CarlysleCoupBackIntoTheFrayDecuma let the servant light his way out to the stable yard. The other carriage was ready as he'd directed, but he passed it by and spoke softly to the stable hand. "I will take the cabriolet." There wasn't even a hint of question in the man's eyes, as he quickly moved to hitch one of the faster carriage horses to the two-seater. As Decuma waited he pondered what Lagoran had and had not said. There would be more assassinations that night... or at least attempts made. Which houses would be targeted? His uncle, the Regent? Would they attack Anderon? He looked for Martin, and saw a man was emerging from the back of the house. It was indeed the grizzled, heavy-set Anderon coachman. One of the servants must have alerted him that Decuma was leaving. As he approached Decuma strode to meet him, his face set. "You know your family's business and I would not wish to compromise your integrity, but I have reason to believe that the Anderons could be among the assassins' targets this night. Tell me, would they have returned to Anderon? Or have they all gone somewhere... And you do not need to tell me where... But somewhere safer?" "They'll have gone to ground," answered Martin. "There've been plans for a long time. Only..." His weathered face showed doubt. "Master Gallfrey wasn't at the reception, so he's probably still at the House. I'm not sure what her ladyship or Lord Giulian may have done about that." If they had not been squeamish about killing a lady and a mother at that, would they be concerned about a child? What if they didn't kill him, but used him to bring his father, his family, to them and into danger? And at the thought of just how they might use him, Decuma decided that the first person he must look after would be Gallfrey. "I'm going to Anderon," he stated with a harshness to his voice that held the threat to anyone he might find there who did not belong. "You are welcome to accompany me, Martin." "I'll do that, my lord," Martin stated. "Even if all's well, I should report back." It went without saying that if all was not well at Anderon House, Martin would help Decuma to put things right. He went to the head of the horse drawing the cabriolet, giving the groom there a nod of dismissal. "I'll see to it, lad." Decuma, though claiming he had no concern for traveling incognito, was still dressed in a black cloak so as to present less of a target. He was glad to note that the House insignia had been removed from the side of the cab. The cabriolet had room for two seated passengers as well as a place for a driver in the rear. Decuma could well drive it himself, but he nodded to Martin as he took charge of the horse. "You probably know the quickest routes." It wasn't really a question, and he didn't wait for an answer before climbing in and taking a seat. His sword, however, was unsheathed and he held the weapon lightly, but at the ready. Martin accordingly climbed into the driver's seat of the cabriolet and took up the reins. A small figure dashed out from the shadows, headed straight for the carriage. "Lord Decuma, take me with you," the voice urged. Decuma looked only slightly surprised by Maple's sudden arrival, and descended from the cabriolet to aid Maple's ascent. "You are welcome to accompany me; however, I do not know what awaits...." That hung ominously before he cleared his throat and offered her his hand. "I intend first to check on Anderon House, as my cousin, Gallfrey, may be there, alone." He did not need to add that he thought the boy was in danger being separated from the family. "Then on to the Women's Hospital, where I assume the Lady Tremontaine would have been taken." And where Harry and Renata are sure to also be, and perhaps also be in danger. But again he held those thoughts to himself. Martin regarded Maple stolidly, holding the horse steady for her to climb into the light carriage. Nodding to Martin, Maple accepted Decuma's assistance into the cabriolet. "We will handle whatever comes," she remarked with the quiet confidence that came with experience unknown to Decuma. Maple looked for a hand-hold. Although a possible slight to Martin's skills, she anticipated a fast departure. Decuma's nod to Martin indicated he was also ready to depart. Once his two passengers were seated, Martin gave the horse the office and they left the stableyard at a brisk trot. Maple turned her head toward Decuma, her voice low and quiet. "I believe you may be under-estimating the skills of Anderon's staff, but if it will ease your mind..." "I do not underestimate their skills -- in a fair fight. But these are off-worlders...." He fingered the hilt of his sword wondering if perhaps he shouldn't have asked Lagoran if he had any contraband weapons. "If we are not too late to prevent Gallfrey's being taken hostage," or worse he thought but shook that thought off, "then at least we can warn the staff of the danger, which they may not yet know." "Relax, milord. There is nothing you can do until we get there." Maple felt the young man had much to learn. She leaned her head back, providing an example for him. "I believe you will be satisfied with what you find there. Trust the Anderons and their security. They see in the night." Maple quoted the House motto. Decuma could almost have smiled at Maple's assertion. She was a survivor. He had to admit, though, she was right that there was nothing to be done until they had arrived, and probably all would be well. He concentrated on letting go of the tension as the coach sped through the now quiet streets of the outer city. Distant noises could be heard, and there was a hazy glow over the ciy, with smoke lit from beneath from what must be at least one fire. Anderon loomed ahead, and Decuma was relieved to see guards at the secured gate as the cabriolet slowed its approach. Martin hailed the gate guard and identified his passengers. The guards saluted Decuma and one of them asked, "Will you be wanting to see Lord Giulian, my lord?" "Jules?" Decuma blinked and actually flashed a smile before he quickly caught himself and continued in a brisker fashion, "Yes, of course." Yet he was curious, for hadn't Martin assured him that the Anderons would have all gone directly to a safehouse? Perhaps Giulian had also feared for his brother's safety and come back to check on him. Only a small part of him was hissing that it could be a trap and that Giulian was not really inside, but Decuma squelched that small voice that sounded peculiarly like his step-father's. "If Lord Giulian's here, I should report to him as well," said Martin, then asked, "What's the situation otherwise?" "We had a bit of a skirmish earlier in the evening," the guard answered, while his partner unfastened the gate. "Took three men who'd penetrated the grounds. They were carrying offworld weapons. Jackison was wounded, but we got 'em in the end." He grinned mirthlessly. "I believe his young lordship is having a chat with them right now." "And the staff?" Maple was concerned about Korine and her other friends in the household. "Was the household unaffected by the skirmish?" "They didn't get into the House, Madam Gallfrey," the guard assured her. "Not till we dragged 'em in, and then it was the cellars for them, right quick." "Cellars," Decuma repeated and tensed, slightly. He wondered if Anderon had prison cells in its cellars like Blackheath had, and a shiver went down his spine. Maple turned her head as Decuma shivered. She looked at his eyes to see if the shiver was a sign of weakness or humanity. Her reaction was a simple nod. She knew about the cellars from Gallfrey. Her husband spent much time there in his service to Anderon. Decuma didn't notice Maple's scrutiny, lost in dark thoughts as he was, but he did notice her nod, and turned toward her inquiringly, and offered her a nod in return, as if to say, "All is well." The cabriolet passed through the gates and then up the long drive to the entrance, where liveried men came to assist in their descent. Decuma waited patiently for Martin and Maple before making his way up the steps and into the house. Martin did not alight from the driver's seat, however. "Shall I take the cabriolet round to the stables, my lord?" he asked Decuma. "No. I don't intend to be too long, Martin," Decuma answered, "and the horses are still relatively fresh." He was a bit surprised that Martin did not accompany them, as the man had just mentioned to the guard on duty that he would also like to report to Giulian, but since he didn't appear to be coming, Decuma continued up into the house with Maple. The foyer seemed empty other than the man whom Decuma followed to a sitting room. "Please, wait in here. Someone has been sent to inform Lord Giulian of your arrival." The man bowed and left them. Decuma looked at Maple and gave her a smile, as he addressed her. "Seems you were right and I have feared for naught." Maple rested a bit, letting herself lean against a high-backed chair. "Not that I doubted Anderon, but it is a relief, milord. Thank you for allowing me to come along." "I am glad for your company, Maple," which was said with the utmost sincerity. Her calming presence had allowed him to relax on the ride to Anderon House instead of remaining tense. And since she was now seated, he had been forced to also take a seat, which he admitted to himself he probably wouldn't have done had he been alone. He was prone to pace as he pondered things, and especially while he was waiting. A few minutes after they sat down, Martin came in, having relinquished the horse for the moment to the supervision of an Anderon groom. He did not venture to take a seat, but stood off to one side, waiting. They did not have to wait overly long before Giulian arrived; he must have come directly upon being informed of their arrival. "Decuma! I'm glad to see you -- and Madam Gallfrey also." Giulian's tone was relatively cheerful, but he searched their faces as he asked, "What news do you have?" Decuma rose to greet his cousin with a brief embrace. Giulian's return hug was one-armed as usual, but no less fervent; his relief at finding Decuma alive and well was almost palpable. Maple immediately straightened as Lord Giulian entered the room. She gave Giulian a slight bow, waiting for Decuma to speak first. Her face looked tired. It had been a long, emotional night. A few seconds after Giulian, Elissa entered the room and saw who was waiting for them. She smiled when she saw they were safe after this evening. Decuma bowed gracefully when he saw Elissa, but then returned his attention to Giulian in answer to his question. "I've just come from Blackheath... They had apprehended some men attempting to gain access to the grounds," in order to kill my family; my mother he thought, though didn't add, "and I've heard you have experienced the same." Elissa smiled and nodded back towards Decuma, knowing he did not have to do that to her. Still, it warmed her that he treated her like that. "Hello, Miss Chatham," Maple greeted the young woman quietly, not wanting to interrupt the report. "Hello, Dean Gallfrey," Elissa greeted the other woman back with a warm smile. Giulian nodded. "Three of them, military men as far as I can judge, armed with offworld weapons. One of our guard was wounded, but they captured them anyway. I've just been having a word with them. Apparently they were ordered to take out any of us who made it back from the Reception." His gaze went briefly to Martin, then back to Decuma. "Is there any word from my father?" "When last I saw your father, he was accompanying the Haldane on a Lasse transport heading to the Badlands," Decuma related, "Apparently there has been a landing of Carlysle forces from offworld in that area -- forces which I assume are to be used to ensure that if this coup attempt is successful it is not easily overturned." A touch of sadness or resignation flashed briefly in his dark eyes but was gone almost as soon as it had appeared. Giulian nodded. "A landing in the Badlands... That checks out with the news Salter's courier brought to the Reception. So the Haldane is all right too? And you don't think he's involved in this?" "I couldn't imagine it," Maple offered, "not from my experience. Lord Anderon trusts him." "No, the Haldane appeared quite ... annoyed. But there is no doubt the members of the Carlysles desire that Aquila be run by their House and are prepared to do whatever they deem necessary to accomplish this." Including murder mothers and children of those in power, or in line for power Decuma's jaw tightened at that thought. "Some element of House Carlysle is certainly involved," said Giulian. His eyes narrowed in thought. "The men we captured claimed their orders came from Lord Carlysle ... but the man who actually issued those orders, they said, was a Colonel Maltravers-Sym." There wasn't time for any self-doubt or pity. Inhaling to regain his equanimity, Decuma continued on, "Which is why this coup cannot succeed. They have gone out of their way to select specific targets... I couldn't imagine at first why anyone would want to harm Lady Tremontaine -- at least not anyone not directly associated with the families -- but I believe I may have an answer to that question, and the answer is why I cannot stay, as much as I enjoy your hospitality," He gave a quick, boyish wink to Giulian before sobering again. "I have to go to the Women's Clinic, which is where I assume they would have taken Lady Tremontaine -- and look for," he paused for a moment before taking the plunge, "my brother. He is in extreme danger and may not even know he has walked into a trap, as concerned as he must be for the wellbeing of his mother." There was a brief flash of something that might have been a smile in Giulian's dark eyes when he heard Decuma speak of his brother, though his expression remained serious. "Yes; according to what I heard from the prisoners, he's a primary target, along with you, my father, Lord Tremontaine, and the Cardinal. I already sent a messenger to the Cardinal's palace. If Lady Tremontaine was taken to the Women's Clinic... Is there any word on her condition?" "I can go out and find your answers much easier, if you all wish. I just need a change of clothes and a fast horse. Perhaps a few notes to bring with me so others would know I speak the truth and can be trusted," Elissa offered. "I know the streets and I am not a target, unlike you." Decuma raised en eyebrow at that comment, but considered what she said. Maple looked toward Elissa, knowing that if only she was younger, she would have made that offer herself. She looked from Giulian to Elissa. "Are you sure of that, Miss Chatham? You might make a good hostage." Elissa looked back at Maple and then Giulian. "Yes, I am sure of this. I am a former thief who is trying to make something more of herself. I may have been seen in the company of Giulian, but why would a noble son choose such a low partner?" She looked back to Maple. "Even if they attempt to make a hostage out of me, I know ways of getting free. I can do this. I will find out the answers for you, deliver messages if you wish." Giulian looked consideringly at Elissa, then back at Decuma. "Elissa is also known to Harry and Renata," he offered, but didn't otherwise attempt to argue one way or the other. This was Decuma's mission, and therefore his decision. "I appreciate your offer, Miss Chatham," Decuma said softly. "However, I could not send you out alone to do what must be done. While you might indeed find the answers, you might not be in a position to intervene; it may take a strong sword-arm to do that, and by the time you returned to retrieve me, it might be too late." Yet, he had not dismissed her suggestions outright, and his eyes took on a gleam of one coming up with a plan. "However, your proposal does have merit. Unlike myself, you could walk into the Women's Clinic without raising suspicion." "Lord Decuma, please, let me do this for you. I have been on my own multiple times. In worse times than these, no less. It was my life before I changed myself for the better. I know how to intervene if I must, and I have a long bow that works wonders against a sword or someone's head." She smiled at the multiple knocks on heads she gave with her bow. "I will not need to retrieve you for the help, but deal with the situation as needed and move on to the next." Elissa looked at Giulian for support and back to Decuma. "It will be safer and more prudent for you to remain here with Giulian. I will lock you in a room if I must in order for me to do this. Do not think that I will lock you up tight, especially for your safety. You are Giulian's cousin and are important to him. Let me do this, please, for all of you." Decuma's eyes had hardened as Elissa had spoken, though he had not interrupted. A staff against a sword? She was serious? Perhaps if used against an untrained bandit with a single blade, but the men the Carlysles had hired would certainly not be simple thugs in an alley waiting to snatch a purse, not to mention their soldiers were also out in the streets. And lock him into a room? He thought not. He was relieved when Giulian spoke up first. Giulian shook his head. "Decuma's right, Elissa. This is something he needs to do. But there's no reason you can't go along to help him." With a half-smile he added, "Come to that, I'm more than tempted to come along myself, to keep an eye on both of you." "Jules... I don't know if that is wise," Decuma had the look of danger about him but he didn't say that Giulian shouldn't come. Instead he turned back to address Giulian's friend. "Miss Chatham, I do not doubt that you believe every word you have just spoken, however... Do not underestimate the men who we are going up against. They have not hesitated to strike at a defenseless woman already... And from the distance of a rooftop. A woman alone on horseback would be an easy target. However," He smiled, though there was no warmth in the smile, "Perhaps two horses and a curricle, now..." "Then that will defeat the entire purpose. Myself on a horse can move more quickly through the night and gather information than all of us in a curricle, getting in and out." Elissa rose to her feet and paced. "I know my way around this city more than those soldiers out there. I grew up in the dark streets that none of you ventured. I know where things are safe and where they are not. Men... You are just trying to protect a simple, helpless female. Well... I may be a female, but I'm not helpless. Not in any way." She turned and stared at the two young men, one she adored and loved more than her life, and walked out of the room. "Elissa!" Giulian called out sharply. "That isn't what he said! That isn't what either of us said." He looked back at Decuma. "Is it? The two of you mounted, and my curricle waiting to take Harry and Renata to safety... Is that what's in your mind?" Decuma just shook his head in bemusement. "You had the right of it Jules, and that girl is too hasty by far. She's more likely to run headlong into an ambush believing she is invisible, or is it invincible? She certainly has enough hubris...." Maple smiled slightly at this exchange. She stepped closer to the younger gentlemen. "Milords, shall I wait in the parlor, knitting bandages for the wounded?" Her words sounded submissive, but the spark in her eyes showed a gentle sarcasm. Giulian rolled his eyes and suggested, "Maybe you can write a note for us to Isabel. Isabel! My God, as if anyone who grew up with Isabel could cherish any illusions about 'helpless females'!" "A note, yes, Lord Giulian, a note to Isabel." Maple nodded like a slow-witted stablehand. "You young lords may rush off to anyone you fear in danger while Maple may only send a note to her daughter." Although she trusted that Isabel would be safe from this coup and could handle herself, Maple used the situation for her own purposes. She shuffled toward a table near the window and pointed. "I may find paper here, yes?" Maple reached toward the drawer. She mused out loud as she investigated its contents. "I wonder if Miss Chatham has procured a horse by now." "She won't do that, Madam Gallfrey," predicted Martin, and promptly headed out the door to make it so. "Well, it's no good my chasing her," Giulian pointed out, exasperated. "Maple, if you want to come along, as far as I'm concerned you're welcome to do so, but it's still up to Decuma." Decuma looked at them; one then the other almost in disbelief. "Is this some Sunday picnic then? Shall we ask Cook to pack us a basket?" Fixing Maple with a stare, "You know I have already said that I value your company, and if you wish to continue, I would never say, nay. Yet, we are not going for afternoon tea! Whether Miss Chatham decides to ride on, by herself, then so be it." He turned on his cousin sharply, "Jules, if you wish to follow in your curricle, then what could I say to prevent it? But you must realize, that this situation is volatile. I am willing to risk my life -- even trade it if I must -- but I cannot ask the same of all of you, Miss Chatham included." He took a deep breath, "I selected a fast cabriolet hoping that I could arrange the release of Harry and Renata, if they are indeed in danger; which I assure you, I believe that they are. If you bring your curricle and carry Maple, then there will be no room in it for Harry and Renata, so I will still have to travel in the cabriolet -- unless you believe Martin would drive it? And I could borrow a mount; Percheus perhaps?" He suggested, knowing his uncle's horses. "But, whether you decide to come or not, I am leaving now." "Now who's being hasty?" Giulian chided, though with a slight smile. "You're welcome to Percheus and whatever else the stables have to offer, but in a situation that I agree is highly volatile, for any of us to go in without backup seems needlessly foolhardy. We already know that at least some of the assassins are traveling in groups." Cocking an eyebrow, he added, "A good leader knows how to make best use of available resources." "I am not being hasty, Jules. I've thought this out, including escape routes that you may not be able to follow... And yes, I would welcome yours and Maple's aid, and if Miss Chatham had been willing to hear me out..." He shrugged, and glanced toward the door to see if Martin would return with the young woman, or not. "I would have preferred to make a plan where each of our talents could be best utilized. Maple, you also could enter the Women's Clinic without too much suspicion. If you could be the scout?" He looked at her hopefully. Maple bowed her head in consent. Then he turned toward his cousin. "If you think that Gallfrey will be all right with your absence, I would welcome a rear guard and quick get-away driver -- not for myself, but for Renata and... Harry, should he need it. They would trust you. What are your thoughts?" "Pretty much the same as yours," replied Giulian. "Go on, then; you're right, time is of the essence. As I said, you're welcome to anything in the stables. I'll be waiting for you just around the corner of Beaudry Street. And with any luck, we'll be back in time to have breakfast with Gallfrey after all." Maple considered their arrangements. "After the clinic, I can get myself to safety and Miss Chatham as well. Would this help with your logistics?" Decuma nodded to Maple, but then turned as Giulian spoke. He raised an eyebrow; a bit of surprised by his cousin's attitude. "If it comes to that, I'd trust Elissa to make it to safety on her own," said Giulian. "She really is quite good at that sort of thing." He realized that he probably knew more about Elissa's background than either of the others. He'd told Decuma about their first meeting, but not about Elissa's former profession, and he doubted she'd entered it on her application papers to the Women's College. Maple nodded, knowingly. From the way Lord Giulian talked, Elissa must be from that Chatham family. Still, that knowledge was something for her to discuss with Elissa and not involve the young lords. "She also seemed very... sure... In her abilities," Decuma said softly but with a hint of inquiry. But he could puzzle out Miss Elissa Chatham at another time. They had a possible assassination or abduction to prevent. "She has reason," was all Giulian said, and he also had the air of putting this discussion off for another time. He turned his attention to Maple as Decuma addressed her. "Maple, when we get to the clinic and you go inside to scout out the situation, how do you propose to send out word; or will you bring it yourself?" Decuma asked his godmother. Maple spoke slowly as she planned. "I can't guarantee that I will be able to send word, but I should be able to get an orderly to deliver a message." She turned to Decuma. "If an orderly left the clinic searching for Professor Devereau, would you intercept the message? The messenger will know if the patient is stable or if the situation is serious." She looked to each man for their evaluation. Giulian nodded his comprehension and repeated, "Devereau." Decuma's eyes sparkled with the appreciation that Maple had remembered his cover from earlier in the evening. "Yes, of course." And he added under his breath, "My old professor would be pleased. "If that is all, I'll head out to the stable for a horse, and send the carriages around for the two of you," Decuma managed a smile. "Right," said Giulian. "Have them saddle a horse for Elissa, too, just in case, and send that and my curricle round to the south entrance. Maple, it's up to you whether you want to leave from there or from the main entrance. I'm going to change back into the groom's livery jacket I was wearing earlier -- it's less conspicuous." "The south entrance would be faster, if you don't mind," Maple replied. The drive leading to the main entrance was designed for appearances, and there was no time for that this evening. "I'll look for the carriage there." With a bow to the young lords, Maple stepped through the doorway and turned to the right. There was something else she wanted to do before they left. |
