The Stonegate Sword

by Harry James Fox

  As the conversation continued, Don began to see that it would be helpful to have the Steamboat leadership as friends. But he could not see how the town would have much importance in the festering conflict between Stonegate and the western enemy. On the other hand, the need to move quickly was quite clear. It was well into December, now, and heavy snows could certainly fall at any day and block the trail until spring.

  Danny joined them at mid morning. There was some worrisome news to report. A detachment of the Prophet’s soldiers had marched up the Kolaroo River, and an officer with ornate armor was seen entering the gates of the House of Healing. Some scouts with dogs were to be seen on many trails around the area, obviously in the pay of the Prophet, but most seemed to be interested in searching upriver.

  The worst news was that a couple of these scouts had actually found their tracks and had followed the trail for ten miles or so. The false trail that the Diné had made had apparently confused them, and they were last seen riding back toward Glenwood. But it had been a close call, and they might try again. Abel returned while Danny was telling of these things and joined the discussion. Don was beginning to get cold and would have liked to return to the warm kitchen. But Samuel seemed to prefer the crisp cold of the courtyard.

  Finally, Samuel turned to Don. “Lore-man, we have several things to be done all at once, I fear. I am well aware that you are not under my command, so all I can do is ask. But I think it would be well if you and Crispin could take Amber back to her home with a message from us.”

  “I would be happy to do so, on the way back to Stonegate,” returned Don. “I should think that it is not too far out of the way. Of course, I would want to make sure that she and Rachel were able to travel. As Stanley said, Rachel looks like she is catching cold.”

  Abel nodded. “I fear you are right. She has developed a cough, as has several of the other girls.”

  “What about Amber?” asked Stanley.

  “Amber is still tired, but has not come down with a cough or sniffles. She is young, and should recover quickly. I have segregated the sick girls from the others.”

  “Well, we shall see what develops,” sighed Samuel, standing. The conference was ended.

  †

  The group broke up as they all found tasks to do. Abel met with Crispin, who came back from a scouting trip, and the two went to send a message to the House of Healing. Don and Kelly went to check the horses to see if they needed shoeing. Samuel and Stanley went on a patrol with Danny. The fresh snow was melting quickly.

  The rest of the day passed pleasantly enough. Lunch was a bowl of soup, rich with meat and potatoes, with beans and cornbread as side dishes. Snap and Red seemed glad to see Don, and he discovered that the shoe on Red’s off forefoot was loose. It was a simple matter of tightening the clinches on the nails. But some of the others required more work, and he and Kelly ended up replacing three shoes. The horses all seemed to be fit and well recovered from their hard trek.

  Abel and Crispin returned just before suppertime. Rachel did not come down, so Don looked in on her. She looked pale except for her red eyes and nose. Her voice was hoarse from coughing. She shooed him out of the room. “Don’t come near, love. I don’t want you to get this,” she said in a no-nonsense voice. Don obeyed.

  Danny decided to spend the night, but only three girls joined them for supper. Margaret, with her ash-blonde hair pulled back in a long pony tail, was wearing an ankle-length gown of dark blue. Crispin stood with a laugh and applauded as she entered, then escorted her to the table with an exaggerated bow. She responded with a laughing curtsey. Her light blue eyes were flashing with pleasure. With her swan-like neck she was the tallest of the six, and perhaps the most graceful. And she knew it.

  Jane was next, and it fell to Stanley to help her to her seat. She was also striking in her own way, with raven-black hair that contrasted strikingly with her deep blue eyes and fair skin. She also was wearing a simple dress of gray with a white lace collar. She managed a small smile, and said little, somewhat nervously rearranging her silverware after being seated next to Betsy.

  Last was Amber, who walked with a bounce in her step. She seemed to be completely rested, and laughingly greeted Don, who offered her his arm. Her hair was as black as Jane’s, but her eyes were hazel. She wore a white dress with a blue sash around her waist. Her arms and cheeks were pink showing that she had a bit of sunburn. She had a smile for everyone and started to speak, but Samuel spoke first.

  “I am at a loss for words. Who are these young beauties? Is there a kingly ball being held in the neighborhood? Our fugitives have turned into queens!” He turned to Lynn. “Where did these clothes come from? Do you have a dry goods store here also?”

  “Dear Samuel,” replied Lynn with a gentle smile. “Of course we have some spare clothes. We had hoped that you would bring us some women guests, and at last you have done so. But, we should sit while the food is still warm.”

  Everyone but Lynn and Betsy seated themselves, and Samuel blessed the food. This meal was fried chicken, and all had a hearty appetite. Don learned that the other three girls were running a high fever, with coughs and chills.

  “When can we go home?” asked Margaret.

  This question launched a long discussion. Don learned that Margaret, like Rachel, was a farmer’s daughter from near Stonegate. But her farm was much further south, which made her the farthest from home. Everyone agreed that Margaret, Sara, Carla and Rachel would have to return at the same time since they lived near each other. And, even though Margaret was quite healthy and probably able to travel, it would be some time before the others could leave.

  “Well, I am able to travel,” declared Jane, “and I am the only one from down-river. What about me?”

  Samuel replied. “I am worried about you, especially, Jane. I am not sure how we will get you back to your home with the Prophet’s scouts on every trail. Nor am I sure that you would be safe once you returned.”

  “I have lived there all my life,” returned Jane, with a toss of her head. “Why would I not be safe there now?”

  “Because, Jane,” patiently explained Samuel. “Your village has no defense against the Prophet and his soldiers. Even now, there is probably a watch on your father’s house. As I said before, the Prophet is embarrassed. He will stop at nothing to recapture all six of you!”

  Jane’s face began to crumple, and her eyes began to water. She composed herself with an effort. Finally she blurted, “I demand to be returned home. Surely you do not also intend to hold me captive here!”

  “Of course you are not a captive, dear,” said Betsy, putting her hand on Jane’s arm. “We all understand exactly what you mean. But you can’t just foolishly run back into slavery! Now you men simply must tell this child what your plans are!”

  “Of course you have a point, Jane,” said Stanley. “And your parents must be told that you are alive and well. Perhaps we could send a message through Danny and his warriors.”

  “Oh, yes,” said Danny. “Give me a letter for your family, and we will get it to them.”

  “But, let me repeat, Jane,” said Samuel, doggedly. “You are not safe down-river, and particularly not in your parent’s home. However, let me suggest that you write your parents and ask their advice. If they insist that you would be quite safe, I would be glad to reconsider. How does that sound? In the meantime, you would be welcome to stay here as our guest and certainly not our prisoner!”

  Jane reluctantly agreed, and then Amber quietly spoke up. “My father is a merchant of means, and Steamboat is a walled city. And I feel quite recovered. Why can I not go home?”

  Samuel and Stanley looked at each other, then at Don. “In your case, Amber, we see no reason why not,” answered Samuel with a smile.

  †

  And so it was that two days later, Don and Amber rode out of the forest that sur
rounded Owl Hollow, waved goodbye to Kelly, and turned their horses north. Don rode Snap, and Red had his pack; Amber rode a beautiful bay mare. Two of the Diné rode with them, but were not in sight. Don knew that one was well ahead and the other scouting to the rear. Crispin had gone ahead on foot several hours ago.

  Stanley had given Don a leather cap with a short visor to “keep the sun off your nose.” His helm and shield hung at his left knee and his bow and arrows near the right. He wore his mail and sword and carried a war spear. They had to be ready for trouble. Amber carried a long knife at her left hip. She wore a divided green velvet riding skirt and matching long sleeved blouse.

  Their journey took them across a high, wild table land surrounded by even higher mountains and dotted with lakes. Marshy open parks gave way to patches of dark timber. On the higher portions they had forged through snow, sometime a couple of feet deep. Don was a bit concerned about leaving tracks, but there was no help for it. They kept along the trail, always to the north. A pile of three pebbles marked the correct fork when trails divided. Crispin was waiting for them where the trail crested over a rocky ridge and joined them for lunch. They never saw the Diné.

  Evening saw them well in the northern part of the plateau. They had traveled slowly and carefully, and had seen no one. They hoped that no one had seen them. Don set up a small pyramid tent for Amber, and they had a cold meal for supper, not risking a fire. As before, Crispin joined them.

  Don was silent and was content to relax as the sunset glow died and the stars began to pop out like sparks against a pool of ink. Crispin was teasing Amber as she giggled and hit his shoulder. They could hear the horses munching oats in their nosebags.

  “So tell me, Amber,” asked Crispin, jokingly. “Why do you feel so safe in Steamboat? Didn’t the Raiders steal you away from there?”

  “No, silly,” she answered. “I was traveling in one of my father’s wagons to visit friends in Craig. That’s a village west of Steamboat. A band of Raiders stopped the wagon—I suppose to see what they could steal. That’s when they grabbed me …” Her voice lost its banter and trailed off.

  “Now, now,” said Crispin, with a worried tone. “It’s over. Don’t worry.”

  “But Crispin—Donald,” she said, sitting up on her mattress of pine boughs. “What would we do if we met them again? I know you are brave, but there were so many of them. And, no offense, but Donald is a lore-man, and you are a boy. What could you do?”

  “Delay them. That is our job,” answered Don. “You have a fast horse and are a light load. No Raider can catch you if you don’t hesitate. Remember the map we showed you? Ride as fast as you can. If you must go south, make for Owl Hollow. Otherwise go north to the Bear River, then east to Steamboat.”

  “But I don’t want you to die,” she whispered with a quaver.

  “Amber, shhh,” said Crispin. “No one will die. Besides, you’ve already taken my heart. I won’t be able to live, anyway, when you go back to your home.” He took her hand and gave a calf-eyed look. Even in the dimness of the twilight she could see well enough and could not help laughing.

  “Oh, you! Be serious,” she said. “You make me really angry. But not half so angry if you do not come and visit me. And you, too, Donald. You will come back, won’t you?”

  They agreed that they would. Don felt his waist to make sure that the oilskin pouch with Samuel’s message was still there. Conversation died down. Soon they all curled up in their blankets and fell asleep.

  †

  The next day was essentially a repeat of the first. They had some difficulty at a stream crossing, when Amber’s mare balked, and then lunged through, slipping on ice and nearly throwing her off. But no harm was done, other than a fright. Gradually they began dropping off the table lands to lower, broken country to the north. Spruce and fir gave way to aspen, and the meadows were less marshy. In the afternoon they came out on a high ridge that overlooked a series of lower ridges covered with scrubby oaks. And in the distance they could see the white wall of mountains, just to the east of their destination. Crispin met them there, and they dismounted to give their mounts a rest. They had no idea how he could go faster than their horses, but he could.

  Suddenly, the two Diné were there, leading their horses from a thicket just below them. They strode up to them, faces serious. “We must leave you now,” said the taller of the two. “The way seems clear to the river, and we must make a circle to the south. We think the danger is most likely behind us. We pray that our Heavenly Father will keep you safe!”

  Don thanked them warmly, and with handshakes all around, they were gone. The way ahead suddenly felt more hostile. Even Amber, as she looked toward her home, shivered.

  “I don’t like it,” she said. “But behind us it’s even more frightening.”

  “I’ll go on ahead,” said Crispin. He lightly jogged down the hill and was soon out of sight. Don and Amber urged their horses along the winding trail. The snow began giving way to mud. And so the afternoon passed. They camped on a ridge overlooking the Bear River valley. As best they could tell, Steamboat was an easy day’s ride away to the east. The main east-west road was on the north side of the river, so they decided to try to stay to the south and parallel the main road for as long as possible. They asked Amber to tell them about Steamboat.

  She recounted several tales that she had learned of the elder days. It seems that her town (she called it a city) had been a place of amusement in days of old. The nobles of the old empire had gathered there for outdoor sports of various kinds. However, when the plague came, the town was able to isolate itself in time to preserve a fairly large population intact. When anarchy began to threaten, the town was able to acquire town guns from Stonegate, and like that city, had used them to good effect to keep a measure of independence.

  Several gangs of thugs had been put to flight by the blasts of these fearsome weapons. Though the guns had not been fired in many years, the shells were often paraded, to show that the city still had sharp teeth. She thought that two thousand lived within the walls, and a thousand more nearby.

  “And, like the House of Healing, we have hot springs within our walls, with pools for bathing,” explained Amber. “Sick and ailing come from miles around, and others for the enjoyment. The winters are long and cold, and a hot soak is a treat.”

  Don sat watching the glow fade in the western sky as Crispin and Amber bantered. He was a scamp, and she was not much older than him. She seemed to be remarkably untouched by her ordeal. He wondered if the old guns would actually fire, if ever put to the test, or if anyone there really knew how to fire them. Probably soon, they would be needed. Then they would find out. The Prophet’s eyes were looking east, and Steamboat lay in that direction.

  †

  As they broke camp in the morning, Don suggested that Crispin ride Red. They could cache the pack saddle and camping gear and pick it up on their return. Somewhat to his surprise, Crispin agreed. So they hid the equipment under the base of a large, fallen spruce, and tied the food high in the branches of another. Don left his shield and war spear, but kept the rest of his armor. Then they carefully obliterated their tracks. Satisfied that their gear would be difficult for anyone else to find, they set out to the northeast and were soon riding openly on a major trail.

  They cut across the edge of pasture land, wheat fields and hay meadows, drawing closer to the river. They forded the river, at last, perhaps five miles west of Steamboat, and rode the rest of the way on the main highway. A steady stream of traffic: wagons, horsemen, and pedestrians, plied the road in both directions.

  A small pool stood next to the west gate, to the south of the highway. A statue of an elk in antique brass stood there, head erect, as though startled. Clearly, it was a relic of the elder days. And the days of old seemed almost alive here. It was a place nearly untouched by the ravages of time. The gates were open, and though several g
uards stood nearby, no one tried to stop them from freely passing. Even his weapons caused them no particular concern. Amber had wanted to surprise her family, and so tied her scarf over her hair and around her face. No one paid her much attention, nor did they give a glance to young Crispin, riding bareback beside her. But Don, with his mail and sword, did draw some curious looks. A main street was faced on both sides with perfectly-preserved brick buildings, many with intact showroom windows. Don and Crispin marveled, but Amber made light of it all.

  As they passed an outdoor market, a seller of scissors looked at them from beneath a dusty, broad-brimmed hat. His face did not change expression, but a close observer would have noticed his whole body tense, like a bird dog on a point. He drilled them with an icy gaze over a generous red nose, but they did not notice him or feel the force of his stare.

  At home now, Amber took the lead, and led them to the left and along a major cross street, then up a lane to the higher part of the town. Here the doors did not open directly onto the pavement, but walled courtyards faced the street. She reined her mare to a stop before a rather large ironbound gate, with a smaller doorway to the right. Both were closed, but a bell cord hung out next to the door.

  “Pull the bell, will you?” she asked Crispin.

  He slid off and gave the cord several vigorous pulls. A few minutes later, a portal in the door opened, showing a red face behind a metal lattice.

  “Yes?” said a hearty female voice. “What is it you’re wantin’?”

  “Oh! Polly! It’s me,” cried Amber.

  “Miss Amber! Miss Amber! Can it be true?” came the response, followed by a frantic rattle of a key in a lock. Then a heavyset figure, dressed in black with a white cap and apron came bustling out. Crispin helped Amber off her mare, and the woman in black gave her a bear hug. “Darling. I just can’t believe it. We thought we’d never see you again!” Then both began to cry.