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Trailing the Hunter

Page 20

by Heidi Eljarbo


  “Are they all ready?” he whispered.

  “They have all been helpful and willing to make this move.” She looked up and down the road. “I’m glad no one is here.” She motioned to the women to come forward. “Hurry, you need to hide in the wagon before anyone else comes by.”

  David and Christian assisted them into the wagon. The women hardly had any belongings and carried all they owned in their hands.

  “There, lie down in the middle of the wagon.” Christian helped the last woman up.

  He and David placed the empty barrels and crates back around the edges and covered everything with the large burlap canvas.

  Else leaned in, a determined look on her face. “I want to come.”

  Christian lifted his eyebrows. “How should we do that?”

  Else maintained eye contact. “These girls are my responsibility, and I should accompany them.”

  “She may come in handy.” Clara smiled and winked at him.

  Christian loved Clara’s smile—dainty and sweet, yet genuine and ladylike, at the same time. If Clara said it was a good idea to bring Else, so be it. He sat down with David and Else on the seat up front.

  Clara then touched his arm. “Thank you. Be careful.” She gently stroked the sleeve of his shirt.

  If he could only bring her along. But she would be safer if she went back to the cottage. As the wagon rolled down the road toward the village, he turned his head and watched Clara walk back into the forest.

  It was close to midnight, and the moon peeked out behind a lonely cloud, giving enough light to see the ruts in the road. After a few minutes, Christian whispered to the women in the back, “We are approaching Market Street. No matter what, just lie still, and don’t speak.”

  Most of the villagers had made their way home. The innkeeper swept the stairs outside the tavern. He threw a bucket of spills out onto the sidewalk and went back inside. A little farther down, the night-man was cleaning garbage off the street and emptying outhouse buckets.

  “Who goes there?” A gruff voice sounded from the side of the road.

  Christian recognized the guard who had night-watch duties in the village. Normally, the watchman moved idle and disorderly people away from the street and encouraged them to go home. But even a small village like Berg had thieves and even murderers, and the bailiff and Christian both felt a need for a watchman to keep Market Street and the area around the village hall safe.

  The watchman came up close and squinted. “Ah, it’s you, Mr. Ivershall. What is your errand this time of night?”

  Christian could have used his status and put the guard in his place but did not want to start an argument. He was about to open his mouth and explain when John Pywell came walking up to the wagon.

  “What is going on here?” Pywell wrinkled his brow. He put his hand on the side of the wagon. “Mr. Ivershall, is it not? And in the company of a young couple. You are out late, running errands.”

  Christian sat straight-backed, keeping direct eye contact. “We’ve picked up supplies from a farm east of here.”

  “But why so late, Mr. Ivershall? That is my question. Surely, you could have conducted your affairs earlier in the day.” He pulled on the corner of the burlap, revealing one of the barrels. “What do these contain?” He reached out as if he was about to move the canvas aside completely.

  Suddenly, Else jumped off the seat and placed herself next to Pywell. “They were waiting for me.” Her tone confident and cheerful, she gazed up at the man with wide, innocent-looking eyes. “I was visiting a family up yonder. We had the most interesting musical evening. There was singing and dancing.” She twirled around. “Do you like dancing, Mr. Pywell?” Before he had time to answer, she continued. Her words kept rolling out, rapidly and full of enthusiasm. “I love dancing. And the songs they sang…songs I had not heard before. It was wonderful. Do you sing? Oh, if you love music the way I do, you must know what I mean.”

  Pywell turned to the watchman and frowned. “Who is this woman?”

  “Daughter to one of our councilmen. Her family is respected and trustworthy.” The watchman spat on the road.

  Christian stayed quiet, waiting to see how the charade played out. Else was swinging from side to side, humming.

  “Have you been drinking, miss?” Pywell asked.

  Else laughed. “I have not. I’m simply content after having spent such a lovely evening of song and dance. Young David there is my beau. He did not want me walking home alone and came to pick me up, seeing as he and Mr. Ivershall were out on an errand anyway.” She blew a kiss to David who sat quite still on the wagon seat, then she turned back to face Pywell. “We are almost home; I live just on the other side of the village. We should leave; my father will surely worry about me.”

  Pywell looked at the watchman who nodded.

  “Then leave.” Pywell flipped his hand. “But be careful. You never know who is out this time of night.”

  Else jumped back up on the seat, hooked her arm around David’s elbow, and put her head on his shoulder.

  “Good night.” Christian flicked the reins.

  They sat in silence until they were on the road away from the village.

  Else was still holding David’s arm. “I have never seen the interpreter up close,” she said. “Such an unpleasant man. I am certainly glad you were both here.”

  “You gave him quite the performance.” Christian grinned. “By the time you had explained our purpose, he seemed utterly confused.”

  She giggled. “He did look puzzled, didn’t he?” She glanced over her shoulder. “Can we remove the covering now?”

  “We had better wait until we turn up the lane to Ivershall, just in case.”

  Thank the Lord for Else’s strength. That she had approached Clara with a determination to help was impressive.

  “Here we are.” They had reached the small lane to Else’s home. “Do you want David to—?”

  She shook her head and smiled sweetly. “No need, Christian. It will only take me a minute from here. You need to get the women to Ivershall.” She jumped off the seat and knocked on the side of the wagon. “Is everyone doing well?” She spoke in a low voice.

  Answers in the affirmative sounded muffled beneath the canvas.

  Christian shook Else’s hand. “Thank you. We will speak again soon, and you may come see us anytime.”

  The rest of the way they encountered no further interference. Christian and David spoke about hunting and fishing to pass the time. The only obstacle they met was a deer that crossed the road, startling the horse. As soon as they reached the lane, Christian pulled the reins to halt the horse, and David jumped down and removed the covering. The women sat up and stretched, clearly pleased they’d nearly reached their destination.

  Mother and Marna stood on the front steps. He smiled. Their determination to help reminded him of brave men he had seen in battle. Some gave their all, sometimes their life, to aid even a stranger.

  “Welcome to Ivershall.” Dorthea put her arms out to greet them. “Clara has probably already filled you in on why you are here. If you go with Marna, she will show you around. She has prepared three rooms, so two and two will have to share. Marna will also tell you what your duties will be. You will receive a salary; this will be like any job.”

  She hesitated before she continued and leaned heavily on her cane. “There is a reason you are all here. You came voluntarily to Clara and asked for her help, and now you will stay here for a while. Know that you are free to go if that is what you wish. If you should choose to leave, please, don’t jeopardize the safety of the remaining girls. I want you to know we are pleased to have you stay here. Keeping you protected is our concern.”

  The girls curtsied and followed Marna into the east wing of the mansion.

  Christian and David walked the horse with the wagon toward the stable.

  “So you have a girlfriend now?” Christian nudged David.

  David gave him a broad grin. “I wish. She is a beautifu
l girl but far above my station.”

  Christian had known David since they were young. He was more than a hired man at Ivershall; he was a friend.

  “Love does not know that, David. The woman I care for is also far above my station…in more ways than one.”

  ✽✽✽

  The following morning, Clara and Peter showed up at Ivershall with Ellen, Ruth, and their siblings. Clara had told the children to hurry and to bring only a few personal items. Dorthea and Christian would take care of them and make sure the children received all they needed.

  How reliable and faithful Peter was. The two youngest girls must have sensed his goodness. They’d grabbed his outstretched hands and not let go until they’d arrived at the estate.

  “It’s grand, isn’t it?” Clara pointed at the main building.

  With narrowed eyes, he stared at the house. “That it is.” He spoke in a low mumble, as if to himself.

  Clara nudged him with her elbow. “What’s wrong, Peter? What are you worried about? These people will take good care of the children. I would not have asked them if I did not think so.”

  He shoved his hands into his pockets. “It’s not that… Is Christian Ivershall here?”

  “Well, I don’t know.”

  They’d just arrived. Why was Peter concerned about where Christian was? She’d spent a lot of time here. Hold on…was Peter jealous?

  He took a step back. “I should get back to the village?”

  “Already?”

  The children were huddled together a few paces away.

  Clara moved closer to Peter. “Why don’t you stay a little longer? I’d like you to meet everyone here.”

  “No, I should go. Like you said, this family will take care of the children, and I need to go back to the inn.”

  “But why now?”

  “Early this morning, I overheard John Pywell tell the captain of the guard to meet him there this afternoon.” He leaned in. “I fear they’re up to something, and I did not want to discuss it with you in front of the children.”

  Clara nodded. Peter’s kindness and encouragement were beyond price.

  “That could be important, so you should go. Thank you for your support today…and every day.”

  He clasped her hand and gave it a light squeeze. “Remember, in my eyes you are an extraordinary woman.”

  Clara gave him a heartfelt smile as he turned to go back to the village. His open eyes and ears and casual conversations with people might uncover more of Angus’s schemes. She waved as Peter walked down the road. Now, she had to make sure the children were taken care of.

  The front door opened, and Dorthea came out. “Welcome to Ivershall!” She opened her arms and invited each child into her embrace, hugging them long and dear.

  No doubt unsure of the situation, the children stood in silence, staring. How good they were. Pride swelled in Clara’s heart as if she were their older sister or an aunt.

  The younger girls, Anne and Todne, seemed bewildered and clung to Ruth’s skirt. The boys slouched, kicking stones around. Clara was about to say something when Marna approached with a basket on her arm. Marna put the hamper down in front of the children, and four fluffy kittens crawled out, yawned, and stretched their little paws in the sunshine.

  The girls looked at Clara. “Can we play with them?”

  Clara nodded. “But be gentle. They are very young. And look, there comes the mama cat. She’ll be watching you.”

  With the children engaged, Clara leaned closer to Dorthea. “Is Amund here?”

  “No, Christian sent him out in the far field with the cows today. You don’t have to worry about him, and David knows not to disclose anything that goes on here at Ivershall.”

  Ellen had not mentioned Amund earlier that day. If they were somewhat of a pair, she probably knew he worked there.

  Dorthea waved at Marna. “Would you fetch the other basket, please? It’s right inside the front door.”

  Marna hurried off and returned with another basket.

  “Thank you, Marna. Give each of the younger girls a poppet and tell them they can take the dolls to their new dwelling in the forest.”

  The girls warmed up when they held the poppets in their arms. Their shyness seemed to have vanished.

  Curious about the six young women, Clara smiled and turned to Dorthea. They had been on her mind since last night when Christian came to get them. The richness of Ivershall was probably an overwhelming change. But were they well-behaved?

  “Dorthea, how are the young women?”

  “They are settling in nicely and are already busy with chores and different activities.”

  “Good. I hope this will work out well.”

  The younger children were smiling now. The boys stood by the paddock fence, watching a horse with its foal. Clara walked toward the girls, who were still playing with the kittens. Ruth stood watching her sisters, her hands folded.

  “I know you probably want to hide away by yourself and cry.” Clara put her arm around Ruth’s shoulders. “This is not easy.”

  Ruth kept her eyes on her sisters. “They have lost so much in their young lives.”

  “As have you. But look at them. They are joyous, and with you and Ellen taking care of the family, you can all make this work.” She bent down, picked up one of the kittens, and stroked the soft fur.

  Ruth lifted her chin and looked into Clara’s eyes. “How long do you think we will have to stay hidden?”

  Clara’s heart ached. It was not a question she could give a clear answer to. “I know not. If the situation in Berg improves, I will let you know right away and come and get you.”

  “Improves?” Ruth shuffled back a step. “That would mean either the witch-finder leaves, or he has a change of heart.”

  “Yes, the latter would be the best scenario because no one else would be hurt. We can only hope and pray he will come to his senses, but I must admit, I find it hard to believe he ever will.”

  Ruth wrapped her arms around herself and stared into the woods. “I know I have lived a sheltered life—my shyness has caused me to select a secluded daily routine—but I do not understand how a man can choose evil.”

  Ruth was right. Angus had certainly made bad choices.

  “From what he says, he believes he is saving entire villages and towns from evil. But he is so wrong. What he’s doing is wicked.”

  Ruth’s eyes widened. “You have spoken with him?”

  Clara let out a long breath. “Unfortunately, yes. I know him as ruthless, insensitive, and seemingly proud of his accomplishments.”

  “It must be serious for you to want to hide our family from him.”

  The truth was unbearable. Clara nodded. “It really is.” She stroked Ruth’s cheek. “Come, let’s go talk with Dorthea.”

  The two brothers were still by the paddock. Dorthea waved at them.

  “Boys, will you go to the stables and help David bring the other horses out?” She then turned to Clara. “Christian should be here soon. He had a meeting with the village council this morning.”

  ✽✽✽

  Christian arrived home to find a passel of children eating porridge on his back porch.

  “Finish up, children,” he said. “We have a long ride ahead of us.”

  He looked up. Dark clouds filled the sky in the distance. With a little luck, the wind would blow the storm in the opposite direction from where they were going.

  Clara came out, carrying a pitcher of water. “Oh, you’re back already. The children are nearly done eating.” She handed him a cup. “Here, do you want something to drink before we leave?”

  He finished the water and put the cup on the table. “We need to make haste, Clara. I rode through the village and heard talk of the weigh house. There’s a lot of unrest.”

  A cool breeze picked up the cloth covering an egg basket and tossed it onto the floor. Clara’s eyes widened. Did she sense the same warning as he did? Storms were approaching…in more ways than one.
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br />   He touched her arm and pitched his voice low. “We need to get these children to safety as soon as possible.”

  They went out to the front of the house with the girls. David and the boys brought three horses fully loaded with saddlebags.

  “Ruth…Ellen…let me help you up on these two horses,” Christian said. “Can you hold a little sister each?”

  The girls nodded.

  “I have never been on a horse before.” Little Todne’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

  Christian lifted her up. “You’ll be fine. Ruth will hold you, and you follow along with the motion as you ride.”

  Clara tilted her head and smiled. “I’m honored to ride your black one.”

  He assisted her up onto his stallion. “I would not have it any other way.”

  “But, Christian, what about you?”

  “We have one more horse, but I am leaving it here in case Mother needs David to ride into the village. The boys and I will follow on foot.”

  Mother came out and said a few words to each child. Christian could not make out what she said. He did not have to. It would be uplifting words of encouragement before they left for the woods. Her eyes were filled with love.

  ✽✽✽

  After a couple of hours spent riding and walking through the forest, they came around a hill to a small house hidden behind tall pine trees next to a stream. By now, the entire sky was dark and overcast, but the clouds had only let go of a few scattered drops of rain.

  “This is it,” Christian said. “I built this only last year and use it for hunting. The villagers do not know of this place.”

  He waved at Ole, Nils, and Hans, who were already running around outside the cottage, exploring. “Empty the saddlebags, boys.”

  The girls carried breads, cheese, and vegetables Marna had gathered up from the kitchen at Ivershall into the cottage.

  “My mother thought you should have enough for the next few days. I will return and bring more supplies toward the end of the week.”

 

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