enormity of the challenge intimidate them now; everything they saw was expected; in fact in some ways it was better, for the few guards seen were only lightly armed with weapons more of a ceremonial nature than for battle. They slowly made their way back down the main thoroughfare and through the city, reassuring each other that things boded well.
By the time they left the throng they carried a number of cheap and useless ageing day trinkets they had been obliged to purchase in keeping up the pretense of being travelers: as they got further away they gave them to children they passed.
“I should like to have the money that you give away Antony,” joked Simeon.
“If I am still alive I will be more than happy to be a poor but free man,” he replied solemnly.
The two men had made their way back almost to the cities outer wall and now stood in front of a house of the same timber design as a hundred others they had passed. They hammered on the stout door and it was opened by a youth.
“Good day young sir,” Simeon said in a voice loud enough to be envied by the thespians that were entertaining the crowds. “I am told the generous owner of this dwelling would not turn a homeless traveler away from his door; especially if that traveler has a bag full of money.” He laughed out loud, and shook a bag rattling with the sound of coin.
“What is this commotion?” A man, whose similarity betrayed him as the boy’s father, pushed the youth to one side.
“Sir,” began Simeon again. “I am told that we may buy lodgings here for the celebration. Please do not turn us away, for the taverns are full and we do not fancy the thought of sleeping in the streets: that is unless we are drunk out of our good senses.” His face broke into a wide grin.
“Master our home is small and unworthy: but I am not a man of means, so you are most welcome to board these days of celebration: not least of all for the money you offer.” He bid them enter, and closed the door after them. As soon as it was shut all three men burst out laughing and threw their arms about one another.
“Jacob.” said the man to the youth. “Run; tell Mary that Simeon and Antony are here at last; that is if she has not already heard the commotion?”
As the boy left them Simeon looked disapprovingly at the man “Not already heard? Nathan do you accuse me of being loud and unruly?”
“And with more than good reason.”
They tossed good-natured banter until Mary came into the room. Jacob helped the crippled woman to a chair close to the fireplace. Simeon and Antony knew the guards in the keep had broken her legs. For several seconds there was an uneasy silence as they tried to find the right words. “Good-day ma’am,” they both echoed; almost together, and almost embarrassed to be standing without aid.
“Do not stop your conversation for me,” she said pleasantly. “I am as pleased as Nathan that you are here.” But the high-spirited feeling had passed, and instead they settled to a comfortable exchange as they updated one another with news of their preparations.
“The arms have been distributed around the city, and all know their duty,” confirmed Nathan. “Either I have spoken with: or by child to child passed messages, to all the groups within the city walls. Everyone lies low. The next time we gather will be inside the fortress.”
“The group that are to take the tower and the gateway; it is essential they are clear on their plans.” said Antony.
“Aye, they are. During the Protectors address, when the Marshal utters the words ‘let the celebrations begin’, and the crowd cheers, as is its practice, they will rush the guards and take possession of the bridges.”
“It is essential they keep the gates open until the crowd can escape; for the battle will be on then and I fear many souls will perish if they are trapped between us and the military that still will fight.”
“I have my doubts that all will: is possible; nay it is probable that some who will not get away may fall. Much depends on how quick the relief guard can arrive from the outer wall. If they are too soon, the gate must be closed whoever remains in the courtyard.”
“We must be certain the courtyard is clear…” Antony said, worried at the consequences.
Simeon interrupted, “I do not wish to dwell on it, but the importance of the gates is above all. We cannot fight above the keeps own force; if they are reinforced then we fail. They must know what is expected of them Nathan.”
“They know the importance, and the risk. They know that the gates must be ours and all are prepared to die on those steps to give them to the cause.”
“We will not fail them Nathan. As for our part, those we have sent to the city these last weeks are ready. Their weapons will be concealed about their persons, and each knows his target. We expect; and it seems to be from what we have just seen, that there will be fewer guards about than we could have hoped.”
“Most will be in their ale houses from early morn,” Interrupted Jacob to their amusement.
“I hope that be so,” said Simeon. “Especially as I will lead the attack on the garrison; and Antony takes the armory. If luck is with us we then move on to the apartments; take the Marshal, and claim the city.”
They spoke not long after the evening meal; and retired early to bed. It would be a big day tomorrow.
More Quone-Loc-Sie, and other novels and stories by John Stevenson can be found by visiting
www.caelin-day.com
www.Australianstoryteller.com
www.Australianstorywriter.com
The City Page 5
