving the inn, AJ had the innkeeper wrap a few days' worth of food. The ride to Waverly would take two days, assuming no trouble. With Beckworth in tow, she planned for it. She had one idea that might keep her traveling companion in check until they reached Waverly, but she'd require just the right setting.

  When she returned to the ship, new cargo was being loaded. She found Jamie and Fitz standing off to one side. Fitz carried a ledger and watched the men remove a crate from one of four loaded carts. He squinted at the writing on the side of the crate when the men stopped in front of him. He ran his finger down one page and then a second one before he placed a mark next to the item. He nodded to the men, and they shuffled off to the ship.

  The crates that had been removed earlier, and the carts that had been waiting for them, were gone, already on the way to their destination. AJ imagined illicit cargo would draw unwanted attention; instead, she was impressed by the organization of tasks.

  When Jamie saw her approach, he flashed an easy smile. "Lando says you kicked him out of the inn."

  She snorted. "I never knew him to exaggerate." She stopped to watch another crate go by. "I just thought his time was better spent elsewhere."

  His tone matched his serious expression. "You know Finn would skin me alive if I didn't watch out for you."

  Fitz slid her a sidelong glance. She sighed. "I'm sorry to have put you in this situation. But you don't have to babysit me, regardless of what Finn might think."

  Fitz barked out a laugh before turning to hide his grin.

  Jamie tried to retain his stern expression. He rubbed his chin, where a nice day's worth of stubble accentuated his roguish appearance. "I would call it security, but let's agree to disagree."

  She gave him a quick hug. "Absolutely." She glanced over at Fitz. "Do I even want to know what the two of you are up to?"

  Fitz's grin turned into a knowing nod, and he scratched his ear. "It's probably best if you don't know, Miss AJ."

  "You're right. I have other things to focus on."

  When silence returned, AJ released another sigh and waited for it. She'd barely taken a breath when Jamie cleared his throat.

  "About that. I think I should send someone with you."

  "As a bodyguard for me? Or for Beckworth?"

  Fitz's chuckle snuffed out when Jamie gave him a quick shake of his head.

  "If Finn..." Jamie started.

  "Yes, yes. If Finn were here, but he's not." With fists planted on her hips, she held back a grin as she stood her ground. She'd noted the resigned look on Jamie's face, and the steam went out of her. Jamie was only concerned for her safety, and it endeared him to her even more. But the approach to Waverly required stealth. Too many in her group might send alarms. That could explain why Ethan and Thomas found Waverly apparently empty when they stormed up to the front door of the estate.

  AJ dropped her arms and wrapped one around Jamie's arm. "I'm not the same woman I was when you last saw me. I think you know that. I'm better trained, and believe it or not, Finn has taught me a thing or two about patience and planning." She stuck a hand into her pocket and gripped the lump of necklace. She drew strength, not from the Heart Stone, but from the small band nestled next to it. "I know the next couple of days will be dangerous. I know Beckworth can't be trusted. Something else is going on. Something he won't divulge but has him worried."

  The minute she said it, she knew she'd made a mistake.

  "Damn it, AJ. That's the exact point I'm trying to make." Jamie huffed out a breath and kicked a rock.

  She raised her hands in an attempt to calm him. "I know, but I have no plans on going anywhere near Waverly. I'll let Beckworth gather information while I wait in town. My only point was that I believe he needs me as much as I need him." She blew out a breath, as frustrated as Jamie at having to depend on the slimy bastard.

  Before either could continue, the sound of approaching hooves made all three turn to find Lando walking two horses toward them. AJ inwardly thanked Finn for his continual training as she watched the two beasts shake their heads at being tugged along. She should have reminded Lando she required a gentle horse.

  As if he'd read her mind, Lando clucked at her. "Don't worry. They just need a short run. I think they've been in the stalls too long."

  His reassurance didn't help, but she wasn't going to argue while Jamie stared daggers at her. He didn't need another reason to lock her away before she carried out her half-baked plan. In truth, she could barely stop from talking herself out of her crazy idea.

  AJ strode up to the horses and stared each of them in the eye. She screwed up her courage and reached for the more spirited one. Lando said nothing as he watched her give the horse a more thorough appraisal. Thank heavens she'd paid attention to Finn's handling of their horses back home. She had to smile when she noticed the quiver of arrows and matching bow hanging from the horse's saddle. When she glanced at Lando, he nodded his approval.

  A warmth spread through her, and she squared her shoulders. "Let's get the bags strapped on, then you can bring Beckworth." AJ lifted her head and waited.

  The men glanced at each other. With nothing more to say, Jamie whistled for one of the men to bring her bags. They tied Beckworth's backpack to his horse and AJ's canvas bag to hers.

  They all turned to watch two crewmates walk Beckworth from the ship. His arms hung in front of him, and his hands were covered with an overcoat. He held his head high and his back straight as he strolled in front of the men. A smile graced his lips as he took in the town, the horses, and the four people waiting for him.

  "I say, it's a beautiful day for a ride." Beckworth stopped next to the riderless horse.

  AJ rolled her eyes before giving him a pointed look. "Be thankful you can see it. I was tempted to have a cover thrown over your head."

  He eyed her playfully. "So I wouldn't know where we're going?" He laughed.

  "No. I was hoping it would muffle the sound of your voice." AJ moved away to check her saddle and bridle.

  The other men laughed as Jamie nodded. The guards pushed Beckworth toward his horse.

  AJ stepped toward Fitz and gave him a peck on the cheek. "May the wind always be at your back." She thought she saw his eyes water a little before he gave her a wink. He returned to his inventory, shouting at the men to hurry along.

  Her lips twitched as she turned first to Jamie, who glared at Beckworth, then to Lando, who watched her with both arms crossed in front of his thick chest.

  "I'll expect you in Hereford within a week." Jamie's tone brooked no argument.

  The statement caught her off guard. "And how will you know I've kept my word?"

  "Because I'll be there. And if you're not, I'll be coming for you."

  She held back a grin and eyed Lando. "And I suppose you'll be there as
well."

  He paused for a second, then nodded.

  AJ studied him, but unable to put her finger on what troubled her, she ignored his hesitation and turned to Jamie. "If Hensley approves it, you mean."

  "I don't work for Hensley." Jamie's retort was sharp. "I may run cargo and missions for him, but my schedule and ship are my own."

  AJ laid a hand on his. "I didn't mean to offend."

  He shook his head. "It's not you."

  She understood. It wasn't easy to prove one's worth after Finn's departure, and Hensley had a way of taking over. "It was my poor choice of words." She leaned in, and before placing a kiss on his cheek, whispered so only he could hear, "Finn would be proud."

  Satisfied to see the moisture collect in his eyes, she turned and gave Lando a hug. Her goodbyes accomplished, she mounted her horse as if she'd been doing it for years.

  She gazed down at Beckworth. "Are you going to ride or just walk behind your beast?"

  The men laughed, and the overcoat fell away as Beckworth attempted to mount his horse with tied hands. After several tries, Beckworth found the best approach and settled into the saddle. One of the guards threw the overcoat over his hands and stepped back.

  "See you in Hereford." AJ kicked her horse. It tossed its head several times before AJ guided it into an easy trot. She turned to see Beckworth right behind her, the rest of the men silently watching them leave.

  "Best behavior, Beckworth. I know your backpack is within easy reach, but the only thing you'll find are extra clothes and food rations. No weapons."

  He didn't appear pleased, but he put on his best face. "And what if we're set upon by highwaymen."

  AJ laughed, and before kicking her horse to set a faster pace, shouted back, "Don't worry. I'll protect your worthless life."

  19

  Finn's shoulders eased when Valentin stepped out of the gloom, but he couldn't hold back the anger in his tone. "Is this how you repay your debt to an old friend?"

  Valentin studied him before sparing a glance at Ethan. "These are dangerous times." He nodded at Finn. "As I mentioned at the inn."

  "And you didn't think you could trust me?"

  Valentin considered the question before looking around, his gaze resting on a short barrel a few feet away. He dragged it in front of the cage and brushed his overcoat aside before perching on the drum. Crossing a leg over his knee, Valentin flicked open a knife and slowly twirled it as he reflected on Finn's question.

  "What would you do if you had a rat on your ship you couldn't find?" Valentin continued to play with his knife but managed to pin Finn with a curious gaze.

  Finn understood the captain's concern. A spy aboard a ship during peacetime was one thing. But during war? That required stealthy footwork to stay one step ahead of the enemy. And to catch them? Suddenly it all made sense, and he barked out a laugh, followed by his signature grin.

  "I imagine I'd find a treat too tasty to pass up."

  Valentin smiled in return and pointed his knife at Finn while speaking to Ethan. "This is why I like your friend so much." He pointed the knife to his own head. "He thinks things through. Sees beyond the trees."

  "So, we're bait for your trap." Ethan leaned against a sack of flour but kept his eye on Valentin's knife.

  Valentin laughed and turned to Finn. "You have no idea how stimulating it is to have wise men to speak with. Since this war has begun, I have very few I can share intelligent discussions. Everyone keeps to themselves, heads down to avoid notice from the soldiers. Most of the French troops are left to their own devices at ports." He shrugged. "They are either too lazy or too easily bought."

  Ethan glanced around the room. "You seem to have enough money."

  "Oui, but money is only as good as the next person's offer. And these noses…" He waved an arm, continuing his condemnation. "These so-called snitches, will switch loyalties with a promise of a fatter purse."

  Ethan nodded, smart enough to know the answer before he ever asked the question.

  "How long have we been at sea?" Finn asked.

  "Only a couple of hours. I apologize for the rather abrupt meeting at the smithy. But I have to say, the two of you made an enticing package when you were brought aboard."

  "And you had no trouble with the inspection?"

  Valentin growled. "No. Which makes me question who this man works for."

  "We must have seemed a godsend for you to ferret out your spy." Finn held the captain's gaze.

  "Or perhaps we were a trap ourselves," Ethan added.

  Valentin gave Ethan an appraising stare. "Yes. It was possible the two of you were a convenient ploy. If I didn't know Captain Murphy for as many years as I have, I may have turned down the tempting gift fate laid at my door. But for all his smuggling, the captain here is an honest man. Always true to his word."

  "So now what?" Finn asked, pleased that he had been right to trust this man. If he and Ethan had to suffer a little discomfort to capture a rat, so much the better. There was nothing worse than vermin on a ship who could destroy the trust the sailors had for each other. It could get them all killed.

  Valentin shrugged again. "This is the first step. I made no secret of coming down to check on my personal cargo. The men know this room is off-limits to anyone other than me or the first mate. They also know we brought two people on board. Now you know why you must stay. I think you'll be comfortable enough. I'll see food is brought down."

  He stood, pocketed his knife, and strode to a stack of crates. When he returned, he held two well-turned daggers. "I believe these belong to you." He handed them both to Finn.

  Finn recognized them immediately. They were the ones he and Ethan carried on their person. "Yes. And our bags?"

  He nodded to the far corner of the room. "I've hidden them well, considering what they contain."

  Finn grinned. Valentin was referring to the arsenal he and Ethan carried with them.

  Finn handed Ethan his dagger then nodded at the captain. "Thank you for these."

  "I can't leave you defenseless. You have my leave to kill the rat yourself if you must. However—" He pointed a finger at Finn. "You know I prefer to clean out the garbage myself."

  Finn nodded before Valentin made his way to the door. "You'll see the sun again once the rat has been caught, or when we make England, whichever comes first."

  After he departed, Finn glanced at Ethan. "Sorry about this."

  For the first time since they'd met Valentin at the inn, Ethan laughed. "I always wondered what your life was like running cargo. Now I can honestly say I haven't missed a thing."

  Finn had no comeback for that. Life at sea wasn't for everyone. As he glanced around the hold and listened to the comforting creak of the boards under his feet, he no longer doubted his future. He knew without a doubt, that while his life as captain of the Daphne Marie had been a good one, those days were well behind him. And, God willing, so was this century. His life was with AJ back home at their inn. He settled into his spot, the canvas sheet at hand should he need it, and considered how they might lure a spy.

  20

  AJ and Beckworth traveled for two hours, mostly in silence, until she turned off the road to a small glade. At first, she'd led the way out of town but soon realized her mistake. With Beckworth behind her, she kept glancing over her shoulder to see if he was up to something. They hadn't ridden more than a mile before she slowed and let him catch up to ride next to her. After thirty minutes, his endless banter and teasing made her want to punch him.

  She considered that he might take off and leave her, or that he'd find a way to escape the ropes before she was ready. The only option left besides knocking him out, was to let him lead. Before doing that, she had to prove a point, knowing he wasn't taking her seriously. After being stabbed by her twice, he should have learned, but she didn't trust his better judgment to prevail.

  She stopped fifty yards from the road and tied her horse a branch. She turned and noted his frown. "Get down."

  "We
've barely started. If we're going to stop every few miles for crumpets, it will take us days to get to Waverly," Beckworth grumbled as he considered his dismount. "Besides, I think we're close to a small village where we could get a warm meal."

  "We're not stopping in any towns. We'll ride straight through. I don't want to take a chance of someone seeing us."

  He landed on the ground more gracefully than she'd expected. "We're miles from Waverly." He continued to mutter as he sat on a rock underneath the shade of birch trees and stretched his back. He lifted his hands. "And I don't see a reason to keep my hands bound. I certainly can't go into Waverly or ride through towns like this."

  AJ tossed him a small package filled with meat, cheese, and bread. "Don't eat it all. You'll want to save some for this afternoon. Then you'll have to wait for dinner." She dropped a skin of water near his feet.

  When he turned his back to her to stare off across the glade, she left him to pout while she returned to the horse. Keeping an eye on him, she slipped the bow from her saddle and two arrows from the quiver before she melted into the trees.

  Beckworth heard her slip away and assumed she'd gone somewhere to relieve herself. He grunted. The poor thing must have strained her neck from keeping an eye on him before she got smart enough to let him ride next to her. He couldn't blame her for her mistrust. She wasn't wrong. Her distrust of him would soon be validated, he just wasn't sure how until he knew exactly what was happening at Waverly. It made no sense to leave her behind without knowing for sure whether he'd need her.

  Trouble brewed at Waverly. He'd felt it even without the scant clues he'd overheard. He knew the moment he discovered that damn book and received the first stone that his life would never be the same. He thought Murphy had given him a reprieve when he killed the duke. If only Murphy or one of his minions had killed Dugan as well. He'd have done it himself if he thought he could get away with it. But if he missed, he would the one looking over his shoulder with Dugan on his trail. That man never let go of a grudge.