Raphael looked slightly puzzled. “Forgive me, Jess. I’m not quite sure I know what you mean.” He smiled. “No need to worry, however. Father has a warm understanding with the powers that be who are well aware of the delicacy of a number of our operations, and how vital they are to Erovering’s well-being. I am quite sure, however, that any dispensations that have been granted are with the understanding that the beneficiaries treat the blessing with the exquisite grace and care that it deserves, and if anything strikes you as at all… discordant, please let me know, and I will be more than happy to discuss such issues with the seneschal when he presents himself before me for the obligatory inspection of our humble little chateau. For the nonce, let us announce ourselves to the two gentlemen even now approaching, and see about getting you all suitable quarters and refreshments worthy of the companions who saw fit to save their unworthy friend and his beau from a most perilous encounter, even going so far as to accompany us on our dangerous journey in search of safe harbors."
Jess smiled at her friend's praise, sensing the heartfelt sincerity beneath his flowery words. “Of course, Raphael. Let us greet the house guard approaching. I'm sure everything will be resolved in good time.”
Raphael’s nod was almost relieved as he instinctively trotted his fine mare forward to meet the two serious looking men approaching. Jess caught her shieldbrother’s eyes, her smile fierce, flashing several hand signals she knew would be instantly understood. Malek grimaced but nodded, and Jess felt a sudden intense surge of gratitude, knowing she could always count on him to back her play, no matter how paranoid or outrageous it might appear at the time.
Moving to guard Raphael’s flanks as he greeted the two soldiers approaching was a natural reflex for both Jess and Malek. Their friend was no warrior despite the fine mail shirt concealed under his doublet, armed with little more than a rapier. As effective as it could be in a duel between lightly armored opponents on foot, its length, balance, and minimal slashing capacity made it an exceedingly poor choice for a weapon on horseback. It could be used as an estoc, of course, giving point in the charge, and there alone it would shine. Once. Before the weapon was warped or torn from the wielder's hand. So it made perfect sense for Jess and Malek to hover close to their friend, a maneuver any trained soldier would expect of competent guards the minute they caught sight of Raphael, and thus unlikely to raise undue alarm.
“Good day, soldiers. I am afraid I do not recognize you, and I apologize for this, as I try to know all our family’s hirelings by name.” Raphael’s apologetic smile curved slightly upward at the guardsmen’s condescending gazes. He quirked an eyebrow. Jess exchanged glances with Malek, both subtly positioning their horses by Raphael’s side, hands ready to draw weapons and charge at a moment’s notice. Jess noted the soldiers' cool appraisal of her and Malek both.
The soldiers themselves were encased in full suits of mail under surcoats bearing the diOnni coat of arms, padded gambesons no doubt worn underneath. A brace of throwing javelins was secured to the guardsmen's saddles beside their sabers, each wielding horse spears that would be quite devastating in the charge. Jess met the lead guardsman's eyes and grinned. Heavy cavalry, wearing armaments the match of many a knight. Maces, then, should it come down to melee after the initial charge and skirmish.
“I assume you gentlemen realize who addresses you?” Raphael’s tone had turned slightly reproving.
Instantly the guardsmen snapped out of their appraisal of Jess and Malek, spending careful moments gazing at the house signet ring Raphael raised before them for their examination, gems sparkling in the brilliant noonday sun.
“Lord diOnni. Please forgive us," apologized the nearer man. "It is a distinct honor to be able to greet a lord of the diOnni household in person, after serving the diOnni estates for so long." He smiled. "It has been a considerable duration since the chateau has received guests. Please, allow us to escort you and your hirelings to the courtyard. Refreshments are being prepared for your indulgence, and the captain is most anxious to make your acquaintance and present the house guard before you for your inspection and approval."
“Of course.” An oddly solemn Raphael nodded, receiving a satisfied smile from the guard in question, who immediately turned his stallion about, heading back toward the chateau at a sedate walk.
Raphael exchanged a glace with Jess. Solemn and worried. Jess felt her heart begin to race. He had spotted it as well. Still, she had to be sure. With so much in the balance, she had to be absolutely certain. Because once she acted, one way or another, there was no going back.
“I would have your name, sirrah! You who dare to address the lord of this demesne without even giving him your name!” Jessica’s voice cracked, startling the two guardsmen, who turned about to glare at her with ill-concealed contempt.
“Who is this petty mercenary who would dare address her betters so? We are esteemed guards of the diOnni estate." One of the men curled his lip in challenge before seeming to remember himself. To remember his station, at that moment. Blinking at Raphael, he bowed his head in apology. "Please forgive my breach, Lord diOnni. My name is Rolin and this is Neltose. We are honored to be at your service."
“My lord," offered Neltose, bowing his head as well. He too eyed Jessica, clearly female, wearing an archaic surcoat, and Jess thought she understood the source of his apparent contempt for her and Malek both.
For Jess and Malek's gauntlets were not of finely made mail, but rather of boiled rawhide with the barest amount of bronze plating, with greaves of hammered bronze fastened upon their rawhide boots. Even their helms were of odd construction: cheek and nose guards in a style most often seen in tapestries all over a base of bronze with plenty of padding. For to survive the harrowing demands of the Shadowrealms, one must be parsimonious in how much steel one dared to embrace. Malek's open-necked hauberk of wrought iron links contrasted oddly with the brilliant bronze plated lamellar armor he wore underneath, yet could be quickly slipped off should the need arise. The armaments were actually exquisitely well made, but the odd contrast of bronze and steel, as well as the undeserved disparagement even masterworks of bronze received, all served to make the entire ensemble appear second rate; as if they were a pair of mercenaries making due with what scraps of armor they could cobble together into a protective suit, nothing like the clean, coordinated lines of the diOnni armaments. All the more ironic as even a quilted gambeson was worth a pretty penny, and even a poor knight's mail hauberk could be sold for sufficient coin to keep him and his family in stew and beer for years. And with Jessica's surcoat they couldn't tell that she wore any mail at all, certainly they saw no tell-tale glimmer of priceless mithril, and they no doubt assumed her armor to be no better than Malek's own. For all intents and purposes, their odd armaments did indeed make them look like little more than a pair of mercenaries, certainly not Squires of War the equal of many a knight, despite their youth.
Jess was amused by the house guard’s contemptuous gaze, wondering that he did not realize the contrast between the perceived quality of armor and the exquisite quality of her destrier and the multiple well cared for weapons she had on her horse and person.
Neltose gave Raphael a conspiratorial smile. “Fear not, my lord. Very soon you shall be safely ensconced within the protection of your loyal house guard, and will no longer need to rely on such… questionable assistance as these mercenaries for hire.”
“Mercenaries? I never!” Josie hissed, taking a deep breath to give the diOnni guard quite the scolding, she was sure. Jess knew she had to act.
“My lady! Malek and I are honored to have been of service, but please do not allow your noble personage to be flustered on our account. Bladesmen such as my companion and I are used to being underestimated by mail coated buffoons such as these."
Rolin’s nostrils flared. “Watch your tongue, wench! One such as you should not slander your betters, lest you’d like me to prove upon your person the folly of your insults!”
Neltose gave his com
panion a warning glare, bowing once again to his lord. "My apologies, Lord diOnni. My companion feels strongly about our position as members of your house guard, and would not have a momentary sellsword whose honor extends no further than her purse, dare to insult soldiers who have served your father's House loyally for years."
Raphael gave an indulgent smile. “Of course, dear Neltose. I am gratified to have any man fight by my side who has shown my House loyalty that extends beyond mere coin.”
Neltose blinked at that, quickly covering it with a condescending smile. “If you have already paid off your mercenaries, my lord, I am quite sure they should feel free to leave your services with perhaps an extra coin for their trouble. After all, there is no need for sellswords to learn the fortifications and strengths of your chateau, would you not agree, my lord?”
He favored Jess with a contemptuous smile. “No offense, sellsword, but there is no telling who might inadvertently waggle drunken lips at an inopportune moment. Flaws Lord diOnni can rest assured his own house troops would never surrender to.”
Raphael blinked, nonplussed. Jess herself was alarmed by the soldier's presumptuous tone. He spoke like he truly thought himself a knight, worthy of the privileges and deference given a lesser lord, as opposed to being merely a well-trained and equipped servant of the House he protected. Jess interjected before Raphael was forced to speak.
“How dare you presume such, sirrah! My shieldbrother and I were promised food, drink, and a place to cool our travel-weary heels for a time. We will not be dismissed like a common tavern whore by your leave, you arrogant upstart! Tell him, Lord diOnni. Tell this fool we are welcome to stay at your chateau for a time, as you had promised."
Raphael nodded his head, flashing Neltose a smile that invited indulgence and confidence. "I am sure you see how it is, my guardsman. Even if one's escorts are not all one could hope for, the diOnni clan always keeps their word. So of course I expect quarters to be made ready and all comforts given to my hirelings, as well as to my own personage and guests."
Neltose pinned Jess and Malek both with his cold, considering gaze. "Of course, Lord diOnni," he said, just as the pause stretched the boundaries of recalcitrance. Only then did he nod respectfully to the young lord before him. "We shall let the seneschal know of your request, just as soon as the house guard pays you proper respect, my lord."
Jess smiled. “I would hear it from your lips, Neltose. Tell me that my shieldbrother and I will be treated with courtesy and respect, fed well and permitted to leave, safe and unharmed.”
“What insult is this?” Rolin snarled. “How dare this wench impugn upon our honor!”
Raphael merely raised an eyebrow. “It’s a common warrior’s courtesy, I’m given to understand. A remnant of more treacherous times.”
Rolin rolled his eyes. “Of course they will be treated with all courtesy,” Rolin assured, gazing at his lord.
Jess smiled. “Say it to my face. Let me see the truth in your eyes.”
Rolin covered his swallow with a contemptuous spit, glaring at Jess. "You and your companion are safe as houses under our watch, wench. So long as you know your place, and do not mouth to your betters!"
Jess shivered. “Thank you, sir. I am sorry to have offended you.” She flashed a nervous smile. “Trying times traversing those deep dark woods, you understand.”
Malek nodded solemnly. “Yes indeed. You could hear those wolves howling through the night. Never knew when they were going to ambush our camp and tear all our throats out.”
“I think you both are hamming it up, just a bit," Twilight purred. "Still, it is always entertaining watching you two work, my mistress.”
Jess kept her head down, giving no response, even as Rolin snorted. "Such fearless warriors you two are. Too poor even to afford true armaments worthy of the steeds you ride. Let us be off, then. I promise no wolves will rip out your throats under our watch." Rolin and Nelson exchanged a mocking chuckle at that, flashing Jess and Malek both a look of bemused contempt as they turned their horses about once more, winding down the gentle slope leading to the grand chateau and the dozen armsmen, still little more than flecks, waiting below.
Jess caught Malek's attentive gaze as the two house guards proceeded them at a steady pace, utterly confident as they were that they had taken the measure of the small party, and were its masters. Malek's eyes went up as Jess communicated in the concise handspeak that was the province of Erovering's commanders alone. Her brother-in-arms scowled but gave a reluctant nod, understanding what was to be done.
Confident the guardsmen would notice nothing different, Jess quickly caught up to the leading guardsmen, her gaze almost plaintive as she cleared her throat before a glaring Neltose, both her hands almost respectfully beneath her lowered shield.
“What is it, sellsword?” The man gazed at her with ill-concealed contempt.
“My apologies for having made a poor impression upon such a warrior as yourself, Neltose. I merely wanted to inquire as to your captain's disposition. He must be a mighty man worthy of skilled followers to have attracted one with your obvious prowess to follow under his banner."
The man permitted himself a small smile. "Captain Petrie is as worthy a man as anyone to be found in this backwater part of the kingdom, lass. You'll do well to remember that. But if you think he'd consider hiring on the likes of you, best think again." His smile turned to a leer, gazing at her features, her deliberately pouting lips. "Though perhaps he can find another use for you, in more comfortable accommodations than the barracks."
Jess allowed herself a sultry chuckle. “Perhaps he can at that, my dear Neltose. I would be eager to see if I am a match for his blade.”
Neltose gave an approving nod atop his mocking smile. “Perhaps you know your place after all, lass.”
Jess grinned. “I like to think I know which way the wind is blowing, and the best man to… conquer, when all is said and done.”
Neltose chuckled. Jess could tell he was warming up to the fawning young woman before him, and Jess made sure to turn her grin as lascivious as her sultry sister ever had, speaking in a soft tone she was sure wouldn't carry. "There now, dear Neltose. All bluster aside. You and I both know the score at this point in the game. I, for one, have no wish to be a part of the losing side. Assuming I stay out of the way when the men make it utterly clear to our dear little lordling who the real masters of the house are, do you think Captain Petrie can find a use for me besides the headsman's block?" Jess winked. "Believe you me, Neltose. I'll make it worth your while. My flesh is far more satisfying warm and lively than dead and buried, like these poor fools soon will be."
Neltose laughed outright, gazing at Jess with hungry eyes. “Can you at that, lass? My price might be steep, but you look like you just might be able to pay it.”
“Shut up, you damn fool!" Neltose blinked, aghast, as Rolin's furious voice cut through his mounting lust, only in that moment realizing the gravity of his words.
“Damned wench!” Neltose snarled in fury, realizing in that instant, perhaps, that he was too close to make effective use of his horse spear, his hand instinctively reaching for his saber, in the very instant that Jessica’s carefully concealed mace whipped up from beneath her shield with deadly force, cold steel slamming into the open face of his helmet.
The air rang with the sickening sound of shattered bone, teeth flying as Neltose vented a choking scream, crumpling to the ground, choking up gobs of blood and bone, his jaw and mouth shattered to splinters by Jess’s terrible blow.
Once one committed, one must act, with all force and fury. It was one of Eloquin's first lessons, very much what her father had once taught her, and act she did, allowing her horse to trample the fallen guardsman as she charged toward the stunned looking Rolin even at that moment reeling from the terrible blow Malek had lashed out with his own mace, crying out as he begun to crumple, Jess having to hold back every ounce of furious instinct to resist slamming her flanged mace into the man's helmet with all he
r pent up battlerage, a move which would very likely have killed him, as he crashed to the ground.
They needed him alive, she coldly reminded herself. At least for the moment.
“Jess! What are you doing?" Josie cried out in horror, gazing at the two guardsmen fallen in broken heaps upon the road.
“Explain, Raphael," Jess snapped, quickly gathering the reins of and soothing the two guardsmen's horses, not wanting them to race back to familiar surroundings and alert their enemies unnecessarily. Clamping down upon the slight tremble she felt coursing through her arms, she quickly claimed the braces of javelins each horse had sheathed to their flank before passing one to her icily calm shieldbrother, the two securing the braces to their restive mounts with a warrior's practiced ease.
Jess turned after a few moment’s focus, the guardsmen's horses secured and hobbled, quickly stepping toward her shieldbrother who had already taken the measure of securing the two broken, writhing men.
“Good.” She allowed with a curt nod, assisting Malek in pinning the men as he stripped off their mail and restrained their hands and feet with leather thongs. Jess allowed herself no pity as she gazed at Neltose’s writhing form, constantly choking out globs of blood pouring from his broken mouth, moaning in unrelenting agony.
Jess turned to glance at her friends, and perhaps there was something in her eyes, for their gazes froze her, cutting into her with their mutual looks of horrified disbelief more surely than either guardsman could have managed. Malek alone stood by her, she noted; instinctively flanking her, though his face too was grim, brows furrowed in grudging acceptance. She could tell he also was feeling the aftereffects of the brief skirmish just past.
“Raphael.” Jess’s voice was soft, and she hated herself for how it almost sounded pleading. “Tell Josie what you sensed. I know you felt it too.”
Raphael grimaced, shaking his head for a moment as he held a shaking Josie, before at last nodding. “There was something off, Josie.” He sighed. “I am as surprised by Jessica and Malek’s rather… extreme measures as you are, but there was something off about those two guardsmen.”
Shadow Knight Page 33
