Suddenly Deborah’s voice interrupted his thoughts. “I think the men would like an ale,” she suggested sweetly as they started up the stone steps of the inn. “Where is Philip? I have not seen him for some time?”
Donald pulled her aside. “Samuel and I sent him to Steamboat with a message,” he answered, speaking quietly in her ear. “He will stop by Owl Hollow and try to take Crispin with him.”
Deborah stiffened, hand over her mouth. She looked as if she had been slapped in the face. “Oh, Don, you didn’t!” she whispered. “He is just a boy. And how will he ever find Owl Hollow? He has never been there, has he?”
“I know,” Don answered. “If he was preparing to leave now, I would call him back. But he’s a light burden, and he has a fast horse. He has a good chance of getting through.”
“Did you give him a map?”
“We did. He knows about where Owl Hollow is, and we told him exactly how to get through the tangled log jam. He will be able to find it. But your concern about the danger is well placed, I must admit.”
“Oh, no! Philip! May God protect him!” she whispered. She clung to Don for a long moment. He did not know what to say, so he patted her shoulder.
“There, there,” he whispered, at last.
Don led her through the door. Inside, a wild scene greeted them. It appeared to be a picture of happiness, laughter, and people enjoying themselves. Even so, the merriment seemed forced, as though the crowd was escaping from the real world outside—the dark clouds to the west. Couples were dancing, the women dressed in frocks of sheer fabrics with low necklines. I wonder what Rachel would look like in an elegant gown. Men crowded a long bar, where bartenders worked in haste to keep their glasses full. Tables lined the dance floor for those wanting a meal. The atmosphere was electric, and the music was exciting, explosive, and thumping with an unfamiliar beat.
They were able to find rooms enough for all. Don and Colin shared one, and the troopers found a couple of chambers with enough beds. Thankfully, there was a perfect little room for Deborah with a private bath over the kitchen. Don and Colin took a few minutes to disarm. It felt good to shed the weight of mail. He washed his face, noticing that he was badly in need of a shave. But that could wait until morning. By the time he returned to the common room, the rest of his party had already gathered.
So this is what they call jazz, thought Don, seating his group at a large table as a drink-maid brought tall glasses of ale to them.
“Eat, drink, and be merry,” said the maid, “for you don’t know how much time we have left.”
Ominous words. Don wondered how the people of Longmont could seem so happy in a world that was about to go to war. But why not grasp a chance for happiness, while you can?
Deborah interrupted his thoughts again. She was wearing the same old muslin dress she’d worn for days, but somehow had contrived to make it presentable. He realized that she was really quite pretty. She has been a loyal friend. That thought reminded him again of Philip, and he wondered what he was doing at that minute. He took a sip of ale, then realized that Deborah was speaking.
“Don, I think the men are hungry…should we order some food?”
“Could you organize the meals tonight?” asked Don. “I have some things to puzzle out.”
“Don…you have to relax sometimes,” she said, squeezing his arm. “However, yes, I will go and order something for all of us, and when I return I hope you can un-wind and enjoy the music with me. I am sure Philip will be all right.”
Don gave her a grateful smile. He watched as she moved to the food counter to order the meals, and he wished he could simply relax and enjoy the novelty of the music. As he downed the last of his ale, he saw something he couldn’t ignore. A beautiful woman appeared on the far side of the dance floor. She walked toward him, smiling a charming smile. Her black hair, dark eyes, almost paper-white skin, and red lips confirmed that it was none other than Lady Lilith of Falcon Hall.
Chapter 14
†
Trouble in Longmont
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1 KJV
She wore an exquisite, long gown, made from a dark red, glossy fabric, most likely satin. Gold buttons adorned the bodice which was tight at the waistline then flared out with numerous pleats that created a full skirt. The sleeves were puffed at the shoulders then tightened around her delicately thin arms until they flared out at the wrists in a bell shape. Gold rings and gemstones that sparkled and shone in the dim light of the inn decorated her fingers. If only her heart were as beautiful as her face.
Deborah was nowhere to be seen. She had simply vanished from sight.
“Well, if it isn’t Donald of Fisher,” she smiled seductively. “It’s been too long since last we met.”
“Why, Lady Lilith, how lovely you look. And what brings you to Longmont from Falcon Hall?”
“Oh, I have a very dear friend here, who is now quite elderly and wrote asking me to visit. She is with me at our table—Lady Margaret of Longmont,” she said gesturing toward a woman who appeared to be in her late fifties. “She enjoys the jazz but dislikes venturing out on her own, so I offered to bring her out for some entertainment and fine food.”
“You see,” she continued, “Lady Margaret is a wealthy land-owner who has bequeathed her inheritance to me in her will.”
Of course. Why else would Lady Lilith engage in an act of kindness, unless there was money in it for her?
“So, I see you are not alone at the table. I hear there is trouble afoot.”
“Yes,” said Don, glad that she had changed the subject. He gestured toward Colin and the other troopers. “These men are here to try to help the people of the East. You surely know that the Prophet’s armies are heading this way.”
“Ah, yes, I’ve heard of the recent battles. In fact, a large army passed our way a few days ago. Thankfully, they haven’t caused trouble at Falcon Hall yet. Of course, we are a small kingdom, and heaven knows I pay enough taxes and bribes to live in peace. They seemed short of supplies. We had to give them several hundred cattle, but they caused little damage except for the usual pilferage of the farmsteads. The common folk will suffer, since many lost all that they had, but that is their lot.”
“Your concern for them is touching. Unfortunately, bribes and taxes are no longer enough for the Prophet. He wants power and control and if he defeats these cities on the eastern plains, he will come for you.”
“Well, I was planning to stay for another month, but if there is a chance of attack here, I may very well take Lady Margaret back to Falcon Hall with me where she can see out her last days in some kind of happiness. Despite what you say, I am sure she will be safe there.”
“Well, I am sure she would be grateful to you for that,” said Don, hoping that Deborah would not suddenly appear.
“Remember that night we stayed together?” whispered Lady Lilith. “I’m sure you haven’t forgotten?”
“I do beg to differ, I’m afraid. I do remember seeing you…but then sleep must have overtaken me, and I cannot recall anything after that.”
A flash of annoyance crossed Lady Lilith’s face. “So you don’t remember anything?” she asked, as if playing a little game.
“No, I’m afraid not.”
“And I don’t suppose you remember anything about my slave girl Deborah, do you? It seems strange that she went missing at about the same time that you left Falcon Hall. Well, I tell you, if ever I see that girl again, I will drag her back and give her the finest whipping she’s ever had. The cheek of it, leaving me like that, after everything I did for her! What an ungrateful wretch!”
Don did not know what to say. Lilith was reminding him of things that he wanted to put behind him. He knew full w
ell that Deborah had been ill-treated by Lady Lilith, but he made no comment.
Just then the band started up and Lady Lilith grabbed Don by the arm and dragged him reluctantly onto the dance floor. Thank goodness people dance the jig without any body contact! The thought of touching her made his skin crawl. Still, her closeness and her direct gaze had almost a hypnotic effect, and the beat of the music seemed to be in time with the beat of his heart.
The arrival of his beef stew was a good excuse to sit down and eat. Lady Lilith followed him and insisted that he join her at her table. Don hungrily gulped down a tasty meal, while she kept up a polished chatter. As the drink-maid approached, Lady Lilith ordered a bottle of elderberry wine and two glasses. I hope she doesn’t intend to drug me again, thought Don, sure that she had put something in his drink the last time they had met. He made a mental note to carefully watch that nothing went into his glass except the wine.
When the drink-maid returned with the wine, she handed Don a crumpled note.
“Excuse me, Lady Lilith,” he said. “I must take a moment to read this.”
Hiding the note from her view in his cupped hands Don straightened the paper note and read, Dear Don, I have ordered the stew for everyone and retired upstairs to Room 8. Lady Lilith is here. I don’t believe she has seen me. I have also booked enough rooms for the rest. Please knock on my door before you retire. I must speak with you, Deborah.
Putting the note safely in his pocket, Don smiled as he said, “Lady Lilith, I do beg that you excuse me. Some urgent business has just come to my attention and I must attend to it at once. Perhaps Lady Margaret would enjoy sharing the bottle of wine with you. I do thank you for your company and hope we meet again.”
“Yes…and soon,” breathed Lady Lilith. “What a lovely coincidence seeing you again. Very well, then. Good night.”
Don watched until Lady Lilith’s back was turned before he headed upstairs. He’d first whispered to Colin that Lady Lilith was not to know anything. Quickly, he dashed upstairs, eager to get away from her clutches and retire early. He also wanted to make sure that Deborah stayed safe.
†
She was waiting for him as he entered the room. She had sprinkled herself with lavender oil and dressed in clean attire. The inn was considerate enough to provide clean sleepwear for weary travelers. Deborah was wearing a long, white cotton nightdress with ruffles at the neckline and sleeves. She felt soft and vulnerable and wished that he would again hold her and comfort her. All he did was hold her hand and assure her that Lady Lilith was no immediate threat. She had to be content with that. Don seemed to be coiled like a steel spring. His eyes flashed with intensity.
“That was very resourceful of you, Deborah—your quick thinking always manages to save you,” he said, smiling. “But I fear your path may cross with Lady Lilith’s if you stay here in Longmont.”
He paused as Deborah wondered what Don had in mind for her. She realized that there was a good chance of bumping into Lady Lilith if they were both in Longmont. Leaving would be the best option. She was tired, all of a sudden. How nice it would be to stay in the same place for a short while, at least!
“I can’t go with you,” continued Don, “I have to stay in Longmont for at least a couple of days to try to convince the people here to take up arms and to unite with the other cities. However, you can’t stay here…three of my men will escort you to Stonegate, where you can meet up with Samuel. It would be best for you to leave before the dawn breaks and before Lady Lilith awakes.”
“You know that Rachel lives near Stonegate, and I ask you, as a dear friend, to deliver a letter to her.”
Tears sprang to Deborah’s eyes. She had known in her heart that all this time Don had been suffering, wanting Rachel and not her. She was overcome with grief at the thought of losing him, but then she realized that he wasn’t hers to lose. And he never had been. He belonged to Rachel. She was the one who lived in his heart. She remembered how childish she had been trying to break them up so that she could have him. She had succeeded in breaking them up but failed in winning his love. Don loved Rachel. Maybe it was time to put a wrong thing right, she thought.
“Yes, I will deliver the letter to Rachel,” she said. “It’s the least I can do.”
Wiping away her tears, Don responded with kindness. “Deborah, I know you care for me deeply. We will always be great friends no matter what, and as a friend I love you and value your company. But it is a different kind of love than the one I have for Rachel. Rachel is the woman I want to marry, if only she ever forgives me.”
Don’s honesty was sobering and refreshing. She knew that their friendship was deep and solid. At least he loved and cherished her as a friend. That would never change. If you love him, you’ll let him go, a little voice inside her said.
Chapter 15
†
Crisis
Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us hold onto grace. By it, we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12: 28-29 HCSB
Don woke early next morning well before dawn had arrived. Quietly, he roused three of his troopers and ordered them to take Deborah to Stonegate. He described Lady Lilith of Falcon Hall and warned them to stay well clear of her. “Find Samuel, bring Deborah to him, and stay with her until I find a way to enter Stonegate without being thrown out,” he said. “I am hoping that Samuel can convince the people there that it is time to set aside the past. Perhaps a few days from now I will be welcome.”
Deborah was already awake, dressed, and ready by the time that Don knocked on the door. Pressing a letter in a sealed envelope to her, he said, “This is for Rachel. Promise me that you will deliver it to her.”
“I promise, I promise.”
“And now you must hurry quickly to Stonegate. I pray that your journey will be safe.”
Don realized that he had just used the word “pray.” He had never been a Christian, but travelling for days with Samuel had influenced him in the ways of the Holy teachings. Samuel often prayed, asking Don to kneel with him and listen as he spoke to the Most High. Maybe praying was something he should consider for himself. Maybe he should talk to the Most High who seemed to be leading him in this quest to eradicate evil.
After Deborah had disappeared into the darkness of early morning, Don rounded up the rest of his troops for a meeting. They gathered on the outskirts of town where no one could hear what they were saying.
“Men,” began Don, when the distinctive sound of horse’s hooves penetrated the air. Someone was galloping at race-track speed, and as the rider came into view it was easy to see that it was Daniel from the House of Healing, leading a pack mule, no doubt carrying some much-needed medical supplies.
“At last!” shouted Daniel. “I have been looking hard for you, Lord Don.” He dismounted, and the two shared a rough embrace. “I met Eli a bit ago—he is looking for you, too. He said he has a message from Danny Yazzi. I expect he will join us shortly.”
Don was glad to see Daniel, who quickly revealed Kerik’s concerns about Steamboat. “Kerik believes that Steamboat will be attacked any day now. The enemy is almost ready to attack, but he thinks the enemy might be deterred if Stonegate were to come to the rescue. You can judge whether that would be a wise move.”
“That is valuable news,” said Don, “though I see no hope of Stonegate being able to help. But I have just sent my aide, Philip, to warn my friend Wesley Fletcher to prepare for an attack and make plans for escape if it looks as if they may be defeated. The enemy army is well able to smash Steamboat by force of sheer numbers, I fear.”
“I hope Philip gets there in time,” said Daniel with a worried look. “It may be that we should send at least a token force to Steamboat to help them if there is a battle.”
“I am afraid that I will not be free to do so. Our few men ar
e tied up recruiting soldiers from the towns and villages and protecting the supply lines from the Raiders.”
Daniel nodded in agreement. “Well, Abel has agreed to go to Stonegate to ask them to help Steamboat. We travelled separately to increase the chance that one would get through.”
“That was a good move,” answered Don, “especially since Samuel and most of our party have ridden off to Stonegate and should arrive there today. The crisis is near.”
“A catastrophe, I would say,” agreed Daniel. “I have a few more matters for your ears alone. And I brought some medical supplies. Perhaps my skills as a surgeon could prove useful.”
Just as they started to step away for a private conversation, another sound filled the air. It was the whistle call of Eli who liked to announce his presence. He had arrived with two other healers and a Diné scout. Seeing Don and Daniel, he reined his horse in their direction and dismounted.
“What news do you bring, Eli?” asked Don. They shook hands; then Don raised a hand in greeting to the others. They nodded in return. Then Eli began to speak.
“Most terrible news, Lord Donald. We believe that someone may have told the enemy the secret location of Owl Hollow. The name has been spoken in enemy councils. Danny Yazzi had just learned this when I was visiting him, so I have ridden from him to tell you myself. The good news is that the Diné are preparing for war, as is Señor Reuben Ramos. They plan to combine forces and ride north. Indeed, they might have already left since it was nine days ago that we saw him. That was nine hard days, I must say.”
The False Prophet (Stonegate Book 2) Page 13
