All that changed when the force reached the outskirts of Glimmerrey. Mayrie huddled in conference with Java and Shair. “They are all here, Java. There must be a hundred Adepts here in the city and surrounding area. And I don’t know how many Masters.”
“We don’t dare use any magic,” Shair noted, and received a nod from Mayrie. “Then we do this the hard way. Scouts,” she whispered in a slightly louder voice, “we have a city to check out. Do not allow yourselves to be captured and meet back here before sunrise.”
The force evaporated, each Scout pairing up with two or three others and heading away from the rendezvous. Java and Jah’Moke were joined by the triplets while Shair was joined by Robin and Carlin.
Java moved like a shadow through the forest with Jah’Moke at her side. She had made a point of keeping in shape after her experience at Firedale, as had Jah’Moke. It was the triplets who were hampered by a lack of stamina, though they weren’t as bad off as they could have been. Merrit had kept Sam and the triplets in good shape. Mayrie was breathing hard before midnight, and Java called a halt to rest.
“Are you three all right?” she whispered.
“Yes, we’re fine. It’s just been such a long time since we’ve done this for real,” Maygren answered, struggling to get her breath back.
After about an hour Java started off again, circling the city until a sound and a sudden light brought her up short. A man was emptying a trash bucket outside of a building, and the light from behind him showed Java her surroundings clearly. On impulse, she darted forward as the man went back through the door, catching it before the latch closed.
Jah’Moke was instantly at her side. “Do we go in?”
Java looked at Mayrie and received a nod. She whispered, “The room is empty, and we won’t be seen.”
Slipping through the door, they flattened against the walls and waited for some sign as to whether or not they had been detected. No cry was raised, and Java again took the lead, slipping toward the door on the other side of the room.
Cracks around the doorjamb allowed Java and Jah’Moke to look into the next room. The building was an inn or tavern, and the room was full of drinking and drunken men in the uniform of Frander’s Army. They could hear loud shouting and drunken songs from the men as they lounged about, but they couldn’t understand much of what was being said. Serving maids brought the men beer or wine, never blinking or reacting when men grabbed them. Jah’Moke signaled Java to withdraw, and they had a hurried conference against the back door. “We can’t get through here, Java. Not now. Shall we head back?”
Java nodded and eased the back door open a crack, only to shut it immediately. Ten men were outside the door, lounging against the wall. A server walked into the room, startling all of them, but ignoring their presence to walk boldly out the door with a tray full of beer mugs.
“Hey, Gladys, it’s about time,” one of the men said loudly, and the rest laughed as they each grabbed a mug. Gladys stood staring straight ahead as the soldiers drank their beers and fondled her.
“You know, I wish I was a Mage. Then I could get a reaction out of her,” the first man said loudly, again drawing laughter from his companions. “You’d like that, wouldn’t you, Gladys?” Gladys remained quiet until the last mug was replaced on her tray, then she turned and went through the door again. The leader of the group began giving orders for his men to post themselves around the area. Much to Java’s dismay, he posted himself against the door to the room, trapping them inside Frander’s city.
* * *
Shair waited with growing fear as the sun began to peek over the mountains. Everyone was back, except Java’s party. As her agitation grew, she began questioning the others as to whether they had seen or heard anything that might indicate that Frander’s men had captured anyone. As the others reported, Robin searched for Java her own way.
“Shair, she’s alive, but worried. Not frightened. She’s trapped somewhere on the south side. I can’t tell any more than that.”
“Damn it!” Shair exclaimed softly. “We have to rescue her.”
Everyone nodded their agreement to that announcement, and Robin led off toward the south, circling the city toward the point where she could feel Java. Finally, they reached the woods opposite the door that Java had passed through, only to stop in disbelief. Fully one hundred men now covered the area, clearing brush and building fortifications around a city that had never known walls in all its long history.
Shair sat back and fumed. “How in the hells did she get inside that building with all those men in the way?”
Ari growled. “Knowing her, she just said, ‘excuse me,’ and walked right past.”
* * *
Java had similar worries. “How in the hell are we supposed to get out of here with all those men in the way?”
Mayrie shifted, trying to get comfortable. “I have a better question. How are we going to hide when we all smell like pee. I’m not kidding, I have to go. Now!”
All of them looked at one another, then at the door into the rest of the building. Java again peeked past the doorjamb, only to find the room empty. Easing the door open a crack, she peeked into the room. No one was there, and she moved quietly forward, only to stop suddenly and stifle her own scream. Gladys, the serving girl from the night before, sat on a stool directly in her path, peeling tubers. Gladys turned to look at her, her face neutral, but her eyes widening in surprise.
Java had a sudden inspiration, born of desperation, and simply whispered, “Where’s the necessary?”
Gladys automatically pointed toward the other side of the room to a door with, of all things, a crescent moon painted on it. Mayrie had been right on Java’s heels and darted out, not caring about anything but emptying her bladder. She was followed by all the others, rushing to cross the room before anyone else saw them. They relieved themselves in rapid succession, with Jah’Moke courteously waiting until last. Once they were all comfortable again, Java called another whispered conference.
“Now we’re even farther into the city. Any ideas as to how we proceed?”
Jah’Moke nodded. “We cannot go back, so we go forward. I noticed several cloaks on pegs by the door. If I wear one, I can be escorting you four to some task elsewhere. If you act like Gladys did last night, then I don’t think anyone will notice.”
Java looked at the triplets, but none of them had any better ideas. Fitting words to action, they moved to the door and appropriated a cloak while Maylee asked Gladys for several outfits. Gladys obediently fetched four dresses and aprons, then Maygren asked for kerchiefs to cover their hair, like the one Gladys herself wore. Again, Gladys obeyed, but this time there was something in her eyes as she watched them dress. To Java, it looked like hope.
Jah’Moke led the girls out of the building and into the street. People passed on all sides, but none of them paid any attention to them. Java signaled the girls into single file between her and Jah’Moke as they began walking up the street. Signs in a language that was slightly different from their own named the shops and stores, and posts at each corner named the streets. Jah’Moke saw that his plan was going to work when he saw several other men leading parties of men, women, or both through the city.
Java was awed by the sight of the ancient capital. Naria had told them of its grandeur, but she hadn’t conveyed the true magnificence of the place. Whitehall looked like a backwater village next to this city, and Java began to feel uncomfortable as they walked. Their path led them past the Temple Circle, and Java looked at the ancient temples of the Gods Above and Below. How can we bring war to a place like this? Jah’Moke was leading them into the heart of the city, not knowing where he was going, just getting away from where they had been.
* * *
Robin stiffened suddenly, her eyes going round with shock. “She’s moving, headed into the city, and she is happy about it! Damn her!”
“I’m going to kill her if she gets out of this alive,” Ari snarled, and the others all nodded.
“Tell General Marston that our problem child has gone off and done something impetuous again. We need the army here as soon as they can reach us.”
Scout Sergeant Ander Stephenson nodded and saluted, then took one long last look at the city. He was still enamored with Mayrie to some extent, and knowing that she was in there, facing almost unimaginable danger, while he ran off for help didn’t set well with his masculine pride. Still, he realized that the only way to help her was to give Frander and his men something else to worry about.
Shair spread her patrol out to watch the city and wait. More men and women were being herded out to where fortifications were being built around the city. Frander was apparently aware that there was an army headed toward him, and he was taking reasonable precautions. Earthworks and ditches were springing up all around the city, but there were gaps that no one seemed to notice. As the hours passed, Shair and her Scouts did what they were trained to do and started mapping out the city’s defenses.
* * *
Merrit and her army were making good time, slowing but not stopping to defeat any who dared to oppose her. Town after town fell when the Magi who directed the common folk were blasted by the combined might of nearly one hundred Masters and Adepts. The freed people were either directed away from the route of march or were pressed into service with the army. Duke Ander of Helena caught up with the army when they were still several days’ short of Glimmerey and was escorted to Merrit.
“Lord Duke, I am pleased to meet you,” Merrit said, kneeling to Ander.
“I’m pleased to meet you as well, General,” Ander replied, nodding in acknowledgment. “Is Lady Skyhaven here? I had hoped to find her with you.”
“Java took Shair and the rest of the Scouts ahead to Glimmerrey. They’re supposed to be mapping the city for us.”
Duke Ander’s eyes narrowed at that. “Sherry said she was out of the Firewalkers. What is she doing out at the front, and what is Java doing out here at all?”
Merrit looked at the duke with a slight frown on her face. “Duke Ander, are you aware that Duchess Samantha and Duke Panit were kidnapped by Frander?” She paused while the duke cursed like a stable boy. Nodding, she continued, “I believe we should speak in private. There are a number of things I should tell you, but not in public.”
Ander looked at her, then nodded and allowed himself to be led into Merrit’s tent. He stopped in the middle of the tent when Merrit turned to face him. “Well, General, what do you have to say?”
“First of all, I was the one who accepted Shaireese into the Firewalkers, so I am fully aware of who she really is. Second, I was Java’s lieutenant and friend for several years, and I’m aware of her relationship with you.” Merrit paused as exactly what she meant registered with the duke. “Third, as you are no doubt aware, Java loves with all her heart and soul. If you think you can keep her safe while Sammy is in danger, think again.”
Duke Ander digested that for a moment, then turned and punched the tent pole. “Damn that girl! General, you say you know about my relationship with Java. So be it. It’s one of the happiest memories I have. But I swear, when I get my hands on her...”
Merrit laughed, almost crowing, “Get in line, Duke Ander. Get in line.”
The Helena Guard integrated themselves into the army with ease, taking up a position on the south flank that had been manned by mostly inexperienced men and women from Lender’s Dale. Duke Ander stayed with Merrit, marveling at how easily she maneuvered and controlled the force, which now numbered over fifty-five thousand men and women. For the Guardsmen from Helena, the inclusion of women as fighters was a distinct shock. It was only the orders they received from Duke Ander that kept them from dismissing the women as camp followers.
Merrit immersed herself in command, spending her hours directing the movement of the army toward Glimmerrey, and Frander. Her own anger and grief was pushed aside, subsumed by her duties, until the Thunderfeet Scouts returned with Shair’s message.
“She did what?”
“Sir, the princess and her patrol were trapped in the city, and instead of escaping, they headed deeper in. Lady Shair told me to tell you that your problem child is at it again.” Scout Stephenson stood at attention as he spoke, and was surprised, and impressed, by the general’s reaction to his news. He had been with the Thunderfeet for years and was no stranger to profanity even before joining the company, but he’d never heard anyone swear with that much enthusiasm and imagination.
Duke Ander, the assembled mercenary captains, and the captains of the Lender’s Dale guard were summoned and informed of Java’s impetuousness.
“That girl’s going to get herself killed,” Captain Whitehall observed, and received nods of agreement from all present.
“The question must be, what do we do about it?” Captain Wilkinson asked into a suddenly quiet tent.
Merrit shook her head slowly. “There’s nothing we can do that we aren’t already doing. I want to continue on toward Glimmerrey at the best speed we can manage. And when we get there, I want that city surrounded.”
Days passed, and towns fell, until the river valley that held Glimmerrey came into view.
* * *
The arrival of the army was noted by Frander and his generals, and the entire city went on alert. Java and Jah’Moke led the triplets through the city, as they had for the past ten days, masquerading as a servitor and his helpers, and even collecting a few coins in the process.
“You’d think these people would have their own servants,” Mayrie groused as she cleaned yet another chamber pot.
Java shook her head and ignored her. Mayrie was being tiresome. “We’re eating and sleeping indoors, Mayrie. It could be much worse,” Maylee said softly, glancing furtively at her sister.
“Back to work!” Jah’Moke snapped, playing the role that he’d been assigned. The house they were cleaning wasn’t a large one, and they would be finished far earlier than usual.
The owner of the house came in then and walked over to Jah’Moke. “Your women are quite good. Do they serve in any other capacity?” he asked, grinning and winking at Jah’Moke.
All five of them had discussed what to do in this situation, and Jah’Moke gave him the lie they had agreed on. “No, not these. Some soldiers came back from Lender’s Dale with the itches and infected all of them. That’s why they’re cleaning instead of serving my master in his house.”
The mention of the venereal disease had the man backing away in alarm. “Damn, what a waste. But I see your point. I wish one of the Magi would find a cure for that.”
“Considering how much they used to be worth, so do we,” Jah’Moke replied sourly. “That will be thirty-five copper, as agreed.” The man handed over the coins without protest and reached out to fondle Maygren’s butt as she passed. It took all her self-control not to turn and break his arm, and she managed to keep her reaction down to a subdued gasp.
Java moved in close behind Jah’Moke as they walked down the street. “Did you find out anything of use?”
“Frander and his generals all live in the old palace complex. Did you know there are three palaces? They are very careful about who they let close to him, and all of the servants are controlled by Frander himself.” Jah’Moke replied softly without turning his head. “That fool thinks all of the captured royalty are there.”
“Then that’s where we need to be. Or as close as possible,” Java whispered, then dropped back as they approached their accommodation, the same inn they had entered the city through.
Gladys, the serving girl, had been a great help once they learned to keep their questions simple and straightforward. She had no will of her own, but would do anything she was told to do, including giving the spies all the informa
tion she possessed. Under Java’s careful questioning during their second day, Gladys had provided them with their cover, names to use, and the names of those they could take advantage of, like the fool from that day. He’d drank himself into a stupor the night before, and Jah’Moke had taken him home. When he woke up the next morning, there they were, already cleaning his house. He didn’t remember the past night, but Jah’Moke’s story of hiring them seemed to make sense to him.
The owner of the inn didn’t question them either, but that was because of the names Gladys had given them. Jah’Moke was claiming to be a member of a powerful crime syndicate, and the innkeeper feared to interfere with him or his girls. Retiring to the room they had rented, Java relaxed as the triplets threw off their aprons.
“I swear, Java, if one more of these pigs pinches my butt I’m going to gut him!” Maygren snarled, letting her anger show in private.
“Join the club, ‘Gren. My butt is a mass of bruises,” Mayrie agreed, and Maylee nodded.
Java nodded as well. All four them had been receiving the same kind of attention, but nothing different from what they were seeing the other women endure. And significantly better than some. That was why the disease story. As with Lanida, Sabrina, and the other women of Lender’s Dale, these women had no choice. Except for those who had a protector, like Jah’Moke. “Bed-time. I want to see if I can find Robin.”
They all nodded and quieted. Java and Robin could sense one another, but Java wasn’t as good at it as Robin. Relaxing on one of the beds, she stretched out flat and began a set of deep breathing exercises that Shair had taught her years before. As she became less aware of herself, she began to feel for Robin. The triplets had assured her years before that they couldn’t sense the link between the lovers, so she didn’t fear trying to convey messages to Robin this way.
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