Parno's Destiny: The Black Sheep of Soulan: Book Two (19 page)

“Nor will you be asked to be,” Tinker assured him. “The woman will manage things,” he nodded to Rosa. “Her women do not cater to just anyone, Mister Watts. Their clientele will be discriminating as well as discreet. The rear stairs will be useful for that and all such business will come through the back. We will also serve alcohol and food. I need a strong hand for the front, and you are already known to those in the area. I want no trouble in the business. You are no doubt strong and accustomed to dealing with difficulty. I would have you continue to do so. And I believe I can make you a lucrative offer.” He named a figure and suppressed a smile as Watts struggled to keep surprise off his own face.

“I can work for that,” he nodded. “I live here, though,” he added. “Got a room out back. Reckon I'll keep it,” he didn't quite challenge.

“That would be desirable,” Tinker agreed. “Are there other accommodations on the premise?”

There were. A small servant quarters out back and two rooms over the stable. Nothing fancy, but clean and usable. The main building had a kitchen, large serving hall, three rooms downstairs other than the owner's and eight more upstairs. Two stairways, one front and one back and, most impressive, an indoor bathing room complete with two tubs, a pump for the water and a tank of water heated with wood. Ideal.

The deal was struck and suddenly the women were descending upon the place, Rosa barking orders as the house was set in order. By nightfall they would be well along. By the next night they would be open for business.

Tinker was pleased. The first part of his operation was under way. Rosa would oversee that, having done so before. The brothers, Raymond and Ramone would be their security and assist with the kitchen and stables. A third man, Alphonse, would assist with the kitchen and be 'available' to everyone else if he was needed. Two of the eleven women would operate the kitchen, two others were serving girls and one more would alternate between the two.

The others would be
entertaining
selected officers of the Army. Rosa and the others would occupy the rooms on the upper floor, their clients using the rear stairs to gain entrance to their boudoirs. Gaining such access to Rosa's girls would be difficult and costly. Only the very distinguishing of gentlemen would be able to approach her about it. Just the sort of man who would be in Therron McLeod's nest of vipers.

And Rosa's girls could make a man talk about many things he might otherwise never mention.

With this part of his operation now safely underway, Tinker turned his attention to other matters.

*****

Brenack Wysin was unhappy being separated from the Black Sheep and his Prince, but as with Aaron Bell, orders were orders. He arrived in camp followed by three apprentices, each driving a wagon similar to his own that contained tools and materials for their trade, including a small forge. A fourth wagon driven by a man wounded at the Gap carried coal. While he would not use the coal often, he knew getting coal in this part of the country would be difficult. The soldier was a man well enough to be working, but not yet able to stand the rigors of being in the field. Having an assignment after weeks of convalescent leave had been a welcome relief to the man.

“Mister Wysin!” the smith heard and looked around him, finally spotting a waving Aaron Bell who was riding toward him.

“Youngster,” Wysin nodded. “Have we a place to work yet?” he asked, straight to business. He was tired, having pushed long into the night more than once in order to arrive as soon as possible. His orders from the Prince were to assist the Tinker while plying his trade for those among the army who could afford to buy custom made equipment.

“That we do, sir,” Bell nodded. “Place that was already in operation, in fact.
The Hogshead Inn.
Mister Tinker sent me to lead ya'll into place. Through town and just beyond. Ladies already got it all fixed up.”

Wysin snorted at that, wondering how Tinker managed to maintain his sanity around so many women under one roof.

“They ready for us?” he asked, his thick brogue and accent cutting like a knife.

“That they are,” Bell promised. “Got a stable for patrons, of which there won't be so many, quarters out back and I managed to lay in a store o' wood two days ago that should make pretty good charcoal. Owner stayed on to run the front, a tavern with a kitchen. Miss Rosa will be runnin' the. . .other,” Bell finished.

“Well done, lad,” Wysin smiled tiredly. “Lead us on, then. These old bones are in sore need of rest. We have pushed hard to be here so quick.”

“Your quarters is already made up and they got hot baths in the inn,” Bell promised. “Have to help set up the brewers tomorrow though,” he warned.

“We can do that,” Wysin promised. “I hear tell the Tinker's harem is a fair pretty picture, lad,” Brenack needled slightly and Bell blushed every so lightly.

“Reckon they're pretty, all right,” he nodded, trying to affect a maturity beyond his years in such matters. For all of his innate and learned abilities, he was still a very young man in some things and Rosa's niece Briel, one of the serving girls, had caught his eye right away. Slight of build and dark of complexion, the girl was a thing of beauty so far as he was concerned.

She might or might not be returning his admiration. He hadn't quite worked that out yet.

“Well, let's get moving then,” Wysin was too tired to kid over much.

“Follow me.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

-

Parno sat across from Evelyn McKenzie at lunch the following day. She gave Raines a full and concise report of what had been happening in her area of responsibility while Parno listened without comment.

She was Raines' age, Parno guessed, but no more. She was strongly built, the kind of woman who would indeed thrive on a ranch and birth healthy children. Her brown hair was cut short, no doubt for utility as she worked her own fields and livestock. Her skin was sun-kissed but not weathered, which Parno credited to the wide brimmed hat she had worn to the meeting and the gloves that sat on the table in front of her.

She'd been accompanied by a gangling teen son who was just now growing into his height and a dark haired beauty of a daughter who was a carbon copy of her mother, short hair and all. Her dark hair made Parno think of Stephanie and he instantly forced the thought away. He could not afford the distraction and she was deserving of better than him at any rate.

“Mrs. McKenzie, I failed to introduce our guest,” Rained said as she finished her report. “He wanted to hear your report first hand without influencing you. This,” he motioned to Parno, “is Marshal Parno McLeod. Marshal, Mrs. Evelyn McKenzie of DeSoto.”

“Ma'am,” Parno nodded politely. The daughter had shown little interest in Parno until the announcement but she sat up straighter now. Parno fought the urge to laugh.

“Milord,” Evelyn nodded her head.

“Very impressive what you've done, ma'am,” Parno told her. “And I appreciate your efforts.”

“It isn't much effort,” Evelyn shrugged gracefully. “In truth, we'd be watching the river anyway, milord. For raids, for the water to rise, for trespassers. Idiots come in swarms I'm afraid, and many of them try to steal by river. Most of them drown,” she added with a slight smile.

“I've seen the eddies,” Parno nodded. “Much different from the Tinsee or Cumberland. Harsher, I should think.”

“It can be very harsh,” Evelyn replied. “We're seen no real activity other than glimpses of their patrols passing along the far shore. Heathen Wildfolk for the most part, but we've seen the Nor a time or two as well in regimental or battalion strength it appeared.”

“Are they taking notice of our shore or just making a patrol you think?” Parno asked. This woman was obviously intelligent. He wanted her opinion.

“For my money, they're going through the motions,” she replied steadily. “Even the Wildfolk respect the river, milord. We've seen no sign of attempted crossings, nor even any interest in such. Of course they may just be doing it out of sight, but we do try to keep a steady look out. The men General Raines assigned to the post are constantly on the move.”

“Have you any idea how far south their patrols go, ma'am?” Parno asked, leaning forward.

“Usually gone by no more than two days before we seem them return,” Evelyn responded. “We can only assume of course, but I'm of the opinion that they go a day's ride south, camp one day, then return. I think they are doing the same thing we are, essentially, just doing it in force rather than using the outposts like we are.”

Very intelligent
, Parno thought to himself.

“Have they broken their pattern at all?” Parno asked.

“Every so often, maybe one patrol out of three, are gone another day,” she nodded. “No idea what they're doing. Perhaps they merely ride further south, but that would be conjecture. We've no way of knowing. Other outposts may pick them up,” she added, looking at Raines.

“They do,” he supplied. “The post to Mrs. McKenzie's immediate south sees patrol activity about once per week on average.”

“That would be about right,” she agreed.

“I'm given to understand that we owe you for more than just the look out, Mrs. McKenzie,” Parno changed the subject. “I ate a splendid meal yesterday after far too long in the saddle. Fresh food from your farm.”

“We supply what we can,” Evelyn nodded. “Glad to do it.”

“We have some horses that have been ill used by their former owners,” Parno told her. “We've checked them and save for general mistreatment and a bit of undernourishment they are healthy enough. If you can use a dozen or so trained mounts, I'd be glad to let them go back with you. We can provide a wrangler to assist you in getting them home.”

“If they're able to sit a rider and work then yes, milord, horses are always welcome,” McKenzie nodded, her eyes showing a slight surprise. “I wouldn't think you had horses to spare.”

“Normally we wouldn't, but as I said, these horses were taken from a group of rabble militia who thought they were just playing soldier. Some are still receiving care and we think most will be able to serve in some capacity once rehabilitated, but the dozen I offer you are well enough. A week, perhaps two, of good feed and grooming to settle them and I think they'll serve you well. Little enough we can do for all you're doing.”

“I thank you, milord,” Evelyn bowed her head slightly.

“And speaking of food, I think it's about time for lunch,” Raines announced. “With your permission, sir?” he asked Parno.

“By all means,” Parno nodded, grinning. “I'll never say no to a good meal.”

*****

Evelyn had heard of Parno McLeod and her daughter's interest in the Prince didn't go unnoticed. She was careful to keep the daughter at arm's length from the Prince and Parno had to stifle a laugh when he realized it. Wouldn't do to offend the woman.

She was remarkably intelligent. He was all but certain she had been to a university somewhere but it would be improper to ask so he didn't. He did enjoy her company for the noon meal then had a man guide her to her new horses.

“Remarkable lady,” Parno remarked as McKenzie and her group moved away.

“Every inch of it,” Rained agreed. “There's iron in that one, milord.”

“I'll be riding out tomorrow,” Parno said suddenly and Raines blinked at the abrupt change of subject.

“I had thought you would be here longer, milord,” he ventured carefully. Was something wrong?

“No need of it,” Parno shook his head. “You're doing just fine without any interference from me. I'll leave a letter for the general of the cavalry division to carry to Davies but he'll know how best to use them I'm sure. Meanwhile, I'll try and make sure you get some help to the south. Also,” he paused for a second, “also, you'll soon I hope be receiving a delivery from Nasil for your artillery contingent along with a group of advisers. Listen to them
very
carefully General. The weapons they're bringing helped me destroy the Nor at Cumberland and they'll aid you here as well.”

“Ensure that your artillery commander knows to listen to these men. They aren't so high ranking and they're a bit rough around the edges, but they know how to use these new weapons. They also know how badly things can go wrong when proper precautions aren't taken.”

“These must be some weapons, milord,” Raines mentioned.

“You honestly won't believe it until you see it,” Parno shook his head. “Trust me though, if we can get them into constant and reliable production then crushing the Nor just got much easier. General, you're doing a remarkable job here,” Parno changed the subject yet again. “You'll have to keep doing it, too. There's no help in the immediate future except what we can do to deceive the enemy. We have men training now, good men who will be even better if they survive the training, but it takes time. Time the enemy won't just give us. We'll have to take it.”

“We'll keep them fooled, milord,” Raines promised, hoping he wouldn't wind up eating those words someday.

“There's a new unit I formed that might already be in the field by now,” Parno continued. “They'll be working their way around the Nor right and trying to cut off their lines of communications as well as disrupt any provisioning they can. Spread terror and confusion where they can't.”
 

“Like the old days,” Raines nodded, smiling, but the smile faded as Parno looked at him.

“No, not like the old days,” the young prince suddenly looked much older than his age. “It's a black flag operation, General. No mercy, no quarter, no prisoners. You'll extend the same to the enemy here. Raise the flag as a warning if you wish, I'll leave that to you, but we will not be taking prisoners. Interrogate them, get what you can from them, then execute them.” Raines had paled a bit at that.

“Milord, we've always-”

“And no more,” Parno cut him off. “This attack was planned using all of our history against us. They attack, we defend. They invade, we repulse. Who suffers for this every time? Our people, General. Their own people sit safe at home because the Soulan Army never crosses the River Ohi and always act with honor, returning their captured men even though they kill ours. Well, that's a thing of the past.”

“We can't feed them,” Parno was brutally honest. “Can't spare the men to guard them, for that matter. And we need to start sending a message to the Nor soldiers. A message they can't possibly misunderstand; you come here, we kill you. Period. Understand?”

“I do,” Raines nodded thoughtfully. “It's not without precedent you know,” he added suddenly. Parno looked at him questioningly.

“Tyree did much the same once, milord,” Raines placed his hands behind him, easing into lecture mode. He had been a teacher at the Army Academy for several years prior to his rise to Corps command. “Early after the Burning, milord, before there was even a kingdom. Was almost his undoing according to what I've read. His superiors at the time were very upset with him. But it worked,” Raines added with a slight grin. “We'll do the same here. Do you want any high-value prisoners sent to Nasil?”

“No,” Parno's voice was flat. “As I said, get what you can from them, then get rid of them. How, I leave up to you.”

“I will see to it, sir,” Raines promised. “Where will you be off to next?” he asked, moving away from such a black subject.

“I am unsure at the moment,” Parno admitted. “I should ride to Nasil and give a report to the King I suppose. It's too far to ride to 4
th
and 5
th
Corps headquarters while the battle hangs in the balance here, but I will be dispatching riders ordering General Herrick to free up a reliable militia division to assist in patrolling the river south of you. Most of that shore line is his area of responsibility after all. Until I hear from Admiral Semmes I can't afford any more than that, just in case that fleet really is loaded to the gills with Nor soldiers. If he can defeat that force, then I'll bring Herrick and 5
th
Corps north. Freeman will just have to cover the best he can.”

“On that note, I'll be sending him your idea here about the observation posts. It should be easy enough to erect such posts along our shores to spy out enemy landings. He can use that to hide his real strength as well.”

“Anyway, I appreciate your hospitality General,” Parno smiled briefly. “Now I need to meet with my staff and I think I'll retire early. Long ride tomorrow.” Without waiting for a reply Parno left the porch, heading for the building where his own staff were working.

Raines had to admit that he was impressed by Memmnon's little brother. For the first time since he'd seen the Wildmen on the bridge, Raines felt as if there might be hope for their survival after all.

Parno walked across the busy street shadowed by Berry and several of his men, now working in shifts to 'keep an eye' on the Prince. Entering the building he'd taken over upon his arrival, Parno noted Enri Willard pouring over dispatches and walked over to his top adviser's side.

“This is two days old, milord,” Enri noted the report. “Still quiet to Davies' front. He's seen some movement, but there's been no attempt to attack his positions. This is somewhat older,” he picked up another. “Admiral Semmes has rendezvoused with the other squadrons as of seven days ago and was at that point maneuvering for a good position to attack. As of yet they cannot ascertain if the troop ships actually have troops or not.”

“Quiet on other fronts as of no more than four days ago,” Willard concluded. “A note from Beaumont that he would be heading into the field tomorrow, if his schedule has held. He reported no difficulties and that the units had drilled hard, working well together. He used the time he needed to gather supplies and equipment to allow the units some time to work up as a whole.”

“Good plan,” Parno nodded. “Send a message to General Herrick,” he ordered. “He's to provide one militia division, this one well trained, equipped and behaved, to patrol the southern leg of the Great River. That unit will be under Raines' command until further notice. Make sure that Raines' gets a copy of the order.” Willard nodded as his own secretary scribbled furiously.

“Next, send Freeman and Herrick both the general outline of what Raines is doing with his outposts. If they haven't already implemented this plan, they are to do so as soon as possible and then devise a warning system to alert them of any possible incursions by sea. Those veterans too old or injured to be able to serve in a field command can be used to man and command the outposts.” Parno paused for a moment, then added; “and they are not to automatically exclude women from that duty, either. Capable women are just as efficient as men at that kind of work, and they free up men who otherwise would be fighting. Their pay and privileges are to be commiserate with any other of its kind. Stress that I will be checking on that and would be displeased to find it was not so.”