Retribution

CHAPTER THIRTY

They came out of the rolling hills and forest on a clear, warm afternoon near a village called Chambers Crossing. The village sat on the north side of a wooden structure little more than a footbridge that crossed a wide, but shallow stream. It consisted of four farmhouses, three on one side of the road, and one on the other. Each had a barn and outhouses, fields with sheep grazing, and dogs watching out for them.

People gathered in small groups of three or four, leaning on pitchforks or holding knitting as they mutely watched the soldiers in the unfamiliar uniforms exit the forest in a line that stretched from the tree-line across the bridge and beyond, and still more came into view.

Hannah grimaced as she remembered an old saying. Rumors fly faster than soldiers march. Somehow, the immobile farmers watching them would manage to get word to the next village down the road, and then the next. There was probably a long-legged boy of ten or twelve running across the far ridge to tell the news to his uncle or cousin, already. She couldn’t prevent it, so why try to stop it?

The general waited for her as he stood erect, shoulders back, and eyed his troops proudly. While their blue and white-trimmed uniforms were dirty, each man stood straighter and fell into step as they approached their general.

Hannah and Brice fell out of the line and approached him.

He said, “Ahead is a field where we’ll make camp tonight. There’s water and animals are being slaughtered and cooked, along with vegetables for a stew.”

“It’ll feel good to sleep in my kingdom with a full belly.”

He chuckled then said, “We have things to discuss.”

“Anything we can settle now?”

He rolled his eyes and said, “You do realize that the Royal Army of Peermont has just invaded Wren? And you want to know if there are things we need to settle?”

“Invade? Oh, I see what you mean. I guess we did.”

“Your King may have something to say about it. He may even say it with an army of his own.”

“What? You’re my escort, and Wren owes you thanks for a job well done.”

“Perhaps not if Princess Elenore reaches his ear first. Or if she uses her gold to hire an army of her own, or pays nobles to support her instead of you. I am not critical, just pointing out things to think about.”

Hannah said, “Those things and a hundred more have entered my mind. I almost have a plan.”

“Almost?”

“There are a few holes in it, but I like it. We can speak tonight if you will.”

Even while speaking to her, his eyes fell on each of his men. The action spoke louder than any words as he gave a slight nod to one, a smile to another. Hannah realized the men would follow him for another hundred days if he asked them, and then they’d be ready to follow for another hundred. All for the sake of respect and a small nod or smile. It was another lesson for her to learn.

She fell back into line after asking a trooper if it was okay for her to step in front of him. He swept off his hat and made a low bow, to the amusement of those behind. The gloom and doom of a couple of days ago were gone, replaced by the cheerful camaraderie of men who have struggled to complete a difficult task together and succeeded.

Brice fell into step with her but recognized her mood and the concentration of deep thought. He said nothing.

When they reached the field where the camp was set up, she saw it was a farm. The owner had drawn a wagon up and helped the cooks with the meat. She realized he must have been paid well—in hard coin. Where would he get it?

From the general, she realized. Perhaps it was not coins, but he controlled other things. An unobstructed army wearing the colors of another kingdom would be hard to refuse cooperating. He might even feel threatened.

She changed her direction and walked to the farmer. He stood in the bed of the wagon, holding a sack of grain he intended to pass to a cook. When he looked up, his face paled. He knelt on one knee, still holding the sack of grain.

“Rise,” she ordered. “You know who I am?”

He nodded as he stood, still holding the bag and appearing very awkward. “Have you been intimidated to provide food and a place for us to rest?”

“No, Princess. I was paid generously.”

She smiled. To Brice, she said, “Find where you and I will sleep and arrange a meeting with the general as quickly as you can.” She turned back to the farmer. “Can we talk?”

He leaped to the ground, despite his middle years. His hair was dark with a few gray streaks, his eyes clear, and his clothing reasonably clean. He was a man she liked instinctively. She stuck out her hand to shake.

He almost refused, but finally touched it gently with a palm as hard and crusty as the feet of barefoot children. “Sir, I have questions, but one that is . . . delicate.”

“Ask anything, Princess.”

“I need a woman. One my age.” She saw misunderstanding on his face and went quickly on. “She needs to be a strong woman, willing to take risks. One who can travel and help me. Again, there may be a danger, but I’ll do all I can to protect her.”

“Risks in what way?” His change in attitude revealed he still misunderstood.

“I cannot tell you that.”

“Then I cannot help you.” The farmer rose, his demeanor reluctant, but he said, “I will ask, but know of none foolish enough to take on a task they cannot know about or understand, yet face danger. The women who live around here are pretty rational.”

Hannah flashed a smile. The farmer didn’t return it as she spun and left to locate the general. She found him standing calmly in the middle of chaos, directing his army with cool concern. She watched, learned, and then approached.

“Princess, how does it feel to be out of the mountains?”

“And have flat ground under my feet?”

“Did you need something?”

She shrugged, hating to pull him from his duties. They stepped away to where they had privacy, but his eyes kept watch on the activities. “I have need of a volunteer, a small man about my size who is willing to impersonate me.”

“You? I can’t think of a man who wants to dress and act a woman, let alone a princess, but who knows?”

“One my size. I’ll take care of the rest.”

The general gave her what Sara called the stink-eye, then said, “And what will you be doing while he’s pretending to be you?”

She suddenly felt trapped and unsure of herself. A discussion with the general earlier would have saved her the embarrassment of the moment, but she tried to conceal all that as said, “I know I should have talked to you earlier, but you were so busy. Here’s what I’m thinking. Rumors of the Peermont Army appearing from the mountains are already flying across Wren. By tomorrow, Princess Elenore will hear of it and instantly know I’m with you.”

“And she will throw everything she has at us. At you.”

Hannah paused. “I hadn’t thought of that.”

“It’s why we’re here. She can attack with an army of her own, a dozen mages, or whatever else she comes up with, but we are an army that has been at war for years. My men are seasoned survivors. We know how to defend ourselves. No matter what, she will need at least a day to hear of us, another day to devise a plan and implement it a day later. That is the schedule if she is very quick and has the resources at hand, which I doubt so you can add another day or two to my guess.”

“It’s a five-day walk to the King’s Palace because it’s at the head of the valley.”

“How are you going to get there?” he asked.

“Horse.”

“Well, I don’t suppose anyone will stop a princess riding to her castle. Will it be a white horse and will you wear a long gown?” The general didn’t seem to try leaving the irony or iron out of his tone.

“My plan, simple as it is, will have Brice and I travel as brothers. We’ll ride bareback like farmers and use rope bridles. No gowns, but work clothes. You and your army will be the distraction that draws attention while you march in plain sight up the King’s River Road. Wren will be filled with rumors, the Wren Royal Guards will prepare to defend the King’s Palace, your invasion will be on the lips every rumor-monger. No washerwoman will hang her clothes to dry without talking to her neighbor.”

“Too bad I didn’t bring drums and a band.”

Hannah paused and tried to anticipate where the argument would take them. “General, what should I do? Do you think I should walk to the palace with you guarding me?”

“I thought that was the plan.”

“You don’t know Princess Elenore. I don’t know what she has waiting for me, but I intend to circumvent it and go directly to my uncle, the King before she knows I’m there.”

He stepped closer and placed his hands on her shoulders while he looked into her eyes. “If you do not keep your word and stop the Peermont war with Ansel I will see you dead.”

“You already have my word.” She refused to break eye contact.

His hands fell. “Then I will support you in any way. I don’t like your plan but will do my part.”

“And why do you not like it? Is my plan that bad?”

“No. Your plan would only be better if I had thought of it, and if there was a way for me to protect you, but your plan makes sense. It may save many lives if it works. The man imitating you must be clearly exposed to those we pass, or other rumors will fly. He must flaunt himself, and I have doubts a man can do that.”

“Perhaps he should wear a veil.”

“Perhaps.” He didn’t sound convinced.

“I need to depart as quickly as possible.”

The general waved to an aide who raced to his side. Orders were issued, and the aide raced off. Hannah left to find Brice.

Later, they were packing and discussing what to take when a private arrived with two horses, neither saddled. They wore old rope bridles. “Can you ride?” the private asked as he handed the reins to Brice. The horses were short, their hooves large, and their coats shaggy. Either would look at home in a harness in front of a hay wagon.

“Both of us ride bareback.”

“The general wanted to know.” The private sounded sheepish at having asked the question and almost ran as he departed. Over his shoulder, he called, “He wants to see you before you leave.”

Another soldier arrived carrying worn canvas shirts and pants favored by farmers because of their durability and low cost. They changed clothing while discussing how the general managed to find what they needed so quickly.

They walked the horses to where the general waited. He beamed when he saw them. “The straw hats complete your look. I suggest a little soot smeared on your clean, shiny faces. I hear you ride?”

“No problem,” Hannah said shortly, a little angry that the general had so quickly pointed out their cleanliness, an item that could have made their impersonation fail. What else have I missed?

He said, “I would like to introduce you to someone.”

A beautiful young blonde woman wearing a pale blue dress that fell to her ankles stepped from inside his tent and moved forward with grace and poise. She gave Hannah a small smile that turned into a giggle.

“How?” Hannah asked.

“She lives at the Crossroads and has agreed to travel with us. I promised to protect her, and that when crowned, you will richly reward her family.”

Hannah shook her head in wonder and fear. “General, you are so good at helping me—but I cannot allow this girl to risk her life for me. Princess Elenore will stop at nothing to kill me.”

“Yet you will allow one of my men to risk the same life for his monthly pennies?”

“It does not seem right,” Hannah protested.

“Dressing up one of my men who will fail is not right. Looking like a princess to any person close enough to see him is right? My men risk their lives daily. They volunteered to join this venture of yours. This young woman also volunteered. Where is the difference?”

“I don’t like it. She’s a target.”

“One that will be protected exactly the same as if you wear her dress and go with us—which was your original plan. Why is it you can risk more than her?”

“It’s my choice,” the young woman said.

Hannah realized she was defeated in the argument. She turned to the woman. “I will remember this. I promise. And thank you.”

Brice took Hannah’s elbow and led her away, probably before she could change her mind. She turned to look over her shoulder at the young woman—and found a princess watching her. She was enjoying the attention of the men, and her long blonde hair fit the description of the missing princess. With the soldiers surrounding and protecting her as they marched, no observer would doubt they watched Princess Hannah.

Brice leaped to the back of the short horse as naturally as if born on a farm. Hannah was dressed as a farmer and wore her hair tucked under the straw hat to look like a younger brother, but she used the rail of a fence to boost her onto the horse. They rode off.

Hannah knew her disguise was flimsy, but all she needed was to get out of sight of the soldiers. She had her backpack, and inside were spells of several kinds. She would use one or more. But again, she had to conceal her abilities from all but Brice. Even the suspicion of a Queen with magic powers would unsettle the kingdom and perhaps others. While magic might be marginally accepted, it wasn’t liked, and nobody trusted those using it.

She had to agree with the general. The soot on Brice’s face gave him the right look. She assumed the same for her, so the magic needed was minimal. She only needed a slight change in her appearance, especially her hair. A spell that changed the color and length would do it, and she had one ready. She also had a replacement knife that would cut hair, and she could color it, skipping the magic.

As soon as they crested a small hill and passed out of sight, she called for a short pause and leaped off the horse beside a stream. She reached into her pack for the spells she had brought from Gallium. The spell on top was her old friend, the no-see-me spell. If they encountered the need, she would quickly cast it and continue her journey on foot.

There was enough of the magic dust to sprinkle over Brice, too. But, it would be easier to use it on herself and walk at his side so people would see him and not look for her. Another packet held a spell that removed anger for a short time. While held in an open palm, a sneeze activated it and blew it at nearby people. Still, another was the spell that enhanced feelings and made people like her and wish to do as she asked. She selected those few and placed each in a pocket on the outside of her pack. The others remained inside, but she mentally reviewed the use of each one and decided if it should also be included in the ones she might need quickly.

“I think those you selected are the best,” Brice said. “Simple, quick, and will maybe give us time to use others, if needed.”

“You’re just trying not to fight with me.”

“That may be true.”

“Is my foul mood that obvious?”

“It’s not a mood. You’re tense, anxious, worried, and above all, about to put an end to this quest you’ve been on for years.”

Hannah felt her face redden and the anger rise. “Quest?”

“Maybe I chose the wrong word. Please calm down.”

“And maybe I should send you on a quest, like walking to the end of the world … and one step further.”

He climbed on his horse before saying, “You are my Queen, and I will do what you ask, but you also charged me with telling you when you’re wrong. If you send me on that Quest, you will not have anyone left to blame your faults on.”

Hannah watched him spur his horse into a trot. Did he just laugh? She looked for something nearby to give her enough height to get on her horse. Even though they were small for horses, she couldn’t quite leap to their backs like Brice.

A boulder provided enough height for her to mount and she rode after Brice. He was right, she knew. She had made him promise to always tell her the truth, but he didn’t have to do it in such a rude manner.