Mathieu looked at the rough map. "You're sure?"
"As sure as I can be," said Liam. "Tomorrow, when we are closer, I'll know for certain."
Mathieu nodded. Bruno and Jaime were sitting close by. Remy waited for them to discuss plans. How they would deal with the creature. No one spoke. He wondered if he should say something; he was the only person present who had seen the creature. The only one who had seen it kill.
He remembered the crypt. Mayor Arno's agonized cries. The chilling fear returned. At the time he had been near paralyzed with terror, it left him breathless now. He looked at the familiar faces, features indistinct in the firelight. If he did not speak he would be responsible.
"What do we know of the creature?" he asked hesitantly.
Jaime turned to look at him. Remy cringed and waited for a mocking comment.
"What is it you want to know?" asked Mathieu.
Remy blushed, aware of Jaime's gaze. "It kills. I've seen it do so. As far as we know, no one survives." He glanced uneasily towards Brother Liam. "Even those with power and knowledge." He did not want to mention Brother Milo.
There was a moment's silence. Mathieu looked to Liam.
"It's true, but the power of Tarsien will aid us," said Liam.
"It didn't help Brother Milo," said Bruno softly, raising a hand to take the sting from his words. "Remy's right we need to be prepared.
"How do we prepare for such a thing," Jaime shrugged. "We have swords and brave men. We have Brother Liam. And most of all we cannot fail, this evil must be stopped." He said this as if it was all they needed to know.
Remy looked at him, unsure whether to be impressed at his bravery or amazed by such stupidity. He was beginning to wonder if this must be an essential element for a certain type of bravery.
"I have Brother Milo's medallion." Liam lifted the medallion from beneath his shirt.
"And will that help?" asked Bruno.
The fate of Brother Milo was in all their minds. Remy had not seen the monk's body but he had heard the story. He looked to Brother Liam and then away.
"Milo put up a fight. The creature did not find him an easy victim. I have knowledge now. I know what we face," Liam held the medallion up; it twisted and sparkled in the firelight. "The power of Tarsien will limit the creature's magic."
"It's not as if we have a choice," said Jaime, impatient. His hand settled on his sword hilt.
Remy looked to Mathieu and waited for him to decide. He supposed there was little more to say. The only way forward was to believe.
"We have thirty experienced men," said Matt. "We have Brother Liam's knowledge and Brother Milo's medallion." He looked to Remy. "Jaime is right. This is something we must do."
Something we must do. The words stayed with Remy through the night. He twisted and turned on the hard, damp ground. Unable to get comfortable, too tired not to sleep, too afraid to sleep. Was this what it was like the night before battle? Did men facing battle have more hope than he did? Facing the shadow creature was different. Could it be defeated? Could it be killed?
They rose before dawn and set out as gray light filtered through the trees. By the end of the day they were a few leagues from Castle Adumbra. They stopped so Liam could scry for the creature. It did not take long.
The young monk stood up and stretched his shoulders. He looked to Mathieu. "The creature is close."
Silence greeted his words. Remy felt his stomach sink. He felt ashamed, but did the others realize what they faced. Brother Liam must know, but he said nothing. Perhaps it was because there was nothing to say.
Was this what heroes did, face the impossible and believed?
"We will keep going," said Mathieu. "Send scouts ahead."
Jaime nodded and started to move away. "I'll go with them."
"Take care," said Mathieu.
Jaime grinned. "Always," he said. After a moment Mathieu matched his grin.
Bruno laughed. "And don't do anything foolish. Perhaps I should come with you."
Jaime moved to place a hand lightly on Bruno's shoulder. "Come on then."
"I'll join you," said Liam. He looked to Mathieu. "If that's alright?"
Mathieu nodded. "The more we learn the better we can prepare." He did not mention the shadow creature.
Brother Liam went to join Jaime and Bruno. They looked to Mathieu; when he nodded they turned towards their horses.
Remy watched them walk away. It felt as though something had begun. Or perhaps something neared an end. A shiver of apprehension slid down his spine. He also looked to Mathieu. How could they face this?
Mathieu smiled. "Come, Remy. Let's tell the men we ride tonight."
###
Remy thought the woods surrounding Castle Adumbra were darker than any he had known. Or maybe it was his fear that made them seem so. A chilly mist rose as the light faded. There was no moon. Remy had not heard a sound except that of their horses. It was as if there were no birds, no creatures, no life of any kind, in the forest.
He rode at the head of the column, alongside Mathieu. They traveled slowly, without any light to guide them, letting the horses find the way. The road was surprisingly smooth and well kept. Remy tried to work out what time it was, how long until dawn. For some reason the idea of facing the shadow creature in the daylight was better than in the dark night.
They made very little noise, the clop of hooves and the soft jingle of the horses' tack. In the first light of dawn the silence was broken by the sound of a horse traveling fast.
Mathieu raised a hand and the column came to a halt. He stood in his stirrups, though there was nothing to see. Remy watched him, fighting the onrush of fear. Something was happening. It was no longer possible to pretend they were just riding through the night towards an unknown future. It was coming to them now. He knew it.
The galloping hooves drew closer. No one would ride at that speed in the half light, not without very good reason.
Remy wanted to puke. Instead he watched Mathieu and tried to match his calm. Being close to Mathieu eased his fear. He thought it was the same for other men too. There was something about the man. Mathieu had never wanted to lead, and yet there had never been any question that he was the Compact's chosen leader. There were more noble men, more experienced battle commanders, and men near as driven as Jaime, but all deferred to Mathieu. He was honest and honorable. Remy was beginning to understand this was a rare thing; it seemed to him that he had not understood honor at all. The things that he had thought represented honor were showy and empty. Mathieu had shown him it was something quieter and deeper.
He thought it was this quality that inspired men to follow Mathieu, to believe in him.
"Clear the road," Mathieu ordered. The command traveled along the column. Mathieu urged his horse to the side of the road. Remy stayed close to him. Mathieu looked down the road. He did not seem worried. Even before the horseman reached them he rode forward to hail him. "Bruno!"
Remy was relieved to know it was a friend, but he wondered what news caused such haste. Bruno reined his horse to a plunging halt.
"What is it?" Mathieu asked.
Bruno's horse was lathered white and mud spattered. He was breathing hard and it was a moment before he could answer.
"The shadow knights are riding," he said. "And the shadow creature with them."
"How long?" Mathieu asked.
"Not long. They passed us. We were lucky not to run into them on the road."
"Where's Jaime, he didn't go after them?"
"He wanted to," said Bruno, grimly. "But I convinced him to wait. We need to find out where they are headed."
Mathieu nodded. "Where is Jaime now?"
"He's gone on to Castle Adumbra, with Liam and the men. I warned him not to do anything until you arrived."
"And you think he'll wait?"
"I think we better hurry."
In a few moments they were heading for the castle at a fast canter.
###
The first sight o
f Castle Adumbra filled Remy with new apprehension. He had never seen such a grim place. The castle crouched among the dark trees; its brooding presence seemed to discourage approach. The feeling was so strong he wondered if it was sorcery of some kind.
The main body of men had been left a little way off, hidden among the trees. He followed Mathieu and Bruno to find Jaime and Liam. Staying close but keeping quiet so no one would send him away.
"There are a few men left, but not many from what we've seen," said Jaime. "I'd bet the full host of the shadow knights rode with the creature. Those left are common guards not knights."
This was typical of Jaime. To Remy any man with a sword was a danger.
"Which direction did they take?" Mathieu asked.
"South west, I sent a man after them." Jaime looked round impatiently. "We need to follow soon or we'll never catch them."
"We've little chance of catching them unless we know where they're going. Then we might have a chance, if we ride across country." Mathieu was staring at the castle. "We need to learn where they've gone. What they plan."
Jaime turned to him. "It will take time to secure the castle."
Mathieu shook his head. "If the creature and the shadow knights have ridden out there won't be many men left. We don't want to hold the place. Just get in and get the information we need." He was still watching the castle. "It doesn't look as if they expect trouble."
It was true. A couple of men stood guard by the gates, but other than that the castle seemed deserted. Remy guessed it was not a place where travelers lingered.
"We can't go into a confrontation with the shadow knights blind; it's important we learn their plans," said Mathieu. There was an edge to his voice that Remy did not understand.
Nor did he understand the look Jaime exchanged with Bruno. Brother Liam kept silent.
After a few moments Jaime nodded. "We'll have to move fast and hard."
"I'll ready the men," said Mathieu. "You deal with the guards at the gates."
When Mathieu and Brother Liam returned to the Compact's men, Remy stayed with Jaime, Bruno. He was not sure why. It was as if he had to prove himself somehow. Though he did not think the two men even noticed his presence.
Jaime and Bruno spoke too quietly for him to hear. Then Jaime turned and looked directly at him. Remy froze. He did not want to be sent away now.
"Get down off the horse, boy," said Jaime.
Remy was about to protest when Bruno spoke.
"We'll make it look like your horse has lost a shoe. The guards will let us get close."
Jaime nodded. "If we get close enough we can deal with them without attracting attention."
Remy dismounted. He followed Jaime and Bruno towards the castle gates. Remy stared at the ground to hide his fear. It was important to look like ordinary travelers, and to do nothing that would alert the men guarding the gates.
He heard Jaime call out, hailing the guards.
"The boy's horse has thrown a shoe."
It worked. They approached quite close before the guards called a challenge. The guards did not seem concerned.
"Is there a village close?" Jaime asked. "With a blacksmith to shoe the boy's horse?"
Remy hung back. The guards would not be able to see his horse well enough to know for sure whether what Jaime said was true. In truth they did not seem that interested. There was an arrogance to them, even though Jaime and Bruno were armed, they did not see a threat.
Jaime was at the gates now. Bruno followed close behind him. The two guards walked towards them. The first man opened his mouth, ready to give directions. Jaime's sword was at his throat before he could speak. A scuffle of movement and Bruno had the other man beneath his blade. He looked to Remy.
"Get their weapons."
Remy hurried to obey, removing swords and daggers and checking for any other hidden weapons.
"You're making a mistake," said one of the guards. He laughed. "A bad mistake. Go on your way while you have the chance."
"Quiet," said Jaime. When it seemed the guard would ignore the warning, Jaime's sword moved and blood ran down the man's neck.
"Quiet, I said."
The men stood silent and surly, but they did not seem afraid.
Remy finished his search and nodded to Jaime.
"On your knees," Jaime ordered the guards.
As they obeyed, Bruno dismounted. He brought lengths of rope to tie the guards' wrists. When he was done he looked to Jaime.
"Put them in the guard house," Jaime said. "Remy, go send the signal to Mathieu."
Remy did as he was told. Once the signal was given, Mathieu and the Compact's men came running from the trees and swarmed into the castle.
Jaime did not go with them. He watched. The Compact's men took the bailey and stables without meeting any resistance. It was as Bruno had said, the full force of the shadow knights had ridden out, leaving the castle near deserted.
It was strangely silent. Mathieu and his men disappeared into the castle. There was no sound of swordplay or fighting. Remy thought he heard someone shout, but the sound was quickly cut off. He was not sure what to do. A couple of men had been left to keep an eye on the guards.
Jaime and Bruno were near the guardhouse door. They exchanged a glance, but did not show any inclination to follow Mathieu and his men. It was unusual for Jaime to miss out on a fight. Remy felt there was something going on, something he was missing.
Jaime turned to enter the guardhouse. Remy started to follow but Bruno raised a hand.
"Remy, will you take a message to Mathieu for me?"
"Of course," he said. He had half an idea which direction Mathieu had taken and hoped he would be able to find him. It seemed to take Bruno a moment to come up with the message. Jaime looked back and raised his eyebrows, but said nothing.
"Tell him someone will need to tell the men we left with the horses what's happening. It will be best if we keep close. I don't like this place."
Remy nodded and turned to go. He agreed with Bruno. There was something unsettling about Castle Adumbra. The place had an evil feel. Perhaps it was the ruined tower, the crumbling walls and the dark forest crowding close. Those things did not help, but there was something more, a brooding sense of menace about the place. Perhaps he was being fanciful. The shadow creature was not even here. What menace could there be in stone and wood? He looked at the ruined tower and shivered. It was as if the tower called out for his attention. It looked deserted but he would not have gone near it for the world.
Instead he headed for what looked like the main doors to the great hall. The last place he remembered seeing Mathieu. As he walked it occurred to him that his message was not so important. Mathieu would have other things to deal with. Perhaps he should just go and tell the men what was happening and not trouble Mathieu. He looked around. It seemed clear that the Compact's men had succeeded. There was no sign of opposition. He could pass on the good news and tell them it was safe to approach.
This was a task he did not mind. He turned towards the castle gates. As he reached the guardhouse, he heard a man cry out, a sudden shout of agony.
The sound stopped Remy in his tracks. He headed towards the guardhouse. Before he reached it there was another terrible cry. Some part of him wanted to turn away. Instead he reached out and lifted the latch.
As the door swung open he heard the sound of flesh hitting flesh. The room was half dark, as his eyes adjusted he saw Jaime. He was leaning over one of the guards. The man was tied to a chair. Jaime's fist swung down, a brutal blow to the man's face. The man cried out again.
Jaime reached to grab him by the hair, twisting his head back. "Tell us where they've gone. I won't ask nicely again."
The man shook his head; blood dripped from smashed lips.
Jaime reached for his dagger. He held it in front of the man's face. "You have two ears," he said. "You'll manage well enough with one."
"No!" the man screamed as the blade touched his skin.
On the
far side of the room, Bruno stood with his arms folded, watching. For a moment Remy's gaze met Bruno's. It was too much. Remy turned and ran from the room. He made it a few paces and then bent double, puking. The shock left his legs weak.
What should he do? Surely Mathieu would not condone this. He pulled himself upright, wiping a hand across his lips. He would find Mathieu.
He took a couple of paces and stopped, looking back to the guardhouse. Was there anything that could excuse what Jaime was doing? As he hesitated Bruno burst from the guardhouse.
As he ran past he shouted. "Get your horse and the other men. The shadow knights are riding for Montmercy."
Chapter 103
She went first to see the children were well. Caterine was sleeping; Francis with his tutor. She had taken a risk bringing Etrives and Chamfort together under her roof. Rupert had warned her, but she felt that she owed him this much at least, and she had wanted to help.
Having seen the children, she arranged for food and wine to be brought to Rupert and Lorenzo. It was strange to see Rupert, but it had been harder yet to think that in some way he might blame her for what had happened. At least that ghost was laid to rest. She shivered, a bad choice of words. It was growing dark and she sent for lights. A movement caught her eye in the gardens. She hesitated for a moment and then crossed to the door, gathering a cloak on her way.
Charles was standing near the arbor in the rose garden. A solitary, motionless figure, and she was surprised to feel a moment's sympathy. He turned as she approached. His face became guarded and cold as he recognized her.
"My lady."
His tone lessened her inclination towards sympathy. "You do not approve of the match?" she asked.
He took a moment to answer. "It is a fine match, for Etrives and Chamfort. If Elle is happy then so am I." It had not been the direction of his thoughts, that much was clear from his hesitation.
It unsettled her to see him like this, but they had never been friends and she was certain he would not accept comfort from her. She had one reason for seeking him out. "I would like Francis to train at Chamfort; he is nearly of an age."
Traitor Blade: (Books 1-3) Page 99
