Schwan (17 In the Dungeon)

Life isn't always easy - especially for the poor Lady Juliet.

But we need to continue with this story now...

17 In the Dungeon

When it became obvious that the Duke was not going to open the door, Rathard ordered the guards to break it down.  Something was seriously wrong.

The guardsmen began hesitantly.  They feared the Duke's wrath.  But with Lord Rathard's threats spurring them on they fell on the door with a will.

It took some time to force the heavy doors, but eventually they gave way.  The room was empty.  Yet, the doors had been barricaded from the inside; and, where was the Duke now?

By now Damson had arrived.  He watched in silence as Rathard stomped around the room, in a rage.  Rathard was his father's son, but without any of the Duke's restraint.

Damson cleared the Guardsmen and servants from the room.  When he was alone with only Rathard and Lady Juliet, he spoke in a quiet tone.

"My Lord and Lady, as you well know, I have been privy to your fathers closest secrets.  Please allow me..."

He stepped to the wall and pushed a certain panel.  A door they had never seen, swung open.

"He must have left the room by this passage."  He said turning to the others, "But I have no idea why."

Damson was wondering if the Duke had secrets even from him.  He picked up a candle, and they followed him into the dark passage.

Damson knew the way though the maze of passages.  From time to time he would bend low examining footprints in the thick dust.

"They came this way," he said pointing.  "There were at least four of them."

Finally, they emerged into the room Fredrik had been staying in.  By now Juliet was sure of what had happened.  It was no great surprise that someone had known of the passage.  And that, someone, besides herself, had also helped Fredrik.  But what had become of her father?

Her face must have betrayed her thoughts.  She became aware of Damson staring at her.  By now Rathard had found the Duke's robe.

"That bastard Fredrik is behind this!"  He looked at Damson.  "Where is he?"

"He seems to have disappeared," he answered, looking hard at Juliet.

"Search the castle!" demanded Rathard.

"It is being done, as we speak."

Damson led them back to the main hall where a servant found them.  He spoke privately to Damson.

"Apparently, King Fredrik has escaped in disguise," Damson told them.  "It seems that a certain Lady ordered the Gatekeepers to let him pass."  He turned to Lady Juliet.

Rathard's face passed though surprise to anger.  Now he realized why the man on the road had seemed so familiar.  It had been Fredrik, himself.

"You! Traitorous bitch!" he spat, slapping his sister.

"My Lord!" Damson said hastily, "Control yourself!"

"Where is Father?" Rathard demanded.

Juliet raised her face defiantly.  A bit of blood trickled from her lip.  She had expected as much, or worse.  But she really had no idea where the Duke was.  All she knew was that he had not been with Fredrik.

When she still refused to speak, he slapped her again.  Then twisting her arm behind her, he spoke close into her ear.

"Perhaps some time in the dungeon will loosen your tongue… Sister."

Damson looked on impassively.

The Jailer looked up at Lord Rathard's approach.  With him were Damson and a woman in shackles.  She held her head down.  It was turning out to be an unusual night.  He bowed low before the duke's son.

"My Lord."

"Lock this traitor up until we decide what to do with her!"

"Yes, My Lord," he answered as he took her arm roughly.  Then, he recoiled as he recognized the Lady Juliet.  He looked at Lord Rathard questioningly.

"Are you deaf?  I said put her in the dungeon!"

At this, Juliet lifted her head and repeated the word, "Dungeon!"  Was this what Fredrik had meant?

"Is Father here?"

Now Damson turned and asked;

"Is the Duke here?"

"I don't know, but Fredrik said..." Juliet began.

Now Damson turned to the frightened Jailer.

"Speak man!  Is the Duke here?"

"N... no... of course not, Your Lordship... Sir..."

It was obvious that something had happened here.

"What is going on here, dog!" Damson demanded.

"Please Sir!" the man said, dropping to his knees.  "They made me promise not to tell!"

"Speak, if you value your life!"

"It is Fredrik, the King.  The Duke's men… they brought him here."

"You saw him?"

"No, Sir.  His face was covered.  They told me... never to..."

Rathard and Damson exchanged looks.

"And where is he now?" Damson interrupted.

"In that cell, the last one; the one where..." and his voice trailed off.

They were silent for a moment.  Then Rathard demanded,

"Give me the keys!"

"The Duke has the keys!" answered the frightened man, explaining what had occurred earlier.

"We'll have to break down the door."

✠

Duke Richard sat with his back to the wall in the darkness.  He could sense the corpse beside him moving.  He felt the hairs on the back of his neck rising, his ears straining for the slightest sound.  But there was nothing.  Now, he felt the presence of the bones in the corner as well.

Five men, and one woman were here.  Or had been.  They had been left to die; chained to this very wall in turn.  But they were still here; and now they waited for him.  He could feel their presence, watching, waiting in the dark.  Waiting for him.

How long would they wait?  How many days?  But what was a day in this place of silent darkness?  Had it been a day already?  No, that was impossible; wasn't it?

But already, it seemed like forever.

One by one, they came back to him.  Some begging in tears… some stoic.  But now they waited in silence; staring at him, though empty eyes.  He felt them pulling him through... into the darkness with them.

He did not hear the sound of the ax.  He did not see the torchlight.  He was already in hell. 

When Rathard and Damson found the Duke in the Cell of the Forgotten, he made no response.  As the chains were cut from his wrists and ankles, there was no reaction at all.

"This is Fredrik's revenge for his father's death," Rathard said to Damson.

Lady Juliet looked up in surprise.  They had forced her to come with them.  This was the first she had heard of this affair.  She looked at her father with tears in her eyes.  He was an empty shell now.  He walked stiffly, never speaking as Damson lead him from the cell.

"You see what you've done?" Rathard said to her viciously.  "But I'll see Fredrik dead yet."

"Please, Rathard, don't do  it.  Aren't things bad enough already?"

"You really have turned, haven't you," Rathard said to her scornfully.

✠

The Jailer opened the door to the cell, and Rathard pushed her in.  Juliet tripped over her shackles, sprawling on the floor.  Rathard walked in behind her.  He stood looking down at her now.

"I never would have thought it.  My own sister, turning against us."

"Don't go after them, Ratty... Please!"

It was his childhood nickname.

"Don't you ever call me that again!" he said angrily, kicking her viciously.

The Jailer watched in horror from the doorway, afraid to speak.  Was this to be his new master?

Rathard turned and gave him a hard look.  The Jailer retreated back into the hallway.  Rathard turned back to his sister.

"You foolish girl, you've fallen in love with our enemy, haven't you.  When I return, I'll bring you his head.  He can share your cell... and bed if you wish."

He turned and strode out, motioning to the Jailer to shut the door.  Juliet heard it slam, and then the lock turned.

There was an iron grate over the tiny window near the top of her cell that let in a small amount of air and light.  The window opened into the main courtyard, but it was far too high for her to see out of.

Soon, Juliet could hear the sounds of horsemen gathering.  She heard Lord Rathard join them, and then the horse's hooves, as they rode out into the grayness of the predawn morning.

To be continued of course!

A Breezy Afternoon

After his Sunrise Morning Excursion, The Fuzz pretty much holed up back at the Hotel.

It was cold out there.

But by the evening he was ready to give it another go.  So he bundled up, and headed back to the beach.

With all the wind, the sea was kinda rough.

But that wasn't stopping the birdies.

The Fuzz has a thing for trying to catch those guys in flight.

And they were out there right in the surf.

While he was out, he decided to check out the other side of town.

For those who might be unfamiliar with Topsail Beach...

There's not really that much to it.

Of course, that is part of the attraction - at least for The Fuzz.

The "other side of town" is the "Sound" side of the island.

It's a whole different thing.

More birdies, but less flying.

But by now it was getting late and more rain was moving in.

So it was back to the Hotel for The Fuzz.

The Early Bird Get's the Sunrise

The Fuzz tends to wake early these days- although not as early as His Sweetie.  But one of his favorite things at the beach is to watch the sunrise.

Of course in the past this has been in the summer.

 One advantage of this time of year is the sunrise is not quite so early.

One disadvantage of this time of year is that it is not quite as warm!

But The Fuzz does still have a bit of that yankee blood in him.  So what if it is a bit cool?

So he was up and out with the birdies.

The Moon was still out-

But the Sun was on it's way.

As it came closer,  the Sky lit up.

And then...

It was here!

And worth the wait.

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.

Surprise Early Beach Trip

It may be remembered that back at Christmas The Fuzz and His Sweetie made an unscheduled trip out to the coast.
And in that Post, The Fuzz mentioned a certain "Wild Hair".

Well, now the time has come for an explanation.

Whilst having a beer at the Quarter Moon there in Topsail Beach, they noticed a sign advertizing a month's stay at the Main Street Inn, at a reduced rate!

And so, after a bit of thought- but not too much- they made the reservation.

So now they are Here!

They got the room on the top floor...

With a nice view of the "City" of Topsail Beach.

While it is the off season-

which is why they could actually afford it- apparently there is still a bit of nightlife going on.

The Fuzz figures he'll have to slip down there for a "Pint" sometime.

After a walk on the windy beach, The Fuzz and His Sweetie holed up for the night.

When they woke it was still dark and there was a bit of rain going on.

It was a wet morning.

But after a while the sun came out...

...and so did the Police!

Guess there isn't much to do this time of year.

Well, that's all for now.

The Fuzz says it's time to get back to the serious business of Kicking Back.

Schwan (15 Heartbroken)

This thing just keeps going on, doesn't it?

But here is another installment in The Fuzz's "Schwan" sires; Chapter 15 "Heartbroken".

15 Heartbroken

Lady Juliet could not sleep.  She had been looking forward to spending the evening with Fredrik.  But he had seemed preoccupied, and excused himself early.

As she lay awake, she thought of her mother.  She had been a good woman.  But the Duke had sent her away when she had become inconvenient to him.  She was sure Fredrik would never have done such a thing.  There was a world of difference between the King, and her own family.  Perhaps it was her mother, coming out in her, but she was beginning to prefer Fredrik.

Her father, the Duke, was expecting her to find a way to get Fredrik to marry her.  He had made it plain for her to do what ever was necessary, even if it meant seducing him.  The Duke hoped to control Fredrik though Juliet, as his wife.

But Juliet's thoughts had taken a different turn by now.  She still hoped to become his wife, but for her own reasons.  She would be glad to leave Morlana behind.  And she no longer thought Fredrik to be quite the fool that her father did.

She had heard of the Duke's orders to hold Fredrik hostage in the castle.  She wondered if she should warn him.  Maybe then he would see how she felt about him.

In her mind she played it out.  She would order the gatekeepers to let them pass.  They would leave together.

Juliet drew her robe around her.  She had made up her mind.  She would find Fredrik.

✠

With Duke Richard safely locked in his own dungeon, it was time for Fredrik and his men to look to their own escape.  At the stable, they surprised the grooms, and tied them up.  Fredrik had his men saddle the horses.  On the way to the stables, they had seen that the portcullis had been lowered, blocking the gate.  There would be no chance now of them rushing the gate.

There was a chance that they could bluff the guards into letting them pass.  But it was unlikely.  Fredrik wondered, if they overpowered the guards, how long it would take to raise the heavy portcullis again.  And… would they have that time?

They quietly led their mounts into the courtyard and waited in the shadows.

✠

When Lady Juliet reached Fredrik's room, there was no answer to her knock.  When she tried the door, it opened easily.  There was no one there.  There were a few candles still burning.

In the dim light she could see the remains of a hasty meal.  It looked as if there had been a small gathering there recently.  On the table, beside an empty chalice, lay a bouquet of wild flowers.

Juliet could see only one explanation for these.  But that was impossible.  How could it be true?  And who?....

But then of course it couldn't be what she thought.  If it hadn't been already on her own mind, the thought would have never even occurred to her.  Apparently, one of Fredrik's men must have fallen for one of the servants.  He would have arranged this for them.

One of the kitchen workers entered the room.  He was surprised to see Lady Juliet there.  Assuming she knew about Fredrik's hasty wedding, he addressed her.

"They have already left, M'Lady."

Curiosity got the best of her.

"And who was married here tonight?"

The man looked at her in surprise.  He had thought she knew all about it.

"Why, the girl... Elise... from the kitchen."

Lady Juliet had a vague memory of the girl.

"And who did she marry?"

Now the man looked around uneasily.  Juliet was waiting for his answer.

"Why didn't you know, M'Lady?  She married the King...  King Fredrik."

Juliet gasped.  She stumbled to the open window, and the cool air.  The pieces began to fit together in her mind.  Elise was the girl that had been sent each night to Fredrik's room.  Now she recalled how he had acted that day at the kitchen.  It was Elise he had seen there.  And by now she knew that Fredrik would not have taken advantage of the girl, despite what was said of him.

As the servant left hastily, she stared out into the darkness.  As her heart slowed, she noticed the clothing lying about the room.  There were a couple of the castle guardsmen's surcoats, and some other things.  It looked as if someone had left in haste.  And then, she noticed her father's lounging robe, tossed in the corner.  She was sure of it.

Had he been here as well?  The idea was absurd.

Juliet hurried to her father's chambers.  The guardsman at the door assured her that the Duke had never left his room, and did not wish to be disturbed.  He was probably in bed by now.

"As I would expect you to be, M' Lady, at this time of night."

"Yes, of course... it is late," she said and turned away.

But she was not satisfied.  She had still not found Fredrik.  With few options left, Juliet descended to the courtyard.  Perhaps the wedding party was there.

✠

Rolf and King Fredrik were talking quietly in the shadows as the two others held the horses.  They needed a way to get the heavy gate raised.  It would take several men to do the job.  They were gambling on passing for the Duke's own men.

If that failed, they would have to overpower the gatekeepers, and raise the portcullis themselves.  And all before an alarm could be given.

"It's not much of a plan, your Majesty," Rolf said.

"Do you have a better one?" Fredrik answered him a weak smile.

Rolf just shrugged.  Then he broke into a smile.  He had spent most of his life helping his friend out of trouble.  Things hadn't changed.

Rolf took command now, and explained the plan to the two Guardsmen as they mounted.  They had been chosen for their loyalty.  They would follow the King to the death.  Fredrik hung back, hoping not to be recognized.

Then, as they were about to step out into the moonlight, a figure appeared.

✠

As Lady Juliet walked into the main courtyard, she nearly collided with a group of horsemen in the shadows by the stable.  She looked up in surprise, straight into the face of Fredrik, himself.        

It was obvious that he was planning to leave; and... without her.

"Fredrik, the Duke has..."

"I know."

"But you can't leave!"

"I can try.  And I will."

Juliet took hold of his bridle.

"Take me with you," she pleaded, although she knew it was too late.

"I can't," he said.  "Now let me go."

Juliet reluctantly dropped her hand.  Her hope faded, and her eyes filled with tears.  She stood and watched as the horsemen spurred their mounts toward the gate.   

To be continued*...

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