Hawkmoon (The Hawkmoon Chronicles) (11 page)

With a smile at the folks on the ground Mira flicked the reins and the wagon began to roll. Bekter and Shula stood  as they moved on to the road.  As they watched four  riders passed by;ex cavalry, slovenly in appearance but well armed. Their kind would do well in the days to come. The leader, swarthy  with a  broken nose had eyes for the wagon as it disappeared over the rise.

A man alone on with two beauties. You think  he hasn’t seen you; that’s the last mistake you will ever make
.

“I don’t understand what you see in that man. There is darkness about him”

Bekter paused as memories swept over him. “I was in a ditch with a lance stuck in my belly, waiting for death; thinking of the children and how you would manage. It would have been easy to let go, but he said he would be back. All the years I knew him, he never broke his word. So I took the pain and stayed awake. He came at  sunrise; out of the shadows, killing two and wounding four, the others ran. They must have thought they were facing a demon; perhaps they were.”

“Roman!” . The boy ran up. “Close the barn and lock the shed.”

“The day I saw you. We killed the slavers. I could not have managed it alone.”

“I know what he did for you. “  …

“Did she say anything?”

“Only that she is in love with him”.

“She said that?”Bekter  stared in surprise

” I saw it in the way she looks at him”

“Did you ever look at me like that? “

She elbowed Bekter in the gut, “That girl will be Queen. She is trapped between her duty and her dreams as a woman . She yearns for the life that was stolen”

Shula  went back inside while Bekter remained by the roadside, watching.

                                                         On the Road Again.

Mira woke  to the smell of toasting bread. Hawkmoon had the fire going with eggs and wild mushrooms  sizzling. A boy and girl sat  on a log waiting, eyes glued  on the skillet Hawkmoon poured glasses of milk and  passed it to them. They gulped the milk and took  plates of food. “Ah , she’s up. I thought you would sleep all day” Mira wrapped her cloak around her   and sat by the fire. “This is Roz and the boy is her brother Maran. They came in this morning. They will be travelling with us …We had a little excitement during the night. Some mercenaries tried to sneak up on us”.

“What happened?”.

“Your friends bit them”. Roz spoke up. “We saw them, the wolves, two nights ago. They were huge, like this” she raised her arms, “their eyes were red. Maran said they were werewolves, but I don’t think so”

“Oh, Why not?”

“If they were they would have eaten us. One of them brought us food. We were so hungry.”

“How came you to be on the road?” Mira asked.

“We had no money at home. We make our living  cutting trees but everyone is gone to the city. Father told me to leave; he couldn’t feed all of us. Maran said if I left he would leave also.  Father beat him and tied him in the barn.. Maran found me when he escaped. Now father has no one” Hawkmoon  passed her a plate of hot food  She watched him as he laughed with the children.Norry  ran up from the track, breathless. “Cavalry, they will be here in minutes”

“Get in the wagon”. Hawkmoon stood as outriders swept into the camp.  A thunder of hooves announced the arrival of the main force. Lancers, well ordered and drilled.

.

A tall young man rode forward and nodded. “I am…”

“I know who you are Bashir, I worked with your brother”. 

“I have instructions to bring you to the city without delay.”

“Thank you captain, as you see, everything is in hand. We will be in the Royal City at the end of next month

“I have orders to produce you and your companions in the city   much sooner ”.

“And I am telling you that no one in my party is subject to military authority. In any case my wagon could not keep pace with cavalry.”

“I have horses to spare. The wagon will be escorted and will come on later”.

Mira took Hawkmoon to one side. “What are you doing?”

“I am not about to be delivered in to the queen’s custody.”

“He has orders and by the looks of him he intends to carry them out.”

Hawkmoon went back to where Bashir waited.

“Might I enquire who issued your orders?”

“Your  director and  mine.”

“You are a Ranger?”

“Yes”

Hawkmoon relented“There are children, they will accompany the wagon. There are twin babies. You will have them escorted with the wagon and returned to me in the city.”

                                                               The Royal City.

Two  guards were pulling a boy  by the legs.  They crossed an open sewer and he was dragged through it. Someone laughed. “You there, stop”.

The guards halted  when they noticed the lancers. The Bashir rode forward. His riding crop flickered and the guard yelped, covering his ear. “What is happening here” .

“Arresting a thief , sir. Nothing for you to be concerned about”.

“I’ll decide that… You, stand up”. The youth got to his feet. 

“Beg your pardon sir, I stole a loaf for me and me  sisters.  We’re starving. But he arrested me ‘cause he didn’t get his share. That’s the way it works. We split everything with them.” The Bashir pointed with his crop. “Trooper, arrest that man.  Tell the jailer I want to see all of them tomorrow. The boy is to be fed and clothed. No marks. I will check”. The lancer saluted..

Mira came up. “How long has it been like this?”

“The problems in the countryside are spilling into the towns. There are forty thousand people outside the city. If they decide to riot there is nothing to stop them.”

The company passed inside the city walls. A swarthy man, middle aged with stubble on his face watched them go. He whistled through broken teeth and a small boy ran to him. Scribbling in a notebook and tearing the page ,  he handed it to the boy.

“Take it to the market.” The kid  raced across town the note in his fist and a silver coin in his pocket. After he found the girl he would buy bread and run home before he was robbed...

The market was shutting up for the day. Some of the traders had already packed away. The poorer customers came   late. This was the time for the bargains. There was a girl standing at a fruit stall. 

The trader was smiling at her. She was a regular Came late in the day. Worked for one of the big houses. They could have had their provisions delivered and spare the work. Still if they wanted to waste money who was he to complain? The urchin stood by her. Her  dress had a slit pocket . He slipped the note into it. His hand  felt  the cheek of her buttock. She turned to slap him but he ducked and ran.

The barrowman shouted. “Here, you   little bastard…..Sorry miss”. “That’s alright good man” She went to leave. “Not buying today?”

She filled the basket and left. There were cabs drawn up at the other end of the square, kids sweeping up horse droppings. She was in a hurry but it wouldn’t do for a kitchen maid to be seen taking a cab…

The kitchen was busy when she came in by the servants entrance. Cook told her that the Butler was in the silver room. Leaving the basket with Cook’s helper she went to find him.“Pardon, Sir. I got this at the market”. The Butler looked at her after he read the note.

“Did he pinch your bottom?”.

“Yes sir”, she blushed.

“Good girl, Rosie”. Here is a silver... You may have tomorrow off.”

“Yes sir. Thank you sir”

The Butler went to the drawing room door and knocked .“Come in Bar”

A dwarf sat at an imposing desk... It was handsomely carved, inlaid with silver; it  cost more than the home of a working man.“A note from Bell, your Excellency.”

Dwarfdale rose from behind the desk. He was tall for a dwarf. City life had given him a paunch but he carried it well. He read the note, and then read it again.

“He is following them until he knows where they will  pass the night.”

“Send a man to the Red Feather. Ask for Betsy. “

Mira drew up before the bridge that led to the Palace gate. She looked along the street to a series of small hotels. “I will go to court in the morning .”.The Bashir saluted. “As you wish my lady. I will leave my lancers with you”.

“That will not be necessary.”

“My lady, much has changed in this city since you were last here”.

She looked at the soldiers” Detail four to dress in civilian clothing and not to draw notice.”

Hawkmoon came up with Norry and Reba

“I have to take the halfpint  to meet   some people. Reba will have to go with you.”

“Certainly”.

Reba swung back to Hawkmoon.“I don’t want to go with her.  I want to stay with you.”

“Well, you can’t”.  He answered brusquely.

“Hawkmoon, may I have a word?” Mira stepped aside.

“I brought her to the city, now I’m finished with her.

“It won’t be that easy.”

“Why?”

“She is in infatuated with you”

“What?”

“Keep your voice down. You rescued her. You protected her. You cared for her. What did you think was going to happen?”
“I can honestly say I never thought of that.”

“Why would you, you’re a dolt”.

“You can’t stay here”. Hawkmoon held up his hand. “Just for once listen to me as if I know what I am talking about. …If you stay in  that place you will not see morning”

“The lancers…”

“The captain is a good man but he does not know what he is up against. Why are you so argumentative?”

Mira bridled at his tone. “I dislike been spoken to in that manner”

Hawkmoon fought to contain his frustration .“Your stepmother wants you dead so that idiot son of hers can succeed. Human killers I can manage but there is sorcery at work here. We have been lucky so far. That luck is about to run out. Now for the last time will you do as I ask?”

                                                                  The Palace.

Dwarfdale walked by Mira holding her dress.. People stopped and stared The previous day was a round of  dress shops. Dwarfdale   paid outrageous sums. When it came to a matter of rings and precious stones  Mira   would have nothing but her marriage ring. A number of guards were lounging at the gate, their appearance ill kempt. One, a sergeant, stepped forward as she made to pass through.

“And where might you be going.” Mira fixed him with a glare. “Sergeant, It is obvious you do not recognise me and my arrival is unexpected, so I will excuse you impertinence on this occasion. Send for the captain of the guard.” One of the other soldiers, an older man, whispered to the sergeant who went pale.

“Your Royal Highness, of course, please “Mira swept past him. He ran by her side. “The captain is away this morning …”

“Where is the Chamberlain?”

“In the Hall of Audience ….”

“Escort me there.” The sergeant relaxed, happy to be given an order. The hall was empty except for a frail man who sat at a desk inside the door. He looked up, eyes widening in consternation.

“Your Royal Highness…”

“How are you Mavran.”

“I am well your highness, thank you for asking. I had no notice of your arrival. I did not know you were in the city. Had I known…”

“I am here to see my father. Only my father. Can you tell him I am here and I wish to speak with him?”

“Your Royal Highness, the King … has not been well of late. On certain days he remains in his chambers. This morning the Queen was to give Audience … If you remain here I can go to him”

As a child the Hall of Audience was full of petitioners.  It served to maintain the link between the King and his subjects. Waiting in the empty chamber, she wondered if they knew   how far the Sovereign had fallen in the eyes of his people. She wondered if they cared.

A young woman came in with two others. The resemblance to Mira’s  stepmother was unmistakable. Without a word of acknowledgement she turned and hurried out. The Chamberlain returned.“Your Royal Highness, the King will see you in his chambers”. They ascended a marble staircase, the corridor smelling of must. The  tapestry from her childhood hung on the wall , worn and stained. They passed to a  side room used by one of his secretaries.  The Chamberlain  opened a door and stepped unannounced into the Royal presence.Her father sat by an open window.   A fire was smoking  in the grate. The room was icy .Mira’s face tightened in anger. “Get someone in here to reset that fire and close  the window. I want him moved to his private chambers.” The Chamberlain looked  for a moment as if he would protest. He nodded and left.

She hardly recognized him.  His skin was lined and blotched. His shoulders, once wide and muscular, were narrow and slumped.  Dirty  fingernails , eyes coved with a white film,his teeth were rotten.She knelt by him.“What happened to you . Did I abandon you” She recalled  what Kerris had said about the  rein her stepmother had taken  .  She  thought of  the last time they had met. The king was in a blaze of anger Troops were out seeking the arrest of the man she loved. Her stepmother  by his side, smiling ..

“How dare you. This liaison is finished. I order it.”

“I love him. I want to live my life with him. He is of a noble family, he has lands….”

“He is a nobody. It will not stand, I tell you. Finish it”

“I’m carrying his child.”

“That can be got rid of”. Said the Queen.

“If you repeat that, I will kill you”

“You threaten your Queen?” Her father roared, jumping to his feet.

“She is not my Queen.  She is a whore and a usurper. She  connived her way into your bed. When my mother …”The King struck his daughter backhanded. She fell to the marble floor, head spinning.”You will not speak again. Leave us.”That night Marcus came for her at the East Gate They were married at dawn in the woods of Avon. Fleeing to Holgun Marcus found employment in the Ranger Academy.  Word went back to the city and orders  came   to have him  dismissed. The Rangers declined.

She looked into her father’s eyes. For a brief moment there was awareness; his fingers tightened on hers.  There were footsteps ,pounding on the door. It  burst open. Two men at arms strode in. One spoke to her, ignoring the King. “The Queen requires your presence”.

“Address me by my rank and title, captain or I will have you broken. Shut that door and wait outside” They remained motionless. “ Outside” Her voice whiplashed.

She knelt before her father. “You lost your way when my mother  died… My father,you must fight. Death is too easy.”

Chandra had put on weight, her face lined  with easy living.   Little remained  of the beauty that seduced a king

“How dare you take my father’s place” She  dismissed the guards.

“I took your mother’s place, why not your father’s”.

“How long has my father been like this? He is ill and uncared for. Have you any feeling in you?” Mira accused. “

“I am much too busy to bother with a stubborn old man.”

“I cannot see what you have to occupy you. The Realm is in a state of anarchy. There is no law. Officials are corrupt and insolent. The people exist in poverty. What is it you think you are doing?”

Chandra leaned forward. “You question me? By what right?”

“By right of succession. I will be queen one day, a day that may come sooner than you expect. I know of your buffoon of a son. He will never be king. I am first in line for the Throne. When I am twenty one I will be crowned.”

“Only if you live that long”.

Mira paused, nodding. “It is a relief to talk without hypocrisies. You have tried to take my life on several occasions. Yet you have failed. You murdered my husband and child. For that alone I will see the end of you. I was happy. Fled with my love to another life. I hated my father. I despised you.The field was clear . As the queen I should have placed the Realm before my happiness. My mother dead when I was twelve. My father lost to me. I was naive”

Chandra examined a  manicured nail “Indeed you were naïve. You still are if you believe that you had any freedom to do other than what was intended. Your husband ?He was one of ours. His task was to seduce you, to take you away from the life set out for you. How well he succeeded… But he could not be trusted, so we had him killed. . Yes dear. Marcus was one of ours. One of mine, you might say…” She added with a leering smile. “ You met him on the Great West Road. Do you remember? Your carriage broke down.”

Commanding herself  Mira steeled  her mind against  waves of emotion. “Why send killers? We were gone”.

Chandra nodded. “Gone but not forgotten. Not by the people and certainly not by me... You might have stayed away . Then again you might not. The final straw was you getting pregnant.”

“My family died but I lived, why?”

“Despite extensive questioning, the assassin failed to yield a satisfactory answer.” Chandra paused. “Your mother’s death was much less of a challenge”. Mira felt her legs go weak. Chandra gazed at Mira..“You must have suspected?... O you are naïve... The king  wanted sex with me but that was as far as he would allow it ..“

“You  killed my mother”. The words came in a strangled voice.

“Yes, my dear .Go now. Leave, and enjoy what time you have left.”

Mira turned her back to leave. The  Queen’s voice followed her. “If people knew the truth, none of this would have been necessary.”

Mira stopped. Chandra was examining her nails. She looked up in mock surprise to find Mira still there. “The night the Queen gave birth. She had such a time of it, poor thing. Three days in labour. The King frantic. When the child came it failed to start breathing. It never did. Luckily we had anticipated such an eventuality. A  baby was brought in and the dead one taken to the Royal gardens and disposed of. I can show you the spot if you like. …”

Dwarfdale saw her stumble.  Roaring for Hawkmoon he charged  across the footbridge. A guard reached for  her, metal glinting in his hand.. He straightened,  put his hand to his throat and  collapsed.  Guards raced from the open gates as Hawkmoon scooped her up. A bolt hit him  on the right shoulder. He staggered, slipping on the cobbles. Crossbows were lining the west wall, waiting for the moment he would try  for the carriage

Ducking  into a side street, a heavy set man stood in his path. The would be assailant blinked in surprise and collapsed as Hawkmoon’ s shoulder met him square in the chest. Four waited behind.  One  charged , screaming. A rapier passed in the neck of his armour. The second went down  as it slipped through a chink below his jaw. The third  parried the rapier ,collapsing with a dagger in his face.

“ Hawkmoon!  Get your arse up here”. Bekter leaned from the upper rooms  of a coffee house. Dropping from the  balcony with unexpected  agility  Bekter  took  Mira  and   scrambled from a window ledge to an iron trellis .. Hawkmoon went up beside him. The one that had stopped the four below was already on the balcony, arming a crossbow “This is Chatto.”

The street was full of armed men. Hammering came at the door.“We can’t go back on the street.” Said Hawkmoon.  Bekter grimaced.“Man dear, will you credit me with intelligence. I have a grand little place picked out, all nice and cosy”.

It stank of  horses and urine “She has a bruise on the head but she’’ll be alright.” Bekter looked at the  cut  on his shoulder.

“Let me see that….”

“It’s a nick”.

“I’ll decide what it is.”

“How did you know I’d be there?”

“ Hawkmoon, I know what you are about to do before  you think it. ”

“Why are you here?”

“We were attacked the following night. Revenants from a village further along. Shula was packing in the morning. Said I could stay but she was going. Shem’s dead. Fought off a crowd of them to let us get away.  ”

“Where is Dwarfdale?”

“They let him go. That fellow could talk the birds off the trees.   “. We can stay for  a while  but we have to move at dawn. The price on your head is enormous. Dead or alive, but dead preferably. If I didn’t know you I’d be tempted.

“Tell me about Chatto?

“He’s Dhampir which says most of it.”

“Get him”

Chatto  stood quietly as Hawkmoon looked him over.

“The  vampires have a list and you’re on it”.

“I have my own list”

“There’s a job, if you’re interested. “

“I’m listening”.

Hawkmoon nodded to Mira where she sat in a pile of straw, wide eyed  in shock.“Protect her…Never leave her side. A lot of people want to kill her... She is bossy and opinionated.  She will try your patience to the breaking point. She is worth all of it”

Hawkmoon turned to Bekter . Where is Shem’s family?”

“We brought them with us”

“Speak   to Obod. They are to be looked after”.

“Already taken care of… Nothing I like better than spending your money…There is light over here. I want to take a look at that”Bekter said . Closer to a grate from the street, Bekter whispered as he leaned close. “The king is dead. It must have happened the moment  she left.” Hawkmoon looked across the cellar where Mira sat.…

Chatto knelt  by  her . “My lady, drink this, it is apple juice with Arath . It will relax you..” Hawkmoon  watched, expecting  her to refuse .. Instead she took the cordial  and forced a smile.He beckoned to Chatto..“ We can’t stay here.  Dwarfdale has safehouses across  the city.  Go to him and arrange for the closest “

Hawkmoon  took a pouch from his belt. It held a packet of dried leaves  and a smaller pouch with a Jade crystal. He palmed it and closed his eyes.After a time his hand started to glow  and  light filled the chamber... The wound at his shoulder ceased bleeding..  Soon  the cut was a scar, a short time later even that had gone.Bekter gave him one of his shirts, tight on the shoulder and loose on the gut.Hawkmoon stretched his frame on a straw pallet and closed his eyes. “Wake me when Chatto gets back”.

People were moving when he opened his eyes. He  felt a blanket covering him.”Rest now. We can wait”. Mira stood by him, a deep  sadness in her face..… He wondered if she had the strength. Everything depended on her.

“Thank you my Lady, I can sleep later” Bekter came over. “ Dwarfdale sent word. There is a  house ten  minutes from here if we take  the streets , longer if we go back into the sewer. They looked to Mira.

“We will  go by the sewer.”

Despite his protest Mira insisted that Hawkmoon  take the first bath. After he had eaten he was ordered back to bed. Dwarfdale sent  a note to Leona.  Norry had come with Dwarfdale who was  in  conversation with Chatto. Mira was in the bath, crying.

In  an upper  room Hawkmoon  collected  his weapons, and  slipped out into the kitchen garden . He crouched by the  wall, listening . Except for the  noises from the house  the streets were  quiet.