The Dragon and Rose

by Gerhard Gehrke

  Rochus gestured for Digger to sit in the chair next to his brother. The corporal followed him as he sat and took up position behind him.

  Isabel and Jamie had food on their plates but sat at attention. Lady Sofia clenched her jaw as she stared at Digger with undisguised rage. She had a bruise beneath one eye.

  Only Monty was eating. “Taste the butter.” He slathered a pat onto a sticky roll.

  Queen Claudia was wearing a fresh layer of stark-white makeup over her face, a jeweled hairpin, and red rouge on her lips. “It’s quite fresh. The butter and cream are delivered daily from Bahia. Much more to your liking than the last time you were here, I expect.”

  “It’s delicious,” Monty said through a full mouth.

  “Excellent. Eat up. The rolls are so much better when warm.”

  Jamie used a set of tongs to place a sweet roll on Isabel’s plate.

  Monty offered Digger one but Digger waved him off. “What else is in the food?”

  Claudia maintained her pleasant smile. “Just the finest ingredients. You should try some of the cheeses.”

  “Last time I was here you drugged Isabel and my brother before sending them into your finale.”

  “Nothing was done to the food,” Jamie said. He made a show of taking a piece of cheese and a slice of apple and nibbling on each.

  The queen gestured to her nephew. “There, you see? Now if we can get our breakfast underway, I do have other appointments this morning and we’re off to a late start.”

  “Don’t let us keep you from anything,” Digger said.

  “It might surprise you that I have a kingdom to run.”

  “An island with a city on top of it.”

  “True. But considering the plight of your people, the entire world as far as you’re concerned.”

  “Are you expecting my gratitude, Lady Claudia? Don’t talk to me like I’m one of your fawning subjects. This isn’t the stockade square where I’ll clap while you tell me no one will hang on Saturday.”

  Isabel was mouthing at him to stop. Monty had paused mid-chew. Jamie looked between Digger and his aunt with shock on his face. Even Lady Sofia was blushing.

  But Queen Claudia appeared bored. “How grateful we are that you’ve deigned to join us at our table and straighten us out. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, I want to make clear what’s going to happen. Tomorrow night a private game will be held at a theater in the Temperance District. You’ll enter this contest on my behalf.”

  “Why?”

  “To win it, of course. The criminals who run the theater need to learn they can’t steal my crowd out from under me.”

  She signaled a server. He approached Digger with a tray, upon which lay a piece of paper. He took it.

  “‘Monsters wanted.’ This is their advertising? Doesn’t sound like anything that’s going to threaten you.”

  “Let me be the judge of that. The hearts of the crowds who are visiting my island can be most fickle.”

  “Why don’t you just close it down?”

  “Because I plan on sending a clear message. You’re to be brutal. Ruthless. Show not only those who would fight but those who operate this game what it means to compete against me. Also it will discourage others from setting up similar operations.”

  “You can’t just send the watch to deliver a letter and ask nice?”

  “You’ve been in this city long enough. We never ask.”

  “And what about Marcus? Any word from the watch?”

  “No reports yet. My men will do their job. Be at peace for now and know that your brother and those you care for are safe here with me.”

  Digger wondered for a moment if that was true. Hadn’t Sprat Hellard waltzed into the castle during the catacomb games, knocked out a few guards, and stolen two trolls? What could an experienced ranger like Marcus do if he set his mind to it?

  “Is that the whole deal? I show up at this theater and fight? And then the slate is once again clean, not only for me but for everyone here?”

  “Oh, my champion. It’s this dramatic flair which makes you so endearing. To your question, yes. Where once again you’ve broken the law, your record will be cleared. You’ll also have my gratitude and favor. You won’t have to toil as a grave worker ever again. I care for those who side with me.”

  Digger studied her for a moment before looking at everyone else sitting around him.

  Sofia cleared her throat. “Lady Claudia, I have a business to run. After last night, I need to see to my bar. I can’t just wait here for you to catch this murderer.”

  “You’re not a prisoner, Lady Sofia,” Claudia said. “If you feel safe to return, then I won’t stop you from leaving. Go, if you must.”

  “But Monty must stay here, is that it?” Sofia asked.

  “There’s no must about it. My champion says it’s dangerous. I offer all of you my home as protection. As it’s always been. Third Scripture would remind us of how the fallen man tore us from our lofty perch of hubris. Consumed our flesh. Rent children from our mothers’ wombs. Unleashed pain and sorrow upon the land. But I believe for the earth to heal, so must the breach. Let it be done with love. So to all of you I extend my hospitality.”

  Digger swirled his glass of juice and dumped it onto the floor, to the gasp of the nearest servants. “Nice speech. Make no mistake, Queen Claudia, that I’m not volunteering to be here. This is a contract, nothing more. We’re not friends. Your rule on this island is as much of an offense as your brother’s.”

  “Digger, stop!” Isabel hissed.

  The guards had their hands on their weapons.

  Digger set the glass down. He then handed Monty his plate. “Fill it up. I haven’t eaten since before yesterday. And get one of these waiters to fetch me something real to drink.”

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  LADY SOFIA EXCUSED herself after saying goodbye to Monty, stating she was returning to the bar to oversee her workers and to clean up after the brawl. She didn’t make eye contact with Digger as she left.

  Rochus motioned for a guard to follow. “Escort her to her bar.”

  The queen was already gone, having not eaten after Digger’s display. She had checked her wristwatch and hurried off with a final admonition directed at him. “We have our agreement. Remember that you’re a guest here.”

  Jamie and Isabel stayed put at the breakfast table and were whispering while Monty looked expectantly at Digger.

  Digger was polishing off his third plate of meats and fruit and trying not to worry about what the rich food would do to him. “You’re staring.”

  “What kind of games did you agree to?” his brother asked.

  “Relax,” he said in a hushed tone. “I’m going to get us through this.”

  The guards kept their stations nearby and Digger could only assume they could overhear. Plus there was Jamie to worry about.

  “Was that really necessary?” Isabel asked. “There’s no point in antagonizing Lady Claudia.”

  “It needed to be said. She’s using us and I don’t have to like it.”

  She looked upset but visibly calmed herself. “What’s the plan?”

  Digger gazed at Jamie. “We don’t have a choice. We cooperate.”

  “You can trust Jamie. I do. You’re actually going to fight tomorrow night?”

  “Wouldn’t want to disappoint the queen.” He finished off a final square of a nutty-flavored sheep’s-milk cheese. He washed it down with a mug of ale. One of the servants had brought it to him after his demonstration with the juice.

  “Digger, is it?” Jamie asked. “You don’t know me. You have no reason to trust me. I can’t say what my aunt has planned. But I’ll do anything to keep my Isabel safe. If you have a suggestion, I’d hear it.”

  “You think you can protect her from your aunt?”

  The pureblood nodded.

  “Good. That means I can stick to worrying about Monty.”

  Monty bristled. “Don’t talk about me like I’m not here.”
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  “We’ve been over this. It’s worse than before with Marcus out there. He’s an ex-ranger like me. He got to you to make a point. He won’t stop. This is going to blow the city up, if it hasn’t already. We’re going to get out of here.”

  “I told you I won’t leave Sofia. My mind hasn’t changed.”

  “We don’t have a choice. She has a guard with her. I believe she’s going to be fine. Marcus doesn’t have any reason to go after her.”

  “He already did when he broke into her apartment and tied us up. If he’s killing purebloods, then she’s still a target. She’s also connected to you because of me. I should have gone with her.”

  “All the more reason for us to make distance from this place. If Marcus is out there watching, he’ll know if we leave. Maybe he’ll come after us, but I don’t think so. I’m guessing he’s going to wage his war until he gets caught. At the very least we have to get out of this castle and find a place to lie low.”

  Monty didn’t reply. At least he had stopped arguing with him.

  “If you need to run, why not leave your brother here?” Jamie asked. “Lady Sofia is welcome back, and they can be together under my protection. You can flee and avoid whatever games my aunt is going to have you play. But between the walls and the guards, your brother will be safe. You have my promise.”

  Digger clenched his jaw. “You forget it was your aunt who sent both Isabel and Monty into her games to be killed.”

  “But they’re here as guests. If she tries to harm them, I’ll stand up to her.”

  He hadn’t seen Jamie interact much with his aunt, but wasn’t optimistic in the young man’s ability to convince her of anything.

  “Bold words. They’re here to serve as leverage. Things will get dicey with her if I run.”

  “I won’t say anything or do anything to stop you,” Jamie said. “I’ll escort you to the gate so the guards let you leave. I’ll do everything to protect them. You have my word.”

  Isabel patted him on the arm. “I’ve seen you fight. We’ll keep each other safe.”

  “It’s not just your aunt I’m worried about,” Digger said. “Don’t believe for a second the castle will keep Marcus out if he decides to come here. But if he does, I doubt it will be for you.”

  “You think my aunt is a target?”

  “It’s what I’d do.”

  “He’s just one fel.”

  “And this place is big and the guards soft. I’ll think about your promise.”

  Digger pushed his empty plate aside. Monty wasn’t going to leave if Sofia returned to the castle. Which meant Digger would either need to drag him out of there or he’d have to see the queen’s mad plan through. Jamie’s word to protect them meant nothing. He was a pureblood. They changed their minds like the wind switched direction on a gusty day. If Isabel was sticking with her sweetheart, that was her business.

  He picked up the theater notice advertising for monsters. Communion Street, Temperance District.

  He’d have to learn more about this place before the fight.

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  EVERY DAY HAD ITS BEATS and every hour its purpose.

  Lady Claudia wound her watch as she hurried from breakfast to her meeting with her guard captain. She tapped the watch face. The second hand had stopped moving. The dial felt tight. When had it stopped? She had a sinking feeling as she realized she had already wound it that morning and it was now broken.

  Worse, she was late. She hated being late.

  This whole affair with her champion had become so exciting. The thought of planning a new event thrilled her but there were so many details to attend to and so little time. And with Rochus occupied with handling her guests, the day’s tasks appeared all the more daunting.

  But Claudia had her champion. It was up to her to make sure the rest of the Friday night event at the theater went perfectly. But like a watch, there were many moving parts that might break if overwound.

  The captain was pacing inside the guard’s room near the front gate. Pizzaro, her master trap designer, was sitting attentively on a stiff chair at the back.

  Leaning against a wall was Claudia’s procurer par excellence, Belle Ratto. Belle knew hunters and jailers and scum and saints and could always be counted on to find whatever it was the queen desired. She charged an arm and a leg and sometimes more, but wasn’t it worth it to get what you needed for your dungeon? She had hazel eyes and tufts of rich red hair peeking out from under a bright green headscarf. A thin cigarette smoldered in the corner of her mouth.

  Claudia graced them with her warmest smile. “Thank you all for coming so early.”

  “It’s past ten,” Belle said. “You’re late, Claudia.”

  The captain cleared his throat. “Lady Claudia.”

  “We’ve been waiting over an hour.”

  Claudia sighed. “Other unavoidable responsibilities, dear Belle. Now we have work to do. I told you what I had in mind. Where are we with my plans?”

  The captain straightened the curling corners of a stack of street maps laid out upon a table. “I’m sorry, my lady. There’s not enough time. A month to prepare? Maybe.”

  “Well, what can you manage?”

  “The property in question lies derelict. Securing it will be easy enough, but the rest of your intended work...with so many detailed out to help the city watch, we’re stretched thin.”

  “Recall them. The city watch will have to manage. I need you and my guard for this. We’ll need a fence up, at the very least, along with the viewing area.”

  “The men aren’t tradesmen or carpenters.”

  “Give them coin and have them hire ones who are. Please, Captain, use your head. We have today and tomorrow. And be sure to hire those who will work discreetly.”

  The captain nodded and began studying the plans.

  “And Master Pizzaro?”

  The artisan craftsman sprang up from the chair. He was barely tall enough to see over the table. “My queen?”

  “Your thoughts?”

  “Like the captain says, the time is insufficient. We can work well and accurately, or fast, but not both. And even with three times the men, to dismantle what we have built and then to set it up here? It’s too much in two days. Less than two days.”

  “Master Pizzaro, I realize this is a challenge. And to ask you to do less than perfection is a sin. But this is a special event, with unique needs. Our time constraint means we must do what we can, because what I propose to accomplish will be an event unlike anything anyone has ever witnessed.”

  Pizzaro nodded deferentially. “But, my queen, the time is not the greatest obstacle. Safety is. As we both know, my preparations in the catacombs include measures to ensure those who watch the games aren’t hurt. If I go through with your plans here, there will be no time for testing. No time for my quality assurance. It will be a rush just to do half of it. It will be sloppy. And your guests might be at risk. You, my queen, will be exposed to dangers if you choose to be present.”

  She grinned. “I wouldn’t miss this for anything, dearie. These are my games after all. I accept your warnings and precautions. Set your misgivings aside. I’m asking you to disregard your usual eye for perfection just this once. Do what you can and I know it will be super. This is a special occasion and a unique circumstance and we are going to have so much fun. Won’t you do that?”

  He dipped his head. “Yes, my lady.”

  “Good. Then it’s decided. And keep reminding your workers to keep what they’re doing under wraps. I do so hate spoilers. Now let’s talk about monsters. Belle?”

  Belle Ratto took a dramatic puff of her cigarette and blew a thin line of smoke. “No trolls.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Exactly what I said. There are no trolls anywhere. A few rumors, but nothing I could track down in the short timeframe you’re talking about.”

  “That won’t do. I need trolls because someone stole mine. Surely you can find one somewhere.”

&n
bsp; “Look, Claudia, trolls don’t just grow like poppies. The duke has hunted them down as ruthlessly as the ogres out in the desert. Why do you think his fishing villages are prospering?”

  Claudia’s hands curled into fists on the table. “But I demand trolls! Why are you smiling?”

  Yellow teeth showed through blood-red lips. “Don’t I always come through for you? I do have something you haven’t seen in Diregloom chained up inside my hold.”

  “What is it?”

  “You mean what are they. Teeth. Claws. Attitude. Something you’ll love. I’ll bring them tomorrow because I’d hate for them to slip out. Of course you’re free to come take a look yourself if you can squeeze it in your busy schedule.”

  “And what precisely will I be looking at? We have to plan for your mystery monsters.”

  “That you will, and should. I’ll tell you what I have on my boat. But I’m sure they’re making enough noise right now that it’ll count as free advertising. Let’s first talk about price.”

  Chapter Thirty

  DIGGER WAS ESCORTED back to his room by Corporal Dario and a group of guards.

  Before the door could be closed, Digger said, “I’d like some time to exercise and practice. With real weapons.”

  The corporal nodded politely. “I’ll see what we can do. But as you can understand, that kind of liberty won’t be easy to accommodate.”

  “You have to have a bigger room than this. I’m not asking for anything special, just a place where I won’t break any of your fancy furniture.”

  “Maybe you should be happy resting. From what I hear, tomorrow night’s going to be enough of a workout.”

  “Maybe you weren’t guarding the catacombs when I was there. This isn’t going to be a sparring match, if your boss can help it. I’m going to be fighting for my life. I’ve seen her idea of a good time. So as long as you have me waiting, I need a place to get the kinks out.”