It was too early in the trip to use my skills, but his belief that he was a better fighter would be his downfall. His arrogance gave me the edge I needed. If he had brought even four guards, he would probably deliver me to Dagger as intended.
Without those guards, he would sleep or rest, turn his back, lull himself into a stupor, or perhaps we would find an inn that served strong ale or wine. My time would come.
I continued to act the part of a confused princess who didn’t know which edge of a kitchen knife was sharp.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Damon
We reached the farm that Flier’s family owned after a short walk down the road from the Waystone. Better said, we reached the place where a farmhouse had once stood. The blackened remains were covered in vines, and grass grew high enough to almost hide them from the road.
Part of the fences that outlined the pastures were visible in the overgrown fields where small trees had rooted and grew head-high. There was no sign of people. Flier stood alone and looked over what had been a prosperous family farm, trying to hold his emotions in check.
We said nothing. Finally, he turned and continued walking in the direction of Vin. The local clothing we hoped to get wouldn’t happen. Our pace slowed. We started to notice that despite the fertile ground and plentiful water from a small river, there was an unnatural quiet.
Kendra moved to my side and said as we entered the outskirts of the northern edge of Vin, “Damon, I don’t like this place.”
“Neither do I.” Too many of the small farms and houses along the river were dreary and overgrown with vines and weeds. Few cattle grazed the lush grass in the pastures. No dogs barked. As many farms stood empty as those occupied.
We’d split up a little as we traveled. Avery lagged far behind, moving slowly as all wandering priests did, seemingly traveling alone. Kendra and the girls walked together as any mother and her children might. Flier and I walked fifty paces ahead of them, just a pair of dusty travelers fresh in from the desert.
For every person we saw, there should have been ten more. I heard Anna speak to Kendra and giggle, which caused me to notice there were no children in sight. I glanced back and found Anna and Kendra lost in girl-talk, but little Emma wore a scowl as concerned as my own. It seemed that Emma, while the youngest, often wore a scowl.
“Where are you taking us?” I asked Flier, “And why?”
“My family owns several houses and apartments. We’re going to the largest. If they are living there, we can enlist their help and get the money to pay for a ransom, if your princess has been taken.”
“You’ve been planning,” I commented.
“More like listening to the two of you and deciding how to meet your wishes. After all, you’ve done for me, I owe you.”
“Choosing good friends is a knack I seem to have.”
We both laughed. After turning up another street, a house stood so large it blocked the entire block, and the little traffic on the streets had to go around it. On the massive set of steps In front marched guards, six that were in sight, all wearing the blue uniforms of the King’s Army.
Flier bumped my shoulder and forced me to turn into the next alley. He whispered, “That was my father’s house. There would be no guards if he lived there, especially when they are dressed in blue.”
Kendra and the girls followed us. We waited until they caught up.
Flier said, “I suggest we go to the waterfront. Perhaps your princess has not yet arrived on the ship.”
Kendra said, “Whatever you think best.”
When Flier turned away, she scowled and mouthed, “What the hell?”
I shrugged and moved to catch up with him. His optimism and cheer were gone. His face displayed dismay and anger. He had obviously expected his family to be living in their home and was worried. Our vague plans had suddenly gone astray, and neither Kendra or I were happy about it. Flier’s entire attitude, stance, and expression had changed when he laid eyes on the guards.
He navigated us out of several alleys to a main street, and we again walked as a pair, the three women fifty steps behind and acting as if we all just happened to be going in the same direction. Several people took notice of my sword. That made me look at them, and I found no swords, almost as if they were not allowed. If I wore a long robe like many of the locals, I’d have placed it underneath.
The slope of the hill took us generally down to where a few masts of ships stuck up over the roofs like stray twigs on branches. As we passed by the last in a row of two-story buildings, the harbor was in full view and directly ahead was the Gallant, tied to a pier. Our buoyant attitude swelled, and we exchanged grins.
We went directly in that direction, almost at a trot. There were ten or more soldiers lounging on the pier. One, an officer from the gold piping on his uniform, watched us with lazy, but interested eyes. With two fingers pointing at my foot to draw attention, I motioned for Kendra to take the girls down a side street instead of to the ship. She seemed to understand my concern as they moved away.
Flier said softly, “A trap? I don’t know, but we might hold our own against them.”
I said, “If they attack, we’ll jump into the water and swim to the far side of the ship. That’s the purser at the quarterdeck, and he’ll recognize us and lower a ladder.”
Flier muttered, “I’m in a mood to fight.” But he didn’t argue.
Still, if one or two of them reached us, I’d bet Flier’s blade would also sing alongside mine. I stepped a little to one side, to give him room. We warily walked on past them and up the gangplank, where the purser had already called for a messenger. The boy escorted us to Elizabeth’s cabin, where we found Lady Grace anxiously waiting.
She said anxiously, “Did you see her?”
“Who?”
“Elizabeth! They came aboard and took the princess.” Her eyes were red, her voice screeching.
Flier and I looked at each other. “Who?” I managed.
“The soldiers!”
Flier snapped, “The color of their uniforms?”
“Blue.”
Timor raced inside the cabin. “They just came aboard and took her just after dark last night before anyone knew what was happening. Two of the crew were hurt. I’m coming with you.”
“No,” I placed a hand on his shoulder. “You stay with Lady Grace and protect her. Do what you think is best for the two of you, and if the Gallant sails, you sail with her. Return to Dire with the news.”
“I can fight,” he persisted.
Flier again came to my rescue with a lie, “We only have enough horses for two.”
Timor said, “Kendra?”
“Safe,” I assured him.
We turned to leave and were met on the deck by the purser and the captain. The captain said with a stiff voice that betrayed his anger, “It happened so fast. We’re sorry, this has never happened where soldiers come aboard a vessel. It is against maritime law, and there will be consequences. Is there anything we can do?”
“Protect Lady Grace and Timor,” I said. Then realized the crack of my voice was an accusation more than a request. “I’m sorry.”
The purser said, “They took her to a big house in the center of the city. It’s surrounded by guards. I had one of my men follow them.”
“You did well,” Flier said. “A three-story house?”
“Yes.”