"You want company?" Phizo asked, preparing to rise.
"No, thank you," Katerin said, mindful of the old man's aching joints. She gave a reassuring smile. "It will be just a moment while I fetch the other."
Masculine honor appeased, Phizo relaxed and nodded, missing Em's mischievous wink. Suppressing a giggle, Katerin picked up her basket and left them.
The immediate encampment was quiet, wagons packed in preparation of a speedy departure, the few horses not needed for Willem's performance already hitched to them. Beyond their troupe, other camps were rehearsing for their audience with the Invader or entertaining those brave locals who wandered the field. Only a handful had left and Katerin was glad to soon be joining them.
Opening the wagon door, Katerin stepped inside. There was little space to move because of the outdoor accoutrements; stools, small tables, an oiled canvas awning and poles cluttered the entry. She eased past them, reaching the cupboard she used for her ongoing handicrafts. Katerin quickly found what she was looking for, setting her knitting basket inside before closing the door.
Squinting in the late morning light, the brunette shut the wagon firmly. She found herself staring at the castle, a mix of emotion in her heart - wistful nostalgia tainted with a healthy dose of fear. Just a bit longer and we'll be free of this danger.
"Milady!"
Startled, Katerin turned from her thoughts, grabbing her skirts in one hand, preparing to flee. A man, flushed and panting from running, slid to a stop before her.
Knuckling his forehead in respect, he said, "Forgive me, milady, I didn't mean to frighten you."
Heart still thumping, Katerin reacted to his deference with proper royal snobbery. "It's well you didn't then, isn't it?"
"Aye, milady," the man agreed, ignoring the lie. "I was sent when it happened. There's been an accident! You're to come to the castle immediately!"
"Accident?" Katerin blanched, her sewing project falling from numb fingers. "What happened? Is Ros involved?" she demanded, grabbing the messenger's arm.
"I don't know, milady," he answered, pulling back, drawing the woman with him. "I didn't see. I was only told that someone is calling for you."
Katerin felt a wave of nausea rush over her. Oh, gods! Not again! I don't think I can handle more death. Steeling herself, she said, "Take me to her!"
"Aye, Milady. This way."
"But, Sire," the lieutenant hissed.
"I'm not changing my mind, Ian," the dark young man said. "Save your breath and follow orders."
Silently cursing upstart princes, the sole remaining Dulce guardsman nodded. "Aye, Sire."
Liam grasped the man's upper arm. "When this is over, I'm making you captain of my guard. You've served me well and deserve a fitting reward."
"Thank you, my liege. But if you don't survive, I'll never see it," came the pointed reminder.
Chuckling, the prince released his man. "Then we'd best get on with it, eh?" At Ian's nod, he said, "I'll see you on the other side."
The guard nodded. "Aye, Sire, you will."
Liam watched him drift away in the crowd, preparing his peasant army to storm the gates. An army I'm supposed to be leading from afar.
Loitering at the courtyard entrance, Liam searched for a way past the Invader's guards. No commoners were allowed inside, only those with royal invitations. The prince had been here most the morning, watching. At last he saw an opportunity.
As the next group of performers passed, Liam pulled his hood up and put his shoulder against the second of two wagons, keeping himself out of sight of the circus people. They were stopped at the gate, a blonde woman producing their invitation before being waved through.
"Here! Are you with this troupe?" a guard asked as Liam went through.
With a snort, the young man pointed at the tiger pacing inside. "You think I'd be pushing this cage if I wasn't?"
Accepting his claim, the guard waved him on with a sour expression.
Once inside, Liam eased away from the agitated cat with a sigh of relief. Gods, I hope that thing's not loose when the call to arms sounds. He kept his hood up, letting it partially obscure his face. While Liam didn't know most of the lords and ladies present, chances were good that some knew him. For all he knew they were a part of this rebellion, too.
"The Adamson Circus," a court herald announced.
Attention diverted to the center of the courtyard, Liam noted the Invader's location near the main doors. Ignoring the burst of adrenaline, he eyed the man responsible for his nearly mortal wound. Have to keep him from escaping that way. Liam forced himself to locate his people and the guards, a welcome distraction from his urge to run forward and kill the enemy.
Dominic, dressed in the Invader's livery, waved a lord through the door he was manning. "Be welcome, sir," he greeted with a slight bow. As expected, the courtier ignored him and sidled into the courtyard just as the next act began.
Withholding a sneer, the aide entertained himself with thoughts of how these people would treat him by day's end. If they survive.
Dominic scanned the courtyard for the rebels, noting their proper placement. Above them were fifteen of the Invader's finest archers, casually watching the crowd. When the call came, the archers would be first to die. Secreted about the yard were several weapons, including crossbows. Liam's spies in the castle had smuggled them in weeks earlier and hid them over the recent days.
All we need now is our diversion, he thought. It's a shame she'll die in the melee.
They had gotten some way before Katerin's suspicions surfaced. She'd been raised in this city, this castle. The courtyard was in another direction, she was sure of it. Would the Invader have the circus enter elsewhere? Try as she might, the brunette couldn't see why.
Her guide ducked around a corner. "This way, Milady."
"I think not." Katerin looked about nervously. The man had led her to a little used lane. This is the way to the servants' entrance. If the princess didn't miss her guess, the guarded gate was only a few steps further.
Is this a trap?
Realizing she was no longer with him, the man returned. "Milady? We must hurry!"
"Who are you?" Katerin demanded, backing away.
"A valet, Milady," he said, "sent to fetch you. The accident..."
"You'd do well to explain this 'accident.' I don't recall you saying exactly what transpired." My gods! Am I such a gullible fool? She continued moving away, the man following.
His face lost its earnestness and he shook his head with a scowl. "I'm sorry, Milady, but my superiors insisted that I fetch you. You won't be hurt, I swear it."
That was all Katerin needed to hear. Grabbing her skirts she turned to flee, running directly into another man who held her firm. Her struggles were useless, the behemoth being three times her size and weight. She couldn't even make noise past the meaty hand held over her mouth.
Her pretended guide glanced about in search of trouble. Finding none, he turned his attention to the scuffling woman. "Be still," he insisted. "You'll not be hurt. By the end of the day, there'll be a new king on the throne."
New king! These men are from the rebellion! Katerin froze. Dominic!
"Aye. Just be careful and you'll be fine." To the bigger man, he said, "Let's go."
Katerin fought once more, her captor carrying her like a sack of squiggling puppies before him.
"Here!" the smaller man shouted at the guards as they rounded the corner. "I've a present for the Invader!"
An ornate chair had been brought out for the occasion and the Invader lounged upon it, a canopy raised above him to keep he and his guests shaded. A handful of the highest lords and their ladies were honored to sit on the makeshift dais, watching as yet another circus set up before them.
Biting back a yawn, the Invader scanned this newest offering. I certainly hope Dominic gets on with it, he thought. The sooner this is quashed, the better. His eyes fell on the circus leader and his boredom washed away.
It was the woman h
e'd seen registering in the field a day or so earlier. Tall, thin, a mop of blonde hair that apparently couldn't be tamed, she looked as much a rogue without her weapon as she had with it. I wonder if she knows how to use that sword I saw her with? he idly mused. Noting her swagger, he concluded she probably did.
The woman made a formal bow to the crown before beginning her speech. Her voice was rough, deeper than the Invader expected, and filled with a vigor he found surprising. Heedless of her words, he leaned on one arm and waved his hand servant closer. "Who is she?"
"I'm not sure, Sire. They were announced as the Adamson Circus."
Adamson. The name didn't ring a bell. However, the longer he watched the woman, the more familiar she became. Who are you? "Find out a name," he ordered.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Bowing, the servant backed away.
The Invader leaned back in his chair, ignoring the nervous glances from those seated closest to him. When the woman finished her introduction, bowing to one side as a family of three began riding trick horses, his eyes followed her. From where do I know you? His mind puzzled over it for some time, all avenues of search failing him. He was beginning to believe the woman simply had one of those faces that reminded him of another.
Trick riding over, she returned to the center of the courtyard and began another speech. Something about 'flights.' He paid her words no mind, hearing only the voice, an eerie memory echoing the tones. The Invader almost jerked when an aide thrust a silver tray with a parchment in his face from behind.
Scowling, the Invader snatched the paper and glanced inside. All concerns regarding the blonde woman were gone in an instant. Oblivious to the performance before him, he looked over his shoulder at the aide. "Are you sure about this?"
"Yes, Sire," the man bowed. "It's her."
So. The Princess Sabine is involved in this. Slowly scanning the courtyard, the Invader noted the many unfamiliar faces, wondering which were involved in Dominic's little scheme. When will you attack? Do you know she's been taken? Or is this a ruse?
"Sire? What do you wish us to do with the prisoner?"
Yes, Dominic. What do you wish me to do? The Invader finally said, "Bring her here. Now." As the aide left to do his bidding, he stroked his beard in thought.
Ros introduced the next act, one that she would be participating in. Her troupe crowded forward and began creating a human pyramid, using their strongman as the base. Their time was limited, a full three-hour show uncalled for, and she'd chosen those things that would take the least in the way of props. Once this was finished, Cristof would bring the tiger out for a quick bit and they would leave.
The Invader's initial overt interest in her was distracted by a message and she breathed a sigh of relief. That his interest was in her specifically was unsettling and Ros wondered how she would get through this. It was bad enough being in the den without drawing the undue attention of the lion.
Ros watched an aide scamper away and the Invader's eyes return to the performance, though without the intensity of a few moments ago. Martim and Tommaso were linked arm in arm, standing on either of Abdullah's shoulders, free arms out to balance one another. Amar, a thinner man, was clambering up the human chain with the help of the others.
Working out the angles, Ros waved Minkhat closer and the pair made a show of fixing the fulcrum and board they would use for their trick. Once it was in place, she checked on her peoples' progress. Habibah and Sati were now balanced upon Amar's shoulders and the dwarf, Sameer, was clambering up the chain. Once he was set, he gave a yell and Abdullah at the base turned slowly, gaining applause for the mass of humanity on his shoulders.
In the meanwhile, Minkhat and Usiku took their place and joined arms, helping Willem climb above them. As they held him tight at the ankles, Ros made her foray up the smaller pyramid. It took some work to find proper placing and balance to get there, but soon, she was atop his shoulders, arms out in balance. Abdullah finally settled into place and, after a nod from him, Ros called out.
Young Wills scampered forward from among the horses. With mischievous grin, he tumbled about until he landed on one end of the board that had been placed between the two groups. He faced Ros' pyramid though he was on the opposite side, standing in front of Abdullah. When everyone gave the go ahead, Ros let out another yell and jumped.
Landing on the opposite end of the board, Ros sent the young lad flying. Abdullah shuffled about, keeping an eye on the airborne boy until he landed safely on Sameer's shoulders high above the audience. All of them posed for their applause, smiling before beginning the process of climbing down. When all were on the ground, they lined up and bowed to the crown as the clapping continued.
A door to the side opened and two guards appeared, towing a dark haired prisoner. Her wrists were bound before her and she struggled between them as she was dragged toward the Invader.
The applause faded at this new entertainment and Ros looked for the interruption. Bleeding Sif! What's she doing here? She took a step forward, Willem and Usiku having the presence of mind to hold her back.
Across the courtyard, Liam tensed as the prisoner was brought before the Invader and forced to kneel. That can't be…
Dominic, a fleeting smile crossing his lips, firmly closed the door he was positioned by. With smooth precision, he slid a wooden bar into iron slots, locking it. Turning, he noted that his compatriots were doing the same. No one was aware as of yet, all eyes on the throne.
The Invader, a pleased smile on his face, rose and stepped forward. "Princess Sabine. It's so good to finally meet you." He drew his sword. "Unfortunately, your stay will be short."
Chapter 14
A long silence stretched into the distance. As the Invader prepared the princess' deathblow, Dominic watched, waiting for the proper moment. Katerin, refusing to bow her head to this usurper, glared at the man who massacred her family.
Liam frantically looked about, finding his aide and realizing with sick horror that Dominic planned to do nothing. Lips thinning in anger, the prince threw off his cloak and shouted, "For Liam! To me!" Pulling a short sword from his waist, he pushed forward to save his sister.
The call to arms sounded prematurely and Dominic swore, looking for the cause. "Damned royal bratling will be my undoing!" Regardless, he grabbed a hidden sword and waded into the fight.
The rebels echoed Liam's cry, firing crossbows at the overhead archers who returned arrows with deadly intent. Several people fell in the courtyard, both fighters and bystanders alike. As expected, there was an immediate stampede by the lords and ladies toward the now blocked doors. The only unguarded exit was the main gate and they wasted no time in finding it, leaving sword-wielding rebels to their posts with little complaint.
Ros stopped struggling against her friends as the courtyard erupted into violence. Arrows rained down from above and the scattered guard on the ground began fighting the rebels around them. The blonde pushed her people toward safety. "Get out! Don't stop! Protect the boy!" The troupe needed no further urging though Amar had to drag Cristof away from his tiger.
Daiki tried to bring the blonde along but she pulled away. "I have to save Kat!" Ignoring his glare, she shook her head. "I'll not leave her to him!"
The old man growled in frustration, ducking as an arrow barely missed its mark. "Be careful!" he warned, turning away to follow the others.
Seeing her people safely in retreat, Ros turned to the dais.
Three of the Royal Guard surrounded the Invader, determined to protect their liege. No thought was given to the prisoner who was outside their defensive circle. Katerin had fallen to one side, fighting with her bonds while the rebellion raged around her. Ros, recognizing her opportunity, leapt forward. If I can just get her out of here...
The fighting on the dais was fierce as the rebels endeavored to win their cause. Katerin edged away from the proceedings, squirming under foot as she struggled to move along. She grunted when someone stepped on her thigh but didn't stop her attempted escape. Her only
hope was that her friends and lover were able to make it out of the castle.
Ros ducked a sword, dropping to a protective heap over Katerin and startling the smaller woman into a muffled shriek. "It's me, Kat!" Her lover nodded recognition as Ros planned a course of action. Removing the brunette from her bindings was out of the question - there was no time. Instead, Ros began pulling them both out of the immediate melee, avoiding being trampled as best she could. Katerin toiled to help their progression, scrabbling along as directed.
At the same time, the Invader knew his prey was escaping. He couldn't leave her demise to chance; her tenacity already a burr in his side. The prophecy of his youth loomed over him and he knew the princess must die by his hand. With a rough curse, he pushed past his guard, looking for the woman he must slay to stay alive. Ah, there she is! You'll not crawl away from me, Sabine! I have a destiny to fulfill! Once more he raised his sword, intent on killing both women to insure his success.
Liam was almost there, heart in his throat, when Dominic stepped into his path. "Get out of the way, Dom! We must save Sabine!"
"No, Your Majesty," the aide said, raising a sword to block another's attack. "It's out of our hands!" He gutted the soldier and turned to the prince. "You shouldn't be here! We need you safe!" Dominic tried to grab the young man's arm, barely pulling away from the vicious slash directed at him.
Backing away slightly, Liam pointed his blade at the older man. "Is this why you didn't want me in the courtyard?" he demanded. "You knew Sabine was alive and that she'd be here today. You were going to sacrifice her to put me on the throne!"
Ros, concentrating on pulling them away from the storm of violence, looked up in time to see the Invader's gleeful face as he prepared to split them both. She froze in horror and their eyes locked. He faltered, an expression of recognition on his face. A rebel came from one side and distracted him, forcing him to defend himself.
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