“Thank you for supplying that information. I’m truly glad you decided to be on this Council. It helps Belvedere significantly.”
She noticed the Chief of the Guard eyeing her on his way out. She didn’t like the man. He was a little too cold and uncaring as far as she was concerned.
“You’re welcome my Lady. I know you’re interested in the City as a whole. A lot more so than some.”
His eyes followed the exiting Chief of Guards, eloquence in every line of his expression. He smiled.
“Goodnight.”
The word hung in the air and he was gone, slipping quietly and invisibly into the darkness surrounding the Council building.
Cristal’s carriage awaited her.
Nearly five weeks later, an official messenger from the King of Barsoom clattered into the forecourt of the mansion, his Barsoomi horse lathered in sweat. Cristal heard the commotion and looked out from her drawing room window in time to see the robed messenger jump off his Barsoomi horse before it was led away. She called over her shoulder as the rider approached the house on foot.
“Mendle. Refreshments for the rider just arrived, he looks well in need of them. Show him in immediately.”
Cristal had been worried about the little band of rescuers who had slipped into the evening over five weeks earlier. She had tried not to show it during her waking hours but worry over the wellbeing of her grandson, Arwhon, was constantly with her and stole into her dreams.
Mendle knocked and opened the drawing room door, ushering the messenger into the large room. He looked around, a little awed by all the finery. Like most from Barsoom he wore the robe tied at the waist with a longknife at his belt but he had a green sash across his chest signifying he was the King’s messenger.
Cristal gestured at a chair. “Please sit.” Then realising her error, “Or stand if you prefer.”
He went down on bended knee and produced a slightly rumpled letter from under his robe.
“The King of Barsoom ordered me to get this to you as fast as possible my Lady. I have ridden my horse hard but it has taken more than four days riding.”
He handed the missive over just as Mendle bustled into the room with a tray of refreshments and ushered the messenger to a side table where she poured him a drink and offered bread, cheese and cold meat.
Cristal opened the letter, recognising Chalc’s hand, and read.
‘The rescue was successful. We took the jewel from Martine and the Mage and Gryffon left peacefully.
The Prince and Princess are returned to the King of Barsoom. I hope he takes better care of them from now on. Kuiran and I accompanied them from Gildon’s Keep to Barsoom.
Arwhon ordered us to go and stayed to defend our escape. He and his Shield are missing.
Kuiran and I will be back in Belvedere shortly.’
Chalc.
Cristal’s eyes misted and her hand shook as she reread the missive. Was Arwhon captured, in the hands of that evil ruler Martine or had he escaped? She could only hope and pray it was the latter. Arwhon had his Shield and that little girl was more than just a little girl. Cristal knew who she was and how important she was to the M’Herindar. They had to have escaped. She kept telling herself so as she rose shakily and went to leave the room by a side door. Mendle saw the stricken look on her mistress’s face and followed her out.
“The news is good and not so good, Mendle. The Barsoom King’s children are safe and Chalc and Kuiran will be here soon. However, there is no word of Shiri or Arwhon and I do so love that boy. I think I will go to my room for a while. Reward the messenger and show him a room where he can stay for the night. Look after things for me for a little while please.”
Cristal moved away stiffly, her head bowed and her shoulders shaking but she would not let anyone see her distress. Ladies of breeding were not given to public displays of emotion. Mendle watched her go, feeling the pain her friend was bearing. If only she could wave a magic wand and make things better.
Cristal nasi Tsalkini did not appear the next day. Meals were sent to her room but remained uneaten. All she took was tea with a little honey. Mendle tried with Cristal’s favourite foods later in the evening but was gently rebuffed. The following day a number of public meetings had to be postponed. The excuse given was Cristal being indisposed. In fact, Cristal had lost all interest in food and could not be tempted to eat at all.
Mendle was becoming more concerned. Her mistress was grey-faced and drawn, pre-occupied with her fears for Arwhon. Even gossip, collected from various sources around the City, did not receive a flicker of interest from Cristal. By the evening of the following day, Mendle was wringing her hands in despair. It had been three days since the King of Barsoom’s messenger had delivered Chalc’s letter and Cristal was sinking into herself, retreating from the world. Although Arwhon had only been with them for a short time, Cristal had taken such a shine to him and loved the lad dearly. His loss was more than Cristal could bear.
The next day, after much coaxing, Mendle managed to get her mistress to take some chicken soup but it was a struggle, Cristal just sat in a chair by the window gazing out towards Belvedere’s encircling walls, a sad and wistful expression on her face. By the end of the fifth day, Mendle was ready to call a Healer in but just after dusk Waltor, the Head manservant, came to her.
“One of the gate guards claims there’s an older Barsoomi woman at the gate. Doesn’t want to give her name. Claims she has an important message for the Mistress and will only give it to her and no one else.”
Mendle drew herself up to her full height which wasn’t much but the action made her well-upholstered bosom more imposing. She always found that commanded respect.
“Let her in and have her escorted here. Two guards mind.”
Waltor nodded. “Yes Mendle, probably a good idea.” Turning to go, he couldn’t help himself. “Is the Mistress alright Mendle? It’s just that we haven’t seen her for a bit and a Head manservant should know what is happening in the house.”
“Please bring in the Barsoomi woman, Waltor, and stop asking questions I’m not at liberty to answer.”
He gave her a level gaze, his expression haughty.
“Very well.”
Then he spun on his old heel and strode off fuming. Even after thirty years, Mendle still got under his skin. He returned shortly with an older, robed and exhausted looking Barsoomi woman who came to stand before Mendle, a guard on either side. She had a longknife stuck through the belt of her robe and gave the impression she was well skilled in its use.
The Barsoomi woman surveyed Mendle.
“If I wanted to do harm, these two would have been dead a minute after I stepped off my horse. I have to see Cristal nasi Tsalkini now. I have urgent information for her.”
The guards eyes widened at the Barsoomi woman’s opening statement but Mendle saw no reason to doubt it. She signalled the guards to leave them alone and offered the woman a glass of wine. It was drained rapidly. The woman looked directly at Mendle.
“I have ridden for five days, eighteen hours a day in the saddle, to deliver my news. I have exhausted my horse which pains me more than you could ever know. Take me to her. Now.”
Mendle was impressed. This woman meant business and wouldn’t be put off.
“Follow me,” she said, turning and leading the way upstairs.
The Barsoomi woman seemed unmoved by the richness of her surroundings and when Mendle looked over her shoulder she saw that the woman was walking with a little discomfort. The look was noticed.
“You try riding for near five days straight. I guarantee you wouldn’t sit for a month.”
Reaching the door to Cristal’s own apartment, Mendle knocked.
“Go away and leave me alone.”
“No Cristal I won’t, there’s a Barsoomi lady who has ridden hard for over five days to bear a message to you. We are coming in.”
The door was wrenched open and a pale, wan Cristal stood before her studying the middle aged Barsoomi woman.
�
�Yes. What’s the message?” she asked flatly.
“I am Lareeta, the Shield asked me to come.”
Cristal’s eyes widened and she all but dragged the woman into her sitting room. Mendle fetched the wine decanter and filled glasses as Lareeta began.
“They are both safe.”
Cristal’s face flushed with blood and glowed, actually glowed, a pale green light shimmering around her. Mendle gasped in awe but the Barsoomi women did not bat an eyelid.
Lareeta continued, “Their escape was difficult and Arwhon nearly drowned. The Shield saved him by giving Arwhon the Breath of Life but his memory has gone. The Shield said to tell you she is taking him into the Darkwood to see if any healing is possible. The Shield also said I was to stay here with you. Apparently as your bodyguard.”
Mendle harrumphed and was about to state that her Mistress had plenty of guards when Cristal surprised her.
“I agree. Have you eaten Lareeta?”
“I have had no time Cristal nasi Tsalkini, the ride was long.”
“Call me Cristal and this redoubtable woman is Mendle, probably my best friend but she masquerades as my Housemistress. Let us go down to the kitchens to eat and talk. Don’t worry about bringing the wine Mendle. We have a cellar full down there.”
Cristal was almost merry as she led the way.
“So, Martine has been foiled. Now we’ll see some action.”
It was a little later than usual when Cristal stirred in the morning. The household staff had all risen at their usual time, along with Mendle, who had a thumping headache. Lareeta was also late arising and apologised to Mendle when she came down stairs.
“Lareeta, you’ve just spent five days and most of the nights on a horse. You have a right to take a little extra sleep,” Mendle acknowledged, as they made their way to the dining room.
Cristal arrived not far behind them looking almost totally recovered which gladdened Mendle’s heart. They sat down to eat and not much was said over the food. However, after the meal was finished, Cristal drew Lareeta off to one side.
“We have a lot to discuss. After you’ve checked on your horse, come back and see me.”
Lareeta nodded and left by the front door. She already knew how Binaway was and after a short stroll around to the stables she greeted her mount with affection before drawing Billit, the Head groom, to one side.
“Sir. Sorry what is your name?”
“Billit, Maam.”
“Not Maam, Billit. Please call me Lareeta. As you will appreciate, this is a Barsoomi horse. Her name is Binaway. She tells me you have cared for her well but she has sore legs and would like cold salted bandages wrapped around them to reduce pain and swelling in her tendons.”
Billit’s jaw dropped but he quickly recovered.
“I’d heard the Barsoom Riders can communicate with their ‘orses but nothing like what you just demonstrated.”
“Well, we’ve been together many years and can almost read each others minds. I’ll check back later. Now I have to go speak with Cristal.”
Billit gave her a studied look.
“You take good care of Mistress Cristal, she’s a fine and generous woman. There isn’t one person in this manor who wouldn’t give their life for her. Mind now.”
Off he went to personally tend to Binaway’s leg bandaging.
As Lareeta walked back to the house, she thought on Billit’s reaction. Cristal must, indeed, be a good woman to command that level of respect and loyalty from her stableman.
Mendle descended on Lareeta as she entered the house and took her to Cristal’s study where there was hot tea, biscuits and a soft chair provided. Mendle left the two of them alone.
“Lareeta, if the Shield has recommended you, there can be no secrets between us. I may be getting on in years but I’d like to learn to defend myself. I believe you could teach me. There’s a lot you don’t know about me, some of which is secret but if you are truly to be my bodyguard, you’ll find out. No one, not even Mendle, must know some of the things I do. Can you agree to that?”
Lareeta’s smile was open.
“There are a lot of things I do which are secret also. You in turn must agree not to reveal them.”
Cristal felt herself warming even more to this competent woman.
“Done. Now down to business.”
Cristal poured tea for them both and pushed the biscuit plate toward Lareeta before continuing.
“I believe war is coming. More so now Martine’s original plan has been disrupted. I think it will be just before the harvest so she can starve the City, if she gets this far. I want you to assess the abilities of my own guards this morning and if necessary, organise some training for them. I want this Manor to be defended as well as it possibly can be. Also, I am in the habit of going for a drive in the afternoon. You will accompany me today.”
Just then there were shouts from the courtyard and Cristal looked out of the drawing room window and down into the yard, letting out a whoop of joy then blushing at her exuberance. Lareeta quickly joined her and looking down saw Chalc seated on Darla, which caused her heart to beat faster, and the massive Kuiran, staff in hand, standing in the courtyard below. Both looked mournful and had solemn faces. Cristal was smiling mischievously.
“They obviously don’t know about Arwhon. Hide in that nook over there Lareeta and we’ll play a joke on them.”
Lareeta did as she was bid before Chalc and Kuiran were shown to the drawing room and announced by Mendle. They entered and greeted Cristal shamefacedly.
“We’ve heard nothing of Arwhon and the Shield my Lady. We followed his orders but I feel guilty at leaving him behind. It may be time to consider the worst.”
Chalc was saddened and Cristal could bear no more as Kuiran was scanning the room and gripping his staff tighter, sensing a presence.
“Lareeta, come and tell them.”
“Tell us what?” Kuiran asked her as Lareeta appeared from the niche in which she had been hiding and blurted out.
“Arwhon is alive, as is his Shield.”
The room erupted into pandemonium as Chalc cheered and did a little dance on the spot. Kuiran promptly sat down, his legs weak from relief and the two women started telling the tale at once. Cristal sensibly subsided to allow Lareeta to continue. When she came to the part about Arwhon’s memory loss, Chalc looked troubled.
“What about his weapon skills Lareeta?”
“Gone for now Chalc but surely the M’Herindar can do something?”
“Who knows? I have heard of these things being permanent. That young man is so brave and poised and I am sure the red flame which sparks from his blade when he crosses steel is some form of magic.”
Cristal looked up at that, considering implications, before asking.
“Are you tired, have you journeyed hard?”
“No Cristal, we had an easy ride to get here. Why?”
“Because Lareeta and I were just discussing a course of action and I believe you can relieve her of some work, if you’re staying.”
“We are. Arwhon told us to return here and wait. We’re at your service.”
“Excellent, I’ll have some food sent in and we can make some plans after you’ve told me everything which has happened to you since you all left here to rescue the Barsoomi heirs.”
By early afternoon it had been agreed Chalc and Kuiran would get the Manor’s defences up to a passable standard as soon as possible, including better protocols for announcing visitors while they stood waiting outside the gatehouse.
Cristal then caught Lareeta’s attention and nodded toward the door.
“We two are just going out for a while.” She called over her shoulder as they went down the stairs together.
Chalc and Kuiran, deep in planning, hardly heard them leave and as the carriage arrived, Cristal took Waltor to one side and told him Chalc and Kuiran would be inspecting and training her guardsmen. Lareeta was already in the closed carriage when Cristal climbed in and before long they arrived
at The Bull’s Head where Lareeta was introduced into Cristal’s world of espionage.
Over the next few days, two old crones, with the hoods of their cloaks pulled well forward, roamed the streets, alleys and byways together. No one took any notice of them, they were just two old women looking for handouts. Lareeta took to spying like a duck to water and soon learnt the layout of the back streets and alleyways throughout the Old Town of Belvedere. All she had to do was to remember to wear her longknife on the inside of her robe rather than the outside.
Before long, during private sessions early in the mornings, Lareeta was instructing Cristal in the use of a belt knife and how to avoid other people’s knives. At the same time as Cristal was secretly being tutored in knife handling, Chalc and Kuiran were working with the guardsmen. It hadn’t taken them long to spot hole after hole in the defences of the Manor and the inability of some of the men to fight with arms. Chalc had taken to using wooden training swords of the same style as the swords the guards carried but as he was a Swordmaster, the different style of blade presented no problem to him.
Chalc took the men to a quiet place in the Manor grounds, out of sight of the public, and drilled them in attack and defence. Most of the manor’s guardsmen responded well to being trained by someone who obviously knew his weapons and tactics and they improved rapidly. There were two who did not take instruction well and after a couple of days Chalc had the surly men dismissed and two more tractable men hired to replace them.
One of the men Chalc fired was the guard who had been rude to them at the gate on their very first visit to Cristal’s mansion. After the rotten apples were culled, the bearing of the rest of the guards rapidly changed as they realised they were being groomed as a unit by a man who knew what he was about.
Kuiran sometimes drilled the men in how to fight against the staff, as the same moves were also a useful tactic against spears but, having time on his hands, he took to leaving the Manor grounds and covertly returning, catching guardsmen on duty by surprise. Kuiran also taught Cristal’s guardsmen to watch for possible danger more closely. He would grill them on the comings and goings of all the people involved with the mansion, such as messengers, tradesmen and suppliers and the details of passing traffic from hours before, observed from their guard positions on the walls or at the gate.
The Ring Of Truth Page 35
