The False Prophet (Stonegate Book 2)

by Harry James Fox

Señor Ramos valued the peaceful trade with the Diné. The Diné supplied wool blankets, sheep, nuts, and preserved meats to his people. In return, the Sonora Clan provided medicinal agave juice which in its fermented state was a powerful painkiller for wounded men and a useful antiseptic for bathing and cleaning wounds. They also traded dried chilies, beans, wheat, and beef cattle. Though their societies were very different, the relations had been peaceful for many generations, and they supported each other in intermittent skirmishes to drive off bands of hostile outlaws.

  Here, the landscape delivered a dramatic contrast from the hills and valleys of the Diné area. Instead of rich grazing land, the earth became the color of ochre-red with huge stone ridges rising up to the heavens surrounded sparsely by shrubs, yucca, and cactus. Wolves prowled the forested mountaintops and coyotes roamed the desert at night, howling to the moon in unison as they hunted for their prey. The valley floor, next to the great river, was an oasis of green, bearing rich crops of all kinds. Vineyards clung to nearby ridges.

  It was through this starkness of nature that Danny Yazzi had traveled. Dismounting from his horse, he approached the wide porch. El Dorado Hacienda was the large, rambling family homestead of the Ramos family. Danny wiped sweat from his brow as humidity, following in the wake of a brief summer shower, soared along with the temperature.

  A slim, black-haired woman opened the front door, accompanied by two lively, bouncing boys whom she addressed calmly. “Now, boys, off you go to play in your room. We have a visitor who has come a long way, and I must attend to refreshments.”

  The boys scampered off noisily, excited that someone had arrived from far away. That meant they would probably have a banquet tonight instead of the usual meal of beans, enchiladas, corn chips, cheese, and green chile.

  “Come in, come in, Danny,” said the woman, welcoming him as an old family friend. “The boys probably don’t remember you…they are still so young. Can I get you some cold tea, or would you like something stronger? I just made a batch of sangria for the fiesta tonight. Reuben is in town helping to set up the stalls and the entertainment area.”

  “Cold tea, please, Estrellita,” Danny answered, thinking that Reuben’s wife hadn’t changed a bit since the first time he had seen her, years ago. “Maybe I go and give him a hand?”

  “Oh, no, he is due back any minute now, so why don’t you make yourself comfortable, and I’ll bring the tea.”

  Danny sat himself down on the large, wooden lounge, made comfortable with huge feather-down cushions and colorful rugs. The room was spacious with high ceilings and floor-to- ceiling windows which let in the light. It was furnished in the typical style of the area—ornately carved wooden tables and high-backed chairs with multi-colored tapestries hung against adobe walls. Wooden vigas and latillas were in bold relief on the ceiling. Rugs were scattered across the red tile floors, and a magenta candelabra showed itself off, standing in the center of the hall table. Nichos on the walls held images of the saints.

  Estrellita returned carrying a silver tray laden with a jug of cooled tea and two tall, crystal glasses. Placing a slice of lemon and lime in each glass, she poured the drinks, as Danny began to relax. It was cooler in the house than outside where the sun had beat down on him, boring into his skin.

  “Have you heard news from the North?” asked Estrellita.

  “Yes, have you brought news from the North?” interjected a male voice.

  “Oh, Reuben, I’m glad you’re home. Danny has just arrived. Sit down, my love—let me pour you a drink.”

  The men shook hands as Estrellita scurried off to the kitchen for another glass. The boys had raced into the kitchen thirsty from the heat of playing in the central courtyard.

  “Can we see Papa?” they asked with longing in their eyes.

  “Está bien,” she relented, grabbing extra glasses for all of them.

  “Papa! Papa!” squealed the boys, hurling themselves into his large, welcoming lap.

  “Boys, do you remember Danny Yazzi from Diné? He visited us a few months ago.”

  The youngest boy squinted his eyes. “I think so, Papa. My name is Juan,” he said, eyeing Danny up and down. “And this is Carlos, my brother. He is bigger than me.”

  “Ah, yes, I know your names,” said Danny, with an affectionate smile. “I came here with my wife and sons when you were both just niños.”

  “Now, here comes Mama with the drinks. You must sit very quietly and after you finish your drinks you must have a siesta. Papa has important business to discuss.”

  “Yes, Papa,” the youngsters replied. “We will have a siesta.”

  After the iced tea, Estrellita disappeared with the boys, giving the men time to talk alone.

  “So, how bad is it getting up north?” asked Reuben.

  “Very bad, now. The False Prophet is persecuting Christians and also planning to attack the eastern plains. We believe this attack could come any day now. The House of Healing is the only safe place, only because the enemy doesn’t know how to make the medicines, and, of course, Kerik and his men would never divulge their secrets. Steamboat is also relatively free, but it will soon be attacked, I think.”

  “Hmm,” said Reuben. “Fortunately, Stonegate has its own cavalry. I have heard tales of the Red Axe Troop. I wonder if they will join forces with Steamboat to fight the enemy.”

  “Yes, Stonegate is the key. If they fall, we all fall. But I fear that General Logan’s army has already moved to block the way. Steamboat is on its own, I think. But I have news that Donald of Fisher is now in the East.”

  “Good. The last message that I got from Lord Blackie said that Samuel of Gibeah will travel to Stonegate. I understand that Donald is not welcome there after the Raiders tricked him into defeat some time ago.”

  “Yes, I heard the story. Very bad. Donald made a mistake, but has done well since then.”

  “Any other news?” Reuben asked, with a long sigh.

  “Yes, bad news—one reason we must talk. The Raiders know something about Owl Hollow, maybe its location. There must be a spy, someone close to Samuel.”

  “Yes, I see your point. Perhaps I should send a messenger to Samuel. Sir Blackie could send a horse troop to the aid of Owl Hollow, but I don’t think he knows where it is. Blast! Our secrecy is working against us, now!”

  “Probably. But the Pilgrim, Eli, is carrying the news north He knows about the spy.”

  “Very well, then. Still, time is running out. We also need to ride north and very soon. We are almost ready.”

  Just then Estrellita returned. “I have prepared a light meal for now, as we have to attend the fiesta tonight. Danny, you will stay overnight, won’t you? It is such a long journey back, and the day is already late.”

  Danny agreed, since he was tired, and it would be pleasant to enjoy the music of the fiesta. Maybe he would also discover a nice gift to bring home to Aiyana and the boys from the various market stalls.

  “Well, then,” said Estrellita. “Dinner is nearly ready, though we have time for a siesta.”

  Danny dozed but was awakened by voices and the sound of knocking outside.

  “I wonder who that could be?” he could hear Estrellita saying, as Reuben mumbled words that were muffled.

  “It’s Jesse. I have come with a message from Kerik, chief surgeon of the House of Healing.”

  †

  It was a pleasant affair, enjoying a banquet amongst friends. Even though dark shadows of war hovered over them, camaraderie and a sense of united purpose bonded the men together, as they enjoyed the feast that Estrellita had placed before them. Several of the dishes were similar to Aiyanna’s cooking, yet very different. There was rabbit paella, roast suckling pig, fried fish, mandarin salad, tortillas, guacamole, refried beans, and corn bread, washed down with light cervesa or cold sangria. Some of these thi
ngs must come from far to the south, but maybe not so far as the land of coffee.

  He did not take any fish, though he accepted a generous helping of everything else. The green guacamole was distinctive, and he had rarely tasted oranges before. If this is a light meal, what would a heavy one look like?

  Jesse went over the news of the Prophet’s army and its delay in attacking Steamboat. He also answered questions about the spreading fear campaign. The small pockets of Western Christians were being systematically exposed, this time to eliminate them.

  “The situation is getting worse by the minute,’ he explained. “Especially in Junction. But how can we help them? The battle must be fought in the East and our forces there are still weak. Your cavalry could make the difference. If you don’t start for the north very soon, it will be too late.”

  “Yes,” agreed Reuben. “As you say, I don’t think we can help the Christians in Junction. We need to join with the force that Samuel is raising. Danny, I suggest that you and your men start north as soon as you can. I think we will be ready to leave in three or four days, even if we have to work all night. The pack mules and supplies are even now being made ready.”

  Reuben shifted his focus. “Jesse, will you ride with us?” he asked.

  Normally a pacifist, Jesse thought for a moment before answering. “Yes. I will ride with you. This evil must be stopped.”

  “That is good,” said Danny. “The Diné will be ready, as soon as I return. Let us plan to meet at the pass called Raton. We can ride north together from there. Let us say a week and a day from now.”

  “Agreed, then,” said Reuben, downing a glass of cold sangria. “Let me summarize our final plans. While I warn my troops, I suggest that Estrellita takes the boys to the fiesta. Danny, I heard you wanted to find a gift for your family, so if you and Jesse could attend the fiesta for one hour, that will give me time to issue orders. We will meet back here when the church bell rings eight and have one final council. Then you can return to gather your warriors. I hope I have not forgotten anything. Any questions?”

  “No,” answered Danny and Jesse, in unison.

  “Well, then,” said Reuben, “let the campaign begin.”

  Chapter 13

  †

  Protectors of the East

  “All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:47 NIV

  It was a two-day journey into Longmont, and they were half-way when Don brought the party to a halt. It was late afternoon, and, soon, night would fall, bringing shades of grey and darkness to the skies above. As they camped on the plains, Samuel discussed their situation. Don learned that Ariel was a walled town, perhaps twenty miles to the south. When, in ancient days, dwarves, cripples, and outcasts were driven out of the west by orders of the sires of the Prophet, they had fled to the House of Healing. They finally founded their own settlement, building high stone walls, workshops, and foundries and making their living by metal-craft and trade.

  “I think that time is running out for us. I know that the Prophet will attempt to seize Steamboat before he moves on to the eastern cities. I sense that the enemy has delayed for a few days. They seem to be in no hurry, which gives us a chance to catch our breath. We have done little to help Steamboat, and that grieves me. I see nothing ahead for them except a futile defense and bloodshed. Even with their guns, they can hardly resist the forces facing them.”

  Don had been concerned about this for some time. His brow wrinkled as he considered the matter. “You’re right, no doubt. Steamboat will be attacked any day now, I expect. Balek Brown and General Logan are both crying for blood to be spilt, especially since we blocked access to the ancient tunnel. And Balek Brown, I’m sure, has a personal score to settle with us. We can only hope that his hatred will cause him to make mistakes.”

  “Yes,” agreed Samuel, “That could well happen. I pray so. Still, Steamboat is going to be sacrificed. Not because we want it, but because we have no way to give them help. Still, if they could delay the enemy army even for a week, it might tip the scales in our favor.”

  “God,” said Don, the word unfamiliar on his tongue, “And I use His name with reverence. How could He allow all this? Even if Steamboat does delay them, it seems such a grievous price to pay for so little gain! What good is another week? We are so far from raising an army that it now seems almost impossible.”

  “Don’t forget, Don,” reminded Samuel. “The vote at Hightower went in our favor. We have many more recruits. Harley and Jarrad are organizing teams to visit every town and hamlet. And the people are responding. It’s too bad that the teams have to be so large, but we can’t ignore the threat of Raider attacks.”

  “But with all due respect, Samuel, these recruits will be more of a mob than an army. They are poorly armed, nearly untrained, and led by officers who have never faced battle. How much use will they be against the disciplined thousands that we saw assault Ariel and Bethuel?”

  “They will be enough that the enemy generals will have to take them into account,” answered Samuel. “With Stonegate’s levy, they would be a respectable force. I think we could have twenty thousand manning Stonegate’s walls. That, plus the town guns, would be a challenge even to an army three times their strength.”

  “Cavalry is another matter,” said Don. “Our one horse troop has been very effective in protecting the recruiting teams from the Raiders, but that stretches them to the limit. Then the supply lines north from Hightower also have to be guarded. I don’t know how many horse troops Stonegate can field, and I would be surprised if the enemy has a force of less than three thousand heavy cavalrymen, to say nothing of the Raiders. We simply can’t let a force of that size be free to sweep the countryside around Stonegate.”

  “True, numbers are against us. I have written Ariel several messages asking for at least one more troop, but have heard no response. I must admit that the strategic situation is depressing. Perhaps our friends from Sonora and the Diné will be able to help, but the way is far. I don’t know if they will be able to get here in time, even if they decide to send a force north. But there is one thing that we must keep in mind.”

  “What is that?”

  “Something we must never forget. Your readings should have taught you this much. The battle is the Lord’s!”

  Don breathed in a long sigh, remembering the massacres and atrocities that took place in the Glenwood area. The ancient writings showed a Divine Being in complete charge. And he also remembered the amazing deliverance that seemed to be beyond all reasonable hope. It does seem that an unseen force helped us.

  †

  Don could not banish the claws of fear from his mind whenever he thought of Philip, yet he hoped that all would fare well for the lad. He seemed so young and vulnerable that it almost was like murder to let him go. Anyway, he was gone, and there was no way to call him back.

  The next day passed quickly, and evening found them close to Longmont. Samuel rode up front with him as did Deborah, Eric and Bobby, who surprisingly had not ventured out at night since Castle Rock. Don wondered when the traitor would make his next move. He won’t delay much longer.

  Before he could make sense of Bobby’s inaction, they had arrived in Longmont, just as the last of the sun’s rays disappeared. Every town in the East was fortunate to have a number of inns and accommodation houses and Longmont was no different. Candlelight flickered from building windows in the main street, where chalked ‘no vacancy’ signs hung from every inn they’d passed so far. Music could be heard on street corners where buskers played the fiddle, their hats sat upside down on the pavement with a few coins donated by passers-by.

  Longmont seemed to be unusually busy, but Don put it down to the fact that it was a Saturday night when most folk left their farms and came to town.
The threat of warfare had driven people to socialize, allowing the music of various entertainers to divert their attention to more pleasant thoughts. Finally, they found an inn with vacant rooms. It featured a stuffed grey wolf at the entrance. Inside, music was playing, but it was a style he had never heard before.

  “Jazz from the Elder Days” said the sign, “featuring Gene Cooper and the Bass Boys.” Don was curious, since he had read about jazz, but had never heard it before. Someone here must have had a connection to the musicians of old.

  Only Deborah, Colin, and ten other men were with him now, as Philip had left for Steamboat, and Samuel had continued on to Stonegate with the majority of the troopers. Don’s mind was stuck in a refrain: Time is running out.

  “You can’t go to Stonegate, just yet,” Samuel had said to Don after Philip left. “We don’t know how the leaders will react to you. Rachel has become prominent in council matters, just as her father was. She may still blame you for her parents’ death, so you may not be welcome there. I will go with Eric, Bobby, Slim, and one mount of ten men from Blade troop. Keep one mount of ten with you. While we consult with Stonegate, you must warn Longmont and try to convince them to raise as large a force as possible.”

  Don knew that Samuel was right. The best course of action was for Samuel to ride north without him. Samuel planned to buy hot meals for his men from street vendors and make a few more miles before they camped for the night. He would have little problem convincing Stonegate to unite with the other eastern cities. But details had to be worked out. That would be another day’s journey, but this plan also gave Don and his men a night’s rest in Longmont, or possibly two.

  As he made arrangements for stabling the horses, he wondered what Balek Brown was planning. Revenge was surely burning in the other’s mind. The persecutions in the West were probably a reaction by the Prophet for the losses suffered in the first battles. Don kept hearing hints about Carl the Elder. Could it be possible those verses are a reference to me? Don could not see how his ultimate destiny was to be a sort of savior. But he had journeyed far. From lore-man to becoming a skilled horseman and swordsman, Don could not believe how much his life had changed. And Rachel, what about Rachel? Would he ever see her again?