Revolution (Cartharia Book 2)

by Spencer Reaves McCoy

  Matilyn nodded, "Maybe. I hope so. She deserves to see the truth of King Sullivan's vision. She would understand it, I think. She's a good person too. We met when were training as Priests."

  "Do you miss her?" Samuel asked.

  Matilyn shrugged, "I did for the longest time. Lately though, not as much. There have been other things that have become more important. You know what I mean?"

  Samuel nodded.

  They paused near a rose bush. Matilyn stared out at it, "I still love her," she said, "But I think I miss the idea of her more. The idea of someone that loves you unconditionally, someone that's there for you, that understands you. It's been a long time since I've had that."

  "No," Samuel said, "It hasn't. I understand you, Matilyn."

  Matilyn smiled, "I guess you do."

  Before either of them said more, there was a sudden trumpeting sound. Then a loud, shrill scream.

  Their eyes met for a brief moment and then both of them were running as fast as they could, back towards the festivities. Matilyn cursed the fact that she wasn't wearing weaponry. She knew Samuel must feel the same.

  There was a large crowd of people gathered together, some of them openly weeping. Others were screaming, and more were talking. Matilyn and Samuel shoved through them, trying to get to the front.

  "Get out of the way," Matilyn hissed out at people as she moved. She looked over at Samuel, "We have to find the princess."

  "What the hell happened?" he said back, pushing people out of the way.

  "Murder!" Someone called out. "Murder!"

  "No," Matilyn said. Her eyes met Samuel's again, "No."

  "It wasn't supposed to happen yet," Samuel said back, "Gods."

  "No," Matilyn said again. It felt like everything was spinning. She couldn't control the sick feeling that suddenly overrode everything else in her body. She felt like she was going to puke.

  When they reached the front of the crowd, a stricken Oliver was waiting at the front. Catherine was nowhere to be seen.

  "What's happened?" Samuel demanded, grabbing the boy by the shoulder, "Oliver, what's happened?"

  "My father," Oliver said, "My father's been murdered."

  A loud wail issued from the crowd. Matilyn closed her eyes, thinking of the king. They were too late. They'd misjudged Catherine. But Ra'sha had said...

  "How?" Samuel demanded.

  "He's been stabbed," Oliver said. His face was pale and his hands were trembling, "He's been killed. My father..."

  "Let's get you out of here," Samuel said, "Come along."

  "No," Oliver said clearly. "They've caught the culprit. They know who did it. I'm waiting to find out."

  Matilyn shook her head, trying to clear it.

  Doors suddenly flew open. Guards poured out. "Your Majesty," said the head one, "We've found the guilty party."

  "Who?" Oliver said.

  The guard looked back. "We're bringing her now."

  Her. The word resonated in Matilyn's head, but she couldn't make sense of it right now. Everything was happening too fast.

  Then another pair of guards stepped out. They had their hands on the arms of a young woman, a young woman in a long, green dress. Matilyn's jaw dropped. It was Ra'sha.

  Ra'sha woke to the sounds of footsteps near her cell. Her eyes flew open. She scrambled to her feet. It had been a long night, and she was still in her party dress.

  She expected to see another accusatory guard, or perhaps her father, come to rescue her. She kept waiting for someone to come and say it had been a mistake, she couldn't be guilty. She'd never felt so terrified in her life.

  Her eyes widened when she saw who it was. Ra'sha grabbed the bars of her cell, staring out at Matilyn. "I didn't do it," she blurted out.

  "I know," Matilyn said, "I know that. You don't have to... I know."

  Ra'sha felt a wave of relief sweep through her. Somebody believed her.

  "How did this happen though?" Matilyn asked. "How are they accusing you?"

  "They said they have proof," Ra'sha said.

  Matilyn shook her head, "What kind of proof?"

  "A knife," Ra'sha said, "For starters. My knife, engraved with my initials. It was a gift from my father, years ago. He said a lady should have protection."

  "How'd they get the knife?"

  Ra'sha looked down, suddenly feeling stupid, "Catherine asked us, her Left Hand, to give her items of meaning to them. She said they were necessary to prove our loyalty. That's what I gave her."

  Matilyn cursed.

  "I didn't even think about it," Ra'sha said.

  "You should have told me that," Matilyn said, "But a knife isn't enough."

  "I had disappeared from the party as well," Ra'sha said, "Catherine approached me. She said I had a mission. She said I was to watch the corridors, to make sure that one of her Left Hand didn't betray her. She said she didn't trust him, and that she wanted to watch him to make sure he didn't speak with the king."

  "So people saw you leave," Matilyn said.

  Ra'sha nodded. "There's more. The riot... somebody found out about it. One of my sister's friends. They told the king. He was going to have me arrested after the wedding. He believed I was the one who set up the attack on Catherine."

  Matilyn cursed again.

  "You'll help me though," Ra'sha said, "You'll explain to them... you'll make them see it wasn't me."

  "It's too late for that," Matilyn said, "Catherine has them wrapped around her finger. She's not going to let us stay. There's nothing we can do to change what happened."

  "You can't leave me here," Ra'sha said, "You can't abandon me."

  "I'm not going to," Matilyn said. She slipped a keyring from her vest and opened the cell.

  Ra'sha stared at her, "What are you doing?"

  "Samuel and I took care of the guards upstairs," Matilyn said, "We don't have much time. We have to get you out of here."

  "Where are we going?" Ra'sha asked.

  "We're taking you with us," Matilyn said. "Come on."

  Ra'sha hesitated and then followed Matilyn as she led the way out of the dungeons. Samuel was waiting at the top of the cells. Ra'sha's eyes fell on the dead guards outside the doors. Her face whitened a little. One of them, she'd known.

  Samuel ignored her expression. He was carrying a dark blue cloak. "Put this on," he said, thrusting it at her. "Make sure to cover your hair."

  She took the cloak, pulling it on. It was large for her, but that worked out well. She was able to cover her party dress with it. She pulled the hood over her head.

  Samuel and Matilyn exchanged a glance.

  "I'll get rid of these guards," Matilyn said, "Get her to the ship."

  "We're fleeing?" Ra'sha asked, "What about my family?"

  "They have problems of their own," Samuel said.

  Ra'sha's eyes flew open, "My sister! She could be arrested for her part in the riot!"

  "I'm handling it," Matilyn said, "I've convinced Catherine it would be unwise to alienate the entire Swin family. She needs the gold. They might have to make a large donation to the new queen..."

  Ra'sha hadn't even thought about the fact that Catherine would now be the queen. Her stomach sunk further. Then she thought of the King, dead. Lee Sanders had been a good man. He deserved more than to die in the middle of the night.

  "They've committed treason," she said, "They deserve to be punished. We can't let this go."

  "We're not going to," Matilyn said, "But this isn't the time. Catherine has ordered us to return to Lamonte. We have to focus on getting you out and soon. Your execution date has already been set."

  Ra'sha looked disgusted, "I won't even get a trial?"

  "A trial?" Matilyn said.

  "A chance to prove my innocence," Ra'sha said. "In Terifille, we sit with a group of our peers and present evidence..."

  "In Arinford, it is the Priests who determine guilt and sentencing," Matilyn mused.

  "That's all fine, and good," Samuel said, "But we're running out of tim
e. Come, Swin, let's get you out of here."

  Ra'sha quickly followed Samuel. He was dressed non descriptively that day, and led her on a path that avoided most people. A few of them passed by but nobody gave them more than a cursory glance.

  By the time they'd reached the ship, Ra'sha felt sick to her stomach. She'd always wanted to travel, but she'd never imagined it with these circumstance.

  Samuel led her down into the private chambers that Catherine had originally occupied. "You're to stay here. Don't come out for any reason. We'll bring you food and things. It might be boring, but don't come out. Your life could be the price you'll pay if you do."

  Ra'sha nodded, sitting down on the bed. She wiped her hand across her face, trying to stop her tears.

  Samuel looked at her, and sighed, "Look," he said, "It's going to be alright."

  "None of this is alright," Ra'sha said, "They killed the king. He was a good man, Commander Frien. He took care of this kingdom. How could they do it?"

  "Because," Samuel said, "Catherine is a greedy, manipulative woman. She's been planning this from the start. I know it's not fair, but it is what it is. The only thing we can focus on now is getting you out of here and keeping you safe. Matilyn and I will figure out how to deal with Catherine later."

  Ra'sha nodded, "I want to help with that," she said, "Catherine has crossed a line. Oliver too."

  "We knew this was coming," Samuel said, "I thought we could stop it, but that doesn't change the fact that we knew this was coming. We should have acted sooner."

  "There was nothing you could do," Ra'sha said. Suddenly her tears seemed childish and immature. They came to a stop. She stood and approached Samuel, "You couldn't know she was planning it for tonight. You did everything in your power."

  "And yet the king is still dead," Samuel said, "Gods damn Catherine Sullivan!"

  "The Gods will damn her," Ra'sha agreed, "She won't get away with this. You'll make sure of it."

  Samuel nodded.

  "Will Commander Malevus be in danger?" Ra'sha asked, "Getting rid of those guards?"

  "I have faith that she'll make it through," Samuel said, "She can be a crafty woman when the situation calls for it. I should go check on her, though. I need you to lock the door to this room, and don't answer it for anyone. If Matilyn or I need in, we'll unlock it. Understand?"

  Ra'sha nodded.

  Samuel unsheathed a knife from his belt. "The servants have been ordered to keep out of here by Catherine. She didn't want anyone messing with her chambers. If someone does come in, and it's not me, and it's not Matilyn, take care of them."

  Ra'sha took the knife, holding it carefully, "Alright," she said. She thought of Catherine in her mind, and of Oliver. For the first time since the murder, she found herself smiling. It was bitter and didn't fit her face at all, but she smiled nonetheless. "I can do that."

  FORTY-FIVE

  Therefore Prepare Thyself

  GEORGE PULLED ALICIA CLOSE, "YOU KNOW, THERE'S only a few hours left."

  "I know," Alicia said, "Will you be careful, George? I've really enjoyed our time together."

  George laughed.

  "I'm serious," Alicia said, "You be careful out there, okay?"

  "Alright," George said. He held up two fingers, "On my honor."

  "How about on my honor?" Alicia asked, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

  "Why, I do believe you're trying to seduce me," George said, his own grin spreading to match hers.

  Alicia giggled, her hand sliding under the sheet, "I do believe it's working," she retorted, "Now. Show me a proper farewell."

  "I have to go," Erin said, sliding out of bed.

  Robert sighed and rolled over, "Do you have to?"

  "You know that I do," Erin said, a small smile forming. It was short-lived. "I need to go check the docks and then get to Penny's. Today is the day, Robert."

  Robert sat up, letting the sheet fall of him, "Erin, you're one of the bravest women that I know. You know that, right?"

  Erin's smile faltered. Then she hitched it back in place, "and you're one of the best me that I've ever known, Robert. Thank you, for out time together. You'll never know what it's meant to me."

  Robert smiled, "You gave me courage," he said, "I want to make sure you have a future, Erin. You and the baby. I'm in love with you both."

  Erin glanced out the window and shook her head, not smiling, "You know," she said, "I think I might have a little bit more time before I need to go to the docks."

  "Do you now?" Robert asked, "It is very early, you know."

  "Show me then," Erin said, "Before I go -- show me how much you love me, Robert Belmonte. Love me like it's the last time we'll ever see each other. Just in case. Please."

  And Robert did just that.

  Penny woke early. She had spent the entire day before preparing for this moment. There had been people to talk to and prepare. She was extremely nervous.

  Everything, so far, was going going to plan. Erin had informed everyone the docks would be empty and would be ready for her group to hold. Shauni had made just enough paint for everyone and delivered it in the evening, the night before. Black leather outfits had been delivered as well.

  Penny yawned and stepped out of bed. She left her night clothes on, knowing she'd soon have to change anyway, and went to breakfast.

  George Simons was sitting with Eldrin, eating already. The two of them always went through enough breakfast for ten men when they ate together. This morning was no different Penny could see five plates completely empty as well as saucers that knew once held muffins.

  "There you are," Eldrin said, gesturing with his coffee cup to the empty chair, "Sit down and eat something."

  "I'm too nervous to eat," Penny said, flopping down into the chair offered.

  George shook his head and picked up one of the donuts still left, "Eat this anyway," he told her, "You'll need as much strength as possible for today."

  Penny sighed and took the pastry, nibbling at it.

  "Remmus should be here anytime," Eldrin said, tapping his fingers against the table, "Erin contacted me a few hours ago and told me she wants to stay with her group. Simons, do you want to replace her?"

  George shrugged, "Might as well."

  "Why is she staying with her group?" Penny asked, frowning, "I thought the plan was for her to join us and let the others handle it. I wanted us all together."

  Eldrin shrugged, "Plans get changed. She's been with these people from the start of this; I don't blame her for wanting to stay with them and offer them her support. She probably feels obligated. She'd probably got Robert with her."

  "Alright," Penny conceded, "how are the cadavers coming?"

  George smiled, "We have twenty-three of them ready to go. We got up in the middle of the night and prepared them. They're disgusting, but at least they're in one piece."

  "That's good," Penny said. She didn't feel like eating much more of her donut after that and set it back on the table.

  "What's good?" Ryan stepped through the dining room door. He was dressed in casual clothing but had his black leather outfit draped over an arm. He was carrying the boots in the other. Joanna Whitetree and Kevin Bishop slipped in shortly after that.

  "That the bodies are ready," Eldrin informed him, "We were just waiting on you two so we could start getting ready."

  "What about Erin?" Ryan asked.

  Penny bit back a smile as Eldrin repeated what he'd just told her. Ryan didn't seem fazed at all. He nodded as though it made perfect sense. Penny supposed it did. Joanna looked more concerned though.

  "I don't like it," she muttered. Penny shot her a sympathetic look, glad she wasn't the only one bothered by the switch.

  Alicia slipped into the room while they were speaking. Penny saw her exchange a small smile with George when she thought nobody was looking. Once everyone was silent, she spoke, "I just got word from Chrissa Stone that your group is preparing themselves in white paint. They're all there. You need to hurry your
selves up."

  Penny sighed, "Let's get to it then."

  The bath had been prepared the day before. It was a large tub that was completely filled with black paint. It had a different consistency than regular paint; it was thinner and less gooey. It also didn't dry until you applied heat. Penny had a room prepared for drying in as well.

  "Who's first?" Alicia asked, looking each of them over, "It isn't appropriate to go in all at once with Lady Belmonte in the room."

  George rolled his eyes, "There are going to be dozens of naked white women today."

  "Lady Belmonte is not one of them," Alicia said in a prim voice, "and for that, I think you will go first. If you could leave the room, my lady?"

  Holding back a smile, Penny nodded demurely, "Of course, Alicia. Please let me know when the bath is ready for me."

  Once she had excused herself, Penny walked down the main hallway of her home. She thought about everything that had happened since they'd started this; she thought about the deaths and the things that everyone had been through. Today as the day that it all came together.

  She sat in Kenneth's study while she waited and after a few minutes, Joanna joined her.

  "Today," Penny said, looking up at her, "We're going to avenge him, Joanna."

  Jonna swallowed back a lump in her throat and nodded, "Yes, we are. Thank you for convincing me, Penny. I guess this is the time, right? Time to fulfill that dream?"

  Penny felt herself blush, but didn't argue the statement. Instead, she took Joanna's hand. They stayed there for a while like that, neither talking, just thinking. Thinking and remembering, and waiting.

  They were still like that when Alicia poked her head in, "Lady Belmonte?"

  Penny gave a polite smile to the woman, "Alicia?"

  "Are you ready for your bath, my lady? By the time you finish, the boys will be done drying and you will have the room to yourself as well."

  Penny forced herself to keep smiling despite her sudden nerves and nodded, "That will be perfect. Thank you. Lead the way."

  Penny sank into the bath with a sigh of content. Despite the fact that it was inky black paint and not soapy water, it had been heated and was comfortable. She felt it wash over her breasts and shoulders.