Leaf and Branch (New Druids Series Vol 1 & 2)

by Donald D. Allan

  He's walking away mad at me for a different reason than the major, sighed Brent to himself. He'll learn. I have no doubt about that. I just need to keep him alive until he figures it out. Brent saw the signs. The men were most definitely playing the two of them. Brent had not made the rank of General by being a fool. The hilarious thing, thought Brent, is the major actually believes he is fooling me. There was a reason the major was still a major. He was abusive, crass, uncaring and exhibited the most alarming un-officer like qualities. Even Brent, head of the Lord Protector's Guard, had heard of Major Gillespie from the Army. It had taken him awhile to remember the officer but once he started putting one and one together he most certainly came up with two. Major Gillespie, the proud sixth cousin of the Lord Protector. Abuser of women, abuser of men under his command, abuser of his rank and privilege.

  Brent watched as the captain joined with the major. They spoke quickly, the captain at attention, and the major visibly talking the captain down. He's pointing his finger and everything, thought Brent. Wow. He really is an ass.

  The major would blame the captain for this third, unexpected inspection. It was the captain's job to schedule them and arrange them, with advance warning and approval from the major. No doubt the captain is explaining that he didn't know. With that thought the major turned to look at the Brent, then back to the captain, before striding off in anger. Brent didn't care just so long as the inspection started within a candle mark. Automatically, Brent looked over his own uniform and flicked a horse hair off his sleeve. He sidestepped the offending hair as it drifted down to the ground.

  Brent remained outside his tent and kept an eye on the movements of the major and the men. Theirs was a small camp, only a half dozen tents, an area for the horses and carts, and a common area for meals and the like. Four men were on guard duty and watched the approaches from the road to the north and south. Their camp was placed about two hundred yards from the main road with the road between the camp and the oceanside. The coastline here was sandy and the surf roared and crashed incessantly. The cries of seabirds were only just now starting with the rising sun and a gentle breeze blew onshore carrying with it the smell of the sea.

  Brent looked south where he could see the far off city of Jergen where it nestled on the coast around a deep bay. The city was built around the cliffs rising up from the sea and wrapping around the bay. It was a naturally defended bay, one the Admiral of the Fleet often bragged about. Brent could see numerous ships ploughing the approaches and spotted two Navy schooners conducting manoeuvres. Their scarlet sails were unmistakeable. The winds over the past few days were enough to raise the seas and the schooners pounded the waters hard with visible spray. Reason number twenty-four of why I'm glad I joined the Guard.

  Road traffic in both directions was much busier. A train of caravans was positioned about a quarter mile north of them and followed them to Jergen for safety. Captain Dixon had gone off to speak with the caravan owners and had reported that they checked out okay and were glad for the military escort. Brent had been impressed with the initiative. The road between Munsten and Jergen was a solid one. It was well maintained and fast. Nonetheless, travellers on the road often stopped them for news and gossip. It was a rarity these days to see such a fortified band of military. The Guard and Army mix was what gained the most attention and Brent was getting tired of meeting it with the same vague responses. The road between Jergen and Jaipers would be sparsely travelled and Brent meant to push hard.

  Jergen was the hustling and bustling city on the south-east coast. It was the second largest city on this side of Belkin and trade was focused here for distribution elsewhere in Turgany. There was a large underground market here and it was a den for highwaymen who hung like vultures along the roads to the north and west. It had a very large garrison of over three hundred men and Brent knew the colonel in charge. He was in the Lord Protector's pocket and one of the men on the list Frederick now possessed. For this reason Brent was worried. If something is to happen, it is in Jergen.

  Brent wondered how his brother was faring with the list. It was important he gather evidence against the Lord Protector. He prayed his brother remained quiet about it. The last man to follow the trail of corruption was now dead and buried in Jaipers. Brent worried about Frederick but recognised when there was little he could do. Brent pushed the emotions aside and focused on the city around him.

  The one thing Brent was looking forward to was visiting the Cathedral of Jergen. When the Revolution happened the churches in Munsten had been demolished. The Cathedral in Jergen was protected by the garrison so it had withstood the mob. It was arguably the centre of the Church of the New Order. Brent was eager to visit and pray in solitude. It saddens me my faith must be kept in such secrecy. I would like nothing more than to profess my belief in God to all who could hear. It shames me I must stay quiet and hidden.

  Faith within the military was one of the few things he and his brother had disagreed on. Brent felt the fear of God provided a moral compass for men in uniform. Frederick thought that was his job. They had discussed it once. Brent recalled the conversation with ease.

  "More people are killed in the name of their god than for any other reason, Brent," his brother had exclaimed that day when Brent had raised the topic. "Usually those men are in uniform and just carrying out orders."

  "So much good happens because of faith!"

  "Bullshit. Men do good because it is the right thing to do. I don't need some god to tell me what is right and wrong to know killing someone is wrong. Ludicrous to think otherwise."

  Brent still disagreed with that sentiment. He knew within his heart the way to righteousness was through the word of God.

  Now, Brent turned to watch the men emerge from their tents, blinking away the sleep of the night. They looked around blearily and Brent heard raised voices of discontent. Captain Dixon moved through the men explaining what was up and giving quiet orders. A few complained and Dixon turned on them. Brent caught the oddly yelled word from where he stood. Dixon left the men to head towards him and Brent noticed the dark looks the men threw at his back. There, thought Brent. More evidence they are playing us.

  For the last week, ever since the night in the small hamlet where they had stayed overnight, the men were behaving better. Army and Guard started to get along and the men started saluting him and showing proper respect. Respect that never meets their eyes, thought Brent. Frederick always said 'Watch their eyes'.

  Brent was almost fooled. He almost led himself to believe the men had turned a stone and found a new purpose. However, the looks, the tone of voice, the dullness in their eyes, all gave proof to the lie. Gillespie was playing a game here. One that did not bode well for myself and Captain Dixon. Today would be the third inspection in as many days. Everything unannounced and unplanned. Petty and spiteful on my part but I have to admit to a certain level of satisfaction. Sucks to be them, thought Brent and smiled broadly.

  Brent and the men approached the main gate of Jergen. He watched as three men on horseback emerged from the gate and trotted toward them. The two on the outside carried flags raised high. One was the flag of Belkin and the other the city flag of Jergen. Central to the three was Colonel John Masters. He was resplendent in his finest armour and rode like the expert he was renowned for across the Realm. He had won the horse riding championship at the Realm Tournament two months ago and with it a purse of a hundred crowns. More importantly, he won bragging rights. And he often did, thought Brent. Thank God I outrank him.

  He glanced back at his men and was pleased to see they rode with their backs straight and looking professional. He had stressed at the inspection this morning he wanted the men to shine. They were representatives from the capital and they would look the part. Dixon had finally caught on and had smiled and nodded at Brent. Yes, the inspections were in preparation for this moment. It takes days to get men of this low quality to look half decent. Half of being military was the pomp. It didn't matter if you could swing a s
word better than anyone — or ride a horse better for that matter — it was how you looked. Brent chuckled to himself and watched as the colonel rode up and stopped his horse without command or the use of reins. The horse looks frightened, thought Brent watching the horse flare it's nostrils with eyes a little wide. Poor thing probably gets beaten if it doesn't perform well.

  The colonel saluted and then raised a gauntlet in greeting. "General Bairstow, sir. Colonel John Masters. It is my honour to welcome you to Jergen. Your men have been given accommodations in the barracks and my sergeant will see to their comfort. Your officers have been given rooms in the bachelor officer quarters. You, sir would be most welcomed to stay with my wife and I and our three children in our home."

  Brent winced internally. He had been afraid he would be pulled into county and city affairs. He was hoping he could stay in the bachelor officer quarters with his officers. He thought briefly of saying he would stay with his men but no doubt the colonel was under orders to keep an eye on him from the Lord Protector himself. "Those arrangements will be admirable, Colonel. My thanks."

  "Your comfort is my prime concern, sir. It is not often the General of the Lord Protector's Guard is travelling the Realm. You will want for nothing while here, sir. Just ask and it will be arranged. Your quest is too important to let trifling matters such as comfort be ignored."

  Brent looked thoughtfully at the colonel. He knows my mission, how is that possible? "That would be fine. I appreciate your generosity and I graciously accept. I will accompany my men to the barracks and see to their comfort and join you at your home later, would that be acceptable?"

  "Yes, sir. By your leave, I will have my second escort you to the barracks and to my home. The Mayor of Jergen humbly requests you join him this evening for supper. You and your officers of course. Supper is served at eight in the evening. It will be a formal affair."

  "It seems news of my mission has preceded me, Colonel. Please inform the mayor that my officers and I would be honoured."

  "Of course. The Lord Protector asked me to see to your comfort. No one knows, except myself, of your mission to Jaipers."

  And the two men on horseback beside you. Brent kept his face immobile. I should have expected this. I knew there would be pomp and ceremony but my mission should be secret, by God. I have to return to Munsten with a wealth of gold on me and now every highwayman between Munsten and Jaipers will be waiting for me.

  "Lead on then, Colonel. My men will follow you."

  * * *

  A short time later, Brent was inside Jergen and moving through the streets with his men. Garrison men had cleared the way for them and they moved quickly. The city was made of an odd mix of stone and woodwork. Munsten was almost all made of stone. Stone didn't burn and buildings didn't collapse. Munsten also had a septic system in place, buried beneath the buildings and roads. Jergen still used the streets and Brent's eyes watered at the burning acrid smell of human waste filling the ditches beside the roads. The sea breeze was not enough to clear the air.

  Up ahead was an open courtyard and Brent could see trees planted in a circular grove with a large statue of some forgotten hero central to it. Lord Jergen, no doubt, thought Brent. The man who put the old King on the throne. A pious man, who — oddly enough — had killed more people in the name of religion, and the throne, than most men cared to remember. With that thought, Brent passed through the stone arch and into the bright sun of the courtyard.

  He looked around, admiring the view, and noticed a young man with a dog standing nearby. The man still had the look of a boy about him and he was burdened with an overly large backpack with all sorts of items tied to it. His blond hair and blue eyes stood out amongst the dark haired people of south Belkin. Just as he was noticing the man, they locked eyes and Brent felt a jolt. The startling blue eyes drew him in and, for an instant, Brent felt he should know this man. The man seemed to recognise him by the widened eyes and the smile now on his face. Brent found himself smiling back.

  Just then Major Gillespie pushed past him and Brent watched the man shift his eyes to follow him, his eyebrows lowered in a glare. His dog seemed to growl. They seem to be good judges of character, thought Brent. Captain Dixon rode up beside him and Brent turned his attention to him.

  "Almost there, sir. Just to the left and down a block. Just past a terrific pub called the Dark Horse."

  "Seems you know this city, Dixon."

  "Yes, sir. This is my hometown."

  "Your hometown? Why'd you not tell me that earlier?"

  "Beg your pardon, sir. I wouldn't presume to tell you my personal affairs."

  Brent glanced over to the grinning captain. "Ha! Fine. You are correct. I should know my officers better than this. But you are Army, how the hell should I know your background? Or care?"

  "Good that you don't, sir! Jergonians are known for their laid-back ways and religious zealotry! You wouldn't trust me if you'd have known. You'd think me a God fearing man!"

  "Hmm. God fearing. I suppose men must fear something, eh captain?"

  "Sir, yes. Lessen they become old and soft."

  "Ha! Speaking of God. Where is the cathedral then?"

  "Sir?"

  "The Cathedral of Jergen. Famous place."

  "Sir," said Captain Dixon and jutted a chin over Brent's shoulder.

  Brent turned in his saddle and looked. There, towering over the buildings, was the white stone of a massive cathedral. You couldn't miss it if you tried, thought Brent. And yet I did. I feel the fool. He turned back to see Dixon's eyes twinkling with mirth.

  "Don't ever mention this, Captain."

  "No, sir, never!" and Dixon rode ahead laughing out loud.

  Brent chuckled to himself and then found himself looking for the young man with his dog. He was still standing there with his dog staring at him and looking more than a little lost. I wonder who he is?

  Brent clucked to his horse and they moved off down the road to the barracks. He glanced at the position of the sun and grimaced. At least three hours before I can soak in a tub. That Colonel Masters better have a large tub.

  Hours later Major Gillespie read the short missive he'd found in the drop location in the officer quarters. It simply warned him of a church interest in Jaipers. That was unexpected, thought Gillespie and touched the paper to the candle in his room. It flared and Gillespie dropped it into the ash bucket by the cold fireplace.

  Gillespie sat and thought for a while before he heard a soft rap on his door. "Who is it?" he asked the back of his door.

  "Sir, Captain Dixon. As you requested."

  "One moment, Captain."

  Gillespie rose and strapped his sword to his waist. He looked at his reflection in the full mirror and admired his ceremonial uniform. He had bitched about having to take it with him but now he was pleased he did. He was resplendent in rich golds and reds. A thick gold band ran down the outsides of his dark blue pant legs. He tugged his tunic down and turned his shoulders a little to better see his rank. A small golden crown stood proudly there on raised red velvet epaulettes. Soon to be joined by the pip of a Lieutenant-Colonel, he thought and he smiled at his reflection. I should have shaved, he thought and stroked his whiskers.

  Everything was set for Jergen. Gately and David would be dealt with and disappear into the belly of fish. Then it would just be Dixon they would need to deal with and Jergen was not the city to do it in. He would be too closely watched. Timing was everything and Gillespie had decided to deal with Dixon at the same time as Bairstow. Two birds with one stone. He looked forward to dealing with the young upstart of an Army captain. He turned to the door and swung it open to find the startled officer standing there blinking. He's smartly dressed and looks better in uniform than I do, he thought. And he is freshly shaved. I hate this man.

  "Let's be about this," he said through clenched teeth and a forced smile. "Dinner with the mayor awaits."

  Twenty-Seven

  Jergen Waterfront, 900 A.C.

  I FOUND A street p
ost informing me I was on Highborn Street and after a few dozen yards I found the street plunged down a steep incline. As I made my way down the road, I was surprised by just how steep the road was. Who would design such a road? Carts and horses would have to avoid it. Despite how difficult it was, the view was spectacular and it provided a direct path to the harbour district. Down ahead I could see the street ended at a crossroad with the road beyond it reaching down to the docks, the massive cliff-enclosed bay, and an expanse of sea beyond gleaming in the afternoon sun. Seagulls soared and circled with their constant cry filling the air. I could make out ships of all shapes and sizes tied alongside the piers. As I watched, a ship was on a broad reach and fighting the onshore wind to make it out of the harbour. On board, the men scurried across the deck and hauled on ropes on the masts. Sails snapped taut and spray washed across the decks. It was a glorious sight.

  I was glad I was going downhill and I pitied the people struggling to climb the hill to my right on the weathered wooden steps laid down to help them. It was a steep climb despite the stairs. When I reached the bottom, on what the street sign called Shoreline Road, I looked right and then left, not sure which way to go. With a bark Dog ran off to the left and, with the direction decided, I stepped out after him, relishing the flat road.

  The buildings grew farther and farther apart and less solid and cared for as I made my way down the road. The wood was bleached white with the sun and salt. Sand and stringy long grass were everywhere. Just a few dozen feet from the road was a cliff edge hidden by the shoreline, but beyond was the sea. The ground must really drop off, I thought. The smell of the ocean was stronger this close and I drew in deep breaths. The sea smelled of life and I loved it after the stench of the city proper.

  As I made my way along the narrow road I would watch Dog bound into view from around a house and then just as quickly disappear again behind another. He was excited about something, his nose barely clearing the sand as he tried to smell everything he could. I wondered what would excite a dog so much and thought of cats and rats and shrugged. Dog was a strange animal.