Schwan (16 A Selfless Act)

The adventure continues!

Chapter 16; "A Selfless Act"

16 A Selfless Act

The Gatekeepers looked up in surprise as four horsemen rushed toward the gate.  The leader cried out.

"Open the gates!" as they drew their horses up in the dim light.

"By the Duke's orders..." the sergeant began, but was interrupted.

"Did three monks pass though here?"

The men at the gate looked at each other uncomfortably.

"Why, yes sir, not long ago."

"And you let them go?"

"Well, yes.  It was only some of the Friars from the Abby."

The horses were excited, and the riders had their hands full controlling them.  Now Rolf shouted.

"You fools!  That was King Fredrik!  You let him escape!"

The Gatekeepers looked at each other in confusion.  It did not seem possible.  The sergeant spoke up.

"That is impossible!"

But he was worried.  Could it be true?  He did not recognize the riders.  But they wore the uniforms of the Duke's own Guardsmen.  And they seemed to know what they were talking about.  The monks had passed though.  And he had let them.

Now Rolf spoke again.

"Open up!  Let us though before he gets away completely!"

The Gatekeepers looked to their sergeant.  They were worried as well.  This could cost them their heads.  He hesitated.

"But, I've no orders!"

Fredrik's men looked to him.  His hand moved toward his sword.  But before he could draw it, a woman's voice rang out.

"Open the gate, you fools!"

Juliet was walking swiftly toward the gate.  All eyes turned to her.

"But, M' Lady..."

"Do as I say!"  Her tone was commanding.  "Let my men though!  Do you want Fredrik to get away?"  As the sergeant's resolve faded, she added, "Hurry up, you idiots!"

The Gatekeepers ran to the gate and began to raise it.  The sound of the rattling chains rang through the night.

Juliet had stepped back as the portcullis was being raised.  Now she stood near Fredrik.  He looked down at her.  She turned her head and looked up at him with an expression of sad resolve.  She had made her choice, and expected to pay for it.  But for this moment, his nod of thanks and respect, was enough.

As the gate slowly rose, Fredrik's conscience, prodded him.  He was in her debt.  If the Duke was a treacherous villain, Juliet was not.  He spoke one word.

"Dungeon."

She gave him a puzzled look.  But by now the portcullis was raised enough for the horsemen.  Fredrik spurred his mount, and the rest followed him though the gate.

The Gatekeepers were left staring after them, as Juliet turned away.  She walked slowly back to the castle wondering what Fredrik could have meant.

✠

Lord Rathard's party was on the road nearing St. Petersbridge and home.  He had hoped to be there before dark, but there had been delays.  "Lady Samantha" was in an ill humor.  She preferred "Lady"; most called her something else.  But not to her face.  After all, she was Lord Rathard's current favorite.

Now it was late.  As they topped a rise, the castle lights could be seen flickering in the distance.  Ahead, the road crossed a bog as it approached the city.

"Well, it won't be long now," Rathard said to his companion.

Samantha sulked in silence as the carriage started down the narrow road across the bog.  The air was filled with the sound of frogs croaking in the darkness.

Then, there was yet another halt.  At the sound of curses, Rathard climbed out of the coach to see what was happening.  A peasant's cart was blocking the narrow road.  He watched as his horsemen forced the cart off of the road and into the deep mud at the side of the road.

Then, they were moving once more.  As they passed, they could see the old peasant standing by his horse in the mud.  Two women sat dejectedly in the cart, now, already sunk halfway to it's axle in the ooze.  Another horse stood by, it's rider glaring at the passing carriage.  Lady Samantha looked on with satisfaction.  Other people's misery was one thing that cheered her up.

Just before they reached the city gate they were passed by a party of horsemen leaving the city.  Four riders, in the Duke's livery, rode by at a brisk trot.  Rathard was surprised when they did not salute.  He had a brief look at the leader's face.  It looked vaguely familiar.  He watched as they rode down toward the bog, and vanished into a gathering mist.

He was offended, but the deference of the gatekeepers mollified him somewhat.  He asked about the riders.

"Some of the Duke's guardsmen.  They were in a hurry.  They never told us their business, and we didn't ask," was the reply.

Rathard was surprised to find the portcullis closed.  The gatekeepers seemed nervous as they slowly raised it.  They only confused him more as they tried to explain the situation to him.  It was something to do with King Fredrik, Juliet, and some monks.

Rathard sent Lady Samantha to her room, and went to find his father, the Duke.

✠

It was not long before Fredrik and his men came upon Garth's cart.  It was hopelessly mired in the thick mud beside the road.  He, Karl, and the two women had tried without success to free it.  The horse strained to pull it free as they all pushed.  But it was barely moving.

As Fredrik reined in, the old peasant explained what had happened.  With Fredrik, and his men helping, they finally got the cart back onto the road.  But the cart horse was worn out from the effort, and they would have to travel more slowly for now.

Fredrik had recognized Lord Rathard.  He was sure that they would be pursued.  He called Karl to him.

"Ride for Waterton as fast as you can.  Tell the Princess to send men to meet us.  I fear we will be overtaken on the road before we can reach the castle."

Karl would have protested.  He preferred to stay and fight.  But he could see the necessity.  He saluted.

"Your Majesty!"

And raced off into the night.

✠

When Rathard reached the Duke's rooms, he found the guard on duty at the door.  He was informed that the Duke was in his chambers, and did not wish to be disturbed.

But Rathard insisted, and since he was the Duke's son, and heir, the guard knocked on the door.

But there was no answer.

Rathard grew inpatient, and tried the door.  It was not locked, but still refused to be opened; something was holding it.  He began pounding on the door.  All the commotion attracted the attention of the other guards and servants.

Lady Juliet stood and watched uneasily, expecting the worst.  She remembered what she had seen in Fredrik's room.

To be continued*...

*However, it is possible to read Schwan in it's entirety at this link.