The Stonegate Sword

by Harry James Fox

  The drills in the smoky room in Glenwood paid for themselves many times over in the brief moments that followed. The twangs of the three Ariel crossbows were quieter than the thud of quarrels thumping into the sentry’s ribcage. He died suddenly and without a sound. Samuel quickly replaced him in the guard tower, after scaling the wall with the agility of a bobcat. The missing arm did not slow him down. Don was slower when his turn came, even with the aid of the knotted rope that had been thrown down, but he made it up and over the wall without incident.

  The house holding the captive women, in the southwestern part of the upper compound, was stoutly barred, but unguarded. The steel bars served well to keep the captives in, but were not designed to prevent the door from being opened from the outside. Don lifted the bar on the front door, with Samuel at his side and the two strode boldly in.

  A dim candle guttered on a table in the middle of the room. A stout matron turned to see who entered and stood up indignantly.

  “How dare you enter this house at this time of night?” she demanded in a loud voice. “The Commander will hear of this, of that you may be sure!”

  “Hush, Mother,” ordered Samuel in a gruff whisper. “Be quiet and you will come to no harm!” He grasped her by the shoulder and forced her back down into her chair. Eric, a broad-shouldered young giant, standing a full head taller than Don, helped Samuel bind and gag her. This done, they caught their breath for a moment. Another barred door led to the rear of the house. As soon as the front room was secure, Don stepped to the door and lifted the bar. He swung the door open and stepped through.

  Then it happened. A girl screamed, her voice as shrill as that of a mountain lion or a bull elk. It seemed to echo in their ears. The three froze, for a moment, then all sprang through the door. The scene was utter confusion. The room was also dimly lit by an oil lamp in the middle of a trestle table that took up most of the middle of the room. Benches lined both sides of the table. Bunk beds two high, lined the walls. There were no windows. The ceiling was nothing more than the planks and beams that supported the roof. Six girls were either huddled in bed or standing with blankets held in front of them. Two matrons in black dresses and stained aprons were confronting Don, with leather riding crops in their hands.

  One tried to slap Don with a crop, and he impatiently twisted it away and threw it to one side. A girl started to scream again. The matrons vented a torrent of curses and abuse.

  “QUIET!” shouted Samuel in a commanding voice. The babel of voices was silenced as quickly as it began. “The next one who screams will lose some hide! You old women be silent if you know what’s good for you. As for the rest of you, we’ve come to get you out of this place. But if you keep screaming, we’ll all be killed!”

  As the three men quickly bound and gagged the two women, ignoring their grunts of protest, Don shouted over his shoulder: “Quick! Get dressed! Where is Rachel?”

  The women secured, Eric pulled off a small knapsack and drew out black robes. “Here are some garments to wear over your clothes. Hurry, now!”

  “Don … Don,” came a clear voice from the corner. “Can it really be you?” And he was at her side, kissing her eyes and mouth.

  “I can’t believe it either,” he said, simply, gazing at her pinched face. “But we’re not out of here yet, and we have a long way to go before daylight. Are you well? Can you ride a horse? What about the others?”

  Her smile filled his eyes. It was hard to tell in the dim light, but she seemed pale and thin, and there were dark circles under her eyes, but otherwise looked unharmed.

  “I am fine. I can ride. We’re all healthy …” Rachel’s thin, ragged shift took nothing from her self-composure as she pulled a homespun dress over her head. Her voice was not loud, but it carried. “You girls, don’t you understand? We are being rescued! Get dressed. No time for modesty!”

  Finally understanding, the others followed Rachel’s example, then covered their clothing with the cloaks. Samuel insisted that they carry nothing but the clothes on their backs. They had no shoes, but Samuel had thought of that, too. He produced six pairs of shapeless but sturdy slippers, and helped the six girls strap them on their feet. Don led them out the door, Rachel’s hand clasped in his. Moving from shadow to shadow, they slipped across the yard, directly to the wall, and assembled just below the guard tower. The guardpost was manned and the guard was alert to all appearances, but in truth the “guard” was Bobby, the fourth member of the rescue party.

  It did not take long to scale the wall. The six girls were shuttled over with the help of Eric’s strength. He simply hoisted them up one side and lowered them down the other with quick efficiency. Samuel was the last to leave, lightly dropping from the top of the wall. Then they were stumbling down the dark hillside to their horses.

  Don was filled with elation. In his mind’s eye, it was going to be like old times, he and Rachel going for a ride together. The night wind blew in their faces and an occasional twig, invisible in the darkness, clutched at them, but nothing slowed them down. Even the girls who had the least riding experience hung on gamely. There was no sign of pursuit. Don wanted to shout to the heavens. His heart was swelled as tight as a merchant’s purse.

  They kept at a fast trot and the miles dropped away behind them. When the eastern sky began to gray and they could start to see each other clearly, they were well over halfway back to the House of Healing, their destination. The six girls’ faces were drawn, but their teeth flashed white in smiles. “How did you do it?” they asked over and over.

  “Later, later,” they responded. “Ride on now. Save your breath.”

  Gray twilight started to turn rosy-hued dawn as they held their fast pace down the narrow trail. Then they heard what they had been listening for, but hoping not to hear. It was the sound of a pack of hounds in pursuit of game. It was like a fierce game of hares and hounds, and they knew that they were the hares! Even worse, the baying was heart-stopping in its nearness. Samuel reined his horse to a stop. He waved the others ahead.

  “Time for our surprise,” he said. He dismounted, as did Eric and Bobby. Don continued on with the girls, but looking behind, they could see the three seeding the trail, and the area on both sides, with something from the sacks. A few minutes later, the three overtook them.

  “What was all that?” asked Don, over his shoulder to Samuel. “Caltrops,” answered Samuel shortly. “I’ll explain later—but it should slow them down. Now ride.”

  With the urging of Samuel and the other men, the fugitives urged their tiring mounts to a fast but controlled canter. The bushes flew by in a grey green haze, and the baying continued to sound behind them, urging them onward. Perhaps two miles further ahead the baying stopped abruptly. They faintly heard what sounded like yikes of pain, then silence.

  †

  It was noon, according to the shortness of the shadows in the courtyard, when Don and his three companions strode from the stables in the lowest part of the town. Despite the long run through the night, all the horses were in good shape, though heavily lathered. Several stable boys had rubbed them down thoroughly and were allowing them to drink small amounts of water. Don was satisfied that they were in good hands.

  Samuel led the group uphill to one of the inns near the town center, the “Herb and Leech.” A wooden signboard projected out over the sidewalk, slightly overhanging the cobblestones. The name was lettered in the High Tongue, and a painting of a shock of leaves and some twisted sausage-shaped creatures (that must have been intended to be leeches) marked the name for unlettered passers-by. The four entered and were shown to a table in an alcove toward the rear. Samuel took several silver coins from his purse, part of the handsome gift that Ariel had contributed to aid the rescue.

  Being hungry, they ordered a hearty meal of stew, fry bread, and barbecue. Eric and Bobby had giant appetites and they washed each course down with a flagon
of hearty ale. Don and Samuel drank cider, which tasted cool and delicious. After they had their pangs of hunger satisfied and were pleasantly relaxed, Don turned the conversation back to the rescue. “I can’t say it often enough!” he exclaimed. “The plan worked better than I ever would have dreamed. Have you ever done anything like this before?”

  Samuel leaned back in his chair, a toothpick in his mouth, and reflected for a moment. The others held their tongues, and let him answer first. “Nothing exactly like this,” allowed Samuel, finally. “I have been a part of some adventures before, mostly to burn the Prophet’s tail feathers. But a rescue like this—never before.”

  Eric and Bobby nodded. “We have ridden far with Samuel before,” said Eric with a broad smile. “But this was the first time we ever went into the Raider’s camp! Aye! What a story this will be!”

  “Hold it!” said Samuel, forcefully, holding up a large hand. “I thought I made it very clear. We cannot start bragging about this. Not even within these walls, and certainly not in Glenwood. That would be asking for a knife in the back!”

  “But Samuel,” protested Bobby. “Word will get out. We did not exactly return in secret! It is already well known around here what happened. Surely too many know about us for it to be kept hushed up! People will talk.”

  “You are quite correct,” said Samuel. “But I have sent several men to the pubs in Glenwood, who are going to spread the tale that a large force from Stonegate came and got the girls. It will be a while before the Raiders can sort all these stories out and learn the truth. If we keep quiet, it will take much longer.”

  “I don’t fear Balek Brown!” interjected Eric. “If I did, I certainly would not have gone with you!”

  “Eric, you are young. The young often fear what they should not and are careless when they should be afraid. But promise me that you will keep your lips sealed. Not one word! Promise me! All of you!” Samuel fixed them with a stern stare, looking at each in turn.

  After a pause, they all agreed and swore silence, if a bit reluctantly. Don, however, still wanted to ask some questions. He lowered his voice. “Perhaps we should be careful, even in here. But there is one thing I must ask. What were the things you threw on our trail? They must have been something pointed or sharp.”

  “Exactly,” answered Samuel, with just a hint of banter, gazing around to make sure they were not being overheard. “They were caltrops. Don’t tell me that a lore-man does not know what a caltrop is!”

  Don shook his head, and Samuel continued. “They are an ancient idea. They are just four spikes welded together and evenly arranged so that when they are thrown on the ground, one spike points up and the other three points aim downward to form a tripod to brace the whole.” He drew a sketch with a wet finger on the table top. “No matter how they fall, one of the four will always point up. A spike through a paw or hoof can greatly discourage a running animal!”

  Don understood, remembering the yikes of pain that he had heard. “So you had planned this all along? To use them to delay the dogs and horses?”

  “Of course,” returned Samuel. “They are very effective against both. In the darkness, even men will be disabled. The spikes are barbed, you see, and it is not easy to get them out. I do regret causing animals pain. It is unfortunate, but it would have been more unfortunate if they had run us down!”

  Don heartily agreed to both these sentiments. He winced to think how it would feel to have a barbed spike through the foot. But then he remembered the joy he felt when they had ridden through the gates of the House of Healing. They had ridden up to the large doors of the hospital and had escorted the girls immediately to the woman’s wing, where they turned them over to the nurses. Don had stolen a quick kiss from Rachel, then she was gone. The other girls also vanished from view, but not without many expressions of thanks. They seemed to have endured the ride well, though several were limping, and all looked drawn.

  “I wonder when we will hear how they are,” Don mused as they finished their meal. “Rachel and I have so much to talk about.”

  His mood darkened. “But much of what I have to tell her is not good!”

  “The important thing is that they are in good hands,” Samuel answered. “You will probably be allowed to see her tomorrow. But we should try to get some sleep. We will meet with Kerik and several of his advisors about sundown, and I know that he will have many questions. I have already sent a message to Ariel, but tomorrow we must go and give them a full report, also. Perhaps late in the day, tomorrow, you can see your young lady!”

  Don nodded, reluctant to wait so long, but unable to come up with a better plan. While paying for the meal, Samuel, Bobby and Eric also rented a room with silver from the Ariel purse and they parted. The others went up the stairs near the entrance to the inn, but Don returned to his small apartment in the upper part of town.

  Not feeling immediately sleepy, he took a towel and went down the hall to the wash room and cleaned the sweat from his body. Then he went back and sat in a comfortable chair on the balcony. He wrote a short note of thanks that he intended to leave at Deborah’s apartment. A few minutes later he dozed off, even though he had intended to rest only for a few minutes.

  †

  It was nearly sundown before the Chief Surgeon, Kerik, was able to meet with Don and Samuel. The leader of the House of Healing had asked Abel, and Malcolm, his military advisor and chief of the town militia, to join them as well. They all sat on the balcony overlooking the city where Erik had met with Don before. They sat facing each other around a metal table topped with ceramic tiles, though none sat with their back to the ruddy-rose sunset over the mountains. Kerik had provided a bowl of shelled pine nuts and a tall pitcher of cider, and all took polite portions.

  Kerik made introductions all around, though it seemed that Don was the only one who did not know everyone. Malcolm reminded Don a bit of Gray John. He somehow had the look of Stonegate about him. He was taller than Abel, but slender and wiry. His build was that of a fencer more than a wrestler. His skin was fair, and had dark hair and eyes. He wore no beard.

  Kerik started the conversation by a few words of welcome. “I am glad you all found the time to meet—late in the day like this,” he began. “I was personally in surgery this morning, and I am afraid administrative duties took most of my afternoon. I am glad you could join me here. I enjoy meeting on my balcony, whenever I can. It would be difficult for anyone to eavesdrop on us, though it will soon be chill when the sun disappears. We can always move inside whenever you feel cold.”

  He paused, and offered the pitcher of cider to all, and topped off their mugs. “Now, I know all of you are aware of Donald and his errand of mercy. We knew that you were going to attempt to secure her freedom last night. Finally, it is no secret that we received six new patients early this morning.”

  “How are they?” blurted Don. “Were they … injured?”

  Kerik paused, and gave Don a searching look. “They have all been examined closely by our women doctors. They all are sound in body. Some have been abused, showing welts from beatings. No permanent scars should result, I have been told. I gather that none were actually raped, though they all were handled roughly and degraded in various ways. I am none too sure how they fare in the mind and spirit. There they do have scars, I fear!”

  “But, though they have had wretched food and are thin and pale, I believe they should make a rapid recovery. They are all young, and all seem to have inner strength. I gather that there were eight girls captured within the last few months, but that two wasted away and died.” Eric gave Don one more searching look, then turned his full attention to Samuel. “Now tell us of the events of the last night. Let me thank you for warning us that you intended taking action. I am honored that you trusted me with that information.”

  Samuel dipped his head respectfully toward Kerik. “Thank you, my Lord,” he began. “You and
this house were a vital part of our plans. Naturally, I wanted you to know in sufficient detail to avoid surprise, but not tell you too much. I know that you must be able to honestly say that you did not plan nor support the raid in any way. And, that is the truth.” Heads nodded around the table, and everyone leaned forward in their chair.

  Samuel then told the story of the raid. He did not elaborate in great detail, nor did he spell out individual roles, but he left nothing out, including the death of the guard and the use of caltrops to disable the dogs and horses. When he finished, all but Don seemed ill at ease.

  Kerik, Abel, and Malcolm all looked at each other. Abel retained a stoic look, but did shift uneasily in his seat, and did not look directly at either Don or Samuel. Malcolm was impassive, but kept his gaze on the Chief Surgeon’s face, which had a pained expression. There was a long silence.

  Kerik spoke at last. “Cleverly and bravely done! You are obviously well skilled, Samuel, and God protected all of you, I think. But was there no way to rescue the girls without killing the guard? It seems that you did not kill him in self defense.”

  Samuel flinched visibly, and a flush bloomed on his cheeks. His voice was steady and he answered in even tones. “Unfortunately, the entire plan depended on silencing that guard, and there was no way to do so quietly without using Ariel crossbows. He died quickly and without pain, and we took care to spare everyone else we chanced across. Please remember, however, Lord Kerik, that these Raiders butcher whole families without mercy. They take pleasure in killing. So, if one of them is killed in righting a wrong, surely it is justified! If we had a force large enough to wipe them all out, it would be a deed well done, surely! Tell me you agree!” Samuel almost beseeched Kerik at the last and spread his hands in an expressive gesture.