The Test of Ostra

by Rory D Nelson

  Merlin shrugs. “It’s your day. You may bring whomever you wish.”

  The boys continue to applause. Merlin shakes his head. “But Dante. There is one other matter.”

  “What?” He asks.

  “This.” Merlin grabs Dante by his jacket and lifts him up, much to his confusion. He throws him up in the air. He lands on top of the crowd of boys. They gather around and catch him and hold him, carrying him off, chanting his name. “Dante! Hail Dante! Hail Dante!” The boys take Dante out of the gymnasium, still chanting his name. Cammilia chases after the group, determined to share in the revelry.

  Sylvia approaches Merlin. “Merlin, is it really ok that I am here? Was so caught up in Dante’s excitement I did not think about violating this sanctum. And you did not say if his time was over.”

  Merlin shakes his head and puts his fingers to her lips. “Dante knew. His time is over. It’s true. There has never been a lady in here. It’s unusual. If there was ever a woman to be the first, I couldn’t imagine a more deserving one than you. This is Dante’s day, and he wants you here. And so, do I lady love.” He kisses her hand. “We are well met.” Sylvia hugs Merlin and blushes.

  Chapter 43: Something’s Amiss

  Talgath and Felinius wait on the top of a getty overlooking Cowls Pass Ridge. It is the most vulnerable point along Gulley Point.

  “I have a bad feeling that something is amiss,” says Talgath, echoing Felinius own misgivings.

  Felinius nods. “May be Talgath, but we are committed to deed. And there is no turning back now.”

  Talgath looks pensive. “Felinius, what if I should no longer be of use to Herod? What then?”

  “Your spouse would hold the cards then. You must convince her to never sell to Herod. It would be the death of you both. You ken?”

  Talgath finds it suddenly impossible to swallow. He nods. “Ai.”

  Felinius smirks. “Time to do the devil’s work, comp. What say?”

  Talgath nods soberly. “Ai.”

  The King’s caravan rounds a bend along the ridgeline, the most vulnerable point in the trip. Fabio, the driver and Lieutenant in the King’s Guard, is beyond uneasy. His palms are sweaty and his heart pounds in his chest with a ferocious fervor.

  The blind corner approaches. And with it, several men on horseback appear with rifles, pistols and shotguns drawn. A shotgun blast booms out, interrupting the quiet and unassuming day. “Hands up where I may see them! Now!” orders Kubrick, one of Herod’s henchman.

  Talgath looks to Felinius for confirmation. Felinius feels the misgivings in his stomach eat into him painfully and he hesitates. “Now?” asks Talgath.

  Felinius nods. “Ai. Right behind you.” Talgath runs out, joining several others of Herod’s henchman. Something is amiss. It’s too easy. Not one of Menelaeus guards has put up a fight. Perhaps they have been cozened into compliance by the King’s guards who have gone to an early grave. And perhaps they know something he doesn’t. Felinius waits behind a large cypress tree. He extracts a sniper scope fitting on the barrel of his long rifle.

  “Throw down your arms now!” orders Kubrick. The men comply. Kubrick is not the least bit suspicious. Along with Herod’s other henchman, Talgath joins the rest of the group. Nineteen men have been added to six of the King’s guards finest.

  “Collect their arms,” orders Kubrick, looking at Talgath. Talgath complies. He is surprised at how easy this robbery is. Not one man has resisted. It’s highly unusual. Perhaps he was wrong to have any misgivings. Another part of him thinks different and that part of him screams inside him to run for his life.

  “You there. What’s your name?” asks Kubrick.

  “Halstanz,” says the guard.

  “Who has the keys to the safe?” asks Kubrick. No one in the guard would have keys to the safe because it would be too much liability. Only two sets of keys existed and one of them was with the king in New Camelot. The other man who had the set of keys was the receiving guard awaiting the shipment. They did this to discourage robberies.

  But with the plethora of robberies over the years, it forced them to change tactics. Now, the keys reside with the Sergeant of Arms.

  “There are two sets,” replies Fabio. “I have one set as driver and Halstanz has the other. You ken?”

  “Bring them here then,” orders Kubrick.

  Fabio and Halstanz exchange the slightest of conspiratorial nods, which goes unnoticed by Kubrick. He suspects nothing. They extract their keys, place them in their respective slots and then Fabio turns the dial.

  They have positioned the six henchmen around the perimeter to guard, and they watch as the scene unfolds before them. Two men hidden from the robbers lie in wait inside a large cypress tree. They load up musket balls in their slings and unleash them, hitting two of the robbers in the head and throwing them from their horses. They are knocked unconscious and unnoticed by the other men.

  Savelle, the master bowman, hits a target on a large cypress tree, igniting an unstoppable chain of events. It ignites a pulley system. This triggers a noose on four of the other riders and clasps onto their necks. Their bodies are sent upwards. They cannot scream and no one takes notice.

  As Fabio and Halstanz are about to open the safe, a booming shot rings. “Hands up!” yell Syrus and Germanicus. “Hands up or die!”

  The henchmen look around, a look of befuddlement on their faces. The safe flies open to reveal no gold at all. Domithicus pops up with a 16-gauge shotgun in his hands, cocked and ready to go. “Hands Up!” He orders, a little out of breath. Though there are air holes inside the safe for him, his cramped position made it difficult to breathe.

  One man looks around. “Don’t think about it!” yells Domithicus. The man makes the slightest move for his gun. It is the only excuse Domithicus needs. He fires the gun into the man, decapitating him. The man falls to the ground as his body twitches its death throes. Domithicus fires two more successive rounds. This round blows a hole in one man’s midsection, large enough to fit a head through. Blood spews out. Another man drops to the floor.

  From around the corner, Germanicus fires on the other two men still standing. They don’t have a chance. He thumbs the trigger in rapid succession, sending deadly bullets in heads and torsos. They drop to the ground in a puddle of their own sticky blood and gore and fall silent.

  Talgath slips out of the carnage and gunfire erupting around him. His cowardice is the only thing saving him from certain death. Though he is a formidable gunfighter, he knows he is no match for the deadly brethren, especially being outnumbered. And, he is unsure of how many there are. There could be two or ten.

  After slipping on sticky carnage, he crouches on his knees making a difficult target of himself. He tries to hurry on hands and knees as bullets blast around him. One random shot takes off his ear. An irritating humming tone fills his head. Talgath confirms they have grazed his ear lobe. A fair amount of blood seeps from the wound. He shudders at how close he has come to death.

  As he ducks underneath a wagon, Talgath sees a riderless horse running around, unsure and agitated. He makes a break for it. Out of breath and desperation, Talgath reaches the horse and climbs on it. He crouches down, half disbelieving his blind luck and sure at any second, a bullet will find him.

  Felinius watches as the chaotic scene unfolds, unsure of how to proceed. If he makes a run for it, a knight would notice him. God only knows where they are hiding out. They could be anywhere. He needs a diversion more than ever.

  When he observes Talgath escaping on a horse, he realizes what he needs. He lines up his site, takes a deep breath, pulls the trigger, and hits the horse in the neck. The horse drops in a full gallop, landing ass over end, propelling Talgath face down in the dirt.

  Felinius walks his horse, gets on, and gallops off, unnoticed by anyone else in the melee.

  Syrus witnesses Talgath’s spill and gallops over to him. He cocks his shotgun, as if in warning. “If you have any arms, throw them out now! You ken?” He orders.
Talgath doesn’t move. Syrus hesitates. He observes the man is still breathing. Talgath is either unconscious or feigning incapacitation. Syrus dismounts, approaches, and he bends down to shake him.

  “Mmm. Ow!” replies Talgath. Syrus checks him for arms and removes one small quarter pistol from his pouch. Talgath lost his speed shooter in the fall.

  “Wake up!” He orders. Talgath comes to, still dazed and groggy but otherwise intact. Before he can regain consciousness, Syrus cuffs his hands. He looks at him and smiles. “Talgath I presume.” He says.

  “Ai. It’s me.”

  “A fugitive who has robbed and killed. You were once in custody, escaped, no doubt with the aid of Herod- Sai. You ken? And now you are in the employ of Herod.”

  “A man of many resources but being in the employ of Herod-Sai is not one. I cry pardon to disappoint.”

  Syrus smirks. “Is that so? We shall see. There is a saying of the Parker Bird. You ken?”

  Talgath nods. “Ai. Have heard it. When confined to a cage and they clip its wings, the Parker cries loudest.”

  “Ai. We shall see what tales you may tell when you are staring crucifixion in the face.”

  Milton sits underneath a silver canopy, a beautiful tree sprouting violet, purple and burgundy petaled leaves. He finishes writing out his full confession. The end of the road is imminent. He knows the brethren will find him. He extracts a large pumice stone and sharpens his butterfly knife on it.

  When satisfied with its sharpness, Milton lifts his left hand and slices the inside of his wrist. He moves the knife up towards his armpit. As he pushes the knife in, a large part of him resists it. The seething pain is sharp and sweet. He thinks of his children. Milton hopes he will save them from the mockery, indignation and contempt of his actions. At the least, he saved his children from seeing their father in chains. And, they are spared the agony from the ensuing trial. Tears well up in his eyes. He makes no move to stop them from rolling down his cheeks.

  Germanicus observes the rider and is on guard but becomes curious from the rider’s unusual gestures. He extracts his hyper-oculars to get a better look. It does not surprise him when he recognizes Milton. The influence of Herod knows no bounds. It travels far and wide. He recognizes the gestures for what they are-and act of suicide.

  Still, he approaches Milton with caution, hoping to appeal to the man’s better judgment. When he gets within a few yards, he yells out. “Throw down your arms, Milton!” He orders.

  “A Captain does not relinquish his firearm, except in death. Part of our oath.”

  “You would speak to me of oath. When you have betrayed your country and sent your loyal men to an early grave?”

  Milton turns to Germanicus, tears streaming down his face. “I have done much in the name of Herod- Sai. But it was out of fear for my family.”

  “If you would have come to us, we would have protected you and your kin, Milton.”

  “Tis the devil in me. I wished to escape from my predicament unscathed, bereft of any repercussions. You ken?”

  “There is still time to redeem yourself. You can go to your grave knowing your kin are provided for. Help us put an end to Herod. We need your testimony.”

  “I will not subject my family to such. Herod’s a hindserpent who makes his way out of sheep pasture unscathed as he has always done. The only difference will be the damage to my kin. I will not go to my grave knowing I have inflicted such on them.”

  “You’re wrong. We are close to charging him. Treason. Conspiracy to commit murder. Attempted coup. A sentence of crucifixion in the first degree. Would you not wish to go to your grave knowing you helped achieve this?”

  Milton smiles the smallest bit. “I wish I could believe that.”

  “Trust in the brotherhood.”

  “Always have. Which is why I trust you to see to my family. Will you do it?”

  “No matter what happens, consider it done.”

  “I have written a full confession. I hope it will suffice.” Milton take his speed shooter out and opens his mouth.

  “No!” cries Germanicus. He runs to Milton to stop him but to no avail. Pointing the gun to his forehead, his speed shooter blows off the top of his head. It spills blood, bone fragments, and brain matter. Milton’s head slumps to the side as his body twitches. Silence.

  Chapter 44: A New Player

  A feminine looking deputy wears a large gallon hat that conceals his face. He takes special note of the beautiful woman that leaves the detention center. Whenever the deputy meets someone, he averts his eyes to avoid direct eye contact. For what reason? The deputy writes in a small notebook and observes Morgana as she leaves Talgath’s holding cell.

  Morgana walks out of the detention center, placing the hooded cloak over her face. Her iridescent eyes shine from out of the small opening in her shawl. Within seconds of walking, she feels an intrusive force trying to make its way into her mind. She concentrates on fighting it off. As she turns the first corner, she nearly collides with Merlin.

  “Ah, Chastity. We are well met. What business do you have here at the jail?” He asks, a sardonic smirk on his face.

  “Lonnie is a trusted friend. She could not bring herself to visit Talgath. I am here on her behalf.”

  “And not on the bequest of Herod-Sai, then?” He asks.

  “What business would I have on his behalf?” She asks.

  “Oh, I wouldn’t know. You know that’s a marvelous trick. Your mind is a real vault. But I caught you off guard it seems. I could penetrate for a moment.”

  “Is there business you wish to detain me for on behalf of Gilleon?” She asks.

  “No, just curious. That’s all. If there were, set watch and warrant it, I’d find you, though.”

  “Until then, Merlin.” She bows.

  “Until then, Lady-Mais.” He tips his hat.

  (2)

  Talgath sits in his cell and laughs at the predicament he is in once again. Three years ago, he sat in a similar jail cell in Cortez, bereft of any hope. Talgath waits for the inevitable execution. He hears the clang of the jail cell opening. Amenides looks at Talgath and gives him a sardonic smirk.

  “If you wish to hide something, push it out of your mind altogether. Set watch and warrant, Merlin will find it.”

  “Well aware of the Merlin’s telepathic abilities, so I am.”

  “I have known Merlin for putting a turncoat inside out. You ken? I’d think long and hard on such matters. Merlin’s bullet will go down easier than a crucifix. You ken? You ever witnessed a crucifixion, Talgath?” Talgath says nothing but the chill that travels up his spine is clear.

  “I’ve seen many. Once saw a man last almost two days. Two days of mind-numbing agony. I’d think long and hard on what he might offer you.”

  “And I say thankee for the council, Amenides.”

  “Suit yourself.” Amenides leaves.

  Within the hour, Merlin walks in. The moment he enters, Talgath feels the intrusion into his mind. It is the most invasive thing he has ever felt. He notices the two holsters on his left side and the one on his right. Seems rumors about the man ring true. Merlin is ambidextrous but legend has it he can fire faster with his right hand. And yet he can fire with two guns on his left side.

  “I am faster with my right hand, but not by much. A thousandth of a second at most. In my time, I have never witnessed an apple travel so far from the tree. You ken? Your father was a true patriot. A man of the people. Your father wanted you to follow in his footsteps. He never meant this for you.”

  “I had my own ambitions, Merlin.”

  “I would like to delve into your psyche and learn what spurred you to such malicious discontent. But I mustn’t regress. So, let me be blunt and not mince words.”

  “I know where my fate lies, Merlin. On a cross.”

  “I have been in session with council. All are adamant and want to see you crucified. They will relent on one condition.”

  “That I inform on my employer.”


  “Before I read your mind, I knew well it was Herod who secured your release. With Malachai and Pent in pursuit, you were as good as caught. You ken? I know too that Malachai had you in custody. I know that Felinius was the man who led the campaign in your release. Set watch and warrant, you will be executed, but you can decide how you wish to make your end. Crucified or a firing range. If you inform on Herod, you will avoid the cross. You will be sent before a firing squad and my brothers will ensure you meet a quick end. Our aim is true.”

  “You are a man of great integrity and nobility; Merlin and I trust you. But I do not trust Herod. There is no end to his depravity and ruthlessness. It knows no bounds.”

  “We can protect your kin.”

  “I will not tempt a hissing hindserpent by throwing rocks at it.”

  Merlin sighs. “I have breached your mind. You will not waver. I cannot even appeal to your righteous side.”

  Talgath shakes his head. “No, I won’t. My family comes first.”

  “Then there is nothing more I can do for you. Tomorrow you will go before a judge and make your plea. He will sentence you according to the council’s recommendations. You ken?”

  “I am resigned to my fate.”

  “May God have mercy on your soul. You will find none here.”

  Chapter 45: A Sad Family Reunion

  With tears streaming down his face, Leopold asks, “Why will they not let you out?”

  “Your pa has done bad things. Horrible things. And now I must pay the price. Tis the way it is, set watch and warrant it. Let it be a lesson to you. Do as you are told and follow in the path of righteousness. Follow in the steps of the brethren. They will be there to guide you. You ken? I wish I had done things differently.”

  Tears stream down Lonnie’s face. Her eyes are puffy and red. And to Talgath, she appears more beautiful in her vulnerability. The blood shot quality of her eyes also brings out the orange hue in them, making them more iridescent. She changes the subject, hoping to talk of more banal manners.