Uncertain but knowing the truth of Katerin's words, the blonde chewed her lower lip. "We'll post a guard for the rest of our stay," she finally said. "I want everyone packed and ready to leave the minute we're through this mess."
Relieved that her friends would be safe, Katerin smiled. "I'm sure it will be fine, Ros." She slipped into a comforting hug.
"I hope you're right," Ros whispered.
Bleeding Sif! Why couldn't I have found her last year? Dominic grumbled as he returned his pass to the guard. Sliding easily into pedestrian traffic, he worried this new development.
The segregation of the entertainers was a boon. At least she won't be ambling along the streets to be discovered. Fortunate as well was her disguise. Despite his knowledge that Princess Sabine had survived, Dominic wouldn't have known her to look at her.
If the girl is fool enough to come here, though... Shaking his head, the aide turned off the main thoroughfare. What other absurdity will she be party to? How can I use this?
Telling Liam his sister lived was out of the question. The young man was distracted enough; this news would only draw his attention away from the goal. They were too close to the throne to risk it.
Dominic had already lied to Sabine about the prince. God, help us if she finds out! Her lack of common sense could uncover us all. Putting the final straw on things, Travis was late checking in by a full day. Others in Dominic's network of spies had heard nothing about him. Either he's been compromised or he's unable to leave.
Too many variables made for little control and Dominic detested the situation. If Travis didn't report by the end of the day, the aide would be forced to act.
The rebellion awaited only his word; all was in place. Should the Invader have gotten the information, Dominic could see little recourse other than an early attack. Later would guarantee a loss. And I very much doubt I could talk the royal bratling into delaying.
Worst scenario, Travis had been discovered and the Invader received information on the rebels' attack. The best option was to speed up their timetable and possibly distract the ruler.
As Dominic neared the hovel he shared with Liam, he stopped in his tracks. Oblivious to the jostle and curses of those pushing past, a smile crossed his face.
What better distraction than a hunted princess?
The Invader wiped his hands on a towel, leaving streaks of crimson gore. "Clean that up," he instructed with a nod at the body crumpled behind him. As guards hastened to obey, he said, "Remove the head and hang it from the main gates."
"Aye, Sire," the jailor said, bowing.
Turning, the Invader raised his hand. "No." He stood in thought as everyone paused. "Destroy it instead. When this is over, I'll have other heads to decorate the castle walls."
"Aye, Sire."
Looking down, the Invader noted his tunic was a mess. I'll have a bath drawn when I return to my quarters. As he left the dungeons, he said, "Semelo," not bothering to see if his captain followed. Climbing narrow steps, he was amused at the visible recoil from the guard at the door.
Once in the courtyard, the Invader inhaled deeply, chasing away the scent of blood and death that clung to him. While it was reminiscent of a battlefield, it wasn't the same, derived instead from a helpless opponent. Grimacing, he removed his tunic, tossing the offending material to the ground.
Behind him, Semelo spoke softly to the guards. Clothing rustled and he approached his liege. "Sire, wear this."
"Thank you, Captain," the Invader said, taking the offered tunic. "See that the guardsman is properly rewarded."
"Aye, Your Majesty. I'll see to his compensation."
The tunic was tight in the shoulders but fit well enough. Coppery blood still tickled the Invader's nostrils and he started walking across the courtyard, his captain trailing behind.
Dominic's name coming from ravaged lips was hardly a surprise. If anyone would be behind this abortive attempt, it would be he, the Invader thought. With no prince, however…does he think he can be king? Unless, of course, he's discovered Sabine.
To throw things off, Dominic planned to instigate a riot in three days, coinciding with the day after the fall of the kingdom. The day I ousted him. It was hoped that the guard would be more lax, having seen the official anniversary come and go without incident. Should he discover I've found him out, he'll move the time up and change some of the particulars.
The spy wasn't privy to any more information than time and date, nor were many names called out - Dominic, the long dead Liam and three others were mentioned. Finding them in the crowded streets of revelers would be impossible. Though there was an inn mentioned that Dominic frequented.
Pausing at a door leading into the castle, he said, "Send a squad to the Dancing Bird and roust the owner. I want him publicly flogged for treason before his arrest. Bring in his family, as well."
Semelo bowed. "Aye, Sire. Any other orders, sir?"
The Invader paused. "No. Make it loud and very noticeable. I want their leaders to know that I'm aware of them." His captain bowed and backed away a respectable distance before turning to trot away.
Staring after, the Invader thought, I know you're out there, Dominic. I'll find you soon and we'll have a nice long talk.
Chapter 12
Ros leaned against the wagon, arms crossed, giving the appearance of nonchalance as she stared at the castle before her. Behind, the troupe was gathered about the fire, their demeanor subdued. Word had passed among them about their current predicament and all were worried about the coming day.
They were scheduled to present themselves to the Invader at noon, the third act of the day. Plans were in place and they were packed to leave immediately after. Ros had learned from contacts among the other troupes that, upon completion of their act, they'd be given a healthy stipend and the necessary papers to leave the city. A few troupes had elected to remain, entertaining the natives daring to venture onto the field and receiving extra monies in return.
While it seemed obvious that Dominic hadn't turned in Katerin, the blonde was still nervous. You'd be on edge anyway, she reminded herself, going into the lion's den.
She, Em, Phizo and Katerin had spent a long hour in the wagon, discussing their options while Daiki and Martim idled outside on guard. To Ros' annoyance, the older couple agreed with Katerin that they should stay until after their presentation. Her suggestion to have Kat hide with another troupe for the time being was met with resistance.
"If the worse should happen and I'm discovered, it will be easier for you to deny knowledge of my true nature," Katerin insisted. "To move me would imply knowledge and, therefore, your guilt and collusion."
There was no arguing and Em supported the brunette.
Ros grimaced at the sour taste in her mouth and spat on the ground before her.
"You're brooding again."
Not bothering to turn, the circus owner said, "Aye, and with good reason."
Em moved forward, placing a companionable arm about the younger woman's waist. "Aye. Good reason you have, even without Kat." She looked up at Ros. "Forced into an audience with the Invader can be dangerous."
Ros only nodded and they stood in silence for long moments.
"I remember you as a young girl," Em said, voice low. "Scared of your own shadow, so uncertain. You've grown up well. Your da would be proud."
The blonde swallowed. "Would he?" she whispered.
Smiling, the old woman said, "Aye. He would. You've surpassed all his dreams for you." She hugged her charge. "Your entire family would be."
Snorting, Ros nevertheless put her arm around Em's shoulders. "I find that difficult to believe but I won't argue."
"Just as well," the old woman stated firmly. "You haven't won an argument with me, yet."
"First time for everything," the blonde hinted, her jibe not carrying much force.
Em hugged her again. "Remember your fears," she said. "Go to Katerin. She needs you."
Finally looking away from the castle, Ros look
ed into her friend's eyes. "Aye," she said. "You're right. Thank you."
"You'd have thought of it soon. I didn't raise you to be half-witted." Em received a chuckle and a squeeze before the blonde released her. She watched Ros enter her wagon, hearing Kat's low greeting before returning to her family at the fire.
As Liam awaited the arrival of his 'generals,' four men who had spent more time on the farm than the battlefield, he stared into the fireplace. Dominic had returned from his outing in a strange mood. The aide tried to give the impression of somber worry but, after several months of living together, Liam could see something else beneath the mask. A measure of satisfaction or smugness, he couldn't tell which. No amount of prying could get Dominic to discuss it, however, until the others arrived. Cloaked in silent contemplation, Liam waited until all were assembled.
"Travis has been compromised, I'm sure of it."
Liam sighed heavily, thoughts a blur. Why would Dom be happy with that? The prince recalled a conversation or two with some of his more vocal supporters, all pronouncing Dominic a traitor. Could they be right? Could he be setting a trap for me even as he works toward setting me on the throne?
"We can't stop now," Torlief insisted, leaning forward with a thump. "If your spy has been discovered, how much can he tell?"
Dominic, his face a mask of disgust, said, "He knows me. He knows the time and date. Travis was to tell us where the Invader would be at our attack."
There was cursing followed by apologetic looks at the prince. Liam waved them to silence. "We have several alternatives here," he said. "Speed, sloth or suspension." His generals erupted into another bout of curses. I wonder which Dominic will support…
"No!"
"We can't stop now!"
"Perhaps if we waited…"
Dominic thumped the table with open palms. "The Invader knows the only option open to us is speed. If we wait, he'll have more time to prepare. And we certainly can't stop. Our people have worked hard for this moment; to halt now would demoralize them. We'd have a devil of a time gathering our resources again."
"You have an idea?" Liam asked.
Nodding, the aide said, "Yes." He looked at the others, ensuring he had their attention. "With some hard work we can have the courtyard set for tomorrow at noon."
"Tomorrow?" one general said. "Are ye daft?"
I should think not, Liam considered. Forestalling further argument, he raised his hand. "Nay, it can work. If the Invader knows only our planned time to strike, the earlier we attack the better. It will be difficult getting the word out, but I think we've proven ourselves willing and able." The men watched him and he was suddenly struck by the oddity of a fourteen year old boy ordering these grizzled farmers to their potential deaths. You'll do it many times in the next few days, the prince chided himself. Don't become jaded. Always remember they have families even if you don't. He turned his attention to Dominic, the generals following his lead.
Oh, yes. Liam's the one. As Dominic outlined the plan, his thoughts continued a different path. Sabine could never command the same respect as he. No one will follow her. They will a prince. He answered a question from one of the generals, glad to see Liam jump into the conversation with his own ideas. But can she be used as easily? I doubt it; I seem to recall rumor of her willful ways…Too much like her mother.
"I'll lead the men through the gate."
"My Liege, no!" Dominic insisted, returning full attention to the conversation. "We can't risk you getting killed in the skirmish!"
Liam made a face. "Dom, I can't sit outside while my people shed their blood for my title. If I'm to be king, I must lead!" And if this is a trap laid for me, I'll be damned if I'll be where you expect me.
Amazingly, the generals agreed with Dominic. A long debate ensued as the men refused to change their minds on the issue. No amount of arguing would alter things, not even threat of royal punishment.
Slumping, Liam refused to pout. "Fine. Enjoy your victory, gentlemen. I promise you, it won't happen again."
A deep sigh of relief echoed around the table.
"More importantly, Sire," Torlief said, "you'll be alive to enjoy your victory."
Dominic regained their attention. "Then it's agreed? Noon tomorrow all will be in place. I'll arrange a distraction in the courtyard."
There was consensus. The sound of chairs scraping the floor filled the room as the men prepared to leave. They went out the door at intervals, going in different directions.
As Dominic closed the door on the last man, he thought, I know just the distraction. I'm sure the Invader would be more than happy to have Princess Sabine in his hands.
Liam stared into the fire once more. No doubt about it. I'll be in the courtyard at noon, regardless of Dominic's wishes. I will lead my army to victory.
The armored man pulled off his helmet. His air of command reminded her of her father, though he wasn't as handsome. An ugly scar ran across his face from the base of his nose to curve down and around his cheek. He was saying something, his voice so low that she couldn't make it out.
When the blade pierced her mother's chest, pinning the babe to it, her scream matched theirs.
Fighting out of her nightmare, Katerin struggled with the blanket. Hands on her upper arms startled her and she gave a small shriek, batting them away.
"Shhhh," Ros whispered. "It's a bad dream, Kat! You're safe!"
Realizing the truth of her lover's words, Katerin slumped into the embrace with a shaky breath. "I'm sorry," she murmured. "I hope I didn't wake anyone else."
Ros leaned back, taking the brunette with her. "I doubt any of us are getting much sleep this night," she said.
Katerin snuggled the blonde, draping her arm across the lean belly. She pillowed her head on Ros' breast, tentative feelings of safety washing over her as her lover encircled her long arms. "You, too?" she asked.
Reluctant, Ros nodded. "Aye, me, too."
Curiosity drove away the dwindling fear. Katerin's nightmares were her own, the reason for their existence self-evident. Despite many nights spent discussing them with Ros, all attempts to relieve their severity met with limited success.
Her lover's nightmares, while less frequent, were just as uncompromising. Ros would wake, sometimes with a yell and always terrified. The few times Katerin tried to gain insight, her lover insisted she couldn't remember the dream.
"Do you remember this one?" Katerin asked on a lark.
"No," was the immediate answer.
So fast. No pause. You do remember. Squeezing the blonde, Katerin let the suspicions go. "Tomorrow night we'll be away and all will be well."
"Aye," Ros said, returning the hug. "The last of the packing will be done in the morning. We'll leave when the performance is finished."
Katerin smiled. "A reverse parade," she said. "Everyone in costume and make up as we flee with festive abandon."
Snorting at the image, Ros nodded. "Let's just hope Usiku has time to don his breeches first," she said, referring to the dark skinned man's fig leaf clown act.
The women chortled in the darkness, holding each other for strength and support.
Looking over Firemount Field, he could see the fires of various camps. It appeared that a few troupes had gathered together, singing and dancing the night away. Tomorrow will be my celebration. Drinking from a cup of wine, the Invader contemplated the view, unseeing.
Given the circumstances and information from the discovered spy, he was certain Dominic would attempt a coup fairly soon. The exact time, of course, was unknown but the Invader doubted it would be much longer.
To that end, he had prepared his finest archers to be present along the ramparts of the courtyard. In addition, a good number of the Royal Guard were instructed to wear civilian clothes and mingle with the lords and ladies of court during the days performances.
You're no match for me, traitor, he thought. Strength of arms will prevail.
"That one?"
"Aye. That's the wagon," Dominic agreed,
his voice as low as his comrade's. ""She's small boned, dark of hair and eye."
"And the prince wants her taken to the Invader?" the greasy man asked, tugging at his ear with a frown.
"Isn't that what I said?" Dominic shook his head. "The less you know, the better if you get caught. Just get the girl and bring her to the guard at the castle. She's to be a diversion." Fool! Do as you're told!
Now he was sucking his teeth. "I'll not be responsible for an innocent woman's death," he said.
"Bleeding Sif," Dominic cursed. "She's not an innocent and she's not going to die! If we're to pull this off, however, you must do this by noon. Will you?" Gods save me from well-meaning villains.
"You swear she'll be safe?"
Dominic barely refrained from rolling his eyes. Instead, he mustered all the sincerity he could. "Aye, I swear." I swear she'll be put out of my misery.
With reluctance, the greasy man nodded acceptance of his task. "I'll have her at the gate by the appointed time."
Taking his leave, Dominic fairly cackled. Soon, King Liam will be on the throne and I will standing beside him.
Chapter 13
Sitting outside Phizo and Em's wagon, Katerin fiddled with her project. She was learning to knit but it wasn't going well. Holding up a malformed sock, she tsked under her breath. "This is so much harder than it looks."
"Aye, it can be," Em agreed from her stool. She too was knitting, her endeavor much more aesthetically pleasing.
The brunette eyed the sock balefully before raising her eyes to scan the field.
Chuckling, the older woman said, "It's been less than an hour, Kat."
Katerin dropped her gaze, blushing, and sighed. "I know. But the waiting is hard. I'd much rather have it over and be gone." She made a halfhearted attempt at knitting.
Phizo, perched in the door of the wagon smoking a pipe, said, "Aye. As would we all; but no fears, Kat. They'll be finished in no time and we'll be long gone by nightfall."
"Yes, I know," the brunette murmured. She concentrated on her task once again, frowning in disgust. With a snort, she dropped her needles into her lap. "Oh, honestly! This is giving me fits!" Transferring the project to her basket, she rose and dusted off her skirts. "I'll return momentarily. I've a mind to work on my sewing instead."
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