Alexander, Lloyd - Vesper Holly 01 (9 page)

Vesper withdrew her head instantly. But the dear girl's eternal curiosity was such that, before Nilo and I could prevent her, she peered out again.

"Nobody's shooting at us," Vesper exclaimed. "There's a—well, it looks like a band of gypsies. They're firing at Helvitius and the Zentans."

The shock of the explosions and the strain of her ordeal had, I feared, deranged the poor child's perception. Gypsies roaming the Silvana Forest? Those peaceful horse traders and fortune-tellers would have found few customers in these uplands.

Nilo took Vesper's place at the opening, then began scrabbling at the rubble. "Lincilla, help me."

Handing me the chess piece, Vesper lent all her efforts to enlarging the gap. She and Nilo had both lost their wits, in my estimation. Helvitius already posed a sufficient threat without letting ourselves be caught up in the midst of rampaging readers of tea leaves. Nilo, by this time, had scrambled free, pulling Vesper with him.

"Come on, Brinnie," Vesper cried. "Out you go."

I had no real choice, since she and Nilo had seized hold of me and were hauling me upward despite my protest that I had been snagged on a broken stone as firmly as if in the grim clutch of Helvitius himself. Finally, they heaved me loose, though I was obliged to leave behind a portion of my garments and a few shreds of skin.

Vesper retrieved the chessman from me and tucked it under her arm. Nilo shouted at us to hurry, urging us down the slope. I had only a momentary glance, enough to see that Vesper had not been mistaken. Some figures in colorful gypsy garb were directing a brisk fusillade against the vile doctor and his hirelings, forcing them to take cover behind fallen pillars. I recognized one man with a bright cloth tied around his head—Milan.

Whatever unfriendly thoughts I once harbored were forgotten. I cheered at the welcome sight of him. The stouthearted Milan had no doubt grown alarmed at our lengthy absence and had come seeking us. He and his companions obviously had chosen gypsy apparel as a disguise during their prospective journey.

While Milan and his fellows held off the Zentans, I went half tumbling to the bottom of the slope. Nilo was already there, well in command, ordering Silvia and another of his followers to untether the Zentan pack animals, to seize whatever supplies could easily be carried, and to wreak havoc in the camp. He was good at his work, very competent and businesslike, more so than when he had been our dragoman.

By now, our rescuers began withdrawing from the temple site, all the while keeping the Zentans at a safe distance from us. Nilo gestured for Vesper and me to climb astride the mules. Nilo took the horse of Dr. Helvitius, and we set off with all possible speed. Milan and his companions acted as rear guard, joining us when we had outdistanced any pursuers.

Only once did Nilo permit us to halt and rest, while he, Milan, and Silvia conferred briefly. From their conversation, I gathered that a wagon had been obtained and hidden near Alba-Collia, ready for our use.

Vesper propped herself against a tree, taking advantage of these moments to examine the chess piece, that object which had nearly cost our lives.

"It's beautifully made," Vesper said, turning the figure around and around in her hands, "but Helvitius was right when he told us it wasn't all that valuable. No fabulous gems set in it, no gold or silver."

Hardly a spectacular gift from one king to another, I observed. I suggested burying it. Vesper had achieved her goal of keeping it from the villainous doctor, and I saw no point in adding to our burdens.

"Bury it?" returned Vesper. "After all we went through? No, we'll hang on to it. I'll have to figure out why Helvitius and Ergon Pasha want it so badly."

She continued studying the figure. "Something's inscribed here, around the pedestal." Vesper rubbed the base of the chessman with a corner of her sleeve. "Can you make it out?"

I shook my head. The light was fading, the letters had been tarnished by the centuries, and Nilo, furthermore, was goading us to get a move on.

"I'll see that later," Vesper said. "The most important thing right now is to warn Osman. They mean to kill him —but when? Helvitius didn't tell us. I only hope we won't be too late. I'll ask Nilo what he can do to help."

She did not have the opportunity just then, Nilo being occupied with getting our party in order and on the way again. We continued through the woods, despite the deepening shadows. Night fell, but we pressed on. Nilo, I had to recognize, was every bit as redoubtable as the original Vartan must have been. He seemed to know every twist and turn of every trail; there were times when I could have sworn the fellow was able to see in the dark. He set such a vigorous pace, even his own people showed signs of flagging. I had already run out of wind miles before. Vesper, needless to say, kept up with him. With the pair of them cajoling us, or sometimes browbeating us, egging us on, adding the occasional old Illyrian proverb, we came out of the forest a little before daybreak, exactly as he had calculated.

I had hoped, then, that we could find our wagon and leave Alba-CoUia well behind us. Nilo, however, led us to Matrona Mira's cottage, where more of his followers would meet us.

The spry old woman was expecting us. She hurried us indoors, fed us, bustled around pulling out sacks of provisions for our journey, as if she had done this son of thing a dozen times—as she probably had.

The matrona was delighted to see Vesper, who showed her the chess piece and described briefly what we had found in Vartan's Castle.

"Someday there may be another legend," the old woman said, "of a girl who came from a faraway land and brought ancient treasure from the depths of the earth. Yes, child, I believe this is truly Ahmad's gift to Vartan. A curious gift. There is nothing in our lore to explain its meaning."

Vesper, however, was less concerned with the chess piece than with warning Osman about the threat to his life, and she took up this matter with Nilo.

"We don't dare lose time," Vesper told him. "Helvitius isn't going to sit on his hands. Will he try to follow us? Or get word to Ergon Pasha? There's no outguessing him. All I can see is for us to reach Osman as fast as we can."

"If you will do that, Lincilla, " Nilo replied, "we must change our plan. My destination is off your road. If you travel with me, it will cost you three days' added journey."

"We have to stay together," Vesper said. "It's the safest way for you."

"Perhaps," answered Nilo. "But, Lincilla, you cannot follow both roads, if you would go straight to Zenta, we shall take leave of each other now. For me, the danger will be no greater than it has ever been. For yourself, you will have no difficulty. If you are stopped and questioned, you need only show Osman's letter."

"Thank heaven for those," Vesper said. "We'd be lost without them."

The documents, I assured her, were carefully packed in my saddlebags. Even as I spoke, my mouth went suddenly dry.

"Dear girl—" I could barely whisper. "The documents indeed are in my saddlebags. The saddlebags are with our horses—"

I clutched my head. There was no need to say more. Vesper grasped the distressing truth.

"With our horses," she said, "and we left our horses at the temple."

Nilo stared at me, as appalled as I was.

"So much for the documents, then." Vesper bit her lips. After a few moments of hard thought, she glanced up at Nilo and me.

"No use crying over spilled milk or lost papers," Vesper said. "They're gone. That's a fact. We have to deal with it. Only it does turn things around. We were going to help Nilo. Now he can help us.

"Without our papers, we can't risk being stopped. Nilo, do you know a way of getting us to Zenta? Can your people pass us along from one place to the next? Secretly—and fast?"

"To save the life of a Zentan king.?" Nilo's face darkened. "Lincilla, ask anything but that."

"It would help your own cause," Vesper insisted. "I'll tell Osman you kept him from being assassinated. He'll be grateful."

"Gratitude from a Zentan.?" retorted Nilo.

"Ahmad was grateful to Vartan."

"And gave him a chess game. Lincilla, my people demand more than that."

Nilo turned away. Vesper was not going to let matters rest there. Before she could marshal her powers of persuasion, Silvia burst into the cottage.

She had gone to fetch our wagon. What she brought was disaster.

"Zentan cavalry! In the village!" cried Silvia. "They seek the two farenkis. "

I sprang to my feet. In that instant, I knew what must be done. The matrona's legend set me the example. "The wolves!" I cried. "The Zentan prince led them astray!

"Save yourself, dear girl, for we must no longer think of saving Osman. Stay with Nilo. Go wherever he wishes. Only leave here immediately.

"These creatures of Helvitius and Ergon Pasha mean to arrest us—and so they shall. Not you, dear child. Myself. Let them try to capture me while you make your escape. If I can elude them, I shall find you later. If I cannot, then I pray that we shall meet in a happier place."

"Brinnie," said Vesper, "that's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard."

Disregarding her words, without hesitation or a backward glance, I ran from the cottage and leaped astride one of the horses. Vesper called after me; I turned a deaf ear to her entreaties and galloped for Alba-Collia.

Of the incident that followed, the less said the better. If modesty forbids boasting of one's accomplishments, surely a similar veil of decency may be drawn over one's mistakes.

In short, inspired by the legend, my plan succeeded. It succeeded all too well.

I did indeed gallop into the village, where half a dozen cavalrymen were halted in front of the kaffenion. I shouted that I was the individual they sought and, to incite them further, made a defiant and somewhat vulgar Illyrian gesture. I streaked past; the troopers wheeled and spurred after me.

As a decoy, my goal was to lead them as far afield for as long as possible. I bolted across the countryside, over ditches, and through farmyards, scattering chickens, leaving the peasantry gaping after me and the Zentans on my heels. How long this mad gallop lasted, I could not estimate. I was only aware that we covered some good distance. My horse would have gone many miles longer. Alas, we parted company at a high hedge.

I scrambled free of the tangled branches. The Zentans, a few yards behind, reined up and dismounted. Trapped with the hedge at my back, I adopted a pugilistic stance, resolving to sell my life dearly and to make that process a lengthy one. I defied them and their treacherous masters, Helvitius and Ergon Pasha. My death would gain them nothing.

"Your death?" replied the Zentan officer confronting me. "Sir, we desire only your safety. We have ridden here from the capital, by order of King Osman. His Majesty is gravely concerned for you and Miss Holly. He will soon order a punitive expedition against the rebels. He does not wish you to be caught up in the fighting. He sent us to find and bring you to him."

My dismay requires no description. Not only had I piled blunder on top of blunder, but also I realized that if they found Vesper, they would find her in the company of the very man Osman meant to destroy. Vesper would never forgive me for leading them to Nilo, nor would I forgive myself.

"Sir," I said. "I shall find Miss Holly. You and your men must return immediately and warn King Osman. His life is in danger. A foul conspiracy! The vizier! The barber! The tailor!"

At first, the Zentan stared as if my words were only the babbling of a demented farenki. The intensity of my emotion, however, carried conviction. The officer stood thoughtfully for some long moments.

"Sir," he said at last, "these are serious charges. They go beyond my responsibility and competence. You yourself must bring these accusations. I shall detail two of my men to continue searching for Miss Holly. You, sir, shall return with me to Zenta."

I protested in vain. The officer obliged me to mount. He issued his orders. We headed back toward the capital.

During the long days of the journey, I sought every opportunity to escape, but the Zentans did not let me out of their sight for a moment. I could only wonder, in anguish, if I would ever see the dear child again and how I could explain to Mary that Vesper might spend the rest of her life in the Illyrian backlands, surrounded by desperate rebels, never to set foot in Philadelphia again.

They delivered me at last, bedraggled and travel-stained, to the palace. It was well past midnight. The officer was relieved and delighted to get me off his hands and into those of a royal chamberlain. He spoke apart briefly with this functionary, who conducted me to an antechamber.

I demanded to see King Osman immediately. The gold-braided lackey pompously informed me that His Majesty was asleep, an audience now was impossible.

"Wake him up!" I exclaimed. "This is a matter of life or death—His Majesty's life or death!"

My words carried force enough to send him scurrying off, leaving me to cool my heels if not my impatience. The Zentan formalities for rousing a monarch in the middle of the night, whatever the emergency, seemed endless. I was beside myself when the door finally opened.

I jumped to my feet. "Your Majesty—"

The words died on my lips at the sight of Ergon Pasha.

The vizier strode toward me. "Professor Garrett, my pleasure is surpassed only by my surprise."

I was not inclined to exchange courtesies.

"You villain," I retorted, "we know your foul scheme. You and the unspeakable Helvitius."

"I fear the difficulties of your journey have done you serious harm," he answered. "I was informed that you brought a warning of an attempt on His Majesty's life. Your accusations are quite alarming."

He sadly shook his head. "I was shocked to hear them, and bewildered by such grave charges. Now I realize that you are distraught, not in possession of all your faculties."

"Scoundrel!" I flung at him. "You dare to call me mad?"

"Fevered," said Ergon Pasha. "An inflammation of the brain. You have, alas, fallen victim to a disease all too common in our nonhern region. You shall receive the best of medical attention."

"And you shall receive what you richly deserve. When the king learns I am here—"

"He will not," said Ergon Pasha. "The chamberlain very properly advised me first of your presence. I saw no reason to disturb His Majesty's repose. Affairs of state weigh so heavily on him.

"He will, in due course, be informed of your arrival and your unfortunate malady. By then. Professor Garrett, you will be in no condition to repeat your pitiful ravings. The ailment you suffer from is invariably fatal, but mercifully quick."

This new villainy left me aghast and speechless. Ergon Pasha withdrew. Moments later, half a dozen palace attendants arrived to surround and conduct me from the chamber.

I protested and struggled in vain. Vesper, at least, had not fallen into this trap with me. Fortunately, she was many miles away.

"Brinnie, what are they doing to you.^"

I could not believe my ears. Perhaps, indeed, I was feverish.

"Take your hands off him!"

Vesper had burst into the chamber and was already plunging into the midst of my captors, who were too astonished to do more than fall back out of her way. Behind her, I glimpsed Nilo.

"Come on. We have to see Osman."

"Dear girl," I cried, as she pulled me into the corridor. "Ergon Pasha knows—"

"I was afraid he'd got hold of you first, Nilo's people found out what happened after you dashed off. We tried to catch up with you. The palace guard's pretty upset; we didn't stand around to answer questions."

"You'll stir up a hornet's nest—"

"I hope so," replied Vesper.

If that had been her intention, she succeeded admirably. Osman's guards and attendants filled the corridor. At sight of Vesper, they raced toward her.

"Safety in numbers, Brinnie," said Vesper. "Ergon Pasha can't keep us quiet now."

Suiting her actions to her words, Vesper shouted at the top of her voice that Osman was in danger, demanding to be taken to him, and raising such a commotion that even the cooks and bakers must have heard it, let alone Ergon Pasha. I saw nothing of that reptile. No doubt he had made himself extremely scarce.

The crowd suddenly fell silent and drew back. Osman himself had arrived. Still in his dressing gown, he glanced around bemused. Vesper ran up to him.

"Get yourself a new barber, Your Majesty," said Vesper, "and don't order any new clothes."