ROOK AND RAVEN: The Celtic Kingdom Trilogy Book One (22 page)

“I can stay no longer.  If you need me use the compass.  You knew how to find me, that I was here, so can I assume Ciara showed you how to use it?” at Conal’s silent nod Sebastian bowed his head briefly and seemed to melt away into the shadows, gone in a trice.  

Conal made his way back towards the lights of the house where a traitor waited.  He knew he would watch every face more closely and sleep even less easily than he already had.  It had not escaped his notice that this Rook bore a strong resemblance to a certain Black Axe family.  While that should have made him uneasy he found it gave him hope that his father had been right and it was not all the Vikings on Celtica who sided with the Gooar.  English raised or not, this efficient assassin and agent clearly was of Viking descent, and yet he stood between Conal and the Gooar at risk to his life.

Sebastian made his way back to the priest’s body.  He had watched the king’s back as he stepped briskly across the lawn, making sure he made it back to the house safely before bending to the task of searching the body.  He expected to find nothing, these men were always blank slates, barely distinguishable from one another and never with a single item to be found upon them.  However, as he turned over the body he heard the crinkle of paper and reaching beneath the man’s robes found a crumpled piece of parchment. 

He unfolded it and in the bare light from the moon could make out a playbill for the Power’s Theater advertising Mrs. Jessamy Powers appearing in Romeo and Juliet.  This priest had been to the theater, he didn’t know why but he was going to find out. He felt fear rise up violently as a sudden sickness.  He shoved it down deep.  He needed to know everyone, really meaning Jessy, was alright. Losing his head would help no one. But he rode back for London as if the hounds of hell were at his heels.  

While Sebastian hurried back to the city, David, Jessamy and Sean drove back to town in the barouche.  Jessy did not complain when Sean insisted the top was put up.  She was uncomfortable with Sean alone on the box and had asked David to sit with him.  She didn’t mind being alone inside but, for the first time she could remember, she wanted back to town in a hurry.  She had been unnerved by this day and night. The sooner David had the crown locked up the better.  Boru, had padded upstairs to Trystan’s bedroom before they left to lay on the floor beside the bed, his muzzle pointed to the window and eyes wide open.  She knew Boru would protect her son with his life.

Between Boru and Maureen she had no real reason to feel unsettled about leaving Trystan but, she did.  She had seen another raven sitting outside the gate on the bough of a tree, eyes catching the glint of the carriage lanterns as they pulled away from the drive.  It had reminded her of her recurring dream and the raven who always showed up just before she woke.  It made her shiver.  She had never felt a reason to even really notice ravens before, other than to admire their glossy feathers and bright eyes, but now they caused a frisson of unease like a cold finger up her spine.

From the little she could make out of the conversation going on between the two men on the box, they were anxious too.  She caught bits and pieces of about the theater vandalism and she was sure they too were thinking of Maureen’s scrying and the many strange occurrences of the day.  She couldn’t help but think a change was in the wind that did not bode well.  It was too much like her dream, she thought, unable to shake the feeling that something evil was coming.  Life was taking another weather change, after years of having built peaceful security, and she didn’t care for this feeling, not one bit.

CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

Sebastian had forced himself to slow down and think as he neared London.  He couldn’t go tearing off to the theater, he had no reasonable excuse for such an action.  He would have to play his part as long as possible.  The best he could do was make his way back to David’s house and hope for some answers there.

David was waiting, Hercules pacing in front of the fireplace, and Sebastian found his step arrested in the doorway at the look on his friend’s face.  He had never seen David look so forbidding or lacking in the composure that was his hallmark. He noticed his friend had a closed box clutched in his hands.

“You have something black down your jacket front,” David said in a grim voice. “Should I ask what you have been doing?”

Sebastian looked down, unaware in the darkness outside, to see he did indeed have a long black stain down the front of clothing, “Killing a priest,” he shrugged and moved to the sideboard for a strong drink.

“Oh is that all,” David said with heavy sarcasm, “Well you might like to know that a few things have happened here in your absence, so finish pouring and sit
down
,” David practically barked.

“When you came back, even when you told me what you are up to, there was no mention this might involve Jessamy in any way.  I should have never taken you to the theater to see her.”

Sebastian sat and eyed his friend.  David never used Jessamy’s full name unless he was
very
angry.  He was now worried he was about to receive some devastating news.  Was Jessy alright?

“Is she safe?  Is she well?” he asked urgently.  David nodded and he felt the fist around his heart loosen its grip. “As far as I knew it didn’t.  I came back here as soon as I knew the priest I killed had been to the theater.  I found a playbill on his body.  Do you have any reason to think one has been in the theater?”

“Oh yes, yes,” David said softly and with menace, “Yes I do as one attacked the stage manager, started a small fire and ransacked Jessamy and Sean’s dressing room and office.  We are also being watched by ravens, crazy as that sounds. And it does sound absolutely crazy,” David bit out.

Sebastian bolted upright in his seat.  This was even worse than he imagined. What the
bloody hell
could those bastards want with the theater or anyone in it? It made no sense.  It had been clear the priest he killed knew nothing of his involvement so how could he have led them to an interest in the theater?

“Not to mention, strangely enough, that this was Jessamy’s birthday present today, sort of a joint present from her dead husband and his brother Sean,” and with that he opened the box to show Sebastian the contents.

Sebastian bolted out of his seat swearing worse than any sailor and in three languages, “That’s the queen of Celtica’s crown! Where did they come by it?” 

“I had a bad feeling that was what it was.  Sean has had it since shortly after Waterloo.  His brother got it from some mysterious gypsy woman who sold it to him for a pittance the night before the battle.  The next day he was shot in the back and killed. Unrelated? I begin to think not! Now you tell me what is going on
now
and why Jessamy would be involved.”  David was having a difficult time containing his fury and his anxiety.  He couldn’t at this point mention anything involving Mallory’s End. That would have to come when Jessamy was ready. Unless he learned anything at this point to place Trystan, the children, and Maureen in danger he would not reveal Jessamy’s secret.  The raven Boru had killed had to have followed Sean looking for this damn crown.

Sebastian scrubbed his hands through his hair and realized they were shaking slightly.  He had stolen, he had spied, and he had killed with a steady hand, with cold thought and now at the thought of Jessy somehow having come to the attention of the Gooar his hands shook. He tossed back another
slug of the brandy and set the empty glass down hard enough to snap the stem.

“I don’t know but I damned well will find out.  You think the priest at the theater was there for what reason? I know you already have your own ideas,” Sebastian pinned David with a stare.

“I thought it was because of this crown.  Sean had no idea what he had, didn’t even consider it was real, but Michael Powers asked him to keep it until he felt the time was
right
to give it to her.  You never met Michael, I did.  Like these people of yours on Celtica, the Power’s family all have “gifts.”  He would never have endangered her if he could avoid it, he loved her.  I have to wonder why he told Sean to only give it to her when he felt the time was right and that
just happened
to be when you and King Conal show up.”  David paced the room like a caged tiger barely restraining himself from breaking something.

“I
thought
they must be looking for this, somehow suspecting Michael had it at one point and so Jessamy must now.  Then I got to thinking how
convenient
this should only happen after you return.  They haven’t been in her house, yet, they chose the theater.  The theater being the place you made a public visit to Jessamy.  Too much of a coincidence?  You know I don’t believe in such things.  Do they know about and want this crown Sebastian or do they want something they think you have given her?  We are now being watched by those damned birds, you just killed a priest.  What the hell does any of this have to do with anyone but
you and your cause
?”

This was far more than Sebastian had counted on.  He had thought any interest in Jessy was related to his visit to the theater, until he thought more closely about how surprised the priest he killed was at seeing him.  That seemed to rule out anything to do with him.  It placed the eyes of the Gooar directly upon Jessamy and probably this crown that had disappeared before the final battle that dethroned Conal.  How it ended up in the hands of a gypsy selling it to an Irish officer (who just happened to be married to Jessy) was creating a gaping hole in his thought processes.

“It’s not me.  I know you wish it was, then you could toss me out, tell me to stay away from Jessy and wash your hands of the whole damn thing, but it
isn’t me
.  I wish it was too, but the priest I killed tonight was obviously, clearly surprised to see whose hand drove the blade into his black heart.”

David closed the box with a snap and getting up walked over to an armoire set against the back wall of the room.  He opened the front door, and reaching deeply inside did something Sebastian couldn’t see.  David then pushed the entire front of the armoire, sliding it to the side.  A wall safe was revealed which David unlocked by a complicated combination, involving a series carved wooden squares, and placed the box holding the crown inside.

“That is a very well concealed and clever safe my friend.  I don’t think I have ever seen anything like it before,” Sebastian eyed it with interest.

“Built by an Italian craftsman and locksmith I know. It had better be good considering what I paid for it to be built and what it is now holding.” “I take it you have done what you can to see her house is secure?”

“Yes, Mick is ready and warned.  He’s Michael’s old batman and a tough character, but considering this a magical order of fanatic priests? What else can I do?  Do I need to consult a witch or what? Are locks any protection against this group?  Should I be out there in the dark of night tossing a ring of salt around her house?”  David was sarcastic, worried and exasperated.

Sebastian wasn’t going to tell David he might actually go and put a salt ring around the house.  He figured he better get all the bad news over with, “Bishop wants me to court Jessy again, spend as much time as possible with her and around Tamworth’s circles.  We have a traitor and it would appear it is within the small group down at Menwith where the king is staying, at least until tomorrow,” and he waited for the explosion of fury, but he waited in vain.

“Good,” was all David had to say in response.

“Good?
Good? I was furious at Bishop for suggesting it and getting her involved!”

“Well she’s involved already!  So you, Sebastian, now have a convenient excuse to help protect her from whatever you and your lot have brought to her doorstep!”

“Furthermore I am going to tell you what you are going to do in your guise of useless, lecherous nobleman.  You are going to pretend to get drunk at my club tonight, late as it is the place will be packed, and with loosened lips reveal what you think I am hiding in my safe.  The ladies of London have nothing on the gossip loving men of our gentlemen’s clubs. The story will be around town in less than a day. That way if that crown is what they are after they will know where to come and find it.  Maybe then they will leave our girl alone.  I don’t know that’s all there is to it considering Sean has had that damn thing for years now, but it’s a place to start.”

Sebastian looked at David with renewed respect, “When did you get so devious?  I like that plan, it’s almost worthy of Bishop.  We use you and your safe as bait and see what kind of fish we catch.”

They caught a hackney to Brook’s.  Sebastian had theatrically sprinkled a tad of brandy hither and yon about his person, once he was dressed for the club.  He surprised his friend by the complete change in demeanor.  Not reeling, but with the sort of bonhomie that men not quite sober often effected, he stepped into the club with David and slapped him on the back.  Throckwell, it appeared, had produced another fine actor.

“Now where is a game of cards or cup of dice?” and he hailed a passing waiter to demand a bottle of the best French brandy.

“Lead on! I’ve missed England and intend tonight to enjoy everything it has to offer,” and in a loud whisper, the drunk often having no sense of volume, “You simply
must
find me a nunnery, the best mind you.  You have no idea what it’s been like all the years on that island with not a good English brothel to be had,” and he laughed lecherously. He moved with long limbed grace through the rooms, looking for the man David had already decided would be their target for the evening, the biggest male gossip in London and brother to a leading minister.  They’re mark for the evening was that fastidious and dull man Lord Augustus Oxley. 

It didn’t take long to find the florid, fat little man.  David had said the fellow had a taste for outrageous cravats and an insistence on combing over the balding spot on the top of his head.  What he hadn’t mentioned was his abysmal taste in waistcoats.  This one appeared to be embroidered all over with birds of every type and color and was enough to make one dizzy if not smart enough not to look too closely.

“Ah! Auggie old man!” David smiled slightly with a bare hint of aristocratic condescension. Lord Augustus looked up from his game of whist startled and pleased to be addressed by a Corinthian like Lord Carvell and his eyes nearly popped with glee when he saw that none other than the Earl of

Redsayle was there too.  Men of this cut did not often seek out a non-sporting gentleman such as himself.  He did his best in his own small way to make his mark on the
ton,
through fashion and harmless charm, but these type of men flew far above him. He was so thrilled he had to remind himself to keep calm.  He could not control the pleased flush that suffused his cheeks however at such attention.

“Game of whist I see.  I don’t suppose you’d have a seat for my dear

Redsayle would you? He’s rusty at all our English pursuits and needs to get his hand back in the game,” David could almost cringe at himself knowing the sacrifice he was making.  Auggie would very likely never leave him alone at Brook’s or anywhere else ever again.

“I would be honored of course Redsayle,” Auggie nearly popped a waistcoat button leaping from his seat, “Please join me,” and as the waiter from whom Sebastian had ordered the brandy arrived, he smiled even more broadly. “We were just beginning another round and would be happy to have you join us. You can regale us with your adventures on Celtica while we pit our wits against one another.  One hears such strange tales of the place. You can help us part truth from fiction,” and he laughed jovially even as his heart warmed. Sebastian suggested they play for a sum a point that should have made him shake, but it was clear the Earl was in his cups.  With that fresh bottle of prime brandy he was about to be deeper.  Auggie could only imagine what new apparel he would soon be fitted for as all the lovely winnings would be coming his way.

Three hours, two more bottles of brandy passed about, and a heaping sum in Lord Augustus Oxley’s pockets, Sebastian and David pretended to carefully help each other to the door.  They vocally commiserated with each other over the fiendish whist playing of Oxley.  A hackney was called to carry them back to David’s lodgings and once the door closed the two men simply looked at each other.

“You are indeed a man of many talents my friend,” David eyed Sebastian with new respect.

“Acting is a large part of spying.  You can’t spend all your time creeping about in hedgerows hoping to hear something useful,” Sebastian leaned back and stretched out his legs. “We accomplished what we came for I would say.’

“Exactly.”

Both men smiled in a way that would have raised the hair on the head of anyone who could have seen them.  Oxley’s comb over certainly would never have survived the experience.

Sebastian waited until David had gone off to bed before quietly letting himself out.  He had quickly changed his shirt and buttoned his coat’s collar across his throat to hide any sign of white.  He made himself nothing but a denser shadow in the darkness before dawn.  He had one last item to accomplish before getting some rest.  He needed to check on Jessy’s house.