by N. C. Reed
“Thank you, Sire,” Brock nodded, clearly relieved.
“Now, we have enough to do rebuilding this city and making good the losses we have suffered without adding additional worry about my brother. Today's worries are sufficient unto themselves. Let us turn our attention to them instead.”
~*~
“Stephanie, you cannot leave this to linger any longer,” Edema said firmly. She was preparing to depart the next morning, the current emergency past. “You must try and salvage your relationship with Parno. At this rate, you won't even be friends.”
“I'm not sure I would want to be just friends,” Stephanie sighed. “I don't know that I could stand that.”
“And you can stand this?” Edema asked, sipping her tea quietly.
“I haven't had much time to dwell on it,” she admitted.
“Nor has he, which is a good thing,” Edema nodded. “The longer you let it go, the harder it will be to repair.”
“I can't go see him, and writing seems to be such a. . .a cheap way of telling him how sorry I am,” the young doctor lamented. “I don't have much in the way of options.”
“Why can't you go and see him?” Edema frowned. “Is Memmnon still unwell?” she asked, concern on her features.
“No, not at all,” Stephanie shook her head. “But women aren't allowed at the front. You know that,” she chided gently. “You were the one who told me I had no place there, remember?”
“As a participant,” Edema corrected her. “I said nothing at all about visiting him personally to try and make things right between you.”
“He won't allow it at any rate,” Stephanie shrugged. “And Memmnon won't try and force him. I think Winnie tried to get him to make Parno do something similar and Memmnon just scoffed. Said something like 'yes, because Parno always does what I tell him to',” she chuckled dryly and Edema joined her.
“Well, you need to get away from here,” Edema told her. “You're welcome to come with me. You need a few days that aren't filled with court. And being here all day every day can't be helping.”
“No, it isn't,” Stephanie agreed. “Were it not for Winnie needing me, I'd already be gone,” she admitted.
“Well, she seems to be doing fine on her own, and I'm sure your mother wouldn't mind watching over her a few days,” Edema mentioned. “I plan to leave an hour after sunrise,” she stood, and Stephanie stood as well, embracing her. “I shall hope to see you there, packed and ready to go.”
“We shall see.”
~*~
“You look like a man who could use a drink,” Karls offered Parno a bottle of beer. He took it and drained it in a single upturning of the bottle.
“That's good,” Parno nodded.
“I didn't mean all at once,” Karls chuckled.
“I'm in a mood to drink and raise a bit of a ruckus,” Parno replied. “I'd ask you to come bar hopping with me, but there are no bars, and you're an engaged man,” he grinned.
“We aren't,” Enri Willard said from the doorway and Parno turned to see both Enri and Cho Feng standing there.
“And I happen to know where there's a bar,” Enri added mischievously.
“Really?” Parno looked interested.
“Place called the Boar's Head,” Enri nodded. “No,” he corrected himself. “Hogshead. Yeah, that's it. Hogshead Inn. Got pretty serving girls and everything.”
“Ah,” Parno recognized that as Tinker's headquarters. “Heard of it,” he nodded.
“Well, you're welcome to come along with us,” Enri shrugged and Feng nodded. “Can't hurt. Food ain't bad, either,” he added.
“I had heard that as well,” Parno said truthfully. He had stayed far from Tinker's operation, but with things perhaps winding down there, it might not hurt anything. And anyway, an occasional visit once in a while would enable him to visit the Tinker without the spy having to come here. This might be fortuitous, really.
“You know what?” he said suddenly. “Why not. It's not like a few drinks can make my life any worse than it is at the moment, right?” he grinned.
“That's the spirit!” Enri grinned back at him.
“Parno,” Karls tried to add some caution but Enri cut him off.
“Don't worry, little brother,” he slapped Karls' back. “Master Feng and I will take good care of him, won't we?”
“Indeed,” Feng fought a grin. “They do have good food and excellent beer,” he added to Parno. “And the female company is quite attractive I must say.”
“Talked me into it,” Parno decided. “Karls, I promise to be on my semi-best behavior,” he said to his friend. “See you in the morning.”
Karls could only watch as the three men walked out. Minutes later horse could be heard departing, heading out toward the rear areas of the camp.
“I got a bad feeling about this,” he muttered to himself.
~*~
Tinker was surprised to see the Marshal enter and even more surprised that he didn't come to see him but instead took a table with two other men he recognized as the young lord's chief Staff officer and his senior adviser.
“Good evening milord,” he went to the table, smiling like a host. “How are you?”
“Tinker!” Parno smiled. “Heard you had some good beer on tap and decided I needed to check on the quality first hand.”
“And the food,” Enri reminded him.
“That too,” Parno agreed.
“We have a very good roast brisket tonight, milord,” Tinker smiled. “And I must modestly admit that the beer is in fact not bad,” he added.
“I'll have both,” Parno said at once. “Got some bread and potatoes to go with that?” he asked.
“I'm sure I can find something along those lines,” Tinker promised.
“Same for me, please,” Enri raised a hand.
“Myself as well,” Feng made it unanimous.
“Brie!” Tinker called out. A young dark haired beauty came to the table.
“These men want beer and brisket, with potatoes and bread on the side, Brie,” Tinker told her.
“Right away, milords,” she curtsied of a sort and hurried away.
“Pretty girl,” Parno noted.
“Yes,” Tinker nodded. “Being pursued by young Mister Bell,” he added, just so there was no misunderstanding.
“He's a good man,” Parno nodded. “Is she running from him, or staying just out of reach?” Parno asked. “I'm sure Bell's intent would be honorable,” he vouched for the young soldier.
“I am convinced of the same, and they seem to have an agreement between them,” Tinker grinned again.
“Ah, love!” Enri grinned broadly and instantly regretted it. His face fell as he glanced at Parno.
“Sorry, milord,” he murmured.
“Stop that,” Parno told him. “None of that foolishness. Not tonight, and not ever again! It's not a problem and it's certainly no reason to put a damper on our good evening. Hell, I envy Bell, myself. She's a doll. I'll have to make sure and give them a proper gifting should they marry. Be sure and keep me aware, will you Tinker?”
“I will, milord,” Tinker grinned, thinking of Rosala's reaction to that. “If you need anything else please let me know.” He left them to enjoy their beer as Brie returned with it.
“Food coming shortly gentlemen,” she smiled and hurried away.
“Not bad,” Parno took a swig from the bottle. “Not bad at all in fact. Enri, not a bad plan, this! You are to be commended.”
“I thank you, milord,” Enri nodded back, raising his own bottle in toast. He and Feng had decided that Parno needed a night out and so had hatched this little plan to give him as best a one they could.
Soon the food was before them, though they were already on their second beer by then, and their fourth before they were halfway through.
“This is great food,” Parno said around a mouthful of beef. “Might need to do this more often.”
“I actually was thinking the same thing,” Cho Feng replied. “This
food is most excellent.”
Parno had consumed eight of the fairly strong beers by the time they had eaten and was feeling his oats pretty well.
“I think it's time we headed back, milord,” Enri noted. He was feeling his own alcohol intake pretty well, too.
“Guess so,” Parno had become more morose with each beer until he was now almost completely down. “Good idea though,” he told them again. “Might 's well head on back I reckon,” he staggered to his feet, pushing off attempts to assist him. “I can make it,” he told them.
As the three headed for the door after Parno had paid for their meals and included a good tip for Bell's girl, what was her name again?, he happened to glance at the stairs.
A raven haired, dusky skinned goddess was watching them, her dark eyes following him with particular interest. When she saw him looking at her, she smiled, and Parno perked up at once.
“Milord,” Enri tried to grab him but Parno was already moving.
“Well hello,” he said smoothly despite the amount of alcohol in his system.
“Good evening milord,” the woman bowed slightly. “Have you enjoyed your meal?”
“I have indeed,” Parno assured her. “Haven't had dessert yet though,” he smiled impishly and the woman actually blushed at that.
“What's your name?” he asked her, leaning against the wall in front of her.
“Jaelle,” the woman smiled again.
“Hi, Jaelle,” he gave her a goofy grin. “I'm Parno.”
“I know who you are, milord,” Jaelle practically giggled. “Everyone does.”
“Great,” Parno muttered. “But now look here, Jaelle,” he told her. “You can't believe everything people say about me, okay? Some of those people are probably making stuff up. Well, a few of 'em anyway,” he frowned. “At least one or two,” he amended again after some thought.
“I have heard many good things about you, Marshal,” Jaelle laughed.
“Now I know they're making 'em up,” Parno muttered again. “Still though, if people are telling nice lies about me, well that's okay then,” he smiled again, which made him look younger, closer to his actual age, and also took away some of the worry from his face.
“Milord, we really should be getting back,” Enri came over and placed a hand on Parno's arm.
“Not now, Enri,” he brushed it off. “Can't you see I'm busy?”
“Sunrise will come early, milord,” Enri tried again. “And it's a good ride back to camp,” he reminded him.
“Ain't this an inn?” Parno demanded. “They probably got a room or two here. I bet I could stay here if asked Tinker. He's a good guy.”
“Asked Tinker what?” Tinker appeared as if summoned by his name. “Jaelle, what are you doing?” he asked, almost frowning.
“She's talking to me,” Parno answered for her. “That's okay, ain't it?” he semi-demanded.
“But of course,” Tinker smiled. “Carry on then, by all means,” he encouraged.
“I need a room, Tinker, if you got one to spare,” Parno told him. “Ol' mother hen Willard here is getting concerned that I'm not gonna get back to camp if I wait much longer and maybe he's right. Got a place a man can lay his head for a night?” he asked, looking back to Jaelle.
“Wouldn't mind talking to Jaelle here some more to be honest,” he said as he looked at her. “She's the prettiest thing I've seen in a good few days, and that's just the plain truth.”
“You could stay with me, milord,” Jaelle said almost shyly and Cho Feng noted the frown on Tinker's face. He drew the man aside.
“Is the woman a problem?” he asked softly.
“Problem?” Tinker frowned. “Oh,” he realized what was meant. “No, she isn't. I just. . .it was almost as if she were leading him on. I don't think that's it, but that she's simply star struck to be honest. I just didn't like her almost waylaying the Prince like that.”
“Let her,” Feng told him gently. “If she is a good and trustworthy woman of yours, let them do as they will. I will take responsibility for this. He needs a night when there is no worry upon him, even if it's just one. She is. . .healthy, I presume?” Feng asked carefully.
“Absolutely,” Tinker took no offense. “And completely trustworthy.”
“Then allow it,” Feng told him. “Do not encourage it, but allow it to happen if it does. As I said, I will be responsible.”
“As you desire,” Tinker nodded. “I would not allow him to be taken advantage of,” he added.
“I know this, or I would not have asked your opinion,” Feng assured him.
“If you wish to stay with Jaelle, milord, she is finished with her chores this evening and has no duties left to perform. She has a room upstairs of her own and may take there who she will. I ask that you be kind to her,” he said formally.
“Tinker,” Parno sounded hurt. “You know I'd never do nothing like that.”
“I do and say so merely as a formality, milord,” Tinker smiled. “Jaelle, mind your manners,” he warned laughingly. “This man is my friend.”
“Aye, Tinker,” Jaelle promised. Reaching out, she took Parno's hand in hers.
“Would you like to come upstairs, milord?” she asked almost shyly.
“I would indeed Miss Jaelle,” Parno smiled charmingly. “I would indeed.”
“What are you doing?” Enri demanded of Feng once they were gone.
“Do not concern yourself,” Feng told him flatly. “I will remain, as will his escort. A warlord must once in a while relieve himself of the burdens of command and concern. Tomorrow he will be better in all likelihood. You may return to camp. Advise his escort they will need to trade off shifts tonight. I will be here.”
“Cho, are you sure-”
“Yes,” the oriental nodded firmly. “Go your way, Brigadier, and do not be concerned. He will be well.”
~*~
Stephanie had warned Captain Winters that she might well be going with Lady Cumberland the next morning and thus his company was prepared for that eventuality.
“You're leaving?” Winnie asked, looking as if she felt betrayed.
“Just for a few days, dear, I promise,” Stephanie assured her. “And my mother has promised to fill in for me as your chaperon and make your life as miserable as possible while I'm away,” she added with a tiny, sadistic chuckle.
“Funny,” Winnie growled, now slightly angry as she learned that Stephanie wasn't abandoning her.
“I should be back in a week to ten days,” the doctor promised as she set her 'doctor bag' in the carriage. “Meantime, mind your self,” he mock warned.
“I will,” Winnie snorted. “Be careful and I hope you have a good time. Farewell, Lady Cumberland,” she added.
“Goodbye for now, dear girl,” Edema smiled. “We shall see one another again before you know it. I look forward to calling you 'her Majesty' one day,” she teased and was rewarded with a full faced blush that disappeared into Winnie's neckline.
The carriage started and Stephanie settled into her seat across from Edema.
“I'm glad you chose to accompany me, dear,” Edema told her.
“I appreciate your asking me,” she replied.
The two chattered about insignificant things for almost an hour before Stephanie realized something was wrong.
“We aren't headed for the Plateau,” she said suddenly. “Edema, where are we going?” she asked.
“To see Parno, dear,” Edema said calmly.
“What?!” Stephanie demanded. “I told you I'm not. . .women aren't allowed-”
“I'm not 'allowed' or 'not allowed' to do anything,” Edema snorted. “This has to get straightened out, one way or the other, before it becomes a problem. We're going to see him. You have two, perhaps three days to figure out what you wish to say to him,” she said as she pulled a book from her travel bag. “I'd use that time wisely.”
THE END
A MESSAGE FROM AUTHOR
N.C. REED
I hope you've enjoyed Parno's
Gambit. It was a challenge to write but it was also fun. It's always exciting to see something you've spent so long working on come to fruition
I wanted to say “Thank You” to the readers of the Black Sheep series, and express to you my appreciation for your patronage and your support, and most certainly for your kind words about my work. There has been many a late night when that encouragement was what kept me writing when I was ready to throw in the towel and give up.
If you enjoyed Parnos' Gambit or any of my other works, please let me know with a review on Amazon, or Goodreads, or you can visit my blog at badkarma00.wordpress.com. There are links there to my Facebook page as well.
You'll find a lot of odd and end stuff there that I work on to piddle when I can't get anything else done. Feel free to leave a comment. I know that it doesn't get updated often enough but I do try to post important notices there, and ANY books released by me will always be posted there and on my Facebook page.
Again, thank you.
N.C. Reed
THANK YOU FOR READING “PARNO’S GAMBIT”
ENJOY THIS BOOK?
CHECK OUT THESE OTHER GREAT TITLES
by
N.C. REED!
Parno’s Company
Parno’s Destiny
Stormcrow Books 1 & 2
Odd Billy Todd
Tammy and Ringo
Roland
The Monster of Creasy’s Hollow
The Kid
ALSO, VISIT OUR WEBSITE
At
www.creativetexts.com
THANK YOU!
