Guns & Flame: The Sara Featherwood Adventures ~ Volume Three

by Guy Antibes

  Women’s voices pled with the men to stay, but soon they were the only ones in the room. One of them opened the door. “They paid, after all,” she said, giggling. “You can leave now.”

  Willa left them each with a gold crown for their troubles. “This is for memory retention, should they fail to heed the Duke’s advice.”

  “It’ll take more than that. I come before a magistrate and my career is finished.”

  Banna smiled. “Then you’ll get a scholarship to the Women’s College.” She scribbled down their names and wrote down descriptions. “If you can pass the entrance exams, but we can help you a bit there. Only if you testify. Until then, you can practice your profession unencumbered.”

  Sara and the rest of the silent observers walked out of the room and left the brothel by a discreet exit. Sara hadn’t been very excited by the entrapment, but it worked out better than she expected. Pravel would have to be watched. There was no question that the other men wouldn’t be a problem.

  The others walked on tickled about the night’s work. To Sara it felt like a necessary evil. Perhaps not as bad as that. She found no joy in engineering the blackmailing of the men, yet there wasn’t an alternative to protect the Women’s College. Did the Duke fight these little wars all of the time? The Women’s College, the discovery and implementation of percussive powder, tracking rebels and disgruntled nobles? She perceived it as a thankless task. Perhaps the disconnected feeling that the Duke projected came from sadness.

  However, the Duke must be excellent at what he did. How easy he manipulated her as she requested his aid. Now she would be going to Belonnia in some sort of capacity. What could she do there? Her skills at working with an army only came about because she had a goal to rescue the Duke. Once accomplished, the Army took care of the rest.

  She anticipated becoming a pawn. Perhaps her role would be as a diversion while others did the real work. Her nascent skills as a spy wouldn’t be severely taxed and some other agent would bear the responsibility of whatever outcome Duke Northcross desired. Sara could handle being a diversion in the strange country that was Belonnia.

  ~~~

  Chapter Six

  A Hasty Reunion

  “Pass the peas, please,” Dr. Hedge said grinning at his wife.

  Banna lifted the bowl towards her husband. “Your command must be obeyed.”

  Sara laughed as she ate in the little dining room of Hedge’s townhouse on the palace grounds. Whenever the couple asked Sara to dinner, they had the meal delivered from a restaurant. The house held memories of other dinners with Klark. His memory still inhabited the place and Sara felt his absence most strongly here.

  “Sara, you will be amazed at our progress. It’s still somewhat of a state secret, but ever since we were able to deconstruct the mineral, we’ve made it much more potent. The little bags you once used in your handgun, now are about the quarter of the volume. We’ve created little metal tubes we call cartridges with the ball already pressed in them. Now we call them ‘slugs’. New terms. Instead of little boxes of the powder and the balls, you put the cartridge in the back and slide over a thick metal ring that pushes the cardboard protector at the back of the tube out of the way, and then you can shoot and reload in less than half the time. I brought one without the powder.” Hedge handed over a cartridge the size of the tip of Sara’s little finger.

  “So much smaller.”

  “We’ve found we can match the size of the slug with the charge of the powder and achieve identical results. You just take the rod that you used to tamp down the ball and powder, slide up the ring and push the cartridge out the back. It’s only the beginning,” he said. His eyes were lit up with excitement.

  “What about the larger tubes?” Sara said. They had ordered big tubes for large diameter balls a few years ago, when they both worked on getting percussive powder to work in the first place.

  He shook his head. “We’re still trying to make a big gun that doesn’t weigh so much. There is a testing facility to the west of Shattuk Downs on the other side of the Gost. They’ve shot a ball more than a mile, but they have yet to develop an accurate way to aim the thing. The power generated often shatters the tubes. It’s someone else’s project. I work on the little stuff,” Hedge said. He gave her a knowing half-smile. “We’re working on a version of your pipe exploders, but haven’t found any better triggering mechanism than the wires you used and that’s just too dangerous for common soldiers.”

  “I wish they’d have science at the Women’s College,” she said.

  “Now you know that’s not possible.” Banna took a drink and continued. “Our agreement was no hard science courses for five years. Our truce with the University is tenuous enough as it is after our little battles of the summer.”

  Yes, the little battles. The first one with Professor Pravel had been the worst. All the others were more like skirmishes until the head of the University visited Banna and made peace. Now the Women’s College had started the first classes. They had quickly filled their initial student quota within a few weeks. Now fifty women were a month into their studies, including Sara.

  Sara knew more of the various subjects than most of the women instructors and found herself bored with the curriculum. At the present, the College held no challenge for her.

  “Patience, Sara. The College will catch up. Our current group will tell us where we need to go.”

  “You need a higher rigor in your curriculum,” Sara said. “We’ve discussed this before. Until we are teaching at the same level or higher than the University, the College will never gain the respect it deserves.”

  “And how do you suppose Banna will do that?” Hedge said, looking at Sara.

  “More training for the women instructors.”

  “It will come, dear,” Banna said. “As I said patience. You know you can help us with that.”

  Sara didn’t want to wait for five years. She still didn’t want to teach, even though Banna kept asking her to switch from being a student to teaching. Banna’s insistence only strengthened her resolve to do something else. Duke Northcross hadn’t yet summoned her to Belonnia. At this point she looked forward to the assignment as a release from the tedium of the College.

  When a knock came at the door, all three heads swiveled. Hedge rose from his chair and put his napkin beside his plate. “I don’t expect anyone, do either of you?”

  Banna and Sara shook their heads as Hedge passed them and opened the door.

  “Doctor Hedge!” Klark’s voice! Sara’s hand went to the carriage necklace she always wore. She ran to the door. Klark hugged Hedge and beamed at Sara. He then hugged her.

  “Sara, what a surprise. I didn’t think you’d be here.”

  “Join us for dinner, Klark. We ordered plenty,” Banna said, still sitting down.

  Klark rubbed his sandy hair. “I’m famished. I just arrived, delivering one of our coaches with a new suspension. It uses oil-filled tubes to keep the oscillations down. We don’t have it perfected yet, but there are always those who want the newest thing.” He grinned as he grabbed a plate from the sideboard and began to help himself to the feast set on the table.

  Sara became a bit self-conscious as he kept looking at her as he ate.

  “I’m very glad to see you,” she said, cursing herself for how inane her words sounded. “How long is your stay?”

  “Two days and then I’ve got a coach to drive back that needs refurbishing. I only came myself because I wanted to see how the technology held up.” He shrugged. “What’s new? I hear the Lady’s College is up and running.”

  “Women’s College,” Banna said correcting Klark. “It’s functioning. We’ve only just started, but the old Army camp has been transformed into something highly useful.”

  “I went over that place when we were seeking out West in the winter. If it’s habitable, then someone’s done an excellent job.”

  “Willa,” Sara said. “She knows her way around construction people. I don’t know how she did
it, but perhaps I can give you a tour tomorrow.” How she’d like to spend a day with Klark walking through Parth. The prospect constantly had popped up in her thoughts.

  Klark’s face darkened. “Not tomorrow. I’ll be spending all day with the intelligence service. The interim Shattuk Downs government isn’t quite as stable as it needs to be. I’m afraid the rebellion isn’t quite snuffed out.”

  “Is Belonnia still active?”

  Klark shook his head. “No. It’s the remnants of the cabals. The Red Sparrows are gone, but there are others. I’m working with Anton to identify the groups. He knows of most of them. The worst of the independent cabals have taken up residence in the Gost and it’s more dangerous than ever there. Of course, this is all to be kept secret.” Klark laughed, but no one doubted his words.

  “Perhaps the next day.”

  “No, not then, I have to deliver the coach. But tomorrow night we’ll go out, just you and I.” He smiled, looking at her carriage necklace. “I’d like that very much.”

  Sara couldn’t help but beam.

  ~

  Raindrops pounded on Sara’s cloak as she waited, shivering, in front ofThe Happy Seagull. Smells of butter, garlic and seafood filled the damp air. Her stomach growled as she waited impatiently for Klark to arrive an hour and a half late.

  A carriage drew up and Klark jumped out of the door. “I’m sorry. The Duke’s people wrung every last bit of information from my mind.” He grinned and took her by the arm.

  “I hope they left a little bit for me, or our dinner will be very boring, indeed,” Sara said. Klark’s arm warmed her more than the temperature inside the restaurant.

  A waiter sat them at a table for two. Sara couldn’t keep from smiling, feasting on the sight of Klark.

  “This is our time together,” Klark said. “Let’s make the most of it. I wanted seafood. We don’t get anything fresh in Shattuk Downs.

  Sara laughed. “Nothing makes it back up to Belting Hollow. I never tasted shellfish until I came to Parth.”

  “In the winter, the fishermen ship it on ice to Stonebridge. I recommend the lobster. That can’t be shipped properly.”

  After they both ordered, Klark took Sara’s hand in his.

  “I’d like you to come to Stonebridge with me. I checked on the Women’s College and their curriculum doesn’t even compare to the Women’s School in Obridge. There’s no need for you here.”

  Sara gasped. He couldn’t be proposing, could he? Sara might not want to continue at the Women’s College, but she didn’t want to marry and settle down yet. She was nearly nineteen. Even her mother reached her twentieth birthday before she settled quickly on Ben Featherwood.

  The prospects of being a mother, heading a house, didn’t appeal to her. Her stomach roiled and her appetite vanished. The strong smells of the restaurant began to make her queasy.

  “No. Not yet.” Sara frantically searched her mind for a reason not to follow him. How she wanted to be with Klark, but not married. Her mind warred with her heart. She squeezed his hand as her escape came to mind. “I promised the Duke I would travel to Belonnia.”

  “What’s in Belonnia?” Klark asked. “I’m here. That’s all that should matter.” The ardor began to melt from his face.

  “He helped us with some issues at the College and in return I promised I would go. I can’t renege on a commitment to Duke Northcross, as you know.”

  Klark furrowed his brow. “I don’t like this. Belonnia is a dangerous place.”

  “What can I do? I’m no spy. I didn’t think the Duke dealt with foreign affairs.”

  Klark shook his head. “His intelligence people—”

  “Yanna?”

  “Yes, Yanna Silverthread has responsibilities inside and outside of Parthy.”

  “I can only be a decoy or a diversion,” Sara said. “I’ll go, come back and then return to Shattuk Downs.” She wouldn’t make a commitment to Klark until after.

  “I know you too well.” Klark still looked deflated. “You’re not ready to get serious, are you?”

  “I am serious, Klark.” She lifted the carriage necklace to show him. “I wear this every day. I’m just not ready to do something permanent. I’m assuming that’s what you were intimating.”

  He nodded. “I was. I’m ready.”

  “I’m still only eighteen and you’re nineteen. You’re committed to run your father’s business for more than two years. What about your dreams of attending the University? They discourage married students, you know.”

  “I can remain in Stonebridge, especially now. You’re more than worth it.”

  “And you are certainly my paramour. I love you.” There she said it again. “But my life isn’t settled yet and I’d like to wait.”

  “Impulsive me.” Klark gave her a half-smile. “I came up with this idea on the ride up. But I guess I didn’t think it through.” The light left his eyes.

  “It’s only timing.” Was it? Sara hoped it was. She looked at Klark and dabbed her napkin at her eyes. “I’m sorry to ruin your evening.”

  Their meals arrived. Klark began to crack open a claw. Sara looked down and she didn’t know if she could eat the red thing on her plate.

  “Allow me,” the waiter said and took her lobster and cracked it open. He returned the plate to her with the white, steaming lobster meat surrounded by aromatic vegetables.

  Klark took a bite and closed his eyes. “Fresh is best.” He rolled the lobster meat around in his mouth before swallowing.

  Sara took a bite and forced it down. What a ruined dinner. Could Klark ever forgive her?

  “Timing. I think you’re right Sara. We should talk about this after your mission to Belonnia. If he sends you soon, you could be back within a month or two. Winter’s Rise. At least say you’ll come to Stonebridge for Winter’s Rise. No commitment, I promise.” Klark seemed to relax.

  She could handle that. Winter’s Rise last year was fun with Hedge and Banna, but especially with Klark’s brief appearance. She nodded. “Winter’s Rise, it is. For a visit. I’ll bring Lily.”

  “That’s right, you two share the Duke’s guest house.”

  “Willa’s about ready to move back. She’s been staying at the College, but all of her marvelous renovations are complete.”

  “Invite her, as well.”

  “But—” Sara wanted to protest.

  “We will have plenty of time together, alone.”

  “I’d like that.” Sara said. She could feel comfortable making a party of it, rather than a solitary ride down to visit Klark. With Willa and Lily, she could control the holiday. She let out a sigh of relief. “Winter’s Rise, it is.”

  Sara took another bite of the lobster and suddenly it tasted delicious.

  ~

  After Klark dropped her off at her house, Sara wondered what the next three months held for her. He didn’t even kiss her goodbye. The dinner hadn’t been the exciting reunion she had imagined. She could tell Klark had more to tell her, but her resistance to his proposal had reduced the conversation to light topics. Doubt fluttered in her heart. She loved him, but why couldn’t she bring herself to let him in? All of her accomplishments in such a short time and she still failed at relationships.

  Winter’s Rise. She wanted to see Seb and Enos again and that prompted her to write to Nona in Belting Hollow. She hadn’t heard from the healer for some time. Perhaps she could travel north to Obridge and see her brothers when they returned to the Abbey School after the holiday or even go all the way up to Belting Hollow. After what she did to save the town, the residents could probably stand her presence by now.

  The next day, during a soggy sword practice in the courtyard, a coach carrying Willa and her things trundled through the gate.

  Sara put up her sword and ran to the coach. “Willa, you’ve returned?”

  The older woman gave Sara one of her squints. “You’ve observed that my luggage is in the back. Yes, I’m back and glad to be leaving the College. My welcome seems to be a lit
tle worn. The teachers didn’t much like my straightforward manner.”

  ‘Better you than me,” Meldey said, talking Sara’s practice weapon. “I’d likely have throttled them by now.”

  Sara knew that Meldey joked, but she thought there was a thin line between joking and seriousness when it came to other people who got in Meldey’s way. The intelligence agent and Sara’s friendship had grown as Sara’s talent had increased.

  “Can I join in the exercise?” Willa said, squinting up at Meldey. Willa stood a head shorter than the two of them.

  “Of course,” Meldey said. “Lily could use a partner and you’re more her size.”

  Sara could see that rankled Willa a bit, but the woman relaxed. “Fair enough. I could use something to channel my recent frustrations,” Willa said.

  Lily would have her hands full with Willa. She still hadn’t caught on to weapons training like Sara, but Lily could now defend herself.

  They walked into the house as the driver began to unload Willa’s luggage and placed it in the foyer.

  “I’ll have those brought up to your room, later. Come into the sitting room and tell us what has you so frustrated. I didn’t expect you to permanently return until Winter’s Rise.”

  “The teachers are all cultured women. Many of them are noble, as you know. When they found out that Banna’s assistant was merely a housekeeper, the talking started and it hasn’t yet ended. The fact that I attended the Women’s School in Obridge like them means nothing. I’ve gotten all of the work let out and I’ll be back a few times to make sure it’s all completed properly, but I won’t return full time.”

  “Surely, Banna…”

  “She tried to talk me out of it, but I know when I’m not needed. I may be a common woman, but I’m not a numbskull. Anyway, I am your housekeeper, Sara and I do want to help you here. I don’t have to worry about others.”

  Lily walked into the room. “Ah. Willa is back. Good for you.”

  “You knew?” Sara said, wondering why all of this was new to her.

  “Countess, you are in an odd position.” Lily said to Sara. “Your rank is higher than the teachers, even though you helped recruit them. They won’t confide in you. I’m more their style and I’ve been hearing them complain about Willa from the start. I’d put it down to professional jealousy aided by the class difference.”