Parno's Company (The Black Sheep of Soulan Book 1)

by N. C. Reed

  “Sir, milord, that is,” the Constable stammered. “I took it that the soldiers had started to ruckus and moved to secure them, seeing as they had already felled two men dead.”

  “What weapons were used by the soldiers?” Parno asked.

  “We. . .weapons, milord?”

  “If they had killed two men, apparently in cold blood to hear you tell it, I assume weapons were involved.”

  “Milord, I saw no weapons,” the Constable answered truthfully. “But two men are dead and your men did it!”

  “In defense of themselves and the King’s property,” Parno stated. “Is that not correct? A defense that you, as the town’s appointed lawman, did nothing to bolster, is that correct? Were the local men, by any remote chance, intoxicated?” Trapped by his own words, the Constable remained silent.

  “I will be forwarding a report of this incident to Prince Memmnon, for his consideration, Constable,” Parno informed him. “Those five men I arrested will be tried by military tribunal for their attack on my soldiers. I’m sorely tempted to add you to that complaint, considering that had you done your job, those two men would likely still be alive. Have you anything to say in your defense before I go?”

  “Milord. . .sire, I made. . .there was a mistake, here, milord,” the Constable forced himself to speak. “It. . .I should have stopped the ruckus before it started. I. . .those two men were known to me and I allowed that to cloud my judgment”

  Parno considered that for a moment, eying the Constable coldly. After a long consideration that saw the Constable trying not to squirm under the eyes of the furious Prince, Parno spoke.

  “Constable, this type of behavior, as you know, is unacceptable. Do I have your assurance that such as this won’t occur again?”

  “On my word of honor, milord!” the Constable squeaked out, flinching at Darvo Nidiad’s derisive snort, his opinion of the Constable’s ‘word of honor’ rather clear.

  “My men were assailed by drunken townspeople while carrying out their duties,” Parno continued. “I assume that your desire to hold them for any trial has been satisfied?”

  “Yes, milord,” the Constable nodded.

  “I will require a signed statement, written in your hand, that your investigation has yielded that the townsmen were in the wrong and that their deaths, while regrettable, was entirely due to their attack on troopers of the King’s Army, while said troopers were performing their sworn duty. But only,” Parno smiled, “if you’re satisfied that’s what happened. Otherwise, I’ll have to refer the entire matter to the district Bench in Nasil, making it a matter of the King’s Justice. As you have said, I cannot interfere in the matters of justice.”

  The Constable stared for a moment while examining the Prince’s statement. After considering what might await him in the outcome of such an investigation and trial, the Constable nodded.

  “Aye, milord, I’d have to say that’s accurate, right enough.”

  “Excellent,” Parno nodded. “I will also require you to inform the townsfolk that it was your inaction that led to this tragedy, thus leaving my troopers blameless. I assume that won’t be a problem?”

  “No, milord,” the Constable winced as the trap closed about him. He had hoped to get away with this, then claim that the Prince, backed by his soldiers, had forced him to accede. If he made a public announcement, then those hopes would be dashed.

  “Milord,” Darvo said quietly, “I’d rather see this entire event laid before the Royal Bench. This kind of thing can be made to look like somewhat other than it is.” Parno seemed to contemplate his mentor’s words momentarily. Finally, he nodded.

  “I agree,” Parno sighed wearily, as if accepting Darvo’s recommendation over his own. Panic flashed across the Constable’s face.

  “Milord, I’ve agreed to all that you’ve asked for!” he protested.

  “So you have,” Parno acknowledged. “However, the Colonel makes a good point. This is the kind of thing that can be turned into something ugly by someone who knows how to manipulate the facts. Perhaps it would be better, in the interest of justice and fairness, to have it laid properly to rest in the courts, rather than allow it to fester like an open wound in summer.”

  “Sire, I can make sure that this incident stops where it is!” the Constable exclaimed, now fearful. “I’ll tell the townsfolk what happened, the truth of it, right now, should you like.” Parno seemed to consider that.

  “If the townsfolk accept your explanation and are happy with it to my satisfaction, then I will consider that. I don’t know how you can make that so, however,” he added, with a note of caution in his voice.

  “Let me show you!” the Constable exclaimed, heading for the door. Parno and Darvo followed him outside. Many of the town’s residents had gathered near the office, curious as to what was happening. Some, no doubt having witnessed, or been part of the attack, looked angry, but also fearful in the presence of the soldiers. Their attention had been on the two injured soldiers, but now drifted up to the constable.

  “Good people!” the Constable called, attracting the attention of everyone around. Those farthest came closer, wanting to hear what was said.

  “This whole affair,” the Constable’s voice boomed with authority, “has been regrettable. Men of our town, apparently in their cups, took it upon themselves to attack two troopers of the King’s Army in our town! Those two soldiers are blameless in this attack and acted only in their own defense and in the defense of the King’s property.”

  “Further, I have compounded the error by not conducting a proper investigation before taking action! Two men are dead and several others injured due to an altercation that was entirely the fault of those men who attacked these soldiers,” he motioned to Fitch and Diggs. “After consultation with Prince Parno McLeod, I have decided that it would be improper, as well as illegal, to charge the troopers in any way, as they were not responsible for the brawl. Nor was it their fault that two men involved in the attack upon their persons are now dead. The fault for that lies entirely with the men who instigated the attack and with me, for not executing my duties as I should have.”

  “They killed two o’ my friends!” a yelled a man from the front of the crowd. His face showed signs of a recent fight, indicating that he had likely been involved in the brawl.

  “And you’re as much to blame as any!” the Constable shot back. “You was, I’d say from your face, in the brawl as well. Do you know what the penalty is for assaulting a man in King’s service, whilst in the performance of his duties?” The man paled slightly, wisely deciding to stay quiet.

  “When I arrived,” Parno announced, “I found these five. . .men,” he made the word a slur, “beating two of my troopers who were bound hand and foot. By King’s Law, I have taken them into custody, to be tried for that crime.” Parno paused, allowing that to sink in.

  “In light of my discussion with the Constable he has prevailed upon me and I have decided that these men will not be tried, after all.” Karls Willard stiffened at that, but said nothing. His soldiers stirred uneasily, though they held their tongues.

  “Enough have suffered today,” Parno continued in a gentler tone. “The Constable would like to conclude this matter and he has my support for the plan he has devised and lain before me. My only proviso was that the final decision be up to you, the townspeople.”

  Many of the gathered citizens looked shocked at that. The Constable winced as Parno’s words laid full responsibility for everything squarely upon him.

  “What say you, citizens?” Parno called. “Can we let this be laid to rest, with no further unpleasantness between us?” All but a stubborn handful of people nodded in agreement. Some of their discussion reached Parno’s ears, and they were satisfied that the affair had been settled fairly.

  “Very well, then,” Parno nodded. He looked to the Constable.

  “I’ll need that statement.”

  *****

  “That was deftly handled, milord,” Darvo spoke quietl
y as the troop filed out of town, returning to the fort. Parno drew reign, seeing they were safely out of town.

  “Gather around, men,” Parno told them gently. The angry troopers formed a loose circle around the Prince.

  “I know you’re unhappy with this,” he told them frankly. “And I’m not overjoyed about it myself in all honesty. However,” he added, “I think that two men dead, all in all, evens the balance. Sergeant Fitch and Corporal Diggs gave a good accounting of themselves it would seem.” Parno smiled at the two injured men, who managed to chuckle softly.

  “Were it not for the beatin’ afterward, milord, I’d be inclined to agree,” Fitch replied for both men. “We weren’t at fault here, sire.”

  “I know that,” Parno smiled kindly. “And now, so does the entire town. I want you men to understand something.”

  “This unit is a test, of sorts, to see if something along these lines is workable. We’ve done well up until today. An incident like this,” he pointed back toward the distant town, “could have destroyed everything we’ve accomplished to this point.”

  “We were able,” he continued, “to secure our men without further bloodshed. I dislike the notion of using the King’s Army against the civil authorities, even when they’re somewhat less than civil.” This brought a round of chuckles from the troopers. Good.

  “In allowing this matter to be settled in this way, further bloodshed wasn’t necessary. We avoided it and perhaps started to heal the rift between ourselves and the townspeople. That pathetic excuse of a Constable has, without even realizing it, taken full responsibility for everything that happened. I want peace between us and the townspeople wherever possible.”

  “I also want every man of you to know something else,” he added, his voice grim. “Had it been necessary to force the release of Sergeant Fitch and Lance Corporal Diggs, I would have done so. I would not have relished it,” he added, seeing the shocked looks on the faces surrounding him, “but I would have done so, and hang the consequences.”

  “You men, all of you troopers and criminal troopers in waiting,” he smiled, and the men laughed outright at that, “are my men. My responsibility. I will never allow anything like this to happen to you, any of you, so long as I can prevent it. And that includes the use of force.”

  “Yes, we could have taken those men and had them tried in open court. Not doing so let’s the people in town, those not responsible for what happened, to see that we do not consider ourselves above the law. I want, always, for us to have mercy for our own people, wherever possible. Use all of your mercy, men, on the people of Soulan.”

  “That way, when we meet the Nor in battle, or perhaps find banditry running in our area, we will have used up all our mercy where it’s deserved and have none left for those who aren’t so deserving. Do you understand, now, why I acted as I did?”

  A chorus of assenting growls and nodded heads answered that question. Parno nodded. “Very well, then. Thank you for your understanding. Let’s reform and head back.” As the troop reformed their column, Parno managed to separate Karls Willard from the rest.

  “Are you satisfied, Karls, with the arrangement I’ve made? Note that I don’t ask if you’re happy, because I’m not happy myself, but is it satisfactory?”

  “Of course, milord,” Karls replied at once. Under Parno’s pointed look, Willard frowned slightly.

  “I admit, I wasn’t happy at the time,” Willard nodded. “but, without my anger up over what happened, I can see that this if for the best. There’s more to be considered here than my feelings or those of the men,” he added.

  “Good,” Parno nodded, pleased. “I’m glad you see that. This won’t happen again. Not like this,” he added at Karls’ look of doubt. “I’m going to see to opening a store of our own and have supplies brought into there. From Nasil, if needed.”

  “That won’t make the store owners very happy,” Karls smiled.

  “That’s a problem they’ll have to take up with the good constable and his drunks. I’ll also build a canteen for the men. I don’t want them back in that town, for any reason.”

  “I notice that you didn’t say anything about this in town,” Willard smiled.

  “They’ll figure it out,” Parno snorted. “Eventually.”

  *****

  When Parno and his men returned to the fort, he had a messenger waiting to see him.

  “Will this day never end?” he groused. Leaving his horse with an idle trooper to be cared for, Parno stomped his way up to the headquarters building where his office was. Standing beside his office door was an older man dressed in the simple utilitarian uniform of a personal footman.

  “Milord,” the man bowed deeply. Parno resisted the urge to snap at him.

  “What can I do for you, Mister. . . .?”

  “My name is Benson, milord,” the older man smiled. “I am the Lady Edema Willows, Duchess of Cumberland’s, personal footman. I bear an invitation for you written in my lady’s own hand.” He offered Parno an envelope, bearing the wax seal of the Duke of Cumberland. He walked into his office, motioning for Benson to follow.

  He knew the Duke and Duchess, ever so slightly. Basically just well enough to say hello to. He couldn’t imagine what the invitation was for.

  “You are invited to attend the Cumberland House Harvest Ball,” Parno read aloud, then looked up at Benson. “A cotillion, I suppose?”

  “Mostly, milord,” Benson nodded respectfully. “Though there will be a dinner beforehand.”

  “I see,” Parno mused, looking back to the invitation. “This is tomorrow night!” he exclaimed suddenly, looking back up at Benson. The older man looked a bit distraught at that.

  “Milady instructed me to tell you, Milord, that she has been away until day before yesterday. She was unaware of you presence here until this very day. She sends her apologies concerning the lateness of the invitation and points out that you are under no obligation to attend.” Parno considered that.

  Probably be best if he didn’t, he admitted. He wasn’t well liked and today would add to that dislike in the community.

  Probably be better for them and myself if I don’t go, he thought.

  “If I may, sir,” Benson broke into his train of thought. “Milady was especially delighted to find that you were here. It would mean a great deal to her if you can attend. Forgive my forwardness,” he asked, bowing.

  “Oh, stop that,” Parno ordered. Benson looked up in surprise.

  “I can’t stand to have all that bowing and scraping,” Parno told him bluntly. “I’m a man, just like any other, save for an accident of birth that left me in a Royal Household. You may tell the Lady Willows. . . .” Parno paused, taking a deep breath, then plunged ahead.

  “Tell her that myself and my retainers will be delighted to attend.” Benson smiled widely.

  “I will relay your message, milord. Thank you.” With that the man was gone.

  Oh, why did I do that?

  *****

  “Exactly what kin are you to this man, Milord?” Willard asked as they moved through the gate leading to a very large house high upon a hill. The place was nearly as large as a castle, or a country manor.

  “I have no idea, to be honest,” Parno admitted. “In all truth, the blood will have been so watered down by now that there exists no true kinship, I suppose, as most people reckon things. As you know, those siblings not in line for the throne, at least not directly, are given titles commiserate with their status as Royals. The Duke of Cumberland, the original that is, was my great-great-great-great, I think, grandfather’s brother. I think.”

  Nidiad chuckled at Parno’s hesitant identification. In truth he was off by only two ‘greats’, and Darvo saw no need to correct his young charge.

  “Well, it’s close enough,” Parno said in response to that chuckle.

  “Aye, lad. That it is,” Darvo nodded.

  “We’ll be on our best behavior tonight, while I’m thinking about it,” Parno said suddenly, changing the
subject. “I almost impressed my father after what happened in Bingham with that wacky priest and doofus constable,” he informed them. “While I’m not overly concerned by the need to impress him further, it would be nice if nothing happened to erase that stain of good service, if you catch my meaning. So if either of you see me making, or about to make, an ass of myself, feel free to intervene.”

  “I’ll just do that,” Darvo muttered. Willard laughed, but nodded his agreement.

  “I’m serious,” Parno smiled. “There’s no need to rattle his cage and it might hurt the outfit. I’ll have a, as in one, drink before dinner; no more than two glasses of wine during, and no more than one drink after. Neither will either of you since you need to be sober, ensuring that I stay sober.”

  “We understand, Milord,” Willard nodded, seriously this time.

  *****

  “Parno, how nice to see you!” The Prince turned at the voice to see Edema Willows the Duchess of Cumberland approaching.