A Stag in the Shadows

by S E Turner

  Moira sighed heavily. 'I hope so Coben, I really hope so.'

  Atilus had found a discarded bottle of wine. It must have been left by the guards from the previous evening. The first rays of sun were brushing the peaks of the mountains, and he hadn't eaten anything yet, but he was feeling terribly low on this particular morning.

  He had taken himself off with the discarded bottle for comfort and sat behind the shed. The wine tasted thin and vinegary on his tongue. He winced as he swallowed it and instantly felt his head spin. He was only fifteen and never tasted alcohol in his life; even weak beer was not allowed at Aiden Hall—but he and Tiller always had fun together, they didn't need alcohol to have fun. He missed his friend, and wished that he could have gone with him. He knocked back the bottle again and took a long swallow. The taste made him gag and he wiped the dribble from his chin. Why didn't he go as well? Why couldn't Coben have helped him to escape? He could have helped Tiller and made sure he got home.

  He took another healthy swallow and closed his eyes. He leaned his head back on the green slime of a wooden slat. He didn't care that it felt disgusting on his neck, and that warm urine seeped through his trousers. He felt a dribble run down the side of his mouth, he couldn't be bothered to wipe it away now.

  His eyes glazed over and his veins ran with red wine instead of blood. He became more agitated and angry at not being freed. He blamed Coben for letting his friend go and not him. But he didn't need Coben anyway. He could do it himself. Tiller had said about climbing the fence when they first got there. It was only because he had been beaten up so much that he didn't go over the top sooner.

  Atilus finished the wine and stood upright—his head was spinning. He looked around. No one was looking. He knew what he had to do. And with a belly full of alcohol to give him that extra confidence, he staggered across the fields and didn't look back.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  'Do you trust me?'

  'Of course I do.'

  'Then close your eyes.'

  With a sigh, Dom complied. He leaned back on his elbows, the grass tickling his neck.

  'What are you doing?'

  He could hear her rummaging about in a bag. She was sitting beside him, her long skirt spread over the ground, her apron stained from vegetable dye and grease. Her hair was scrunched back in a sort of bun. There were no mirrors here, she didn't even know what she looked like anymore. Moira always said that she looked fine. Dom always said she looked beautiful. She had to trust that they were telling the truth.

  This was a glorious morning in June. As usual, the two of them were up before anyone else and enjoying an early dawn. The backdrop of the mountain was always a spectacular sight, and a mist hung over the vista, indicating a pleasantly warm day. The fields rose like a serpent, fringing the mountain range, and the sun kissed every blade of grass and every head of flower, as the rays spread out its fingers of gold.

  He still had his eyes closed, but felt her move closer to him. He noticed the fresh smell first, and then a hard skin was pressed against his lips.

  'What's this?' He instinctively pulled away.

  'You said you'd trust me.' She tried again.

  He bit into it, and a pleasant juice cracked into his mouth followed by a delicious pulp.'

  'It's an apple.' He chewed the succulent fruit, enjoying every morsel. 'What else have you got in the bag?'

  'You have to guess.'

  'Okay.'

  'Close your eyes again.'

  He locked them shut.

  Something soft was put into his mouth. Something sweet and crumbly. He liked that taste.

  'Cake.'

  'What type of cake?'

  'Cinnamon?'

  'Yes. You are good at this.'

  'Give me something harder to work out.'

  He easily guessed the raisin bread and the honeyed pancakes, he enjoyed the eggs, and particularly liked the new crop of sweetened lemon juice. 'You know if it wasn't for the high wire fence and the constant patrols, I could get used to this life.' He stretched out on the ground, put a blade of grass in his mouth and looked up into the sky.

  A falcon, circling the field in search of food swooped towards them with a pitiful cry, and then darted back up towards the palace. It circled the perimeter of the rock face, calling and mewing as if in pain or in search of something.

  'There's the falcon again, calling for its mate,' Dom recognised the familiar sound.

  'It's a sad call.' Asher noticed.

  'It is, very sad. It is quite distressed. It comes here every year at this time.'

  'Is it okay?'

  'I think it is, it looks healthy enough. But I know they pair for life; so its mate must be close by somewhere.'

  Asher looked around. The huge bird circled the perimeter again and again. Swooping and soaring, its piercing cry quite heartbreaking.

  'They should have mated by now, that's why the sound is so urgent,' he continued.

  'I hope it finds its mate.' She watched it disappear.

  'It will always continue its search.' Dom turned a sad face.

  She took his hand and squeezed it; they held a gaze, both wanting to share a kiss and an embrace, but they knew they didn't have much time.

  The sound of the first horn came abruptly. Even the trees stood to attention. And just like every other morning they had shared, she stuffed all her things in her bag, adjusted her apron, fixed her tousled hair, and ran over to the cooks pantry. Dom leapt up after her and rushed back to his station. The falcon disappeared into the mountains, but would return again the next day.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  'What's the matter?' Asher said, looking at Dom's sad face.

  'You'll think I'm foolish if I told you,' he chewed on a blade of grass.

  'No I won't, I never think you are foolish.'

  He looked up at her and smiled.

  'It's midsummer's day. It's the day we always have the summer fair at Condor Vale.'

  She shielded her eyes from the sun as she watched it creep over the mountain.

  'Of course, it's the summer equinox. I should have known.'

  He pursed a thin mouth at her realisation.

  'It was this day two years ago that our homestead was attacked.' For the briefest of moments, Vlavos came into her mind, but she looked at Dom again and squeezed his hand.

  'Yes, I remember you saying that some of Aiden Hall workers were returning from the fair that day. '

  She nodded a grim face.

  'Such a sad day. I can't believe it is two years today.'

  'I can't believe I've been here over three years. It's too long for anyone. The master has missed three summer fairs. Poor man will be thinking about this as well.'

  'But if he's in darkness, he won't know. We only know because of the sun.'

  'Yes, you are right Asher,' he brushed away the unruly strands of hair floating around her cheeks.

  She kissed his fingers.

  The falcon returned and completed its customary winged laps around the domain. The horn drowned out its piteous call, and the day suddenly returned to its sombre normality again.

  That evening, Coben approached Moira. He nodded to her nonchalantly. Winta gave him a plate with a wedge of bread on the side. Asher spooned the stew into the middle. Moira got him a flagon of wine and took off her apron.

  'Finish off here girls. I have to see Coben.'

  She didn't take her gaze off him as she put her apron to one side, smoothed down her skirts, and went to join him on the trestle table—well out of earshot.

  'I have news for you,' he started.

  'Yes, I have been anticipating this day.'

  'The king is preparing the wedding.'

  Moira shook her head and played with her fingers anxiously. 'What are we to do?'

  'Everything is in place. '

  She looked up, willing the words out of him.

  'Tomorrow will be a day of celebrating for the king's trusted servants. That means that most of the staff will be
in the palace.'

  Moira looked around cautiously, fearful of prying ears as Coben continued.

  'Only a skeleton staff will remain in the fields.'

  'What do you want me to do?' she asked breathless.

  'As before, but this time we will drug all the guards.' He looked for her protest.

  'How are we going to do that?' she gasped.

  'I know it's a massive ask, but is there anyone who can help you do this?'

  She looked around fearfully. Was there anyone who could help on this dangerous mission? It had to be someone who took a few chances, but didn't draw any attention. Her eyes scanned the fields, and then she saw her accomplice. She took a deep breath, and nodded.

  'Good, can this person be trusted?'

  She nodded again.

  'I have the sleeping potions with me. This has to be done before the guards get up. Will your aide be able to do that?'

  She had watched Dom weave his way round the sheds like an invisible man on numerous occasions, not one of the guards ever stopped him. She had often wondered how he could do that, perhaps they just never noticed him. Too busy watching everyone else it seemed. But he was the only one who could deliver the portions safely.

  'Yes, my aide will be able to do that. '

  Her head was bobbing up and down continually, she didn't know whether it was fear or excitement. Perhaps it was both.

  'Good; for that is imperative for this plan to work.'

  'What about the children inside the palace?' she asked.

  'They are to be sent over here, so they are out of sight with their families. They will be here shortly tonight.'

  Moira felt her heart flutter and had to take some deep breaths.

  'As soon as the guards are out for the count, you must all leave. So I suggest you pack tonight, take your possessions, any food, anything you need for the journey.'

  'What about the locked gates?'

  'I will unlock those for you.'

  She brushed his hand.

  'And those in the mines?'

  'That is a little trickier.' His face grew solemn.

  She shook her head slowly. 'How?'

  'I have been to see Philipe. I have spoken with him. But there is only one way to get the prisoners out.'

  She raised her eyebrows to seek clarification.

  'Someone in there has to overthrow the duty guard.'

  'Why is that a problem?'

  'Because the duty guard will be the Bruiser, and he is the most fearsome guard. Philipe says that no one is strong enough to take him on.'

  'Oh no!' Her words were grim. 'Is there no one else? Can't you do it?'

  His face told her everything.

  'I will be here unlocking the gates. Besides, I have to help my brother prepare. I cannot be out of sight for too long. He will get suspicious.'

  She touched his hand again. 'I know. You have done so much already.'

  'I have taken some peasants clothes to Philipe, so they all have something to change into, plus a guard's uniform for the man who has to defeat the Bruiser.'

  'Why does that man need a guard's uniform?'

  'Because that man not only has to defeat the guard, he also has to find his way up into the Great Hall where the wedding is taking place, and then he will have to rescue Saskia.'

  'Oh my. That's nigh on impossible,' she sighed heavily.

  He wanted to agree with her. It was a big ask for anyone; especially someone who had been starved, beaten and worked hard for every single day in the mine. It really was an impossible task. But while there was hope in his heart, there was always a way, and he had to keep her hopes high. 'Nothing is impossible Moira, there is always a solution for everything.'

  She nodded—more out of love than belief.

  'But that's not all.'

  Her eyebrows raised higher, her mouth opened wider. What else could there possibly be?

  'That same man has to light the gunpowder trail.'

  'You found the fire?'

  'I have; it's in the very bowels of the mine, where the devil himself sleeps. But I have found it, and I have already put down the trail. '

  'What if someone sees it? The king, the guards, anyone?'

  'They won't. I have been careful.'

  His eyes were sincere, she knew he wouldn't be foolish.

  'And Master Philipe; if this plan works, how will he get out?'

  'I have given him a route that will take him to safety. I have had to dig deep in several places.'

  'On your own?'

  'I had a bit of help, I must admit. A large man like myself can't get round all those small labyrinths.'

  'Who helped you?'

  'A very heroic and trusted friend I can assure you; and one day I hope you will meet her—but a route is planned for all the men.'

  'Meet her? '

  He smiled. 'All in good time Moira.'

  She chewed the corner of her mouth and frowned at him. Meet her. What was he talking about? Never mind, she would find out soon enough, but then she thought out aloud.

  'If it's that small, will the men be able to get out?'

  'They have been starved, Moira, they can squeeze through a rabbit hole.'

  She bit her bottom lip in angst and nodded. 'So if everything goes to plan, tell me again what will happen?'

  'You will be the first ones out. By five in the morning the guards will be drugged. You must leave then, all of you, before they wake up.'

  'Is there enough powder to keep them asleep? '

  'Oh yes, there's enough to put the horses to sleep as well.' A wide grin spread from ear to ear.

  She understood his meaning.

  'Okay, then what?'

  'If a man can defeat the Bruiser, then the captives will be the next to escape. If they follow my trail and do as I say, they will find boats that will take them to safety.'

  'And Saskia?'

  'I have been training her to fight; she is able to wield any weapon now.'

  Moira looked at him aghast. 'How can I ever repay you my brave soldier?'

  'Well like I said, a turn around your homestead will be most enjoyable, and I hope we can get to know each other better.'

  He kissed her hands. A smile flickered across her lips.

  'I hope so too, Coben, I really hope so too.'

  She was suddenly anxious. 'But how will you get out?'

  'You don't have to worry about me dear lady. I will be fine.' He looked back at Hezekiah Hall. 'And tomorrow this place will be razed to the ground.'

  'If all goes to plan.' She bit her bottom lip.

  'He kissed her hands again. 'It has to go to plan. It has to work.'

  He passed over a large package.

  'This has all the sleeping potions in. Talk to your aide and get them to administer large amounts. It has to be more, rather than less, if you get my meaning.'

  'I do.' She met his gaze .

  'Until we meet again dear lady, may the gods protect us all.'

  She nodded her head and wiped away a tear. He brushed away the wisps of escaped hair that framed her worried face.

  'This time tomorrow, we will all be free.'

  He stood up to take his leave—and round the next corner, whistled to the waiting terrier.

  'Here Digger, come on girl.'

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  'You want me to do what?'

  Dom felt a slow flush spread across his cheeks, he sat back and ran both hands through his hair.

  'It's the only way Dom. I can't do it all.'

  He was shaking his head.

  'I've got to tell the cooks to put this stuff in the flagons in the morning, and make sure it's enough so that none of the guards wake up?' He repeated what he had been told three times already.

  'Yes, that's all you have to do. Coben has told me there will only be a skeleton staff tomorrow morning. You must tell them to use it all. That way, they won't wake up at all.'

  He shook his head and puffed up his cheeks as he blew out. 'How can I be su
re they will do it? They are all petrified of the king and his punishments.'

  She rested her hands on her hips. This wouldn't work unless he believed it. 'The prisoners' children are being returned tonight, ahead of the wedding tomorrow. '

  'They won't want to see them go back into the mines.' He said, shaking his head grimly, remembering the dreadful scenes when the youngsters were wrenched from their mothers arms. No one wanted to go through that again.

  'Exactly, we have to get everyone out. This is our only chance.' She took his hands. 'So much has been put into this Dom. There won't be another opportunity like this one. It's only because of the wedding that the normal working day is disrupted.' She saw his face softening. 'Your master, my master, their masters,' she looked over to the prisoners. 'They will all be freed tomorrow. You and Asher will be free to do as you please. We will all be free people, reunited again with our homesteads.'

  He nodded his head, bit down on his bottom lip and sighed as he contemplated. 'How will I get word round to all the groups in time?'

  'Dom, you always talk to everyone. No one notices you moving around. Tell them what is happening. Once they see their children returned, they won't want to lose them again.' She raised her brows, tilted her head, and thinned her lips.

  She was right of course, he knew that. The children had been gone for far too long. Once they were in the arms of their mothers again, those mothers would do anything to get them out of there. He and Asher could court properly. Even Moira and Coben could start anew. Her Ladyship would have her husband back, Viscount Mattius would have his father back. He nodded in agreement .

  'You are right Moira. I will do this to help everyone get their lives back.'

  He took the package and hid it under his coat.

  'If I get caught.' His voice was tight

  'If you get caught—I will be next to you on those spikes.'

  The two of them lapsed into an uncomfortable silence, knowing that failure would mean certain death.

  'Go now and tell them Squire Dom. Tomorrow we all escape.'