Stoc (A New Druids Series Book 3)

by Donald D. Allan

  Kevin Balfour had insisted that Brent leave for Munsten and take key Sect members and those of the clergy with him. Brent was happy the Sect leader was coming around to understanding the need to mend the Church. Theirs would be a mission of peace. They would plead with the bishops and take back the Church for the people. The Lord Protector as the head of the Church could not remain. Brent meant to take it from him.

  He had sent word to his brother where he was and that he was well and they now exchanged letters weekly. Fast courier boats ran the coast routinely. After word from his brother that the evidence on Healy was now overwhelming Brent felt more at peace than he had in years. He would ride to Munsten and take back the capital. Frederick would rule until elections could be held.

  It was all so thin, but Frederick felt he had enough men loyal to him to secure the castle and take Healy under arrest. Brent's arrival would cause enough confusion to make the coup that much swifter. For now, until they left next week, they would train and prepare for the sail up the coast. One of the many benefits of the Sect was that they had resources few people could imagine. Having their own fast boats was one of them.

  James slapped Brent on the shoulder. "Not bad. I let you best me that time. To boost your confidence."

  "You did, did you? How come you're doing that every time? My confidence is boosted about as high as it can go."

  "Perhaps. Perhaps." James turned at the sound of someone clearing their throat nearby. He spotted Kevin Balfour standing a respectful distance away. "I see your new shadow is ready for more talking. I'm out. Speak later at the house?"

  Brent nodded and watched James leave. He beckoned for Balfour to join him. "Do you wish to spar?"

  "No, I'm here for other reasons. Vicar Jordan waits for us in his rectory. Do you wish to join us?"

  "Surely. No time like the present."

  They walked in silence to the rectory. The small building lay behind the Cathedral but faced the Belkin Sea. It was a modest building and Vicar Martin rarely left it. He was a troubled man coming to grips with doubts about his faith and what he knew to be true. Brent entered and spotted the vicar sitting at his usual spot at the kitchen table. Fresh water, cheese and bread had been laid out for all to share.

  Brent sat and poured water for Balfour and himself. "What do we discuss today, my new friends?"

  Martin tore a heel from one loaf and placed it in front of him. "I've more news from the towns and villages. The church continues to report to the Cathedral in hopes we can do something. They know the bishops are sequestered in Munsten but they have no communication to the outside world. It all falls on me now, I'm afraid to say. I am reading more and more disturbing reports from much of the Realm. Mostly in the northern cities of Munsten, Salt Lake City, Curachan, and Cala. Men from the Army of the Realm are deploying into the towns and villages. They are stirring up the residents and causing dissent. They overrule the magistrates and reeves and are getting the more devout and fanatic to speak out more against the Wordsmiths. It is the same everywhere. The realm is unbalanced. I do not understand the goal. Or why. But it is happening with malicious intent.

  "Elsewhere, the Sect members have read the notice we put out about the demons. Sorry, the druids. They do not accept your tale. They dismiss it as fantasy. They answer only to the Archbishop and with the Lord Protector assuming the role they listen to no one. You must realise it is hard to dismiss decades of knowledge overnight. We have discussed this. You know it to be true. "

  "Yes, yes. The problem is not the towns and villages. It is the evil bastard in Munsten. I told you what he did. How he corrupted the government. Replaced the council with his own men. And within the Army and Guard. He has a spider web of corruption spread out across the land. We need to strike at the spider: Healy himself. Only then can we begin to heal the land and the Church."

  Martin looked at Kevin before responding. "The Church cannot take a position of opposing the lawful head of government. That is not our role in this land, Brent. We must remain impartial."

  "Yes. I understand your position. I merely need you to get me to Munsten and be present to witness."

  "Witness what?"

  "I'm not sure. I only know God wants me there and I need you there. Isn't that enough?"

  "It would be easier if you gave us more. And these druids? What have they said?"

  Brent growled. "They have said no. Their Freamhaigh says their calling is larger than the Realm. We are on our own, I'm afraid."

  "These dem... sorry druids. I am not convinced they can be trusted. I know you vouch for them, but what have they ever done for the Realm?"

  Brent swallowed a bite of cheese. "They would say they have done everything. All from hiding and fear of persecution. They claim to have protected the land itself from the ravages of man. That their purpose is to protect the earth itself. Will would claim no allegiance to anyone save his own purpose. I admit I admire that in him. He is a pretty remarkable young man. Reminds me of myself when I was his age." Brent grinned a broad smile at Martin.

  Martin chuffed. "It does not sound like they can be trusted. They are only out for themselves! That is not God's way!"

  Brent lost his smile. "Will would say the same thing about the Church, I suspect. You did murder his mother."

  Kevin had the good sense to look away for a moment. "We did as God bid us do. While I do not doubt that evil had corrupted Seth, I have faith that we followed God's path. The Lord Protector seems to be doing his best to force a country to open rebellion."

  Brent raised an eyebrow. "I've told you he has been stealing from the Realm for decades. He fabricated lies and murdered families to keep it hidden. He is the evil in the land. The worst we can do is to do nothing."

  Kevin looked down at the table. "Stories have many sides. He faced the evil of the demons. He likely did what he thought he needed to do."

  Martin saw a flush spread across Brent's cheeks and interrupted before they started yelling again. "Gentlemen, now is not the time to bring up this old argument. Brent was the General of the Lord Protector's Guard and was privy to many things we simply cannot dispute. There is much to atone for in our history. The Church, the Sect, the government. All have had a hand in making the world what it is today. But that is not what I wish to speak about today."

  Brent leaned back and nodded to Martin. Kevin scowled but sat back and listened.

  "I understand that God drives you to Munsten. You believe in your heart that this is your purpose and that you must confront Healy. But, my son, even if you did all these things, surely you understand that the Church comes from the King. It is only through the King that an Archbishop can be named. To see a King on the throne, you would need to find the next in line. Place him on the throne and then see the Church led once again by a true believer."

  "I understand all that, Martin. I won't dispute it. God led me here and now leads me to Munsten. How this is supposed to happen I have no idea. I put my trust in God."

  Martin looked grim. "Even men of cloth have plans, my son. God gave us eyes to see. Not to blindly run off hoping he will save the day. We have free will. Choice. God will help but he cannot take direct action."

  Brent smiled. "I once thought that. I know differently now. I leave in a week by the fastest boats. The winter storms will have passed and we will make record time. Have faith, my friends. God watches over us."

  James patted Brent's back as he heaved one more time. He had long since stopped throwing anything up but the urge to vomit still kept returning. He kept trying to get him to eat the dry crackers the sailors urged him to eat, but he refused. They very thought of food, he said, made him want to vomit more.

  They had left Jergen only two days ago on the Azure Tip. Brent had been sick since the moment they stepped on board. With two weeks of sailing ahead of them James worried for his friend. James argued that chronic seasickness was serious and they should land and seek another path to Munsten.

  "You can't keep this up, Brent. You've no strengt
h left." The bow of the ship plunged deep into the bottom of a swell and then lifted shuddering. A light spray misted across the upper decks. The ship was a two-masted royal schooner and beautiful in design. She was used for running precious cargo and mail items—previously for the King. The ship had started her career fishing but once her speeds were known she became a royal courier ship and was now known as the fastest ship on the coast. She had won many the race in her day and remained undefeated for seventeen years. The captain bragged of her whenever he had the chance.

  Brent retched in reply.

  "Captain Walters said to eat the ginger root. Says it helps. Will you not try it?"

  Brent shook his head.

  "You're a big baby you know that? Ness was right. She said sailing to Munsten was a daft thing to do. Well, here we are. Miles off shore. Wind pushing us like a banshee cross the moors. And you spending the entire time tied to the railing up here in front. Or bow, or whatever this is. Bloody glad I joined the Army and not the Navy. Daft gits."

  Brent raised his head. "The Admiral always..." He swallowed feverishly for a moment to keep down his puke. "Always said there was no life like it. Thinkin' he was right."

  "Aye, no life like it all right." James watched two sailors fly up the main mast like gymnasts. "It's insane leaving the safe hard ground for this. You've no control out here. It's all wind and water."

  Brent kept his eyes on the horizon as the captain had instructed him to do. "How're the others?"

  "Martin and Kevin? Fine as rain. They're up with the captain. Kevin insists we stop enroute for a day. Martin has agreed and they've decided on Portsmouth. Four days at this speed, they say."

  Brent nodded. He was past caring and the lure of standing on dry, unmoving land was overwhelming.

  "Ness and the kids will be fine," stated James for no reason and Brent looked up at him. "I know. I just can't stop worrying about them. They're in better shape because of us, right? They're fed and warm. Money in their pockets."

  "You... you know they are." Brent swallowed hard. "Why bring them up?"

  "I just feel I won't see them again. Something about all this seems wrong."

  Brent carefully made his way ashore at Portsmouth across the thin gang plank from Azure Tip and fell to his knees on the dock. Five days without food and little water had stripped him of strength. He had been unable to keep anything down and had wasted away and it had happened far too quickly. The captain had said he had never seen such a terrible case of sea sickness. He had set course for Portsmouth and they had only just lowered the gangplank before Brent rushed to quit the ship. James reached his side and helped him to his feet. Brent swayed unsteadily and James lent him a shoulder.

  "We'll find an inn and get you rested and recovered. I know Portsmouth. Home of the Belkin Navy. BN folks everywhere. We'll need to stay hidden. Remember? We talked about this?" Brent nodded after a moment.

  James looked up as Kevin and Martin joined them. Behind them on the ship were several other members of the Sect and Church who had accompanied them. They were to stay with the ship and arrange things in Munsten for their arrival. It would take three weeks to reach Munsten by road. The ship would be there in a week if the winds continued.

  Brent grunted and stood up swaying slightly. "Feeling better already. Except. Except, why does it feel like I'm still on board? Everything is still swaying."

  "Sea legs means more than legs on board apparently," muttered James. He could still feel the motion of the ship as well. "Let's be off. I know an Inn near the docks that we can stay at for a few days."

  Martin took the other side of Brent and helped carry him. Together James and Martin carried Brent to the end of the dock. Kevin waved goodbye to the captain and the others and hurried to catch up. He paused at the end of the dock and looked around. A man over by some cargo crates nodded once and Kevin gave the signal.

  Kevin reached James side and moved in to take Brent from him. "Let me. I've done this before."

  "My thanks, Kevin." said James. "The whole world is heaving up and down." He paused a moment to wipe his brow. He heard a boot scuff behind him and started to turn. He never saw who hit him, and went out like a candle and collapsed on the street without a sound.

  Kevin and Martin continued to struggle with Brent and moved up the street. Martin tried to look around. "Where is James?" he asked.

  "He's coming," replied Kevin. "Let's rest in that alcove there and let him catch up."

  They moved between two buildings and caught their breath.

  "I'm sorry Martin, said Kevin.

  "For what my son?"

  "They promised me you would be well taken care of."

  "What are you talking about?"

  Just then armoured men wielding swords surrounded them. They wore the livery of the Army. One man stepped forward and spoke. "Brent Bairstow, you are under arrest by order of the Lord Protector."

  Brent struggled to raise his head and looked up at the man. "Ah, Major Gillespie. How good to see you again."

  "Wish I could say the same, Bairstow. You are looking a bit worse for wear." He turned to Kevin. "It appears the drug to make him sea sick worked. Well, done, Kevin. Your plan worked."

  "I told you it would. You have your man. Let the vicar go. You promised no harm to the others."

  "Aye, we will. First, we need to get this man under lock and key. Men, take him."

  The men moved to the side of Brent and shackled him at the wrists and ankles. Martin protested but at sword point they had him moving down between the buildings and into the back alleyway. Kevin waited a moment to see if anyone noticed, but no one had, or no one cared. Kevin smiled and joined the others.

  "What happened to James?" asked Kevin.

  "Sleeping face down in the harbour," smiled Gillespie.

  Martin gasped. "That is murder!"

  "Murder, Vicar? No. Justice. He had it coming."

  Kevin looked suspicious. "You're sure he's dead?"

  "Yes. Did it myself. Knocked him out and held him underwater until he drowned. I'm sure."

  Kevin looked relieved.

  "What, you worried?"

  "No, I just don't like loose ends. There are too many here. I have a mission I must complete and I need to get to Munsten. This is only a convenience, Major. You and I will be done as soon as we arrive in the city."

  "Understood. No qualms from me. This man here is my salvation. You have yours. What about this vicar?"

  Kevin looked at Martin who was now rather white and frightened looking. "Leave him be. He is a man of the cloth. He is lost right now. He's been swayed to the side of demons. But I will correct that. He stays with me."

  Eight

  PRESENT DAY

  Rigby Farm - June 901 A.C.

  THE DEPARTURE OF Steve and his crew stopped all work on the farm for a time. I suspended all draoi training and retreated to the farmhouse with Nadine. I noticed the others staying clear of me and tried to shrug off the depression I was feeling. Nothing seemed to help. Not even Dempster's attempts to fill my loss with food could lift my spirits. After two weeks, Nadine convinced me to go on a picnic with her in a clearing by a stream not far from the farm. She practically dragged me the entire way.

  Nadine carried a small food basket, and we settled down on the grass by the bank and watched the water streaming by. The wings of dragonflies sparkled in the sunlight as they darted here and there. I felt nature focus on us and I gently pushed it away so I could think. Nadine smiled at me and emptied the contents of the basket. Sandwiches, pickled onions and a large piece of our oldest aged cheese were laid out and for a time we were lost to the simple joy of eating.

  "Time to think on what happens next, Will," she said once we had filled our bellies. The remains of the picnic were packed back in the basket and we had thrown the bread heels into the stream for the birds and brook trout.

  I was lying back looking at the clouds passing overhead and merely grunted in reply. Nadine smacked my belly, and I cried out and sat
up rubbing the sore spot.

  "What was that for?"

  "That's for feeling sorry for yourself."

  "Can you blame me?"

  "No, but the others are counting on you. Time to focus on the future. What do we do next?"

  I had thought of little else after watching the clouds of dust raised by Baron and Steve's crew departure dissipate and disappear. Steve had broken his promise to me. The lure of the Baron's cry for vengeance in the land outweighed the need of the draoi. He had failed to understand the greater picture, and I blamed myself for not getting him to understand what the future held for Belkin.

  I felt the pull of Gaea and the need to respond to the land. Something terrible was coming, and I felt that Steve was heading into danger. I feared for him but knew the draoi could not help what the Baron was attempting. When Steve had to choose between me and the Baron he had chosen the Baron. I felt abandoned and knew my pain was rooted in my past. Knowing something and feeling another were two different things, and I was struggling. I had to let go and wasn't able.

  I laid back down and Nadine settled next to me with our heads together. She lifted a hand, and I grasped it and held it against my chest. "I'm not ready to let go," I said, voicing my last thought.

  "I know, love," she murmured. "But you have to. Our work with the draoi is almost complete. We will need to move. Gaea demands it now. She's annoyed with us. Which seems to be a constant state with her these days."

  "Humph."

  "I want to revisit the basics again."

  "The basics? Again? Why?"

  "I need to understand it better, Will. I feel it to be true. Gaea has confirmed more or less what you say. I need to believe it more, I suppose. I want to hold a special session tonight. Go over it again. Then talk about how we make the craobhs full stocs."