THE BLACK ARROW - A TALE OF THE TWO ROSES
PROLOGUE - JOHN AMEND-ALL
On a certain afternoon in t!e "ate #$rin%ti&e t!e 'e"" ($on T(n#ta"" Ho(#e )a# !ear* at an (nacc(#to&e* !o(r+ Far an* near Moat in t!e fore#t an* in rin%in% t!e fie"*# a"on% t!e ri,er $eo$"e 'e%an to *e#ert t!eir "a'o(r# an* !(rr to)ar*# t!e #o(n*. an* in T(n#ta"" !a&"et a %ro($ of $oor co(ntr-fo"/ #too* )on*erin% at t!e #(&&on#+ T(n#ta"" !a&"et at t!at $erio* in t!e rei%n of o"* Kin% Henr 01+ )ore &(c! t!e #a&e a$$earance a# it )ear# to-*a+ A #core or #o of !o(#e# !ea,i" fra&e* )it! oa/ #too* #cattere* in a "on% %reen ,a""e a#cen*in% fro& t!e ri,er+ At t!e foot t!e roa* cro##e* a 'ri*%e an* &o(ntin% on t!e ot!er #i*e *i#a$$eare* into t!e frin%e# of t!e fore#t on it# )a to t!e Moat Ho(#e an* f(rt!er fort! to Ho")oo* A''e+ Ha"f-)a ($ t!e ,i""a%e t!e c!(rc! #too* a&on% e)#+ On e,er #i*e t!e #"o$e# )ere cro)ne* an* t!e ,ie) 'o(n*e* ' t!e %reen e"&# an* %reenin% oa/-tree# of t!e fore#t+ Har* ' t!e 'ri*%e t!ere )a# a #tone cro## ($on a /no"" an* !ere t!e %ro($ !a* co""ecte* - !a"f a *o2en )o&en an* one ta"" fe""o) in a r(##et #&oc/ - *i#c(##in% )!at t!e 'e"" 'eti*e*+ An e3$re## !a* %one t!ro(%! t!e !a&"et !a"f an !o(r 'efore an* *r(n/ a $ot of a"e in t!e #a**"e not *arin% to *i#&o(nt for t!e !(rr of !i# erran*. '(t !e !a* 'een i%norant !i&#e"f of )!at )a# for)ar* an* on" 'ore #ea"e* "etter# fro& Sir Danie" Brac/"e to Sir O"i,er Oate# t!e $ar#on )!o /e$t t!e Moat Ho(#e in t!e &a#ter4# a'#ence+ B(t no) t!ere )a# t!e noi#e of a !or#e. an* #oon o(t of t!e e*%e of t!e )oo* an* o,er t!e ec!oin% 'ri*%e t!ere ro*e ($ o(n% Ma#ter Ric!ar* S!e"ton Sir Danie"4# )ar*+ He at t!e "ea#t )o("* /no) an* t!e !ai"e* !i& an* 'e%%e* !i& to e3$"ain+ He *re) 'ri*"e )i""in%" eno(%! - a o(n% fe""o) not et ei%!teen #(n-'ro)ne* an* %re-ee* in a 5ac/et of *eer4# "eat!er )it! a '"ac/ ,e",et co""ar a %reen !oo* ($on !i# !ea* an* a #tee" cro##-'o) at !i# 'ac/+ T!e e3$re## it a$$eare* !a* 'ro(%!t %reat ne)#+ A 'att"e )a# i&$en*in%+ Sir Danie" !a* #ent for e,er &an t!at co("* *ra) a 'o) or carr a 'i"" to %o $o#t-!a#te to Kett"e (n*er $ain of !i# #e,ere *i#$"ea#(re. '(t for )!o& t!e )ere to fi%!t or of )!ere t!e 'att"e )a# e3$ecte* Dic/ /ne) not!in%+ Sir O"i,er )o("* co&e #!ort" !i&#e"f an* Bennet Hatc! )a# ar&in% at t!at &o&ent for !e it )a# )!o #!o("* "ea* t!e $art+ 61t i# t!e r(in of t!i# /in* "an*6 a )o&an #ai*+ "i,e at )ar $"o(%!fo"/ &(#t eat root#+6
61f t!e 'aron#
6Na6 #ai* Dic/ 6e,er &an t!at fo""o)# #!a"" !a,e #i3$ence a *a an* arc!er# t)e",e+6 61f t!e "i,e6 ret(rne* t!e )o&an 6t!at &a ,er )e"" 'e. '(t !o) if t!e *ie & &a#ter76
6T!e cannot 'etter *ie t!an for t!eir nat(ra" "or*6 #ai* Dic/+ 6No nat(ra" "or* of &ine6 #ai* t!e &an in t!e #&oc/+ 61 fo""o)e* t!e Wa"#in%!a&#. #o )e a"" *i* *o)n Brier" )a ti"" t)o ear# a%o co&e Can*"e&a#+ An* no) 1 &(#t #i*e )it! Brac/"e8 1t )a# t!e "a) t!at *i* it. ca"" e t!at nat(ra"7 B(t no) )!at )it! Sir Danie" an* )!at )it! Sir O"i,er - t!at /no)# &ore of "a) t!an !one#t - 1 !a,e no nat(ra" "or* '(t $oor Kin% Harr t!e Si3t Go* '"e## !i&8 - t!e $oor innocent t!at cannot te"" !i# ri%!t !an* fro& !i# "eft+6 69e #$ea/ )it! an i"" ton%(e frien*6 an#)ere* Dic/ 6to &i#ca"" o(r %oo* &a#ter an* & "or* t!e /in% in t!e #a&e "i'e"+ B(t Kin% Harr - $rai#e* 'e t!e #aint#8 - !a# co&e a%ain into !i# ri%!t &in* an* )i"" !a,e a"" t!in%# $eacea'" or*aine*+ An* a# for Sir Danie" 4 are ,er 'ra,e 'e!in* !i# 'ac/+ B(t 1 )i"" 'e no ta"e'earer. an* "et t!at #(ffice+6 61 #a no !ar& of o( Ma#ter Ric!ar*6 ret(rne* t!e $ea#ant+ 694 are a "a*. '(t )!en e co&e to a &an4# inc!e# e )i"" fin* e !a,e an e&$t $oc/et+ 1 #a no &ore: t!e #aint# !e"$ Sir Danie"4# nei%!'o(r# an* t!e B"e##e* Mai* $rotect !i# )ar*#86 6C"i$#'6 #ai* Ric!ar* 6o( #$ea/ )!at 1 cannot !ear )it! !ono(r+ Sir Danie" i# & %oo* &a#ter an* & %(ar*ian+6 6Co&e no) )i"" e rea* &e a ri**"e76 ret(rne* C"i$#'+ #i*e i# Sir Danie"76
6On )!o#e
61 /no) not6 #ai* Dic/ co"o(rin% a "itt"e. for !i# %(ar*ian !a* c!an%e* #i*e# contin(a"" in t!e tro('"e# of t!at $erio* an* e,er c!an%e !a* 'ro(%!t !i& #o&e increa#e of fort(ne+ 6A6 ret(rne* C"i$#' 6o( nor no &an+ For in*ee* !e i# one t!at %oe# to 'e* Lanca#ter an* %et# ($ 9or/+6 J(#t t!en t!e 'ri*%e ran% (n*er !or#e-#!oe iron an* t!e $art t(rne* an* #a) Bennet Hatc! co&e %a""o$in% - a 'ro)n-face* %ri22"e* fe""o) !ea, of !an* an* %ri& of &ien ar&e* )it! #)or* an* #$ear a #tee" #a"et on !i# !ea* a "eat!er 5ac/ ($on !i# 'o*+ He )a# a %reat &an in t!e#e $art#. Sir Danie"4# ri%!t !an* in $eace an* )ar an* at t!at ti&e ' !i# &a#ter4# intere#t 'ai"iff of t!e !(n*re*+ 6C"i$#'6 !e #!o(te* 6off to t!e Moat Ho(#e an* #en* a"" ot!er "a%%ar*# t!e #a&e %ate+ Bo)er )i"" %i,e o( 5ac/ an* #a"et+ We &(#t ri*e 'efore c(rfe)+ Loo/ to it: !e t!at i# "a#t at t!e "c!%ate Sir Danie" #!a"" re)ar*+ Loo/ to it ri%!t )e""8 1 /no) o( for a &an of na(%!t+ Nance6 !e a**e* to one of t!e )o&en 6i# o"* A$$"ear* ($ to)n76 614"" )arrant o(6 re$"ie* t!e )o&an+
61n !i# fie"* for #(re+6
So t!e %ro($ *i#$er#e* an* )!i"e C"i$#' )a"/e* "ei#(re" o,er t!e 'ri*%e Bennet an* o(n% S!e"ton ro*e ($ t!e roa* to%et!er t!ro(%! t!e ,i""a%e an* $a#t t!e c!(rc!+ 69e )i"" #ee t!e o"* #!re)6 #ai* Bennet+ 6He )i"" )a#te &ore ti&e %r(&'"in% an* $ratin% of Harr t!e Fift t!an )o("* #er,e a &an to
#!oe a !or#e+
An* a"" 'eca(#e !e !a# 'een to t!e Frenc! )ar#86
T!e !o(#e to )!ic! t!e )ere 'o(n* )a# t!e "a#t in t!e ,i""a%e #tan*in% a"one a&on% "i"ac#. an* 'eon* it on t!ree #i*e# t!ere )a# o$en &ea*o) ri#in% to)ar*# t!e 'or*er# of t!e )oo*+ Hatc! *i#&o(nte* t!re) !i# rein o,er t!e fence an* )a"/e* *o)n t!e fie"* Dic/ /ee$in% c"o#e at !i# e"'o) to )!ere t!e o"* #o"*ier )a# *i%%in% /nee-*ee$ in !i# ca''a%e# an* no) an* a%ain in a crac/e* ,oice #in%in% a #natc! of #on%+ He )a# a"" *re##e* in "eat!er on" !oo* ti$$et )ere of '"ac/ frie2e an* tie* )it! #car"et. !i#!i# face )a#an* "i/e a )a"n(t-#!e"" 'ot! for co"o(r an* )rin/"e#. '(t !i# o"* %re ee )a# #ti"" c"ear eno(%! an* !i# #i%!t (na'ate*+ Per!a$# !e )a# *eaf. $er!a$# !e t!o(%!t it (n)ort! of an o"* arc!er of A%inco(rt to $a an !ee* to #(c! *i#t(r'ance#. '(t neit!er t!e #(r" note# of t!e a"ar& 'e"" nor t!e near a$$roac! of Bennet an* t!e "a* a$$eare* at a"" to &o,e !i&. an* !e contin(e* o'#tinate" *i%%in% an* $i$e* ($ ,er t!in an* #!a/:
6No) *ear "a* if t! )i"" 'e 1 $ra o( t!at o( )i"" r(e on &e+6
6Nic/ A$$"ear*6 #ai* Hatc! 6Sir O"i,er co&&en*# !i& to o( an* 'i*# t!at e #!a"" co&e )it!in t!i# !o(r to t!e Moat Ho(#e t!ere to ta/e co&&an*+6 T!e o"* fe""o) "oo/e* ($+ 6Sa,e o( & &a#ter#86 !e #ai* %rinnin%+ Hatc!76
6An* )!ere %oet! Ma#ter
6Ma#ter Hatc! i# off to Kett"e )it! e,er &an t!at )e can !or#e6 ret(rne* Bennet+ 6T!ere i# a fi%!t to)ar* it #ee&# an* & "or* #ta# a reinforce&ent+6 6A ,eri"6 ret(rne* A$$"ear*+ %arri#on )it!a"76
6An* )!at )i"" e "ea,e &e to
61 "ea,e o( #i3 %oo* &en an* Sir O"i,er to 'oot6 an#)ere* Hatc!+ 61t4"" not !o"* t!e $"ace6 #ai* A$$"ear*. 6t!e n(&'er #(fficet! not+ 1t )o("* ta/e t)o #core to &a/e it %oo*+6 6W! it4# for t!at )e ca&e to o( o"* #!re)86 re$"ie* t!e ot!er+ 6W!o e"#e i# t!ere '(t o( t!at co("* *o a(%!t in #(c! a !o(#e )it! #(c! a %arri#on76 6A8 )!en t!e $inc! co&e# e re&e&'er t!e o"* #!oe6 ret(rne* Nic/+ 6T!ere i# not a &an of o( can 'ac/ a !or#e or !o"* a 'i"". an* a# for arc!er - St+ Mic!ae"8 if o"* Harr t!e Fift )ere 'ac/ a%ain !e )o("* #tan* an* "et e #!oot at !i& for a fart!en a #!oot86 6Na Nic/ t!ere4# #o&e can *ra) a %oo* 'o) et6 #ai* Bennet+ 6Dra) a %oo* 'o)86 crie* A$$"ear*+
69e#8
B(t )!o4"" #!oot &e a
%oo* #!oot7 1t4# t!ere t!e ee co&e# in an* t!e !ea* 'et)een o(r #!o("*er#+ No) )!at &i%!t o( ca"" a "on% #!oot Bennet Hatc!76 6We""6 #ai* Bennet "oo/in% a'o(t !i& 6it )o("* 'e a "on% #!oot fro& !ere into t!e fore#t+6 6A it )o("* 'e a "on%i#! #!oot6 #ai* t!e o"* fe""o) t(rnin% to "oo/ o,er !i# #!o("*er. an* t!en !e $(t ($ !i# !an* o,er !i# ee# an* #too* #tarin%+ 6W! )!at aret!e o(Fift76 "oo/in% at76 a#/e* Bennet )it! a c!(c/"e+ o( #ee Harr
6Do
T!e ,eteran contin(e* "oo/in% ($ t!e !i"" in #i"ence+ T!e #(n #!one 'roa*" o,er t!e #!e",in% &ea*o)#. a fe) )!ite #!ee$ )an*ere* 'ro)#in%. a"" )a# #ti"" '(t t!e *i#tant 5an%"e of t!e 'e""+ 6W!at i# it A$$"ear*76 a#/e* Dic/+ 6W! t!e 'ir*#6 #ai* A$$"ear*+ An* #(re eno(%! o,er t!e to$ of t!e fore#t )!ere it ran *o)n in a ton%(e a&on% t!e &ea*o)# an* en*e* in a $air of %oo*" %reen e"&# a'o(t a 'o)#!ot fro& t!e fie"* )!ere t!e )ere #tan*in% a f"i%!t of 'ir*# )a# #/i&&in% to an* fro in e,i*ent *i#or*er+ 6W!at of t!e 'ir*#76 #ai* Bennet+ 6A86 ret(rne* A$$"ear* 64 are a )i#e &an to %o to )ar Ma#ter Bennet+ Bir*# are a %oo* #entr. in fore#t $"ace# t!e 'e t!e fir#t "ine of 'att"e+ Loo/ o( no) if )e "a !ere in ca&$ t!ere &i%!t 'e arc!er# #/("/in% *o)n to %et t!e )in* of (#. an* !ere )o("* o( 'e none t!e )i#er86 6W! o"* #!re)6 #ai* Hatc! 6t!ere 'e no &en nearer (# t!an Sir Danie"4# at Kett"e. 4 are a# #afe a# in Lon*on To)er. an* e rai#e #care# ($on a &an for a fe) c!affinc!e# an* #$arro)#86 6Hear !i&86 %rinne* A$$"ear*+ 6Ho) &an a ro%(e )o("* %i,e !i# t)o cro$ ear# to !a,e a #!oot at eit!er of (#7 Saint Mic!ae" &an8 t!e !ate (# "i/e t)o $o"ecat#86 6We"" #oot! it i# t!e !ate Sir Danie"6 an#)ere* Hatc! a "itt"e #o'ere*+ 6A t!e !ate Sir Danie" an* t!e !ate e,er &an t!at #er,e# )it! !i&6 #ai* A$$"ear*. 6an* in t!e fir#t or*er of !atin% t!e !ate Bennet Hatc! an* o"* Nic!o"a# t!e 'o)&an+ See e !ere: if t!ere )a# a #to(t fe""o) on*er in t!e )oo*-e*%e an* o( an* 1 #too* fair for !i& - a# ' Saint Geor%e )e #tan*8 - )!ic! t!in/ e )o("* !e c!oo#e76 69o( for a %oo* )a%er6 an#)ere* Hatc!+ 6M #(rcoat to a "eat!er 'e"t it )o("* 'e o(86 crie* t!e o"* arc!er+ 69e '(rne* Gri&#tone Bennet - t!e4"" ne4er for%i,e o( t!at & &a#ter+ An* a# for &e 14"" #oon 'e in a %oo* $"ace Go* %rant an* o(t of 'o)-#!oot - a an* cannon-#!oot - of a"" t!eir &a"ice#+ 1 a& an o"* &an an* *ra) fa#t to !o&e)ar* )!ere t!e 'e*
i# rea*+ B(t for o( Bennet 4 are to re&ain 'e!in* !ere at o(r o)n $eri" an* if e co&e to & ear# (n!an%e* t!e o"* tr(e'"(e En%"i#! #$irit )i"" 'e *ea*+6 694 are t!e #!re)i#!e#t o"* *o"t in T(n#ta"" Fore#t6 ret(rne* Hatc! ,i#i'" r(ff"e* ' t!e#e t!reat#+ 6Get e to o(r ar&# 'efore Sir O"i,er co&e an* "ea,e $ratin% for one %oo* )!i"e+ An e !a* ta"/e* #o &(c! )it! Harr t!e Fift !i# ear# )o("* !a4 'een ric!er t!an !i# $oc/et+6 An arro) #an% in t!e "i/e a !(%e !ornet. it #tr(c/ o"* A$$"ear* 'et)een t!e air #!o("*er-'"a*e# an* $ierce* !i& c"ean t!ro(%! an* !e fe"" for)ar* on !i# face a&on% t!e ca''a%e#+ Hatc! )it! a 'ro/en cr "ea$t into t!e air. t!en #too$in% *o('"e !e ran for t!e co,er of t!e !o(#e+ An* in t!e &ean)!i"e Dic/ S!e"ton !a* *ro$$e* 'e!in* a "i"ac an* !a* !i# cro##'o) 'ent an* #!o("*ere* co,erin% t!e $oint of t!e fore#t+ Not a "eaf #tirre*+ T!e #!ee$ )ere $atient" 'ro)#in%. t!e 'ir*# !a* #ett"e*+ B(t t!ere "a t!e o"* &an )it! a c"ot!-ar* arro) #tan*in% in !i# 'ac/. an* t!ere )ere Hatc! !o"*in% to t!e %a'"e an* Dic/ cro(c!in% an* rea* 'e!in* t!e "i"ac '(#!+ 6D4e #ee a(%!t76 crie* Hatc!+ 6Not a t)i% #tir#6 #ai* Dic/+ 61 t!in/ #!a&e to "ea,e !i& "in%6 #ai* Bennet co&in% for)ar* once &ore )it! !e#itatin% #te$# an* a ,er $a"e co(ntenance+ 6Kee$ a %oo* ee on t!e )oo* Ma#ter S!e"ton - /ee$ a c"ear ee on t!e )oo*+ T!e #aint# a##oi" (#8 !ere )a# a %oo* #!oot86 Bennet rai#e* t!e o"* arc!er on !i# /nee+ He )a# not et *ea*. !i# face )or/e* an* !i# ee# #!(t an* o$ene* "i/e &ac!iner an* !e !a* a &o#t !orri'"e (%" "oo/ of one in $ain+ 6Can e !ear o"* Nic/76 a#/e* Hatc!+ e )en* o"* 'rot!er76
6Ha,e e a "a#t )i#! 'efore
6P"(c/ o(t t!e #!aft an* "et &e $a## a4 Mar4# na&e86 %a#$e* A$$"ear*+ 61 'e *one )it! O"* En%"an*+ P"(c/ it o(t86 6Ma#ter Dic/6 #ai* Bennet 6co&e !it!er an* $("" &e a %oo* $("" ($on t!e arro)+ He )o("* fain $a## t!e $oor #inner+6 Dic/ "ai* *o)n !i# cro##-'o) an* $(""in% !ar* ($on t!e arro) *re) it fort!+ A %(#! of '"oo* fo""o)e*. t!e o"* arc!er #cra&'"e* !a"f ($on !i# feet ca""e* once ($on t!e na&e of Go* an* t!en fe"" *ea*+ Hatc! ($on !i# /nee# a&on% t!e ca''a%e# $rae* fer,ent" for t!e )e"fare of t!e $a##in% #$irit+ B(t e,en a# !e $rae* it )a# $"ain t!at !i# &in* )a# #ti"" *i,i*e* an* !e /e$t e,er an ee ($on t!e corner of t!e )oo* fro& )!ic! t!e #!ot !a* co&e+ W!en !e !a* *one !e %ot to !i# feet a%ain *re) off one of !i# &ai"e* %a(nt"et# an* )i$e* !i# $a"e face )!ic! )a# a"" )et )it! terror+ 6A6 !e #ai* 6it4"" 'e & t(rn ne3t+6 6W!o !at! *one t!i# Bennet76 Ric!ar* a#/e* #ti"" !o"*in% t!e arro) in !i# !an*+
6Na t!e #aint# /no)6 #ai* Hatc!+ 6Here are a %oo* t)o #core C!ri#tian #o("# t!at )e !a,e !(nte* o(t of !o(#e an* !o"*in% !e an* 1+ He !a# $ai* !i# #!ot $oor #!re) nor )i"" it 'e "on% &a!a$ ere 1 $a &ine+ Sir Danie" *ri,et! o,er-!ar*+6 6T!i# i# a #tran%e #!aft6 #ai* t!e "a* "oo/in% at t!e arro) in !i# !an*+ 6A ' & fait!86 crie* Bennet+
6B"ac/ an* '"ac/-feat!ere*+
Here an i""-fa,o(re* ')ritten+ & #oot!8Wi$e for '"ac/ t!e #a 'o*e#i# '(ria"+ An* !ere #!aft 'e )or*# t!e '"oo* a)a+ W!at rea* e76 64APPUL9A1RD FRO JON AMEND-ALL46 rea* S!e"ton+ 'eto/en76
6W!at #!o("* t!i#
6Na 1 "i/e it not6 ret(rne* t!e retainer #!a/in% !i# !ea*+ 6Jo!n A&en*-A""8 Here i# a ro%(e4# na&e for t!o#e t!at 'e ($ in t!e )or"*8 B(t )! #tan* )e !ere to &a/e a &ar/7 Ta/e !i& ' t!e /nee# %oo* Ma#ter S!e"ton )!i"e 1 "ift !i& ' t!e #!o("*er# an* "et (# "a !i& in !i# !o(#e+ T!i# )i"" 'e a rare #!o% to $oor Sir O"i,er. !e )i"" t(rn $a$er co"o(r. !e )i"" $ra "i/e a )in*&i""+6 T!e too/ ($ t!e o"* arc!er an* carrie* !i& 'et)een t!e& into !i# !o(#e )!ere !e !a* *)e"t a"one+ An* t!ere t!e "ai* !i& on t!e f"oor o(t of re%ar* for t!e &attre## an* #o(%!t a# 'e#t t!e &i%!t to #trai%!ten an* co&$o#e !i# "i&'#+ A$$"ear*4# !o(#e )a# c"ean an* 'are+ T!ere )a# a 'e* )it! a '"(e co,er a c($'oar* a %reat c!e#t a $air of 5oint-#too"# a !in%e* ta'"e in t!e c!i&ne corner an* !(n% ($on t!e )a"" t!e o"* #o"*ier4# ar&o(r of 'o)# an* *efen#i,e ar&o(r+ Hatc! 'e%an to "oo/ a'o(t !i& c(rio(#"+ 6Nic/ !a* &one6 !e #ai*+ 6He &a !a,e !a* t!ree #core $o(n*# $(t '+ 1 )o("* 1 co("* "i%!t ($on4t8 W!en e "o#e an o"* frien* Ma#ter Ric!ar* t!e 'e#t con#o"ation i# to !eir !i&+ See no) t!i# c!e#t+ 1 )o("* %o a &i%!t )a%er t!ere i# a '(#!e" of %o"* t!erein+ He !a* a #tron% !an* to %et an* a !ar* !an* to /ee$ )it!a" !a* A$$"ear* t!e arc!er+ No) &a Go* re#t !i# #$irit8 Near ei%!t ear !e )a# afoot an* a'o(t an* e,er %ettin%. '(t no) !e4# on t!e 'roa* of !i# 'ac/ $oor #!re) an* no &ore "ac/et!. an* if !i# c!atte"# ca&e to a %oo* frien* !e )o("* 'e &errier &et!in/# in !ea,en+6 6Co&e Hatc!6 #ai* Dic/ 6re#$ect !i# #tone-'"in* ee#+ ro' t!e &an 'efore !i# 'o*7 Na !e )o("* )a"/86
Wo("* e
Hatc! &a*e #e,era" #i%n# of t!e cro##. '(t ' t!i# ti&e !i# nat(ra" co&$"e3ion !a* ret(rne* an* !e )a# not ea#i" to 'e *a#!e* fro& an $(r$o#e+ 1t )o("* !a,e %one !ar* )it! t!e c!e#t !a* not t!e %ate #o(n*e* an* $re#ent" after t!e *oor of t!e !o(#e o$ene* an* a*&itte* a ta"" $ort" r(** '"ac/-ee* &an of near fift in a #(r$"ice an* '"ac/ ro'e+ 6A$$"ear*6 - t!e ne)co&er )a# #ain% a# !e entere*. '(t !e #to$$e* *ea*+ 6A,e Maria86 !e crie*+ 6Saint# 'e o(r #!ie"*8 c!eer i# t!i#76
W!at
6Co"* c!eer )it! A$$"ear* #ir $ar#on6 an#)ere* Hatc! )it! $erfect c!eerf("ne##+ 6S!ot at !i# o)n *oor an* a"i%!tet! e,en no) at $(r%ator %ate#+ A8 t!ere if ta"e# 'e tr(e !e #!a"" "ac/ neit!er coa" nor can*"e+6 Sir O"i,er %ro$e* !i# )a to a 5oint-#too" an* #at *o)n ($on it #ic/ an* )!ite+ 6T!i# i# a 5(*%&ent8
O a %reat #tro/e86 !e #o''e* an* ratt"e*
off a "ea#! of $raer#+ Hatc! &ean)!i"e re,erent" *offe* !i# #a"et an* /ne"t *o)n+ 6A Bennet6 #ai* t!e $rie#t #o&e)!at reco,erin% 6an* )!at &a t!i# 'e7 W!at ene& !at! *one t!i#76 6Here Sir O"i,er i# t!e arro)+ )or*#6 #ai* Dic/+
See it i# )ritten ($on )it!
6Na6 crie* t!e $rie#t 6t!i# i# a fo(" !earin%8 Jo!n A&en*-A""8 A ri%!t Lo""ar* )or*+ An* '"ac/ of !(e a# for an o&en8 Sir# t!i# /na,e arro) "i/e# &e not+ B(t it i&$ortet! rat!er to ta/e co(n#e"+ W!o #!o("* t!i# 'e7 Bet!in/ o( Bennet+ Of #o &an '"ac/ i""-)i""er# )!ic! #!o("* !e 'e t!at *ot! #o !ar*i" o(tface (#7 Si&ne"7 1 *o &(c! ;(e#tion it+ T!e Wa"#in%!a Na t!e are not et #o 'ro/en. t!e #ti"" t!in/ to !a,e t!e "a) o,er (# )!en ti&e# c!an%e+ T!ere )a# Si&on Ma"&e#'(r too+ Ho) t!in/ e Bennet76 6W!at t!in/ e #ir6 ret(rne* Hatc! 6of E""i# D(c/)ort!76 6Na Bennet ne,er+ Na not !e6 #ai* t!e $rie#t+ 6T!ere co&et! ne,er an ri#in% Bennet fro& 'e"o) - #o a"" 5(*icio(# c!ronic"er# concor* in t!eir o$inion. '(t re'e""ion tra,e""et! e,er *o)n)ar* fro& a'o,e. an* )!en Dic/ To& an* Harr ta/e t!e& to t!eir 'i""# "oo/ e,er narro)" to #ee )!at "or* i# $rofite* t!ere'+ No) Sir Danie" !a,in% once &ore 5oine* !i& to t!e <(een4# $art i# in i"" o*o(r )it! t!e 9or/i#t "or*#+ T!ence Bennet co&e# t!e '"o) - ' )!at $roc(rin% 1 et #ee/. '(t t!erein "ie# t!e ner,e of t!i# *i#co&fit(re+6 6An4t $"ea#e o( Sir O"i,er6 #ai* Bennet 6t!e a3"e# are #o !ot in t!i# co(ntr t!at 1 !a,e "on% 'een #&e""in% fire+ So *i* t!i# $oor #inner A$$"ear*+ An* ' o(r "ea,e &en4# #$irit# are #o fo("" inc"ine* to a"" of (# t!at it nee*# neit!er 9or/ nor Lanca#ter to #$(r t!e& on+ Hear & $"ain t!o(%!t#: 9o( t!at are a c"er/ an* Sir Danie" t!at #ai"# on an )in* e !a,e ta/en &an &en4# %oo*# an* 'eaten an* !an%e* not a fe)+ 94 are ca""e* to co(nt for t!i#. in t!e en* 1 )ot not !o) e !a,e e,er t!e ($$er&o#t at "a) an* e t!in/ a"" $atc!e*+ B(t %i,e &e "ea,e Sir O"i,er: t!e &an t!at e !a,e *i#$o##e##e* an* 'eaten i# '(t t!e an%rier an* #o&e *a )!en t!e '"ac/ *e,i" i# ' !e )i"" ($ )it! !i# 'o) an* c"o(t &e a ar* of arro) t!ro(%! o(r in)ar*#+6 6Na Bennet 4 are in t!e )ron%+ Bennet e #!o("* 'e %"a* to 'e correcte*6 #ai* Sir O"i,er+ 694 are a $rater Bennet a ta"/er a 'a''"er. o(r &o(t! i# )i*er t!an o(r t)o ear#+ Men* it Bennet &en* it+6
6Na 1 #a no &ore+
Ha,e it a# e "i#t6 #ai* t!e retainer+
T!e $rie#t no) ro#e fro& t!e #too" an* fro& t!e )ritin%-ca#e t!at !(n% a'o(t !i# nec/ too/ fort! )a3 an* a ta$er an* a f"int an* #tee"+ Wit! t!e#e !e #ea"e* ($ t!e c!e#t an* t!e c($'oar* )it! Sir Danie"4# ar&# Hatc! "oo/in% on *i#con#o"ate. an* t!en t!e )!o"e $art $rocee*e* #o&e)!at ti&oro(#" to #a"" fro& t!e !o(#e an* %et to !or#e+ 64Ti# ti&e )e#tirr($ )ere on)!i"e t!e roa* Sir O"i,er6 #ai* Hatc! a# !e !e"* t!e $rie#t4# !e &o(nte*+ 6A. '(t Bennet t!in%# are c!an%e*6 ret(rne* t!e $ar#on+ 6T!ere i# no) no A$$"ear* - re#t !i# #o("8 - to /ee$ t!e %arri#on+ 1 #!a"" /ee$ o( Bennet+ 1 &(#t !a,e a %oo* &an to re#t &e on in t!i# *a of '"ac/ arro)#+ 4T!e arro) t!at f"iet! ' *a4 #ait! t!e e,an%e". 1 !a,e no &in* of t!e conte3t. na 1 a& a #"(%%ar* $rie#t 1 a& too *ee$ in &en4# affair#+ We"" "et (# ri*e fort! Ma#ter Hatc!+ T!e 5ac/&en #!o("* 'e at t!e c!(rc! ' no)+6 So t!e ro*e for)ar* *o)n t!e roa* )it! t!e )in* after t!e& '"o)in% t!e tai"# of t!e $ar#on4# c"oa/. an* 'e!in* t!e& a# t!e )ent c"o(*# 'e%an to ari#e an* '"ot o(t t!e #in/in% #(n+ T!e !a* $a##e* t!ree of t!e #cattere* !o(#e# t!at &a/e ($ T(n#ta"" !a&"et )!en co&in% to a t(rn t!e #a) t!e c!(rc! 'efore t!e&+ Ten or a *o2en !o(#e# c"(#tere* i&&e*iate" ro(n* it. '(t to t!e 'ac/ t!e c!(rc!ar* )a# ne3t t!e &ea*o)#+ At t!e "c!-%ate near a #core of &en )ere %at!ere* #o&e in t!e #a**"e #o&e #tan*in% ' t!eir !or#e#4 !ea*#+ T!e )ere ,ario(#" ar&e* an* &o(nte*. #o&e )it! #$ear# #o&e )it! 'i""# #o&e )it! 'o)# an* #o&e 'e#tri*in% $"o(%!-!or#e# #ti"" #$"a#!e* )it! t!e &ire of t!e f(rro). for t!e#e )ere t!e ,er *re%# of t!e co(ntr an* a"" t!e 'etter &en an* t!e fair e;(i$&ent# )ere a"rea* )it! Sir Danie" in t!e fie"*+ 6We !a,e not *one a&i## $rai#e* 'e t!e cro## of Ho")oo*8 Sir Danie" )i"" 'e ri%!t )e"" content6 o'#er,e* t!e $rie#t in)ar*" n(&'erin% t!e troo$+ 6W!o %oe#7 Stan*8 if e 'e tr(e86 #!o(te* Bennet+ A &an )a# #een #"i$$in% t!ro(%! t!e c!(rc!ar* a&on% t!e e)#. an* at t!e #o(n* of t!i# #(&&on# !e *i#car*e* a"" concea"&ent an* fair" too/ to !i# !ee"# for t!e fore#t+ T!e &en at t!e %ate )!o !a* 'een !it!erto (na)are of t!e #tran%er4# $re#ence )o/e an* #cattere*+ T!o#e )!o !a* *i#&o(nte* 'e%an #cra&'"in% into t!e #a**"e. t!e re#t ro*e in $(r#(it. '(t t!e !a* to &a/e t!e circ(it of t!e con#ecrate* %ro(n* an* it )a# $"ain t!eir ;(arr )o("* e#ca$e t!e&+ Hatc! roarin% an oat! $(t !i# !or#e at t!e !e*%e to !ea* !i& off. '(t t!e 'ea#t ref(#e* an* #ent !i# ri*er #$ra)"in% in t!e *(#t+ An* t!o(%! !e )a# ($ a%ain in a &o&ent an* !a* ca(%!t t!e 'ri*"e t!e ti&e !a* %one ' an* t!e f(%iti,e !a* %aine* too %reat a "ea* for an !o$e of ca$t(re+ T!e )i#e#t of a"" !a* 'een Dic/ S!e"ton+ 1n#tea* of #tartin% in a ,ain $(r#(it !e !a* )!i$$e* !i# cro##'o) fro& !i# 'ac/ 'ent it an* #et a ;(arre" to t!e #trin%. an* no) )!en t!e ot!er# !a* *e#i#te* !e t(rne* to Bennet an* a#/e* if !e #!o("* #!oot+ 6S!oot8 #!oot86 crie* t!e $rie#t )it! #an%(inar ,io"ence+
6Co,er !i& Ma#ter Dic/6 #ai* Bennet+ ri$e a$$"e+6
6Brin% &e !i& *o)n "i/e a
T!e f(%iti,e )a# no) )it!in '(t a fe) "ea$# of #afet. '(t t!i# "a#t $art of t!e &ea*o) ran ,er #tee$" ($!i"". an* t!e &an ran #"o)er in $ro$ortion+ W!at )it! t!e %rene## of t!e fa""in% ni%!t an* t!e (ne,en &o,e&ent# of t!e r(nner it )a# no ea# ai&. an* a# Dic/ "e,e""e* !i# 'o) !e fe"t a /in* of $it an* a !a"f *e#ire t!at !e &i%!t &i##+ T!e ;(arre" #$e*+ T!e &an #t(&'"e* an* fe"" an* a %reat c!eer aro#e fro& Hatc! an* t!e $(r#(er#+ B(t t!e )ere co(ntin% t!eir corn 'efore t!e !ar,e#t+ T!e &an fe"" "i%!t". !e )a# "i%!t" afoot a%ain t(rne* an* )a,e* !i# ca$ in a 'ra,a*o an* )a# o(t of #i%!t ne3t &o&ent in t!e &ar%in of t!e )oo*+ 6An* t!e $"a%(e %o )it! !i&86 crie* Bennet+ 6He !a# t!ie,e#4 !ee"#. !e can r(n ' St Ban'(r8 B(t o( to(c!e* !i& Ma#ter S!e"ton. !e !a# #to"en o(r ;(arre" &a !e ne,er !a,e %oo* 1 %r(*%e !i& "e##86 6Na '(t )!at &a*e !e ' t!e c!(rc!76 a#/e* Sir O"i,er+ 61 a& #!re)*" afeare* t!ere !a# 'een &i#c!ief !ere+ C"i$#' %oo* fe""o) %et e *o)n fro& o(r !or#e an* #earc! t!oro(%!" a&on% t!e e)#+6 C"i$#' )a# %one '(t a "itt"e )!i"e ere !e ret(rne* carrin% a $a$er+ 6T!i# )ritin% )a# $inne* to t!e c!(rc! *oor6 !e #ai* !an*in% it to t!e $ar#on+ 61 fo(n* na(%!t e"#e #ir $ar#on+6 6No) ' t!e $o)er of Mot!er C!(rc!6 crie* Sir O"i,er 6'(t t!i# r(n# !ar* on #acri"e%e8 For t!e /in%4# %oo* $"ea#(re or t!e "or* of t!e &anor - )e""8 B(t t!at e,er r(n-t!e-!e*%e in a %reen 5er/in #!o("* fa#ten $a$er# to t!e c!ance" *oor - na it r(n# !ar* on #acri"e%e !ar*. an* &en !a,e '(rne* for &atter# of "e## )ei%!t+ B(t )!at !a,e )e !ere7 T!e "i%!t fa""# a$ace+ Goo* Ma#ter Ric!ar* 4 !a,e o(n% ee#+ Rea* &e 1 $ra t!i# "i'e"+6 Dic/ S!e"ton too/ t!e $a$er in !i# !an* an* rea* it a"o(*+
1t
containe* #o&e "ine# of ,er r(%%e* *o%%ere" !ar*" e,en r!&in% )ritten in a %ro## c!aracter an* &o#t (nco(t!" #$e"t+ Wit! t!e #$e""in% #o&e)!at 'ettere* t!i# i# !o) t!e ran:
61 !a* fo(r '"a/ arro)# (n*er & 'e"t Fo(r for t!e %reef# t!at 1 !a,e fe"t Fo(r for t!e no&'er of i"" &enne T!at !a,e o$re##i* &e no) an* t!en+ One i# %one. one i# )e"e #$e*. O"* A$("air* i# *e*+ One i# for Mai#ter Bennet Hatc! T!at '(rne* Gri&#tone )a""# an* t!atc!+ One for Sir O"i,er Oate#
T!at c(t Sir Harr S!e"ton4# t!roat+ Sir Danie" e #!("" !a,e t!e fo(rt. We #!a"" t!in/ it fair #$ort+ 9e #!("" eac! !a,e o(r o)n $art A '"a/ arro) in eac! '"a/ !eart+ Get e to o(r /nee# for to $ra: 9e are *e* t!ee,e# ' ea an* na8 6JON AMEND-ALL of t!e Green Woo* An* !i# 5o"" fe""a)e#!i$+ 61te& )e !a,e &o arro)e# an* %oo*e !e&$en cor* for ot!ere# of o(r fo""o)in%+6
6No) )e""-a-*a for c!arit an* t!e C!ri#tian %race#86 crie* Sir O"i,er "a&enta'"+ 6Sir# t!i# i# an i"" )or"* an* %ro)et! *ai" )or#e+ 1 )i"" #)ear ($on t!e cro## of Ho")oo* 1 a& a# innocent of t!at %oo* /ni%!t4# !(rt )!et!er in act or $(r$o#e a# t!e 'a'e (nc!ri#tene*+ Neit!er )a# !i# t!roat c(t. for t!erein t!e are a%ain in error a# t!ere #ti"" "i,e cre*i'"e )itne##e# to #!o)+6 61t 'oot# not #ir $ar#on6 #ai* Bennet+
6Here i# (n#ea#ona'"e
ta"/+6 6Na Ma#ter Bennet not #o+ Kee$ e in o(r *(e $"ace %oo* Bennet6 an#)ere* t!e $rie#t+ 61 #!a"" &a/e &ine innocence a$$ear+ 1 )i"" ($on no con#i*eration "o#e & $oor "ife in error+ 1 ta/e a"" &en to )itne## t!at 1 a& c"ear of t!i# &atter+ 1 )a# not e,en in t!e Moat Ho(#e+ 1 )a# #ent of an erran* 'efore nine ($on t!e c"oc/6 6Sir O"i,er6 #ai* Hatc! interr($tin% 6#ince it $"ea#e o( not to #to$ t!i# #er&on 1 )i"" ta/e ot!er &ean#+ Goffe #o(n* to !or#e+6 An* )!i"e t!e t(c/et )a# #o(n*in% Bennet &o,e* c"o#e to t!e 'e)i"*ere* $ar#on an* )!i#$ere* ,io"ent" in !i# ear+ Dic/ S!e"ton #a) t!e $rie#t4# ee t(rne* ($on !i& for an in#tant in a #tart"e* %"ance+ He !a* #o&e ca(#e for t!o(%!t. for t!i# Sir Harr S!e"ton )a# !i# o)n nat(ra" fat!er+ B(t !e #ai* ne,er a )or* an* /e$t !i# co(ntenance (n&o,e*+ Hatc! an* Sir O"i,er *i#c(##e* to%et!er for a )!i"e t!eir a"tere* #it(ation. ten &en it )a# *eci*e* 'et)een t!e& #!o("* 'e re#er,e* not on" to %arri#on t!e Moat Ho(#e '(t to e#cort t!e $rie#t acro## t!e )oo*+ 1n t!e &eanti&e a# Bennet )a# to re&ain 'e!in* t!e co&&an* of t!e reinforce&ent )a# %i,en to Ma#ter S!e"ton+ 1n*ee* t!ere )a# no c!oice. t!e &en )ere "o(ti#! fe""o)# *("" an* (n#/i""e* in )ar )!i"e Dic/ )a# not on" $o$("ar '(t re#o"(te an* %ra,e 'eon* !i# a%e+ A"t!o(%! !i# o(t! !a* 'een #$ent in t!e#e ro(%! co(ntr $"ace# t!e "a* !a* 'een )e"" ta(%!t in "etter# ' Sir O"i,er an* Hatc! !i&#e"f !a* #!o)n !i& t!e &ana%e&ent of ar&# an* t!e fir#t $rinci$"e# of co&&an*+ Bennet !a* a")a# 'een /in* an* !e"$f(". !e )a# one of t!o#e )!o are cr(e" a# t!e %ra,e to t!o#e t!e ca"" t!eir ene&ie# '(t
r(%%e*" fait!f(" an* )e"" )i""in% to t!eir frien*#. an* no) )!i"e Sir O"i,er entere* t!e ne3t !o(#e to )rite in !i# #)ift e3;(i#ite $en&an#!i$ a &e&oran*(& of t!e "a#t occ(rrence# to !i# &a#ter Sir Danie" Brac/"e Bennet ca&e ($ to !i# $($i" to )i#! !i& Go*-#$ee* ($on !i# enter$ri#e+ 69e &(#t %o t!e "on% )a a'o(t Ma#ter S!e"ton6 !e #ai*. 6ro(n* ' t!e 'ri*%e for o(r "ife8 Kee$ a #(re &an fift $ace# afore o( to *ra) #!ot#. an* %o #oft" ti"" 4 are $a#t t!e )oo*+ 1f t!e ro%(e# fa"" ($on o( ri*e for 4t. e )i"" *o na(%!t ' #tan*in%+ An* /ee$o(r e,er "ife. for)ar* Ma#ter &e not 'ac/ e "o,e t!ere i# noS!e"ton. !e"$ in t(rn T(n#ta"" &in* ea%ain t!at+ an An* no) #ince e %o to t!e %reat )ar# a'o(t t!e /in% an* 1 contin(e to *)e"" !ere in e3tre&e 5eo$ar* of & "ife an* t!e #aint# a"one can certif if )e #!a"" &eet a%ain 'e"o) 1 %i,e o( & "a#t co(n#e"# no) at o(r ri*in%+ Kee$ an ee on Sir Danie". !e i# (n#(re+ P(t not o(r tr(#t in t!e 5ac/-$rie#t. !e inten*et! not a&i## '(t *ot! t!e )i"" of ot!er#. it i# a !an*-%(n for Sir Danie"8 Get o(r %oo* "or*#!i$ )!ere e %o. &a/e o( #tron% frien*#. "oo/ to it+ An* t!in/ e,er a $ater-no#ter-)!i"e on Bennet Hatc!+ T!ere are )or#e ro%(e# afoot t!an Bennet+ So Go*-#$ee*86 6An* Hea,en 'e )it! o( Bennet86 ret(rne* Dic/+ frien* to &e-)ar* an* #o 1 #!a"" #a e,er+6
69e )ere a %oo*
6An* "oo/ e &a#ter6 a**e* Hatc! )it! a certain e&'arra##&ent 6if t!i# A&en*-A"" #!o("* %et a #!aft into &e e &i%!t &a!a$ "a o(t a %o"* &ar/ or &a!a$ a $o(n* for & $oor #o(". for it i# "i/e to %o #tiff )it! &e in $(r%ator+6 69e #!a"" !a,e o(r )i"" of it Bennet6 an#)ere* Dic/+ 6B(t )!at c!eer &an8 )e #!a"" &eet a%ain )!ere e #!a"" !a,e &ore nee* of a"e t!an &a##e#+6 6T!e #aint# #o %rant it Ma#ter Dic/86 ret(rne* t!e ot!er+ 6B(t !ere co&e# Sir O"i,er+ An !e )ere a# ;(ic/ )it! t!e "on%-'o) a# )it! t!e $en !e )o("* 'e a 'ra,e &an-at-ar&#+6 Sir O"i,er %a,e Dic/ a #ea"e* $ac/et )it! t!i# #($er#cri$tion: 6To & r%!t )orc!$f(" &a#ter Sir Danie" Brac/"e /n%!t 'e t!# *e",ere* in !a#te+6 An* Dic/ $(ttin% it in t!e 'o#o& of !i# 5ac/et %a,e t!e )or* an* #et fort! )e#t)ar* ($ t!e ,i""a%e+
BOOK 1 - THE TWO LADS
CHAPTER 1 - AT THE S1GN OF THE SUN 1N KETTLE9
Sir Danie" an* !i# &en "a in an* a'o(t Kett"e t!at ni%!t )ar&" ;(artere* an* )e"" $atro""e*+ B(t t!e Kni%!t of T(n#ta"" )a# one
)!o ne,er re#te* fro& &one-%ettin%. an* e,en no) )!en !e )a# on t!e 'rin/ of an a*,ent(re )!ic! #!o("* &a/e or &ar !i& !e )a# ($ an !o(r after &i*ni%!t to #;(ee2e $oor nei%!'o(r#+ He )a# one )!o traffic/e* %reat" in *i#$(te* in!eritance#. it )a# !i# )a to '( o(t t!e &o#t (n"i/e" c"ai&ant an* t!en ' t!e fa,o(r !e c(rrie* )it! %reat "or*# a'o(t t!e /in% $roc(re (n5(#t *eci#ion# in !i# fa,o(r. or if t!at )a# too ro(n*a'o(t to #ei2e t!e *i#$(te* &anor ' force of ar&# an* re" on !i# inf"(ence an* Sir O"i,er4# c(nnin% in t!e "a) to !o"* )!at !e !a* #natc!e*+ Kett"e )a# one #(c! $"ace. it !a* co&e ,er "ate" into !i# c"(tc!e#. !e #ti"" &et )it! t!e tenant#. an* it )a# to o,era)e *i#content t!at o$$o#ition !e !a* "e* fro& !i# troo$# t!at )a+ B t)o in t!e &ornin% Sir Danie" #at in t!e inn roo& c"o#e ' t!e fire#i*e for it )a# co"* at t!at !o(r a&on% t!e fen# of Kett"e+ B !i# e"'o) #too* a $ott"e of #$ice* a"e+ He !a* ta/en off !i# ,i#ore* !ea*$iece an* #at )it! !i# 'a"* !ea* an* t!in *ar/ ,i#a%e re#tin% on one !an* )ra$$e* )ar&" in a #an%(ine-co"o(re* c"oa/+ At t!e "o)er en* of t!e roo& a'o(t a *o2en of !i# &en #too* #entr o,er t!e *oor or "a a#"ee$ on 'enc!e#. an* #o&e)!at nearer !an* a o(n% "a* a$$arent" of t)e",e or t!irteen )a# #tretc!e* in a &ant"e on t!e f"oor+ T!e !o#t of t!e S(n #too* 'efore t!e %reat &an+ 6No) &ar/ &e &ine !o#t6 Sir Danie" #ai* 6fo""o) '(t &ine or*er# an* 1 #!a"" 'e o(r %oo* "or* e,er+ 1 &(#t !a,e %oo* &en for !ea* 'oro(%!# an* 1 )i"" !a,e A*a&-a-More !i%! con#ta'"e. #ee to it narro)"+ 1f ot!er &en 'e c!o#en it #!a"" a,ai" o( not!in%. rat!er it #!a"" 'e fo(n* to o(r #ore co#t+ For t!o#e t!at !a,e $ai* rent to Wa"#in%!a& 1 #!a"" ta/e %oo* &ea#(re - o( a&on% t!e re#t &ine !o#t+6 6Goo* /ni%!t6 #ai* t!e !o#t 61 )i"" #)ear ($on t!e cro## of Ho")oo* 1 *i* '(t $a to Wa"#in%!a& ($on co&$("#ion+ Na '("" /ni%!t 1 "o,e not t!e ro%(e Wa"#in%!a&#. t!e )ere a# $oor a# t!ie,e# '("" /ni%!t+ Gi,e &e a %reat "or* "i/e o(+ Na. a#/ &e a&on% t!e nei%!'o(r# 1 a& #to(t for Brac/"e+6 61t &a 'e6 #ai* Sir Danie" *r"+
69e #!a"" t!en $a t)ice+6
T!e inn/ee$er &a*e a !orri* %ri&ace. '(t t!i# )a# a $iece of 'a* "(c/ t!at &i%!t rea*i" 'efa"" a tenant in t!e#e (nr(" ti&e# an* !e )a# $er!a$# %"a* to &a/e !i# $eace #o ea#i"+ 6Brin% ($ on fe""o) Se"*en86 crie* t!e /ni%!t+ An* one of !i# retainer# "e* ($ a $oor crin%in% o"* &an a# $a"e a# a can*"e an* a"" #!a/in% )it! t!e fen fe,er+ 6Sirra!6 #ai* Sir Danie" 6o(r na&e76 6An4t $"ea#e o(r )or#!i$6 re$"ie* t!e &an 6& na&e i# Con*a"" Con*a"" of S!ore' at o(r %oo* )or#!i$4# $"ea#(re+6 61 !a,e !ear* o( i"" re$orte* on6 ret(rne* t!e /ni%!t+ 69e *ea" in trea#on ro%(e. e tr(*%e t!e co(ntr "ea#in%. 4 are !ea,i" #(#$icione* of t!e *eat! of #e,era"#+ Ho) fe""o) are e #o 'o"*7 B(t 1 )i"" 'rin% o( *o)n+6
6Ri%!t !ono(ra'"e an* & re,eren* "or*6 t!e &an crie* 6!ere i# #o&e !o*%e-$o*%e #a,in% o(r %oo* $re#ence+ 1 a& '(t a $oor $ri,ate &an an* !a,e !(rt none+6 6T!e (n*er-#!eriff *i* re$ort of o( &o#t ,i"e"6 #ai* t!e /ni%!t+ 64Sei2e &e4 #ait! !e 4t!at Tn*a" of S!ore'+46 6Con*a"" & %oo* "or*. Con*a"" i# & $oor na&e6 #ai* t!e (nfort(nate+ 6Con*a"" itare i# a"" Sir Danie" 6For ' or & Tn*a" #oot! 4 !ereone6 an* 1re$"ie* *o &i%!ti" #(#$ectcoo""+ o(r !one#t+ 1f e )o("* #a,e o(r nec/ )rite &e #)ift" an o'"i%ation for t)ent $o(n*+6 6For t)ent $o(n* & %oo* "or*86 crie* Con*a""+ 6Here i# &i*#(&&er &a*ne##8 M )!o"e e#tate a&o(ntet! not to #e,ent #!i""in%#+6 6Con*a"" or Tn*a"6 ret(rne* Sir Danie" %rinnin% 61 )i"" r(n & $eri" of t!at "o##+ Write &e *o)n t)ent an* )!en 1 !a,e reco,ere* a"" 1 &a 1 )i"" 'e %oo* "or* to o( an* $ar*on o( t!e re#t+6 6A"a#8 & %oo* "or* it &a not 'e. 1 !a,e no #/i"" to )rite6 #ai* Con*a""+ 6We""-a-*a86 ret(rne* t!e /ni%!t+ 6Here t!en i# no re&e*+ 9et 1 )o("* fain !a,e #$are* o( Tn*a" !a* & con#cience #(ffere*+ Se"*en ta/e &e t!i# o"* #!re) #oft" to t!e neare#t e"& an* !an% &e !i& ten*er" ' t!e nec/ )!ere 1 &a #ee !i& at & ri*in%+ Fare e )e"" %oo* Ma#ter Con*a"" *ear Ma#ter Tn*a". 4 are $o#t!a#te for Para*i#e. fare e t!en )e""86 6Na & ri%!t $"ea#ant "or*6 re$"ie* Con*a"" forcin% an o'#e;(io(# #&i"e 6an e 'e #o &a#terf(" a# *ot! ri%!t )e"" 'eco&e o( 1 )i"" e,en )it! a"" & $oor #/i"" *o o(r %oo* 'i**in%+6 6Frien*6 ;(ot! Sir Danie" 6e )i"" no) )rite t)o #core+ Go to8 4 are too c(nnin% for a "i,e"i!oo* of #e,ent #!i""in%#+ Se"*en #ee !i& )rite &e t!i# in %oo* for& an* !a,e it *(" )itne##e*+6 An* Sir Danie" )!o )a# a ,er &err /ni%!t none &errier in En%"an* too/ a *rin/ of !i# &(""e* a"e an* "a 'ac/ #&i"in%+ Mean)!i"e t!e 'o ($on t!e f"oor 'e%an to #tir an* $re#ent" #at ($ an* "oo/e* a'o(t !i& )it! a #care+ 6Hit!er6 #ai* Sir Danie". an* a# t!e ot!er ro#e at !i# co&&an* an* ca&e #"o)" to)ar*# !i& !e "eane* 'ac/ an* "a(%!e* o(tri%!t+ 6B t!e roo*86 !e crie* 6a #t(r* 'o86 T!e "a* f"(#!e* cri&#on )it! an%er an* *arte* a "oo/ of !ate o(t of !i# *ar/ ee#+ No) t!at !e )a# on !i# "e%# it )a# &ore *iffic("t to &a/e certain of !i# a%e+ Hi# face "oo/e* #o&e)!at o"*er in e3$re##ion '(t it )a# a# #&oot! a# a o(n% c!i"*4#. an* in 'one an* 'o* !e )a# (n(#(a"" #"en*er an* #o&e)!at a)/)ar* of %ait+
69e !a,e ca""e* &e Sir Danie"6 !e #ai*+ $oor $"i%!t76
6Wa# it to "a(%! at &
6Na no) "et "a(%!6 #ai* t!e /ni%!t+ 6Goo* #!re) "et "a(%! 1 $ra o(+ An e co("* #ee o(r#e"f 1 )arrant e )o("* "a(%! t!e fir#t+6 6We""6 crie* t!e "a* f"(#!in% 6e #!a"" an#)er t!i# )!en e an#)er for t!e ot!er+ La(%! )!i"e et e &a86 6Na Sir Danie" )it! earne#tne## 6t!in/no) not %oo* t!at co(#in6 1 &oc/ atre$"ie* o( e3ce$t in &irt! a##o&e 'et)een /in#fo"/ an* #in%("ar frien*#+ 1 )i"" &a/e o( a &arria%e of a t!o(#an* $o(n*# %o to8 an* c!eri#! o( e3cee*in%"+ 1 too/ o( in*ee* ro(%!" a# t!e ti&e *e&an*e*. '(t fro& !encefort! 1 #!a"" (n%r(*%in%" &aintain an* c!eerf("" #er,e o(+ 9e #!a"" 'e Mr#+ S!e"ton - La* S!e"ton ' & trot!8 for t!e "a* $ro&i#et! 'ra,e"+ T(t8 e )i"" not #! for !one#t "a(%!ter. it $(r%et! &e"anc!o"+ T!e are no ro%(e# )!o "a(%! %oo* co(#in+ Goo* &ine !o#t "a &e a &ea" no) for & co(#in Ma#ter Jo!n+ Sit e *o)n #)eet!eart an* eat+6 6Na6 #ai* Ma#ter Jo!n 61 )i"" 'rea/ no 'rea*+ Since e force &e to t!i# #in 1 )i"" fa#t for & #o("4# intere#t+ B(t %oo* &ine !o#t 1 $ra o( of co(rte# %i,e &e a c($ of fair )ater. 1 #!a"" 'e &(c! 'e!o"*en to o(r co(rte# in*ee*+6 69e #!a"" !a,e a *i#$en#ation %o to86 crie* t!e /ni%!t+ )e"" #!ri,en ' & fait!8 Content o( t!en an* eat+6
6S!a"t 'e
B(t t!e "a* )a# o'#tinate *ran/ a c($ of )ater an* once &ore )ra$$in% !i&#e"f c"o#e" in !i# &ant"e #at in a far corner 'roo*in%+ 1n an !o(r or t)o t!ere ro#e a #tir in t!e ,i""a%e of #entrie# c!a""en%in% an* t!e c"atter of ar&# an* !or#e#. an* t!en a troo$ *re) ($ ' t!e inn *oor an* Ric!ar* S!e"ton #$"a#!e* )it! &(* $re#ente* !i&#e"f ($on t!e t!re#!o"*+ 6Sa,e o( Sir Danie"6 !e #ai*+ 6Ho)8
Dic/ie S!e"ton86 crie* t!e /ni%!t. an* at t!e &ention of
Dic/4# na&e t!e ot!er "a* "oo/e* c(rio(#" acro##+ Bennet Hatc!76
6W!at &a/et!
6P"ea#e o( #ir /ni%!t to ta/e co%ni#ance of t!i# $ac/et fro& Sir O"i,er )!erein are a"" t!in%# f("" #tate*6 an#)ere* Ric!ar* $re#entin% t!e $rie#t4# "etter+ 6An* $"ea#e o( fart!er e )ere 'e#t &a/e a"" #$ee* to Ri#in%!a&. for on t!e )a !it!er )e enco(ntere* one ri*in% f(rio(#" )it! "etter# an* ' !i# re$ort & Lor* of Ri#in%!a& )a# #ore 'e#te* an* "ac/e* e3cee*in%" o(r $re#ence+6 6Ho) #a o(7 Sore 'e#te*76 ret(rne* t!e /ni%!t+ 6Na t!en )e )i"" &a/e #$ee* #ittin% *o)n %oo* Ric!ar*+ A# t!e )or"* %oe# in t!i# $oor rea"& of En%"an* !e t!at ri*e# #oft"ie#t ri*e# #(re#t+ De"a t!e #a 'e%ettet! $eri". '(t it i# rat!er t!i# itc! of *oin% t!at (n*oe# &en. &ar/ it Dic/+ B(t "et &e #ee fir#t )!at catt"e e !a,e 'ro(%!t+ Se"*en a "in/ !ere at t!e *oor86
An* Sir Danie" #tro*e fort! into t!e ,i""a%e #treet an* ' t!e re* %"o) of a torc! in#$ecte* !i# ne) troo$#+ He )a# an (n$o$("ar nei%!'o(r an* an (n$o$("ar &a#ter. '(t a# a "ea*er in )ar !e )a# )e""-'e"o,e* ' t!o#e )!o ro*e 'e!in* !i# $ennant+ Hi# *a#! !i# $ro,e* co(ra%e !i# foret!o(%!t for t!e #o"*ier#4 co&fort e,en !i# ro(%! %i'e# )ere a"" to t!e ta#te of t!e 'o"* '"a*e# in 5ac/ an* #a"et+ 6Na ' t!e roo*86 !e crie* 6)!at $oor *o%# are t!e#e7
Here 'e
#o&e croo/e* a#front a 'o) a# "ean a##$are a #$ear+ #!a"" a# ri*e in t!e ofan* t!e #o&e 'att"e. 1 can o( Frien*# frien*#+ e Mar/ &e t!i# o"* ,i""ain on t!e $ie'a"*8 A t)o-ear &(tton ri*in% on a !o% )o("* "oo/ &ore #o"*ier"8 Ha8 C"i$#' are e t!ere o"* rat7 94 are a &an 1 co("* "o#e )it! a %oo* !eart. e #!a"" %o in front of a"" )it! a '(""4# ee $ainte* on o(r 5ac/ to 'e t!e 'etter '(tt for arc!er. #irra! e #!a"" #!o) &e t!e )a+6 61 )i"" #!o) o( an )a Sir Danie" '(t t!e )a to c!an%e #i*e#6 ret(rne* C"i$#' #t(r*i"+ Sir Danie" "a(%!e* a %(ffa)+ 6W! )e"" #ai*86 !e crie*+ 6Ha#t a #!re)* ton%(e in t! &o(t! %o to8 1 )i"" for%i,e o( for t!at &err )or*+ Se"*en #ee t!e& fe* 'ot! &an an* 'r(te+6 T!e /ni%!t re-entere* t!e inn+ 6No) frien* Dic/6 !e #ai* 6fa"" to+ Eat )!i"e t!at 1 rea*+6
Here i# %oo* a"e an* 'acon+
Sir Danie" o$ene* t!e $ac/et an* a# !e rea* !i# 'ro) *ar/ene*+ W!en !e !a* *one !e #at a "itt"e &(#in%+ T!en !e "oo/e* #!ar$" at !i# )ar*+ 6Dic/6 #ai* !e 694 !a,e #een t!i# $enn r!&e76 T!e "a* re$"ie* in t!e affir&ati,e+ 61t 'ear# o(r fat!er4# na&e6 contin(e* t!e /ni%!t. 6an* o(r $oor #!re) of a $ar#on i# ' #o&e &a* #o(" acc(#e* of #"ain% !i&+6 6He *i* &o#t ea%er" *en it6 an#)ere* Dic/+ 6He *i*76 crie* t!e /ni%!t ,er #!ar$"+ 6Hee* !i& not+ He !a# a "oo#e ton%(e. !e 'a''"e# "i/e a 5ac/-#$arro)+ So&e *a )!en 1 &a fin* t!e "ei#(re Dic/ 1 )i"" &#e"f &ore f("" infor& o( of t!e#e &atter#+ T!ere )a# one D(c/)ort! #!re)*" '"a&e* for it. '(t t!e ti&e# )ere tro('"e* an* t!ere )a# no 5(#tice to 'e %ot+6 61t 'efe"" at t!e Moat Ho(#e76 Dic/ ,ent(re* )it! a 'eatin% at !i# !eart+ 61t 'efe"" 'et)een t!e Moat Ho(#e an* Ho")oo*6 re$"ie* Sir Danie" ca"&". '(t !e #!ot a co,ert %"ance '"ac/ )it! #(#$icion at Dic/4# face+ 6An* no)6 a**e* t!e /ni%!t 6#$ee* o( )it! o(r &ea". e #!a"" ret(rn to T(n#ta"" )it! a "ine fro& &e+6
Dic/4# face fe"" #ore"+ 6Prit!ee Sir Danie"6 !e crie* 6#en* one of t!e ,i""ain#8 1 'e#eec! o( "et &e to t!e 'att"e+ 1 can #tri/e a #tro/e 1 $ro&i#e o(+6 61 &i#*o('t it not6 re$"ie* Sir Danie" #ittin% *o)n to )rite+ 6B(t !ere Dic/ i# no !ono(r to 'e )on+ 1 "ie in Kett"e ti"" 1 !a,e #(re ti*in%# of t!e )ar an* t!en ri*e to 5oin &e )it! t!e con;(eror+ Cr not on co)ar*ice. it i# '(t )i#*o& Dic/. for t!i# $oor rea"& to##et! )it! t!at re'e""ion an* c(#to* #o #o c!an%et! !an*# no &anan* &at!e 'e /in%4# certainna&e of t!e &orro)+ To##-$ot an* S!(tt"e-)it r(n in '(t & Lor* Goo*-Co(n#e" #it# o4 one #i*e )aitin%+6 Wit! t!at Sir Danie" t(rnin% !i# 'ac/ to Dic/ an* ;(ite at t!e fart!er en* of t!e "on% ta'"e 'e%an to )rite !i# "etter )it! !i# &o(t! on one #i*e for t!i# '(#ine## of t!e B"ac/ Arro) #t(c/ #ore" in !i# t!roat+ Mean)!i"e o(n% S!e"ton )a# %oin% on !earti" eno(%! )it! !i# 'rea/fa#t )!en !e fe"t a to(c! ($on !i# ar& an* a ,er #oft ,oice )!i#$erin% in !i# ear+ 6Ma/e not a #i%n 1 *o 'e#eec! o(6 #ai* t!e ,oice 6'(t of o(r c!arit te"" &e t!e #trai%!t )a to Ho")oo*+ Be#eec! o( no) %oo* 'o co&fort a $oor #o(" in $eri" an* e3tre&e *i#tre## an* #et &e #o far fort! ($on t!e )a to & re$o#e+6 6Ta/e t!e $at! ' t!e )in*&i""6 an#)ere* Dic/ in t!e #a&e tone. 6it )i"" 'rin% o( to Ti"" Ferr. t!ere in;(ire a%ain+6 An* )it!o(t t(rnin% !i# !ea* !e fe"" a%ain to eatin%+ B(t )it! t!e tai" of !i# ee !e ca(%!t a %"i&$#e of t!e o(n% "a* ca""e* Ma#ter Jo!n #tea"t!i" cree$in% fro& t!e roo&+ 6W!6 t!o(%!t Dic/ 6!e i# a o(n% a# 1+ 4Goo* 'o4 *ot! !e ca"" &e7 An 1 !a* /no)n 1 #!o("* !a,e #een t!e ,ar"et !an%e* ere 1 !a* to"* !i&+ We"" if !e %oe# t!ro(%! t!e fen 1 &a co&e ($ )it! !i& an* $("" !i# ear#+6 Ha"f an !o(r "ater Sir Danie" %a,e Dic/ t!e "etter an* 'a*e !i& #$ee* to t!e Moat Ho(#e+ An* a%ain #o&e !a"f an !o(r after Dic/4# *e$art(re a &e##en%er ca&e in !ot !a#te fro& & Lor* of Ri#in%!a&+ 6Sir Danie"6 t!e &e##en%er #ai* 6e "o#e %reat !ono(r ' & #oot!8 T!e fi%!t 'e%an a%ain t!i# &ornin% ere t!e *a)n an* )e !a,e 'eaten t!eir ,an an* #cattere* t!eir ri%!t )in%+ On" t!e &ain 'att"e #tan*et! fa#t+ An )e !a* o(r fre#! &en )e #!o("* ti"t o( t!e& a"" into t!e ri,er+ W!at #ir /ni%!t8 Wi"" e 'e t!e "a#t7 1t #tan*# not )it! o(r %oo* cre*it+6 6Na6 crie* t!e /ni%!t 61 )a# '(t no) ($on t!e &arc!+ Se"*en #o(n* &e t!e t(c/et+ Sir 1 a& )it! o( on t!e in#tant+ 1t i# not t)o !o(r# #ince t!e &ore $art of & co&&an* ca&e in #ir &e##en%er+ W!at )o("* e !a,e7 S$(rrin% i# %oo* &eat '(t et it /i""e* t!e c!ar%er+ B(#t"e 'o#86
B t!i# ti&e t!e t(c/et )a# #o(n*in% c!eeri" in t!e &ornin% an* fro& a"" #i*e# Sir Danie"4# &en $o(re* into t!e &ain #treet an* for&e* 'efore t!e inn+ T!e !a* #"e$t ($on t!eir ar&# )it! c!ar%er# #a**"e* an* in ten &in(te# fi,e-#core &en-at-ar&# an* arc!er# c"ean" e;(i$$e* an* 'ri#/" *i#ci$"ine* #too* ran/e* an* rea*+ T!e c!ief $art )ere in Sir Danie"4# "i,er &(rre an* '"(e )!ic! %a,e t!e %reater #!o) to t!eir arra+ T!e 'e#t ar&e* ro*e fir#t. an* a)a o(t of #i%!t at t!e tai" of t!e co"(&n ca&e t!e #orr reinforce&ent of t!e ni%!t 'efore+ Sir Danie" "oo/e* )it! $ri*e a"on% t!e "ine+ 6Here 'e t!e "a*# to #er,e o( in a $inc!6 !e #ai*+ 6T!e are $rett &en in*ee*6 re$"ie* t!e &e##en%er+ 61t '(t a(%&ent# & #orro) t!at e !a* not &arc!e* t!e ear"ier+6 6We""6 #ai* t!e /ni%!t 6)!at )o("* e7 T!e 'e%innin% of a fea#t an* t!e en* of a fra #ir &e##en%er.6 an* !e &o(nte* into !i# #a**"e+ 6W!8 !o) no)86 !e crie*+ 6Jo!n8 Joanna8 Na ' t!e #acre* roo*8 )!ere i# #!e7 Ho#t )!ere i# t!at %ir"76 6Gir" Sir Danie"76 crie* t!e "an*"or*+
6Na #ir 1 #a) no %ir"+6
6Bo t!en *otar*86 crie* t!e /ni%!t+ 6Co("* e not #ee it )a# a )enc!7 S!e in t!e &(rre-co"o(re* &ant"e - #!e t!at 'ro/e !er fa#t )it! )ater ro%(e - )!ere i# #!e76 6Na t!e #aint# '"e## (#8 Ma#ter Jo!n e ca""e* !i&6 #ai* t!e !o#t+ 6We"" 1 t!o(%!t none e,i"+ He i# %one+ 1 #a) !i& - !er 1 #a) !er in t!e #ta'"e a %oo* !o(r a%one. 4a )a# #a**"in% a %re !or#e+6 6No) ' t!e roo*86 crie* Sir Danie" 6t!e )enc! )a# )ort! fi,e !(n*re* $o(n* to &e an* &ore+6 6Sir /ni%!t6 o'#er,e* t!e &e##en%er )it! 'itterne## 6)!i"e t!at e are !ere roarin% for fi,e !(n*re* $o(n*# t!e rea"& of En%"an* i# e"#e)!ere 'ein% "o#t an* )on+6 61t i# )e"" #ai*6 re$"ie* Sir Danie"+ 6Se"*en fa"" &e o(t )it! #i3 cro##-'o)&en. !(nt &e !er *o)n+ 1 care not )!at it co#t. '(t at & ret(rnin% "et &e fin* !er at t!e Moat Ho(#e+ Be it ($on o(r !ea*+
An* no) #ir &e##en%er )e &arc!+6
An* t!e troo$ 'ro/e into a %oo* trot an* Se"*en an* !i# #i3 &en )ere "eft 'e!in* ($on t!e #treet of Kett"e )it! t!e #tarin% ,i""a%er#+
CHAPTER 11 - 1N THE FEN
1t )a# near #i3 in t!e Ma &ornin% )!en Dic/ 'e%an to ri*e *o)n into t!e fen ($on !i# !o&e)ar* )a+ T!e #/ )a# a"" '"(e. t!e 5o"" )in* '"e) "o(* an* #tea*. t!e )in*&i""-#ai"# )ere #$innin%. an* t!e )i""o)# o,er a"" t!e fen ri$$"in% an* )!itenin% "i/e a fie"* of corn+ He !a* 'een a"" ni%!t in t!e #a**"e '(t !i# !eart
)a# %oo* an* !i# 'o* #o(n* an* !e ro*e ri%!t &erri"+ T!e $at! )ent *o)n an* *o)n into t!e &ar#! ti"" !e "o#t #i%!t of a"" t!e nei%!'o(rin% "an*&ar/# '(t Kett"e )in*&i"" on t!e /no"" 'e!in* !i& an* t!e e3tre&e to$ of T(n#ta"" Fore#t far 'efore+ On eit!er !an* t!ere )ere %reat fie"*# of '"o)in% ree*# an* )i""o)# $oo"# of )ater #!a/in% in t!e )in* an* treac!ero(# 'o%# a# %reen a# e&era"* to te&$t an* to 'etra t!e tra,e""er+ T!e $at! "a a"&o#t #trai%!t t!ro(%! t!e &ora##+ 1t )a# a"rea* ,er ancient. it# fo(n*ation !a* 'een "ai* ' Ro&an #o"*ier. in t!e "a$#e of a%e# &(c! of itit !a* #(n/ an* e,er !ere t!ere)ater# for a of fe)t!e !(n*re* ar*# "a #('&er%e* 'e"o) t!e an* #ta%nant fen+ A'o(t a &i"e fro& Kett"e Dic/ ca&e to one #(c! 'rea/ in t!e $"ain "ine of ca(#e)a )!ere t!e ree*# an* )i""o)# %re) *i#$er#e*" "i/e "itt"e i#"an*# an* conf(#e* t!e ee+ T!e %a$ 'e#i*e# )a# &ore t!an (#(a"" "on%. it )a# a $"ace )!ere an #tran%er &i%!t co&e rea*i" to &i#c!ief. an* Dic/ 'et!o(%!t !i& )it! #o&et!in% "i/e a $an% of t!e "a* )!o& !e !a* #o i&$erfect" *irecte*+ A# for !i&#e"f one "oo/ 'ac/)ar* to )!ere t!e )in*&i"" #ai"# )ere t(rnin% '"ac/ a%ain#t t!e '"(e of !ea,en - one "oo/ for)ar* to t!e !i%! %ro(n* of T(n#ta"" Fore#t an* !e )a# #(fficient" *irecte* an* !e"* #trai%!t on t!e )ater )a#!in% to !i# !or#e4# /nee# a# #afe a# on a !i%!)a+ Ha"f-)a acro## an* )!en !e !a* a"rea* #i%!te* t!e $at! ri#in% !i%! an* *r ($on t!e fart!er #i*e !e )a# a)are of a %reat #$"a#!in% on !i# ri%!t an* #a) a %re !or#e #(n/ to it# 'e"" in t!e &(* an* #ti"" #$a#&o*ica"" #tr(%%"in%+ 1n#tant" a# t!o(%! it !a* *i,ine* t!e nei%!'o(r!oo* of !e"$ t!e $oor 'ea#t 'e%an to nei%! &o#t $iercin%"+ 1t ro""e* &ean)!i"e a '"oo*-#!ot ee in#ane )it! terror. an* a# it #$ra)"e* )a""o)in% in t!e ;(a% c"o(*# of #tin%in% in#ect# ro#e an* '(22e* a'o(t it in t!e air+ 6A"ac/86 t!o(%!t Dic/ 6can t!e $oor "a* !a,e $eri#!e*7 T!ere i# !i# !or#e for certain - a 'ra,e %re8 Na co&ra*e if t!o( crie#t to &e #o $iteo(#" 1 )i"" *o a"" &an can to !e"$ t!ee+ S!a"t not "ie t!ere to *ro)n ' inc!e#86 An* !e &a*e rea* !i# cro##'o) an* $(t a ;(arre" t!ro(%! t!e creat(re4# !ea*+ Dic/ ro*e on after t!i# act of r(%%e* &erc #o&e)!at #o'ere* in #$irit an* "oo/in% c"o#e" a'o(t !i& for an #i%n of !i# "e## !a$$ $re*ece##or in t!e )a+ 61 )o("* 1 !a* *are* to te"" !i& f(rt!er6 !e t!o(%!t. 6for 1 fear !e !a# &i#carrie* in t!e #"o(%!+6 An* 5(#t a# !e )a# #o t!in/in% a ,oice crie* ($on !i# na&e fro& t!e ca(#e)a #i*e an* "oo/in% o,er !i# #!o("*er !e #a) t!e "a*4# face $eerin% fro& a c"(&$ of ree*#+ 6Are e t!ere76 !e #ai* reinin% in+ 69e "a #o c"o#e a&on% t!e ree*# t!at 1 !a* $a##e* o( '+ 1 #a) o(r !or#e 'e&ire* an* $(t !i& fro& !i# a%on. )!ic! ' & #oot!8 an e !a* 'een a &ore &ercif(" ri*er e !a* *one o(r#e"f+ B(t co&e fort! o(t of o(r !i*in%+ Here 'e none to tro('"e o(+6 6Na %oo* 'o 1 !a,e no ar&# nor #/i"" to (#e t!e& if 1 !a*6
re$"ie* t!e ot!er #te$$in% fort! ($on t!e $at!)a+ 6W! ca"" &e 4'o476 crie* Dic/+ (# t)ain+6
694 are not 1 tro) t!e e"*er of
6Goo* Ma#ter S!e"ton6 #ai* t!e ot!er 6$rit!ee for%i,e &e+ 1 !a,e none t!e "ea#t intention to offen*+ Rat!er 1 )o("* in e,er )a 'e#eec! o(r %ent"ene## an* fa,o(r for 1 a& no) )or#e 'e#te* t!an e,er !a,in% "o#t & )a & c"oa/ an* & $oor !or#e+ To !a,e a ri*in%-ro* an* #$(r# an* ne,er a !or#e to #it ($on8 An* 'efore a""6 a**e* "oo/in% r(ef("" ($on !i# c"ot!e# - 6'efore a"" to 'e #o !e #orri" 'e#&irc!e*86 6T(t86 crie* Dic/+ 6Wo("* e &in* a *(c/in%7 *(#t of tra,e" - t!at4# a &an4# a*orn&ent+6
B"oo* of )o(n* or
6Na t!en 1 "i/e !i& 'etter $"ain6 o'#er,e* t!e "a*+ 6B(t $rit!ee !o) #!a"" 1 *o7 Prit!ee %oo* Ma#ter Ric!ar* !e"$ &e )it! o(r %oo* co(n#e"+ 1f 1 co&e not #afe to Ho")oo* 1 a& (n*one+6 6Na6 #ai* Dic/ *i#&o(ntin% 61 )i"" %i,e &ore t!an co(n#e"+ Ta/e & !or#e an* 1 )i"" r(n a)!i"e an* )!en 1 a& )ear )e #!a"" c!an%e a%ain t!at #o ri*in% an* r(nnin% 'ot! &a %o t!e #$ee*ier+6 So t!e c!an%e )a# &a*e an* t!e )ent for)ar* a# 'ri#/" a# t!e *(r#t on t!e (ne,en ca(#e)a Dic/ )it! !i# !an* ($on t!e ot!er4# /nee+ 6Ho) ca"" e o(r na&e76 a#/e* Dic/+ 6Ca"" &e Jo!n Matc!a&6 re$"ie* t!e "a*+ 6An* )!at &a/e e to Ho")oo*76 Dic/ contin(e*+ 61 #ee/ #anct(ar fro& a &an t!at )o("* o$$re## &e6 )a# t!e an#)er+ 6T!e %oo* A''ot of Ho")oo* i# a #tron% $i""ar to t!e )ea/+6 6An* !o) ca&e e )it! Sir Danie" Ma#ter Matc!a&76 $(r#(e* Dic/+ 6Na6 crie* t!e ot!er 6' t!e a'(#e of force8 He !at! ta/en &e ' ,io"ence fro& & o)n $"ace. *re##e* &e in t!e#e )ee*#. ri**en )it! &e ti"" & !eart )a# #ic/. %i'e* &e ti"" 1 co("* 4a4 )e$t. an* )!en certain of & frien*# $(r#(e* t!in/in% to !a,e &e 'ac/ c"a$# &e in t!e rear to #tan* t!eir #!ot8 1 )a# e,en %ra2e* in t!e ri%!t foot an* )a"/ '(t "a&e"+ Na t!ere #!a"" co&e a *a 'et)een (#. !e #!a"" #&art for a""86 6Wo("* e #!oot at t!e &oon )it! a !an*-%(n76 #ai* Dic/+ 64Ti# a ,a"iant /ni%!t an* !at! a !an* of iron+ An !e %(e##e* 1 !a* &a*e or &e**"e* )it! o(r f"i%!t it )o("* %o #ore )it! &e+6 6A $oor 'o6 ret(rne* t!e ot!er 64 are !i# )ar* 1 /no) it+ B t!e #a&e to/en #o a& 1 or #o !e #ait!. or e"#e !e !at! 'o(%!t & &arria%e - 1 )ot not ri%!t" )!ic!. '(t it i# #o&e !an*"e to o$$re## &e '+6
6Bo a%ain86 #ai* Dic/+ 6Na t!en #!a"" 1 ca"" o( %ir" %oo* Ric!ar*76 a#/e* Matc!a&+ 6Ne,er a %ir" for &e6 ret(rne* Dic/+ t!e&86 69e #$ea/ 'oi#!"6 #ai* t!e ot!er+ e $reten*+6
61 *o a'5(re t!e cre) of
69e t!in/ &ore of t!e& t!an
6Not 16 #ai* Dic/ #to(t"+ 6T!e not in & to &in*+ A $"a%(e of t!e& #a 18 Gi,e &e to !(nt an*co&e to fi%!t an* fea#t an* to "i,e )it! 5o"" fore#ter#+ 1 ne,er !ear* of a &ai* et t!at )a# for an #er,ice #a,e one on". an* #!e $oor #!re) )a# '(rne* for a )itc! an* t!e )earin% of &en4# c"ot!e# in #$ite of nat(re+6 Ma#ter Matc!a& cro##e* !i&#e"f )it! fer,o(r an* a$$eare* to $ra+ 6W!at &a/e e76 Dic/ in;(ire*+ 61 $ra for !er #$irit6 an#)ere* t!e ot!er )it! a #o&e)!at tro('"e* ,oice+ 6For a )itc!4# #$irit76 Dic/ crie*+ 6B(t $ra for !er an e "i#t. #!e )a# t!e 'e#t )enc! in E(ro$e )a# t!i# Joan of Arc+ O"* A$$"ear* t!e arc!er ran fro& !er !e #ai* a# if #!e !a* 'een Ma!o(n+
Na #!e )a# a 'ra,e )enc!+6
6We"" '(t %oo* Ma#ter Ric!ar*6 re#(&e* Matc!a& 6an e "i/e &ai*# #o "itt"e 4 are no tr(e nat(ra" &an. for Go* &a*e t!e& t)ain ' intention an* 'ro(%!t tr(e "o,e into t!e )or"* to 'e &an4# !o$e an* )o&an4# co&fort+6 6Fa(%!86 #ai* Dic/+ 694 are a &i"/-#o$$in% 'a' #o to !ar$ on )o&en+ An e t!in/ 1 'e no tr(e &an %et *o)n ($on t!e $at! an* )!et!er at fi#t# 'ac/-#)or* or 'o) an* arro) 1 )i"" $ro,e & &an!oo* on o(r 'o*+6 6Na 1 a& no fi%!ter6 #ai* Matc!a& ea%er"+ 61 &ean no titt"e of offence+ 1 &eant '(t $"ea#antr+ An* if 1 ta"/ of )o&en it i# 'eca(#e 1 !ear* e )ere to &arr+6 61 to &arr86 Dic/ e3c"ai&e*+ 6We"" it i# t!e fir#t 1 !ear of it+ An* )it! )!o& )a# 1 to &arr76 6One Joan Se*"e6 re$"ie* Matc!a& co"o(rin%+ 61t )a# Sir Danie"4# *oin%. !e !at! &one to %ain ($on 'ot! #i*e#. an* in*ee* 1 !a,e !ear* t!e $oor )enc! 'e&oanin% !er#e"f $itif("" of t!e &atc!+ 1t #ee&# #!e i# of o(r &in* or e"#e *i#ta#te* to t!e 'ri*e%roo&+6 6We""8 &arria%e i# "i/e *eat! it co&e# to a""6 #ai* Dic/ )it! re#i%nation+ 6An* #!e 'e&oane* !er#e"f7 1 $ra e no) #ee t!ere !o) #!(tt"e-)itte* are t!e#e %ir"#: to 'e&oan !er#e"f 'efore t!at #!e !a* #een &e8 Do 1 'e&oan &#e"f7 Not 1+ An 1 'e to &arr 1 )i"" &arr *r-ee*8 B(t if e /no) !er $rit!ee of )!at fa,o(r i# #!e7 fair or fo("7 An* i# #!e #!re)i#! or $"ea#ant76 6Na )!at &atter# it76 #ai* Matc!a&+
6An 4 are to &arr e can
'(t &arr+ W!at &atter# fo(" or fair7 T!e#e 'e '(t to#+ 94 are no &i"/#o$ Ma#ter Ric!ar*. e )i"" )e* )it! *r ee# an!o)+6 61t i# )e"" #ai*6 re$"ie* S!e"ton+
6Litt"e 1 rec/+6
69o(r "a* )ife i# "i/e to !a,e a $"ea#ant "or*6 #ai* Matc!a&+ 6S!e #!a"" !a,e t!e "or* Hea,en &a*e !er for6 ret(rne* Dic/+ tro) t!ere 'e )or#e a# )e"" a# 'etter+6
61t
6A! t!e $oor )enc!86 crie* t!e ot!er+ 6An* )! #o $oor76 a#/e* Dic/+ 6To )e* a &an of )oo*6 re$"ie* !i# co&$anion+ !(#'an*86
6O &e for a )oo*en
61 t!in/ 1 'e a &an of )oo* in*ee*6 #ai* Dic/ 6to tr(*%e afoot t!e )!i"e o( ri*e & !or#e. '(t it i# %oo* )oo* 1 tro)+6 6Goo* Dic/ for%i,e &e6 crie* t!e ot!er+ 6Na 4 are t!e 'e#t !eart in En%"an*. 1 '(t "a(%!e*+ For%i,e &e no) #)eet Dic/+6 6Na no foo" )or*#6 ret(rne* Dic/ a "itt"e e&'arra##e* ' !i# co&$anion4# )ar&t!+ 6No !ar& i# *one+ 1 a& not to(c! $rai#e t!e #aint#+6 An* at t!at &o&ent t!e )in* )!ic! )a# '"o)in% #trai%!t 'e!in* t!e& a# t!e )ent 'ro(%!t t!e& t!e ro(%! f"o(ri#! of Sir Danie"4# tr(&$eter+ 6Har/86 #ai* Dic/ 6t!e t(c/et #o(n*et!+6 6A6 #ai* Matc!a& 6t!e !a,e fo(n* & f"i%!t an* no) 1 a& (n!or#e*86 an* !e 'eca&e $a"e a# *eat!+ 6Na )!at c!eer86 ret(rne* Dic/+ 694 !a,e a "on% #tart an* )e are near t!e ferr+ An* it i# 1 &et!in/# t!at a& (n!or#e*+6 6A"ac/ 1 #!a"" 'e ta/en86 crie* t!e f(%iti,e+ 'e#eec! e !e"$ &e '(t a "itt"e86
6Dic/ /in* Dic/
6W! no) )!at ai"et! t!ee76 #ai* Dic/+ 6Met!in/# 1 !e"$ o( ,er $atent"+ B(t & !eart i# #orr for #o #$irit"e## a fe""o)8 An* #ee e !ere Jo!n Matc!a& - #it! Jo!n Matc!a& i# o(r na&e - 1 Ric!ar* S!e"ton ti*e )!at 'eti*et! co&e )!at &a )i"" #ee o( #afe in Ho")oo*+ T!e #aint# #o *o to &e a%ain if 1 *efa("t o(+ Co&e $ic/ &e ($ a %oo* !eart Sir W!ite-face+ T!e )a 'etter# !ere. #$(r &e t!e !or#e+ Go fa#ter8 fa#ter8 Na &in* not for &e. 1 can r(n "i/e a *eer+6 So )it! t!e !or#e trottin% !ar* an* Dic/ r(nnin% ea#i" a"on%#i*e t!e cro##e* t!e re&ain*er of t!e fen an* ca&e o(t ($on t!e 'an/# of t!e ri,er ' t!e ferr&an4# !(t+
CHAPTER 111 - THE FEN FERR9
T!e ri,er Ti"" )a# a )i*e #"(%%i#! c"ae )ater oo2in% o(t of fen# an* in t!i# $art of it# co(r#e it #traine* a&on% #o&e #core of )i""o)-co,ere* &ar#! i#"et#+ 1t )a# a *in% #trea&. '(t ($on t!i# 'ri%!t #$irite* &ornin% e,ert!in% )a# 'eco&e 'ea(tif("+ T!e )in* an* t!e &arten# 'ro/e it ($ into inn(&era'"e *i&$"e#. an* t!e ref"ection of t!e #/ )a# #cattere* o,er a"" t!e #(rface in cr(&'# of #&i"in% '"(e+ A cree/ ran ($ to &eet t!e $at! an* c"o#e (n*er t!e 'an/ t!e ferr&an4# !(t "a #n(%"+ 1t )a# of )att"e an* c"a an* t!e %ra## %re) %reen ($on t!e roof+ Dic/ )ent to t!e *oor an* o$ene* it+ Wit!in ($on a fo(" o"* r(##et c"oa/ t!e ferr&an "a #tretc!e* an* #!i,erin%. a %reat !("/ of a &an '(t "ean an* #!a/en ' t!e co(ntr fe,er+ 6He Ma#ter S!e"ton6 !e #ai* 6'e e for t!e ferr7 1"" ti&e# i"" ti&e#8 Loo/ to o(r#e"f+ T!ere i# a fe""o)#!i$ a'roa*+ 9e )ere 'etter t(rn ro(n* on o(r t)o !ee"# an* tr t!e 'ri*%e+6 6Na. ti&e4# in t!e #a**"e6 an#)ere* Dic/+ Ferr&an+ 1 a& !ot in !a#te+6
6Ti&e )i"" ri*e H(%!
6A )i"f(" &an86 ret(rne* t!e ferr&an ri#in%+ 6An e )in #afe to t!e Moat Ho(#e 4 !a,e *one "(c/. '(t 1 #a no &ore+6 An* t!en catc!in% #i%!t of Matc!a& 6W!o 'e t!i#76 !e a#/e* a# !e $a(#e* '"in/in% on t!e t!re#!o"* of !i# ca'in+ 61t i# & /in#&an Ma#ter Matc!a&6 an#)ere* Dic/+ 6Gi,e e %oo* *a %oo* ferr&an6 #ai* Matc!a& )!o !a* *i#&o(nte* an* no) ca&e for)ar* "ea*in% t!e !or#e+ 6La(nc! &e o(r 'oat 1 $rit!ee. )e are #ore in !a#te+6 T!e %a(nt ferr&an contin(e* #tarin%+ 6B t!e &a##86 !e crie* at "en%t! an* "a(%!e* )it! o$en t!roat+ Matc!a& co"o(re* to !i# nec/ an* )ince*. an* Dic/ )it! an an%r co(ntenance $(t !i# !an* on t!e "o(t4# #!o("*er+ 6Ho) no) c!(r"86 !e crie*+ &oc/in% t! 'etter#+6
6Fa"" to t! '(#ine## an* "ea,e
H(%! Ferr&an %r(&'"in%" (n*i* !i# 'oat an* #!o,e* it a "itt"e fort! into t!e *ee$ )ater+ T!en Dic/ "e* in t!e !or#e an* Matc!a& fo""o)e*+ 69e 'e &orta" #&a"" &a*e &a#ter6 #ai* H(%! )it! a )i*e %rin. 6#o&et!in% o4 t!e )ron% &o*e" 'e"i/e+ Na Ma#ter S!e"ton 1 a& for o(6 !e a**e* %ettin% to !i# oar#+ 6A cat &a "oo/ at a /in%+ 1 *i* '(t ta/e a #!ot of t!e ee at Ma#ter Matc!a&+6 6Sirra! no &ore )or*#6 #ai* Dic/+
6Ben* &e o(r 'ac/+6
T!e )ere ' t!at ti&e at t!e &o(t! of t!e cree/ an* t!e ,ie)
o$ene* ($ an* *o)n t!e ri,er+ E,er)!ere it )a# enc"o#e* )it! i#"an*#+ C"a 'an/# )ere fa""in% in )i""o)# no**in% ree*# )a,in% &arten# *i$$in% an* $i$in%+ T!ere )a# no #i%n of &an in t!e "a'rint! of )ater#+ 6M &a#ter6 #ai* t!e ferr&an /ee$in% t!e 'oat #tea* )it! one oar 61 !a,e a #!re) %(e## t!at Jo!n-a-Fenne i# on t!e i#"an*+ He 'ear# &e a '"ac/ %r(*%e to a"" Sir Danie"4#+ Ho) if 1 t(rne* &e ($ #trea& an* "an*e* o( an arro)-f"i%!t a'o,e t!e $at!7 9e )ere 'e#t not &e**"e )it! Jo!n Fenne+6 6Ho) t!en7 i# !e of t!i# co&$an76 a#/e* Dic/+ 6Na &(& i# t!e )or*6 #ai* H(%!+ 6B(t 1 )o("* %o ($ )ater Dic/+ Ho) if Ma#ter Matc!a& ca&e ' an arro)76 an* !e "a(%!e* a%ain+ 6Be it #o H(%!6 an#)ere* Dic/+ 6Loo/ e t!en6 $(r#(e* H(%!+ 6Sit! it #!a"" #o 'e (n#"in% &e o(r cro##-'o) - #o: no) &a/e it rea* - %oo*. $"ace &e a ;(arre"+ A /ee$ it #o an* "oo/ ($on &e %ri&"+6 6W!at &eanet! t!i#76 a#/e* Dic/+ 6W! & &a#ter if 1 #tea" o( acro## it &(#t 'e (n*er force or fear6 re$"ie* t!e ferr&an. 6for e"#e if Jo!n Fenne %ot )in* of it !e )ere "i/e to $ro,e & &o#t *i#tre##f(" nei%!'o(r+6 6Do t!e#e c!(r"# ri*e #o ro(%!"76 Dic/ in;(ire*+ Sir Danie"4# o)n ferr76
6Do t!e co&&an*
6Na6 )!i#$ere* t!e ferr&an )in/in%+ 6Mar/ &e8 Sir Danie" #!a"" *o)n+ Hi# ti&e i# o(t+ He #!a"" *o)n+ M(&86 An* !e 'ent o,er !i# oar#+ T!e $(""e* a "on% )a ($ t!e ri,er t(rne* t!e tai" of an i#"an* an* ca&e #oft" *o)n a narro) c!anne" ne3t t!e o$$o#ite 'an/+ T!en H(%! !e"* )ater in &i*#trea&+ 61 &(#t "an* o( !ere a&on% t!e )i""o)#6 !e #ai*+ 6Here i# no $at! '(t )i""o) #)a&$# an* ;(a%&ire#6 an#)ere* Dic/+ 6Ma#ter S!e"ton6 re$"ie* H(%! 61 *are not ta/e e nearer *o)n for o(r o)n #a/e no)+ He )atc!et! &e t!e ferr "in% on !i# 'o)+ A"" t!at %o ' an* o)e Sir Danie" %oo*)i"" !e #!ootet! *o)n "i/e ra''it#+ 1 !ear* !i& #)ear it ' t!e roo*+ An 1 !a* not /no)n o( of o"* *a# - a an* fro& #o !i%! ($)ar* - 1 )o("* 4a4 "et o( %o on. '(t for o"* *a#4 re&e&'rance an* 'eca(#e e !a* t!i# to )it! o( t!at4# not fit for )o(n*# or )arfare 1 *i* ri#/ & t)o $oor ear# to !a,e o( o,er )!o"e+ Content o(. 1 can no &ore on & #a",ation86 H(%! )a# #ti"" #$ea/in% "in% on !i# oar# )!en t!ere ca&e a %reat #!o(t fro& a&on% t!e )i""o)# on t!e i#"an* an* #o(n*# fo""o)e* a# of a #tron% &an 'rea#tin% ro(%!" t!ro(%! t!e )oo*+ 6A &(rrain86 crie* H(%!+ 6He )a# on t!e ($$er i#"an* a"" t!e )!i"e86 He $(""e* #trai%!t for #!ore+ 6T!reat &e )it! o(r 'o)
%oo* Dic/. t!reat &e )it! it $"ain6 !e a**e*+ #a,e o(r #/in# #a,e o( &ine86
61 !a,e trie* to
T!e 'oat ran into a to(%! t!ic/et of )i""o)# )it! a cra#!+ Matc!a& $a"e '(t #tea* an* a"ert at a #i%n fro& Dic/ ran a"on% t!e t!)art# an* "ea$e* a#!ore. Dic/ ta/in% t!e !or#e ' t!e 'ri*"e #o(%!t to fo""o) '(t )!at )it! t!e ani&a"4# '("/ an* )!at )it! t!e c"o#ene## of t!e t!ic/et 'ot! #t(c/ fa#t+ T!e !or#e nei%!e* an* tra&$"e*. an* t!e 'oat )!ic! )a# #)in%in% in an e** ca&e on an* off an* $itc!e* )it! ,io"ence+ 61t &a not 'e H(%!. !ere i# no "an*in%6 crie* Dic/. '(t !e #ti"" #tr(%%"e* ,a"iant" )it! t!e o'#tinate t!ic/et an* t!e #tart"e* ani&a"+ A ta"" &an a$$eare* ($on t!e #!ore of t!e i#"an* a "on%-'o) in !i# !an*+ Dic/ #a) !i& for an in#tant )it! t!e corner of !i# ee 'en*in% t!e 'o) )it! a %reat effort !i# face cri&#on )it! !(rr+ 6W!o %oe#76 !e #!o(te*+
6H(%! )!o %oe#76
64Ti# Ma#ter S!e"ton Jo!n6 re$"ie* t!e ferr&an+ 6Stan* Dic/ S!e"ton86 'a)"e* t!e &an ($on t!e i#"an*+ 69e #!a"" !a,e no !(rt ($on t!e roo*8 Stan*8 Bac/ o(t H(%! Ferr&an+6 Dic/ crie* a ta(ntin% an#)er+ 6Na t!en e #!a"" %o afoot6 ret(rne* t!e &an. an* !e "et *ri,e an arro)+ T!e !or#e #tr(c/ ' t!e #!aft "a#!e* o(t in a%on an* terror. t!e 'oat ca$#i2e* an* t!e ne3t &o&ent a"" )ere #tr(%%"in% in t!e e**ie# of t!e ri,er+ W!en Dic/ ca&e ($ !e )a# )it!in a ar* of t!e 'an/. an* 'efore !i# ee# )ere c"ear !i# !an* !a* c"o#e* on #o&et!in% fir& an* #tron% t!at in#tant" 'e%an to *ra% !i& for)ar*+ 1t )a# t!e ri*in%-ro* t!at Matc!a& cra)"in% fort! ($on an o,er!an%in% )i""o) !a* o$$ort(ne" t!r(#t into !i# %ra#$+ 6B t!e &a##86 crie* Dic/ a# !e )a# !e"$e* a#!ore 6t!at &a/e# a "ife 1 o)e o(+ 1 #)i& "i/e a cannon-'a""+6 in#tant" to)ar*# t!e i#"an*+
An* !e t(rne*
Mi*)a o,er H(%! Ferr&an )a# #)i&&in% )it! !i# ($t(rne* 'oat )!i"e Jo!n-a-Fenne f(rio(# at t!e i""-fort(ne of !i# #!ot 'a)"e* to !i& to !(rr+ 6Co&e Jac/6 #ai* S!e"ton 6r(n for it8 Ere H(%! can !a"e !i# 'ar%e acro## or t!e $air of 4e& can %et it ri%!te* )e &a 'e o(t of cr+6 An* a**in% e3a&$"e to !i# )or*# !e 'e%an to r(n *o*%in% a&on% t!e )i""o)# an* in &ar#! $"ace# "ea$in% fro& t(##oc/ to t(##oc/+ He !a* no ti&e to "oo/ for !i# *irection. a"" !e co("* *o )a# to t(rn !i# 'ac/ ($on t!e ri,er an* $(t a"" !i# !eart to r(nnin%+ Pre#ent" !o)e,er t!e %ro(n* 'e%an to ri#e )!ic! #!o)e* !i& !e
)a# #ti"" in t!e ri%!t )a an* #oon after t!e ca&e fort! ($on a #"o$e of #o"i* t(rf )!ere e"&# 'e%an to &in%"e )it! t!e )i""o)#+ B(t !ere Matc!a& )!o !a* 'een *ra%%in% far into t!e rear t!re) !i&#e"f fair" *o)n+ 6Lea,e &e Dic/86 !e crie* $antin%". 61 can no &ore+6 Dic/ t(rne* an* ca&e 'ac/ to )!ere !i# co&$anion "a+ 6Na Jac/ "ea,e t!ee86a!e crie*+ )erea a /na,e4# tric/ to 'e #(re )!en e ri#/e* #!ot an* a6T!at *(c/in% an* a *ro)nin% too to #a,e & "ife+ Dro)nin% in #oot!. for )! 1 *i* not $("" o( in a"on% )it! &e t!e #aint# a"one can te""86 6Na6 #ai* Matc!a& 61 )o("* 4a4 #a,e* (# 'ot! %oo* Dic/ for 1 can #)i&+6 6Can e #o76 crie* Dic/ )it! o$en ee#+ 1t )a# t!e one &an" acco&$"i#!&ent of )!ic! !e )a# !i&#e"f inca$a'"e+ 1n t!e or*er of t!e t!in%# t!at !e a*&ire* ne3t to !a,in% /i""e* a &an in #in%"e fi%!t ca&e #)i&&in%+ 6We""6 !e #ai* 6!ere i# a "e##on to *e#$i#e no &an+ 1 $ro&i#e* to care for o( a# far a# Ho")oo* an* ' t!e roo* Jac/ 4 are &ore ca$a'"e to care for &e+6 6We"" Dic/ )e4re frien*# no)6 #ai* Matc!a&+ 6Na 1 ne,er )a# (nfrien*#6 an#)ere* Dic/+ 694 are a 'ra,e "a* in o(r )a a"'eit #o&et!in% of a &i"/#o$ too+ 1 ne,er &et o(r "i/e 'efore t!i# *a+ B(t $rit!ee fetc! 'ac/ o(r 'reat! an* "et (# on+ Here i# no $"ace for c!atter+6 6M foot !(rt# #!re)*"6 #ai* Matc!a&+ 6Na 1 !a* for%ot o(r foot6 ret(rne* Dic/+ 6We"" )e &(#t %o t!e %ent"ier+ 1 )o("* 1 /ne) ri%!t" )!ere )e )ere+ 1 !a,e c"ean "o#t t!e $at!. et t!at &a 'e for t!e 'etter too+ An t!e )atc! t!e ferr t!e )atc! t!e $at! 'e"i/e a# )e""+ 1 )o("* Sir Danie" )ere 'ac/ )it! t)o #core &en. !e )o("* #)ee$ &e t!e#e ra#ca"# a# t!e )in* #)ee$# "ea,e#+ Co&e Jac/ "ean e on & #!o("*er e $oor #!re)+ Na 4 are not ta"" eno(%!+ W!at a%e are e for a )a%er7 - t)e",e76 6Na 1 a& #i3teen6 #ai* Matc!a&+ 694 are $oor" %ro)n to !ei%!t t!en6 an#)ere* Dic/+ 6B(t ta/e & !an*+ We #!a"" %o #oft" ne,er fear+ 1 o)e o( a "ife. 1 a& a %oo* re$aer Jac/ of %oo* or e,i"+6 T!e 'e%an to %o for)ar* ($ t!e #"o$e+ 6We &(#t !it t!e roa* ear" or "ate6 contin(e* Dic/. 6an* t!en for a fre#! #tart+ B t!e &a##8 '(t 4 4a,e a ric/et !an* Jac/+ 1f 1 !a* a !an* "i/e t!at 1 )o("* t!in/ #!a&e+ 1 te"" o(6 !e )ent on )it! a #(**en c!(c/"e 61 #)ear ' t!e &a## 1 'e"ie,e H(%! Ferr&an too/ o( for a &ai*+6 6Na ne,er86 crie* t!e ot!er co"o(rin% !i%!+
6A4 *i* t!o(%! for a )a%er86 Dic/ e3c"ai&e*+ 6S&a"" '"a&e to !i&+ 9e "oo/ "i/er &ai* t!an &an. an* 1 te"" o( &ore - 4 are a #tran%e-"oo/in% ro%(e for a 'o. '(t for a !(## Jac/ e )o("* 'e ri%!t fair - e )o("*+ 9e )o("* 'e )e"" fa,o(re* for a )enc!+6 6We""6 #ai* Matc!a& 6e /no) ri%!t )e"" t!at 1 a& none+6 6Na 1 /no) t!at. 1 *o '(t 5e#t6 #ai* Dic/+ 69e4"" 'e a &an 'efore o(r &ot!er Jac/+ W!at c!eer & '(""8 9e #!a"" #tri/e #!re)* #tro/e#+ No) )!ic! 1 &ar,e" of o( or &e #!a"" 'e fir#t /ni%!te* Jac/7 for /ni%!te* #!a"" 'e or *ie for Ric!ar* S!e"ton Kni%!t4: it1#o(n*et! 'ra,e"+ B(t4t+ 4Sir4Sir Jo!n Matc!a&4 #o(n*et! not a&i##+6 6Prit!ee Dic/ #to$ ti"" 1 *rin/6 #ai* t!e ot!er $a(#in% )!ere a "itt"e c"ear #$rin% )e""e* o(t of t!e #"o$e into a %ra,e""e* 'a#in no 'i%%er t!an a $oc/et+ 6An* O Dic/ if 1 &i%!t co&e ' ant!in% to eat8 - & ,er !eart ac!e# )it! !(n%er+6 6W! foo" *i* e not eat at Kett"e76 a#/e* Dic/+ 61 !a* &a*e a ,o) - it )a# a #in 1 !a* 'een "e* into6 #ta&&ere* Matc!a&. 6'(t no) if it )ere '(t *r 'rea* 1 )o("* eat it %ree*i"+6 6Sit e t!en an* eat6 #ai* Dic/ 6)!i"e t!at 1 #co(t a "itt"e for)ar* for t!e roa*+6 An* !e too/ a )a""et fro& !i# %ir*"e )!erein )ere 'rea* an* $iece# of *r 'acon an* )!i"e Matc!a& fe"" !earti" to #tr(c/ fart!er fort! a&on% t!e tree#+ A "itt"e 'eon* t!ere )a# a *i$ in t!e %ro(n* )!ere a #trea&"et #oa/e* a&on% *ea* "ea,e#. an* 'eon* t!at a%ain t!e tree# )ere 'etter %ro)n an* #too* )i*er an* oa/ an* 'eec! 'e%an to ta/e t!e $"ace of )i""o) an* e"&+ T!e contin(e* to##in% an* $o(rin% of t!e )in* a&on% t!e "ea,e# #(fficient" concea"e* t!e #o(n*# of !i# foot#te$# on t!e &a#t. it )a# for t!e ear )!at a &oon"e## ni%!t i# to t!e ee. '(t for a"" t!at Dic/ )ent ca(tio(#" #"i$$in% fro& one 'i% tr(n/ to anot!er an* "oo/in% #!ar$" a'o(t !i& a# !e )ent+ S(**en" a *oe $a##e* "i/e a #!a*o) t!ro(%! t!e (n*er)oo* in front of !i& an* !e $a(#e* *i#%(#te* at t!e c!ance+ T!i# $art of t!e )oo* !a* 'een certain" *e#erte* '(t no) t!at t!e $oor *eer !a* r(n #!e )a# "i/e a &e##en%er !e #!o("* !a,e #ent 'efore !i& to anno(nce !i# co&in%. an* in#tea* of $(#!in% fart!er !e t(rne* !i& to t!e neare#t )e""-%ro)n tree an* ra$i*" 'e%an to c"i&'+ L(c/ !a* #er,e* !i& )e""+ T!e oa/ on )!ic! !e !a* &o(nte* )a# one of t!e ta""e#t in t!at ;(arter of t!e )oo* an* ea#i" o(t-to$$e* it# nei%!'o(r# ' a fat!o& an* a !a"f. an* )!en Dic/ !a* c"a&'ere* into t!e to$&o#t for/ an* c"(n% t!ere #)in%in% *i22i" in t!e %reat )in* !e #a) 'e!in* !i& t!e )!o"e fenn $"ain a# far a# Kett"e an* t!e Ti"" )an*erin% a&on% )oo* i#"et# an* in front of !i& t!e )!ite "ine of !i%!-roa* )in*in% t!ro(%! t!e fore#t+ T!e 'oat !a* 'een ri%!te* - it )a# e,en no) &i*)a on t!e ferr+ Beon* t!at t!ere )a# no #i%n of &an nor a(%!t &o,in% '(t t!e )in*+ He )a# a'o(t to *e#cen* )!en ta/in% a "a#t ,ie) !i# ee "it ($on a #trin% of &o,in% $oint# a'o(t t!e &i**"e of t!e fen+ P"ain" a #&a"" troo$ )a# t!rea*in% t!e ca(#e)a an* t!at at a %oo* $ace. an* t!i# %a,e !i& #o&e concern a# !e #!inne* ,i%oro(#" *o)n t!e tr(n/ an* ret(rne* acro## t!e )oo* for !i# co&$anion+
CHAPTER 10 - A GREENWOOD COMPAN9
Matc!a& )a# )e"" re#te* an* re,i,e*. an* t!e t)o "a*# )in%e* ' )!at Dic/ !a* #een !(rrie* t!ro(%! t!e re&ain*er of t!e o(t)oo* cro##e* t!e roa* in #afet an* 'e%an to &o(nt into t!e !i%! %ro(n* of T(n#ta"" Fore#t+ T!e tree# %re) &orean* an**otte* &ore in %ro,e# )it! !eat! $"ace# in 'et)een #an* %or# )it! o"* e)#+ T!e %ro(n* 'eca&e &ore an* &ore (ne,en f("" of $it# an* !i""oc/#+ An* )it! e,er #te$ of t!e a#cent t!e )in* #ti"" '"e) t!e #!ri""er an* t!e tree# 'ent 'efore t!e %(#t# "i/e fi#!in%-ro*#+ T!e !a* 5(#t entere* one of t!e c"earin%# )!en Dic/ #(**en" c"a$$e* *o)n ($on !i# face a&on% t!e 'ra&'"e# an* 'e%an to cra)" #"o)" 'ac/)ar* to)ar*# t!e #!e"ter of t!e %ro,e+ Matc!a& in %reat 'e)i"*er&ent for !e co("* #ee no rea#on for t!i# f"i%!t #ti"" i&itate* !i# co&$anion4# co(r#e. an* it )a# not (nti" t!e !a* %aine* t!e !ar'o(r of a t!ic/et t!at !e t(rne* an* 'e%%e* !i& to e3$"ain+ For a"" re$" Dic/ $ointe* )it! !i# fin%er+ At t!e far en* of t!e c"earin% a fir %re) !i%! a'o,e t!e nei%!'o(rin% )oo* an* $"ante* it# '"ac/ #!oc/ of fo"ia%e c"ear a%ain#t t!e #/+ For a'o(t fift feet a'o,e t!e %ro(n* t!e tr(n/ %re) #trai%!t an* #o"i* "i/e a co"(&n+ At t!at "e,e" it #$"it into t)o &a##i,e 'o(%!#. an* in t!e for/ "i/e a &a#t-!ea*e* #ea&an t!ere #too* a &an in a %reen ta'ar* #$in% far an* )i*e+ T!e #(n %"i#tene* ($on !i# !air. )it! one !an* !e #!a*e* !i# ee# to "oo/ a'roa* an* !e /e$t #"o)" ro""in% !i# !ea* fro& #i*e to #i*e )it! t!e re%("arit of a &ac!ine+ T!e "a*# e3c!an%e* %"ance#+ 6Let (# tr to t!e "eft6 #ai* Dic/+ Jac/+6
6We !a* near fa""en fo(""
Ten &in(te# after)ar*# t!e #tr(c/ into a 'eaten $at!+ 6Here i# a $iece of fore#t t!at 1 /no) not6 Dic/ re&ar/e*+ %oet! &e t!i# trac/76
6W!ere
6Let (# e,en tr6 #ai* Matc!a&+ A fe) ar*# f(rt!er t!e $at! ca&e to t!e to$ of a ri*%e an* 'e%an to %o *o)n a'r($t" into a c($-#!a$e* !o""o)+ At t!e foot o(t of a t!ic/ )oo* of f"o)erin% !a)t!orn t)o or t!ree roof"e## %a'"e# '"ac/ene* a# if ' fire an* a #in%"e ta"" c!i&ne &ar/e* t!e r(in# of a !o(#e+ 6W!at &a t!i# 'e76 )!i#$ere* Matc!a&+ 6Na ' t!e &a## 1 /no) not6 an#)ere* Dic/+ Let (# %o )ari"+6
61 a& a"" at #ea+
Wit! 'eatin% !eart# t!e *e#cen*e* t!ro(%! t!e !a)t!orn#+ Here an* t!ere t!e $a##e* #i%n# of recent c("ti,ation. fr(it tree# an* $ot !er'# ran )i"* a&on% t!e t!ic/et. a #(n-*ia" !a* fa""en in t!e %ra##. it #ee&e* t!e )ere trea*in% )!at once !a* 'een a %ar*en+ 9et a "itt"e fart!er an* t!e ca&e fort! 'efore t!e r(in# of t!e !o(#e+ 1t !a* 'een a $"ea#ant &an#ion an* a #tron%+ A *r *itc! )a# *(% *ee$ a'o(t it. '(t it )a# no) c!o/e* )it! &a#onr an* 'ri*%e* ' a fa""en rafter+ T!e t)o fart!er )a""# #ti"" #too* t!e #(n #!inin% t!ro(%! t!eir )in*o)#. '(t t!e re&ain*er of %ri&e* t!e '(i"*in% !a* co""a$#e* an*e&$t no) "a in a %reat cairn of r(in )it! fire+ A"rea* in t!e interior a fe) $"ant# )ere #$rin%in% %reen a&on% t!e c!in/#+ 6No) 1 'et!in/ &e6 )!i#$ere* Dic/ 6t!i# &(#t 'e Gri&#tone+ 1t )a# a !o"* of one Si&on Ma"&e#'(r. Sir Danie" )a# !i# 'ane8 4T)a# Bennet Hatc! t!at '(rne* it no) fi,e ear# a%one+ 1n #oot! 4t)a# $it for it )a# a fair !o(#e+6 Do)n in t!e !o""o) )!ere no )in* '"e) it )a# 'ot! )ar& an* #ti"". an* Matc!a& "ain% one !an* ($on Dic/4# ar& !e"* ($ a )arnin% fin%er+ 6Hi#t86 !e #ai*+ T!en ca&e a #tran%e #o(n* 'rea/in% on t!e ;(iet+ 1t )a# t)ice re$eate* ere t!e reco%ni#e* it# nat(re+ 1t )a# t!e #o(n* of a 'i% &an c"earin% !i# t!roat. an* 5(#t t!en a !oar#e (nt(nef(" ,oice 'ro/e into #in%in%+
6T!en ($ an* #$a/e t!e &a#ter t!e /in% of t!e o(t"a)#: 4W!at &a/e e !ere & &err &en a&on% t!e %reen)oo* #!a)#74 An* Ga&e"n &a*e an#)er - !e "oo/e* ne,er a*o)n: 4O t!e &(#t nee* to )a"/ in )oo* t!at &a not )a"/ in to)n846
T!e #in%er $a(#e* a faint c"in/ of iron fo""o)e* an* t!en #i"ence+ T!e t)o "a*# #too* "oo/in% at eac! ot!er+
W!oe,er !e &i%!t 'e
t!eir in,i#i'"e nei%!'o(r )a# 5(#t 'eon* t!e r(in+ An* #(**en" t!e co"o(r ca&e into Matc!a&4# face an* ne3t &o&ent !e !a* cro##e* t!e fa""en rafter an* )a# c"i&'in% ca(tio(#" on t!e !(%e $i"e of "(&'er t!at fi""e* t!e interior of t!e roof"e## !o(#e+ Dic/ )o("* !a,e )it!!e"* !i& !a* !e 'een in ti&e. a# it )a# !e )a# fain to fo""o)+ Ri%!t in t!e corner of t!e r(in t)o rafter# !a* fa""en cro##)i#e an* $rotecte* a c"ear #$ace no "ar%er t!an a $e) in c!(rc!+ 1nto t!i# t!e "a*# #i"ent" "o)ere* t!e&#e",e#+ T!ere t!e )ere $erfect" concea"e* an* t!ro(%! an arro)-"oo$!o"e co&&an*e* a ,ie) ($on t!e fart!er #i*e+ Peerin% t!ro(%! t!i# t!e )ere #tr(c/ #tiff )it! terror at t!eir $re*ica&ent+ To retreat )a# i&$o##i'"e. t!e #carce *are* to 'reat!e+ U$on t!e ,er &ar%in of t!e *itc! not t!irt feet fro& )!ere t!e cro(c!e* an iron ca"*ron '(''"e* an* #tea&e* a'o,e a
%"o)in% fire. an* c"o#e ' in an attit(*e of "i#tenin% a# t!o(%! !e !a* ca(%!t #o&e #o(n* of t!eir c"a&'erin% a&on% t!e r(in# a ta"" re*-face* 'attere*-"oo/in% &an #too* $oi#e* an iron #$oon in !i# ri%!t !an* a !orn an* a for&i*a'"e *a%%er at !i# 'e"t+ P"ain" t!i# )a# t!e #in%er. $"ain" !e !a* 'een #tirrin% t!e ca"*ron )!en #o&e inca(tio(# #te$ a&on% t!e "(&'er !a* fa""en ($on !i# ear+ A "itt"e f(rt!er off anot!er &an "a #"(&'erin% ro""e* in a 'ro)n c"oa/ )it! a '(tterf" !o,erin% a'o,e !i# face+ A"" t!i# )a# in a c"earin% )!ite )it! *ai#ie#. an* at t!e e3tre&e ,er%e a 'o) a #!eaf of arro)# an* $art of a *eer4# carca#e !(n% ($on a f"o)erin% !a)t!orn+ Pre#ent" t!e fe""o) re"a3e* fro& !i# attit(*e of attention rai#e* t!e #$oon to !i# &o(t! ta#te* it# content# no**e* an* t!en fe"" a%ain to #tirrin% an* #in%in%+ 64O t!e &(#t nee* to )a"/ in )oo* t!at &a not )a"/ in to)n46 !e croa/e* ta/in% ($ !i# #on% )!ere !e !a* "eft it+
6O #ir )e )a"/ not !ere at a"" an e,i" t!in% to *o+ B(t if )e &eet )it! t!e %oo* /in%4# *eer to #!oot a #!aft into+6
Sti"" a# !e #an% !e too/ fro& ti&e to ti&e anot!er #$oonf(" of t!e 'rot! '"e) ($on it an* ta#te* it )it! a"" t!e air# of an e3$erience* coo/+ At "en%t! a$$arent" !e 5(*%e* t!e &e## )a# rea*. for ta/in% t!e !orn fro& !i# %ir*"e !e '"e) t!ree &o*("ate* ca""#+ T!e ot!er fe""o) a)o/e ro""e* o,er 'r(#!e* a)a t!e '(tterf" an* "oo/e* a'o(t !i&+ 6Ho) no) 'rot!er76 !e #ai*+
6Dinner76
6A #ot6 re$"ie* t!e coo/ 6*inner it i# an* a *r *inner too )it! neit!er a"e nor 'rea*+ B(t t!ere i# "itt"e $"ea#(re in t!e %reen)oo* no). ti&e )a# )!en a %oo* fe""o) co("* "i,e !ere "i/e a &itre* a''ot #et a#i*e t!e rain an* t!e )!ite fro#t#. !e !a* !i# !eart4# *e#ire 'ot! of a"e an* )ine+ B(t no) are &en4# #$irit# *ea*. an* t!i# Jo!n A&en*-A"" #a,e (# an* %(ar* (#8 '(t a #t(ffe* 'oo' to #care cro)# )it!a"+6 6Na6 ret(rne* t!e ot!er 64 are too #et on &eat an* *rin/in% La)"e##+ Bi*e e a 'it. t!e %oo* ti&e co&et!+6 6Loo/ e6 ret(rne* t!e coo/ 61 !a,e e,en )aite* for t!i# %oo* ti&e #it! t!at 1 )a# #o !i%!+ 1 !a,e 'een a %re friar. 1 !a,e 'een a /in%4# arc!er. 1 !a,e 'een a #!i$&an an* #ai"e* t!e #a"t #ea#. an* 1 !a,e 'een in %reen)oo* 'efore t!i# for#oot!8 an* #!ot t!e /in%4# *eer+ W!at co&et! of it7 Na(%!t8 1 )ere 'etter to !a,e 'i*e* in t!e c"oi#ter+ Jo!n A''ot a,ai"et! &ore t!an Jo!n A&en*-A""+ B 4r La*8 !ere t!e co&e+6 One after anot!er ta"" "i/e" fe""o)# 'e%an to #tro"" into t!e "a)n+ Eac! a# !e ca&e $ro*(ce* a /nife an* a !orn c($ !e"$e* !i&#e"f fro& t!e ca"*ron an* #at *o)n ($on t!e %ra## to eat+ T!e )ere ,er ,ario(#" e;(i$$e* an* ar&e*. #o&e in r(#t #&oc/# an* )it! not!in% '(t a /nife an* an o"* 'o). ot!er# in t!e !ei%!t of
fore#t %a""antr a"" in Linco"n %reen 'ot! !oo* an* 5er/in )it! *aint $eacoc/ arro)# in t!eir 'e"t# a !orn ($on a 'a"*ric/ an* a #)or* an* *a%%er at t!eir #i*e#+ T!e ca&e in t!e #i"ence of !(n%er an* #carce %ro)"e* a #a"(tation '(t fe"" in#tant" to &eat+ T!ere )ere $er!a$# a #core of t!e& a"rea* %at!ere* )!en a #o(n* of #($$re##e* c!eerin% aro#e c"o#e ' a&on% t!e !a)t!orn# an* i&&e*iate" after fi,e or #i3 )oo*&en carrin% a #tretc!er *e'a(c!e* ($on t!e "a)n+ A ta"" "(#t fe""o) #o&e)!at %ri22"e* an* 'ro)n a# !i# a #&o/e* !a& 'efore t!e& )it! an in air!i# of #o&ea# a(t!orit 'o) at !i#)a"/e* 'ac/ a 'ri%!t 'oar-#$ear !an*+ 6La*#86 !e crie* 6%oo* fe""o)# a"" an* & ri%!t &err frien*# 4 !a,e #(n% t!i# )!i"e on a *r )!i#t"e an* "i,e* at "itt"e ea#e+ B(t )!at #ai* 1 e,er7 A'i*e Fort(ne con#tant". #!e t(rnet! t(rnet! #)ift+ An* "o8 !ere i# !er "itt"e fir#t"in% - e,en t!at %oo* creat(re a"e86 T!ere )a# a &(r&(r of a$$"a(#e a# t!e 'earer# #et *o)n t!e #tretc!er an* *i#$"ae* a %oo*" ca#/+ 6An* no) !a#te e 'o#6 t!e &an contin(e*+ 6T!ere i# )or/ to)ar*+ A !an*f(" of arc!er# are '(t no) co&e to t!e ferr. &(rre an* '"(e i# t!eir )ear. t!e are o(r '(tt# - t!e #!a"" a"" ta#te arro)# - no &an of t!e& #!a"" #tr(%%"e t!ro(%! t!i# )oo*+ For "a*# )e are !ere #o&e fift #tron% eac! &an of (# &o#t fo("" )ron%e*. for #o&e t!e !a,e "o#t "an*# an* #o&e frien*#. an* #o&e t!e !a,e 'een o(t"a)e* - a"" o$$re##e*8 W!o t!en !at! *one t!i# e,i"7 Sir Danie" ' t!e roo*8 S!a"" !e t!en $rofit7 #!a"" !e #it #n(% in o(r !o(#e#7 #!a"" !e ti"" o(r fie"*#7 #!a"" !e #(c/ t!e 'one !e ro''e* (# of7 1 tro) not+ He %ettet! !i& #tren%t! at "a). !e %ainet! ca#e#. na t!ere i# one ca#e !e #!a"" not %ain - 1 !a,e a )rit !ere at & 'e"t t!at $"ea#e t!e #aint# #!a"" con;(er !i&+6 La)"e## t!e coo/ )a# ' t!i# ti&e a"rea* at !i# #econ* !orn of a"e+ He rai#e* it a# if to $"e*%e t!e #$ea/er+ 6Ma#ter E""i#6 !e #ai* 64 are for ,en%eance - )e"" it 'eco&et! o(8 - '(t o(r $oor 'rot!er o4 t!e %reen)oo* t!at !a* ne,er "an*# to "o#e nor frien*# to t!in/ ($on "oo/et! rat!er for !i# $oor $art to t!e $rofit of t!e t!in%+ He !a* "ie,er a %o"* no'"e an* a $ott"e of canar )ine t!an a"" t!e ,en%eance# in $(r%ator+6 6La)"e##6 re$"ie* t!e ot!er 6to reac! t!e Moat Ho(#e Sir Danie" &(#t $a## t!e fore#t+ We #!a"" &a/e t!at $a##a%e *earer $ar* t!an an 'att"e+ T!en )!en !e !at! %ot to eart! )it! #(c! ra%%e* !an*f(" a# e#ca$et! (# - a"" !i# %reat frien*# fa""en an* f"e* a)a an* none to %i,e !i& ai* - )e #!a"" 'e"ea%(er t!at o"* fo3 a'o(t an* %reat #!a"" 'e t!e fa"" of !i&+ 4Ti# a fat '(c/. !e )i"" &a/e a *inner for (# a""+6 6A6 ret(rne* La)"e## 61 !a,e eaten &an of t!e#e *inner# 'efore!an*. '(t t!e coo/in% of t!e& i# !ot )or/ %oo* Ma#ter E""i#+ An* &ean)!i"e )!at *o )e7 We &a/e '"ac/ arro)# )e )rite r!&e# an* )e *rin/ fair co"* )ater t!at *i#co&forta'"e *rin/+6 694 are (ntr(e Wi"" La)"e##+
9e #ti"" #&e"" of t!e Gre Friar#4
'(tter. %ree* i# o(r (n*oin%6 an#)ere* E""i#+ 6We too/ t)ent $o(n*# fro& A$$"ear*+ We too/ #e,en &ar/# fro& t!e &e##en%er "a#t ni%!t+ A *a a%o )e !a* fift fro& t!e &erc!ant+6 6An* to-*a6 #ai* one of t!e &en 61 #to$$e* a fat $ar*oner ri*in% a$ace for Ho")oo*+ Here i# !i# $(r#e+6 E""i# co(nte* t!e content#+ 6Fi,e #core #!i""in%#86 !e %r(&'"e*+
6Foo" !e !a* &ore in !i#
#an*a" or #titc!e* ti$$et+ C(c/o). e !a,e "o#t into t!e !i# fi#!+6
94 are '(t a c!i"* To&
B(t for a"" t!at E""i# $oc/ete* t!e $(r#e )it! nonc!a"ance+ He #too* "eanin% on !i# 'oar-#$ear an* "oo/e* ro(n* ($on t!e re#t+ T!e in ,ario(# attit(*e# too/ %ree*i" of t!e ,eni#on $otta%e an* "i'era"" )a#!e* it *o)n )it! a"e+ T!i# )a# a %oo* *a. t!e )ere in "(c/. '(t '(#ine## $re##e* an* t!e )ere #$ee* in t!eir eatin%+ T!e fir#t-co&er# !a* ' t!i# ti&e e,en *e#$atc!e* t!eir *inner+ So&e "a *o)n ($on t!e %ra## an* fe"" in#tant" a#"ee$ "i/e 'oa-con#trictor#. ot!er# ta"/e* to%et!er or o,er!a("e* t!eir )ea$on#: an* one )!o#e !(&o(r )a# $artic("ar" %a !o"*in% fort! an a"e-!orn 'e%an to #in%:
6Here i# no "a) in %oo* %reen #!a) Here i# no "ac/ of &eat. 4Ti# &err an* ;(iet )it! *eer for o(r *iet 1n #(&&er )!en a"" i# #)eet+ Co&e )inter a%ain )it! )in* an* rain Co&e )inter )it! #no) an* #"eet Get !o&e to o(r $"ace# )it! !oo*# on o(r face# An* #it ' t!e fire an* eat+6
A"" t!i# )!i"e t!e t)o "a*# !a* "i#tene* an* "ain c"o#e. on" Ric!ar* !a* (n#"(n% !i# cro##-'o) an* !e"* rea* in one !an* t!e )in*ac or %ra$$"in%-iron t!at !e (#e* to 'en* it+ Ot!er)i#e t!e !a* not *are* to #tir. an* t!i# #cene of fore#t "ife !a* %one on 'efore t!eir ee# "i/e a #cene ($on a t!eatre+ B(t no) t!ere ca&e a #tran%e interr($tion+ T!e ta"" c!i&ne )!ic! o,er-to$$e* t!e re&ain*er of t!e r(in# ro#e ri%!t a'o,e t!eir !i*in%-$"ace+ T!ere ca&e a )!i#t"e in t!e air an* t!en a #o(n*in% #&ac/ an* t!e fra%&ent# of a 'ro/en arro) fe"" a'o(t t!eir ear#+ So&e one fro& t!e ($$er ;(arter# of t!e )oo* $er!a$# t!e ,er #entine" t!e #a) $o#te* in t!e fir !a* #!ot an arro) at t!e c!i&ne-to$+ Matc!a& co("* not re#train a "itt"e cr )!ic! !e in#tant" #tif"e* an* e,en Dic/ #tarte* )it! #(r$ri#e an* *ro$$e* t!e )in*ac fro& !i# fin%er#+ B(t to t!e fe""o)# on t!e "a)n t!i# #!aft )a# an e3$ecte* #i%na"+ T!e )ere a"" afoot to%et!er ti%!tenin% t!eir 'e"t# te#tin% t!eir 'o)-#trin%# "oo#enin% #)or* an* *a%%er in t!e #!eat!+ E""i# !e"* ($ !i# !an*. !i# face !a* #(**en" a##(&e* a "oo/ of #a,a%e ener%. t!e )!ite of !i# ee# #!one in !i# #(n-'ro)n face+ 6La*#6 !e #ai* 6e /no) o(r $"ace#+ Let not one &an4# #o(" e#ca$e o(+ A$$"ear* )a# a )!et 'efore a &ea". '(t no) )e %o to
ta'"e+ 1 !a,e t!ree &en )!o& 1 )i"" 'itter" a,en%e - Harr S!e"ton Si&on Ma"&e#'(r an*6 - #tri/in% !i# 'roa* 'o#o& - 6an* E""i# D(c/)ort! ' t!e &a##86 Anot!er &an ca&e re* )it! !(rr t!ro(%! t!e t!orn#+ 64Ti# not Sir Danie"86 !e $ante*+ arro) %one76
6T!e are '(t #e,en+
1# t!e
61t #tr(c/ '(t no)6 re$"ie* E""i#+ 6A &(rrain86 crie* t!e &e##en%er+ An* 1 %o *inner"e##86
6Met!o(%!t 1 !ear* it )!i#t"e+
1n t!e #$ace of a &in(te #o&e r(nnin% #o&e )a"/in% #!ar$" accor*in% a# t!eir #tation# )ere nearer or fart!er a)a t!e &en of t!e B"ac/ Arro) !a* a"" *i#a$$eare* fro& t!e nei%!'o(r!oo* of t!e r(ine* !o(#e. an* t!e ca"*ron an* t!e fire )!ic! )a# no) '(rnin% "o) an* t!e *ea* *eer4# carca#e on t!e !a)t!orn re&aine* a"one to te#tif t!e !a* 'een t!ere+
CHAPTER 0 - 6BLOOD9 AS THE HUNTER6
T!e "a*# "a ;(iet ti"" t!e "a#t foot#te$ !a* &e"te* on t!e )in*+ T!en t!e aro#e an* )it! &an an ac!e for t!e )ere )ear )it! con#traint c"a&'ere* t!ro(%! t!e r(in# an* recro##e* t!e *itc! ($on t!e rafter+ Matc!a& !a* $ic/e* ($ t!e )in*ac an* )ent fir#t Dic/ fo""o)in% #tiff" )it! !i# cro##-'o) on !i# ar&+ 6An* no)6 #ai* Matc!a& 6fort! to Ho")oo*+6 6To Ho")oo*86 crie* Dic/ 6)!en %oo* fe""o)# #tan* #!ot7 1 )o("* #ee o( !an%e* fir#t Jac/86
Not 18
69e )o("* "ea,e &e )o("* e76 Matc!a& a#/e*+ 6A ' & #oot!86 ret(rne* Dic/+ 6An 1 'e not in ti&e to )arn t!e#e "a*# 1 )i"" %o *ie )it! t!e&+ W!at8 )o("* e !a,e &e "ea,e & o)n &en t!at 1 !a,e "i,e* a&on%+ )in*ac+6
1 tro) not8
Gi,e &e &
B(t t!ere )a# not!in% f(rt!er fro& Matc!a&4# &in*+ 6Dic/6 !e #ai* 6e #)are 'efore t!e #aint# t!at e )o("* #ee &e #afe to Ho")oo*+ Wo("* e 'e for#)orn7 Wo("* o( *e#ert &e - a $er5(rer76 6Na 1 #)are for t!e 'e#t6 ret(rne* Dic/+ 61 &eant it too. '(t no)8 B(t "oo/ e Jac/ t(rn a%ain )it! &e+ Let &e '(t )arn t!e#e &en an* if nee*# &(#t #tan* #!ot )it! t!e&. t!en #!a"" a"" 'e c"ear an* 1 )i"" on a%ain to Ho")oo* an* $(r%e &ine oat!+6 69e '(t *eri*e &e6 an#)ere* Matc!a&+ 6T!e#e &en e %o to #(cco(r are t!e 1 #a&e t!at !(nt &e to & r(in+6
Dic/ #cratc!e* !i# !ea*+ 61 cannot !e"$ it Jac/6 !e #ai*+ 6Here i# no re&e*+ W!at )o("* e7 9e r(n no %reat $eri" &an. an* t!e#e are in t!e )a of *eat!+ Deat!86 !e a**e*+ 6T!in/ of it8 W!at a &(rrain *o e /ee$ &e !ere for7 Gi,e &e t!e )in*ac+ Saint Geor%e8 #!a"" t!e a"" *ie76 6Ric!ar* S!e"ton6 #ai* Matc!a& "oo/in% !i& #;(are" in t!e face 6)o("* e t!en 5oin $art )it! Sir Danie"7 Ha,e e not ear#7 Hear* e not t!i# E""i# )!at !e #ai*7 or !a,e e no !eart for o(r o)n /in*" '"oo* an*S!e"ton t!e fat!er t!at fat!er &en #"e)7 4Harr #ai*. an* Sir Harr )a# o(r a# t!e #(n S!e"ton4 #!ine# in!e !ea,en+6 6W!at )o("* e76 Dic/ crie* a%ain+ t!ie,e#76
6Wo("* e !a,e &e cre*it
6Na 1 !a,e !ear* it 'efore no)6 ret(rne* Matc!a&+ 6T!e fa&e %oet! c(rrent" it )a# Sir Danie" #"e) !i&+ He #"e) !i& (n*er oat!. in !i# o)n !o(#e !e #!e* t!e innocent '"oo*+ Hea,en )earie# for t!e a,en%in% on4t. an* o( - t!e &an4# #on - e %o a'o(t to co&fort an* *efen* t!e &(r*erer86 6Jac/6 crie* t!e "a* 61 /no) not+ 1t &a 'e. )!at /no) 17 B(t #ee !ere: T!i# &an !at! 're* &e ($ an* fo#tere* &e an* !i# &en 1 !a,e !(nte* )it! an* $"ae* a&on%. an* to "ea,e t!e& in t!e !o(r of $eri" - O &an if 1 *i* t!at 1 )ere #tar/ *ea* to !ono(r8 Na Jac/ e )o("* not a#/ it. e )o("* not )i#! &e to 'e 'a#e+6 6B(t o(r fat!er Dic/76 #ai* Matc!a& #o&e)!at )a,erin%+ 69o(r fat!er7 an* o(r oat! to &e7 9e too/ t!e #aint# to )itne##+6 6M fat!er76 crie* S!e"ton+ 6Na !e )o("* !a,e &e %o8 1f Sir Danie" #"e) !i& )!en t!e !o(r co&e# t!i# !an* #!a"" #"a Sir Danie". '(t neit!er !i& nor !i# )i"" 1 *e#ert in $eri"+ An* for &ine oat! %oo* Jac/ e #!a"" a'#o",e &e of it !ere+ For t!e "i,e#4 #a/e of &an &en t!at !(rt o( not an* for &ine !ono(r e #!a"" #et &e free+6 61 Dic/7 Ne,er86 ret(rne* Matc!a&+ 6An e "ea,e &e 4 are for#)orn an* #o 1 #!a"" *ec"are it+6 6M '"oo* !eat#6 #ai* Dic/+ 614"" not6 #ai* Matc!a&+ 6Not76 crie* Dic/+
6Gi,e &e t!e )in*ac8
Gi,e it &e86
614"" #a,e o( in o(r teet!+6
614"" &a/e o(86
6Tr it6 #ai* t!e ot!er+ T!e #too* "oo/in% in eac! ot!er4# ee# eac! rea* for a #$rin%+ T!en Dic/ "ea$e*. an* t!o(%! Matc!a& t(rne* in#tant" an* f"e* in t)o 'o(n*# !e )a# o,er-ta/en t!e )in*ac )a# t)i#te* fro& !i# %ra#$ !e )a# t!ro)n ro(%!" to t!e %ro(n* an* Dic/ #too* acro## !i& f"(#!e* an* &enacin% )it! *o('"e* fi#t+ Matc!a& "a )!ere !e !a* fa""en )it! !i# face in t!e %ra## not t!in/in% of re#i#tance+ Dic/ 'ent !i# 'o)+
614"" teac! o(86 !e crie* fierce"+ !an% for &e86 An* !e t(rne* an* 'e%an to r(n+ an* 'e%an r(nnin% after !i&+
6Oat! or no oat! e &a %o
Matc!a& )a# on !i# feet at once
6W!at *4e )ant76 crie* Dic/ #to$$in%+ Stan* off86
6W!at &a/e e after &e7
6Wi"" fo""o) an 1 $"ea#e6 #ai* Matc!a&+
6T!i# )oo* i# free to
&e+6 6Stan* 'ac/ ' 4r La*86 ret(rne* Dic/ rai#in% !i# 'o)+ 6A! 4 are a 'ra,e 'o86 retorte* Matc!a&+
6S!oot86
Dic/ "o)ere* !i# )ea$on in #o&e conf(#ion+ 6See !ere6 !e #ai*+ 694 !a,e *one &e i"" eno(%!+ Go t!en+ Go o(r )a in fair )i#e. or )!et!er 1 )i"" or not 1 &(#t e,en *ri,e o( to it+6 6We""6 #ai* Matc!a& *o%%e*" 64 are t!e #tron%er+ Do o(r )or#t+ 1 #!a"" not "ea,e to fo""o) t!ee Dic/ (n"e## t!o( &a/e#t &e6 !e a**e*+ Dic/ )a# a"&o#t 'e#i*e !i&#e"f+ 1t )ent a%ain#t !i# !eart to 'eat a creat(re #o *efence"e##. an* for t!e "ife of !i& !e /ne) no ot!er )a to ri* !i&#e"f of t!i# (n)e"co&e an* a# !e 'e%an to t!in/ $er!a$# (ntr(e co&$anion+ 694 are &a* 1 t!in/6 !e crie*+ 6Foo"-fe""o) 1 a& !a#tin% to o(r foe#. a# fa#t a# foot can carr &e %o 1 t!it!er+6 61 care not Dic/6 re$"ie* t!e "a*+ 61f 4 are 'o(n* to *ie Dic/ 14"" *ie too+ 1 )o("* "ie,er %o )it! o( to $ri#on t!an to %o free )it!o(t o(+6 6We""6 ret(rne* t!e ot!er 61 &a #tan* no "on%er $ratin%+ Fo""o) &e if e &(#t. '(t if e $"a &e fa"#e it #!a"" '(t "itt"e a*,ance o( &ar/ e t!at+ S!a"t !a,e a ;(arre" in t!ine in)ar*# 'o+6 So #ain% Dic/ too/ once &ore to !i# !ee"# /ee$in% in t!e &ar%in of t!e t!ic/et an* "oo/in% 'ri#/" a'o(t !i& a# !e )ent+ At a %oo* $ace !e ratt"e* o(t of t!e *e"" an* ca&e a%ain into t!e &ore o$en ;(arter# of t!e )oo*+ To t!e "eft a "itt"e e&inence a$$eare* #$otte* )it! %o"*en %or#e an* cro)ne* )it! a '"ac/ t(ft of fir#+ 61 #!a"" #ee fro& t!ere6 !e t!o(%!t an* #tr(c/ for it acro## a !eat! c"earin%+ He !a* %one '(t a fe) ar*# )!en Matc!a& to(c!e* !i& on t!e ar& an* $ointe*+ To t!e ea#t)ar* of t!e #(&&it t!ere )a# a *i$ an* a# it )ere a ,a""e $a##in% to t!e ot!er #i*e. t!e !eat! )a# not et o(t. a"" t!e %ro(n* )a# r(#t "i/e an (n#co(re* '(c/"er an* *otte* #$arin%" )it! e)#. an* t!ere one fo""o)in% anot!er Dic/ #a) !a"f a #core %reen 5er/in# &o(ntin% t!e a#cent an* &arc!in% at t!eir !ea* con#$ic(o(# ' !i# 'oar-#$ear E""i# D(c/)ort! in
$er#on+ One after anot!er %aine* t!e to$ #!o)e* for a &o&ent a%ain#t t!e #/ an* t!en *i$$e* ($on t!e f(rt!er #i*e (nti" t!e "a#t )a# %one+ Dic/ "oo/e* at Matc!a& )it! a /in*"ier ee+ 6So 4 are to 'e tr(e to &e Jac/76 !e a#/e*+ of t!e ot!er $art+6
61 t!o(%!t e )ere
Matc!a& 'e%an to #o'+ 6W!at c!eer86 crie* Dic/+ #ni,e" for a )or*76
6No) t!e #aint# 'e!o"* (#8 )o("* e
69e !(rt &e6 #o''e* Matc!a&+ 69e !(rt &e )!en e t!re) &e *o)n+ 94 are a co)ar* to a'(#e o(r #tren%t!+6 6Na t!at i# foo"4# ta"/6 #ai* Dic/ ro(%!"+ 694 !a* no tit"e to & )in*ac Ma#ter Jo!n+ 1 )o("* 4a4 *one ri%!t to !a,e )e"" 'a#te* o(+ 1f e %o )it! &e e &(#t o'e &e. an* #o co&e+6 Matc!a& !a* !a"f a t!o(%!t to #ta 'e!in*. '(t #eein% t!at Dic/ contin(e* to #co(r f(""-ti"t to)ar*# t!e e&inence an* not #o &(c! a# "oo/e* acro## !i# #!o("*er !e #oon t!o(%!t 'etter of t!at an* 'e%an to r(n in t(rn+ B(t t!e %ro(n* )a# ,er *iffic("t an* #tee$. Dic/ !a* a"rea* a "on% #tart an* !a* at an rate t!e "i%!ter !ee"# an* !e !a* "on% #ince co&e to t!e #(&&it cra)"e* for)ar* t!ro(%! t!e fir# an* en#conce* !i&#e"f in a t!ic/ t(ft of %or#e 'efore Matc!a& $antin% "i/e a *eer re5oine* !i& an* "a *o)n in #i"ence ' !i# #i*e+ Be"o) in t!e 'otto& of a con#i*era'"e ,a""e t!e #!ort c(t fro& T(n#ta"" !a&"et )o(n* *o)n)ar*# to t!e ferr+ 1t )a# )e"" 'eaten an* t!e ee fo""o)e* it ea#i" fro& $oint to $oint+ Here it )a# 'or*ere* ' o$en %"a*e#. t!ere t!e fore#t c"o#e* ($on it. e,er !(n*re* ar*# it ran 'e#i*e an a&'(#!+ Far *o)n t!e $at! t!e #(n #!one on #e,en #tee" #a"et# an* fro& ti&e to ti&e a# t!e tree# o$ene* Se"*en an* !i# &en co("* 'e #een ri*in% 'ri#/" #ti"" 'ent ($on Sir Danie"4# &i##ion+ T!e )in* !a* #o&e)!at fa""en '(t #ti"" t(##"e* &erri" )it! t!e tree# an* $er!a$# !a* A$$"ear* 'een t!ere !e )o("* !a,e *ra)n a )arnin% fro& t!e tro('"e* con*(ct of t!e 'ir*#+ 6No) &ar/6 Dic/ )!i#$ere*+ 6T!e 'e a"rea* )e"" a*,ance* into t!e )oo*. t!eir #afet "iet! rat!er in contin(in% for)ar*+ B(t #ee e )!ere t!i# )i*e %"a*e r(nnet! *o)n 'efore (# an* in t!e &i*#t of it t!e#e t)o #core tree# &a/e "i/e an i#"an*7 T!ere )ere t!eir #afet+ An t!e '(t co&e #o(n* a# far a# t!at 1 )i"" &a/e #!ift to )arn t!e&+ B(t & !eart &i#%i,et! &e. t!e are '(t #e,en a%ain#t #o &an an* t!e '(t carr cro##-'o)#+ T!e "on%-'o) Jac/ )i"" !a,e t!e ($$er&o#t e,er+6 Mean)!i"e Se"*en an* !i# &en #ti"" )o(n* ($ t!e $at! i%norant of t!eir *an%er an* &o&ent" *re) nearer !an*+ Once in*ee* t!e $a(#e* *re) into a %ro($ an* #ee&e* to $oint an* "i#ten+ B(t it )a# #o&et!in% fro& far a)a acro## t!e $"ain t!at !a* arre#te* t!eir attention - a !o""o) %ro)" of cannon t!at ca&e fro& ti&e to ti&e ($on t!e )in* an* to"* of t!e %reat 'att"e+ 1t )a# )ort! a t!o(%!t to 'e #(re. for if t!e ,oice of t!e 'i% %(n# )ere t!(#
'eco&e a(*i'"e in T(n#ta"" Fore#t t!e fi%!t &(#t !a,e ro""e* e,er ea#t)ar* an* t!e *a ' con#e;(ence %one #ore a%ain#t Sir Danie" an* t!e "or*# of t!e *ar/ ro#e+ B(t $re#ent" t!e "itt"e troo$ 'e%an a%ain to &o,e for)ar* an* ca&e ne3t to a ,er o$en !eat! $ortion of t!e )a )!ere '(t a #in%"e ton%(e of fore#t ran *o)n to 5oin t!e roa*+ T!e )ere '(t 5(#t a'rea#t of t!i# )!en an arro) #!one f"in%+ One of t!e &en t!re) ($ !i# ar&# !i# !or#e reare* an* 'ot! fe"" an* #tr(%%"e* to%et!er in a &a##+ E,en fro& )!ere t!e 'o# "a t!e co("* !ear t!e r(&o(r of t!e &en4# ,oice# crin% o(t.a# t!e t!eto #tart"e* !or#e# $rancin% an* $re#ent" t!e co("* troo$ #ee 'e%an reco,er fro& t!eir fir#t #(r$ri#e one fe""o) 'e%innin% to *i#&o(nt+ A #econ* arro) fro& #o&e)!at fart!er off %"ance* in a )i*e arc!. a #econ* ri*er 'it t!e *(#t+ T!e &an )!o )a# *i#&o(ntin% "o#t !o"* ($on t!e rein an* !i# !or#e f"e* %a""o$in% an* *ra%%e* !i& ' t!e foot a"on% t!e roa* '(&$in% fro& #tone to #tone an* 'attere* ' t!e f"eein% !oof#+ T!e fo(r )!o #ti"" /e$t t!e #a**"e in#tant" 'ro/e an* #cattere*. one )!ee"e* an* ro*e #!rie/in% to)ar*# t!e ferr. t!e ot!er t!ree )it! "oo#e rein an* f"in% rai&ent ca&e %a""o$in% ($ t!e roa* fro& T(n#ta""+ Fro& e,er c"(&$ t!e $a##e* an arro) #$e*+ Soon a !or#e fe"" '(t t!e ri*er fo(n* !i# feet an* contin(e* to $(r#(e !i# co&ra*e# ti"" a #econ* #!ot *e#$atc!e* !i&+ Anot!er &an fe"". t!en anot!er !or#e. o(t of t!e )!o"e troo$ t!ere )a# '(t one fe""o) "eft an* !e on foot. on" in *ifferent *irection# t!e noi#e of t!e %a""o$in% of t!ree ri*er"e## !or#e# )a# *in% fa#t into t!e *i#tance+ A"" t!i# ti&e not one of t!e a##ai"ant# !a* for a &o&ent #!o)n !i&#e"f+ Here an* t!ere a"on% t!e $at! !or#e or &an ro""e* (n*e#$atc!e* in !i# a%on. '(t no &ercif(" ene& 'ro/e co,er to $(t t!e& fro& t!eir $ain+ T!e #o"itar #(r,i,or #too* 'e)i"*ere* in t!e roa* 'e#i*e !i# fa""en c!ar%er+ He !a* co&e t!e "en%t! of t!at 'roa* %"a*e )it! t!e i#"an* of ti&'er $ointe* o(t ' Dic/+ He )a# not $er!a$# fi,e !(n*re* ar*# fro& )!ere t!e 'o# "a !i**en. an* t!e co("* #ee !i& $"ain" "oo/in% to an* fro in *ea*" e3$ectation+ B(t not!in% ca&e. an* t!e &an 'e%an to $"(c/ ($ !i# co(ra%e an* #(**en" (n#"(n% an* 'ent !i# 'o)+ At t!e #a&e ti&e ' #o&et!in% in !i# action Dic/ reco%ni#e* Se"*en+ At t!i# offer of re#i#tance fro& a"" a'o(t !i& in t!e co,ert of t!e )oo*# t!ere )ent ($ t!e #o(n* of "a(%!ter+ A #core of &en at "ea#t for t!i# )a# t!e ,er t!ic/e#t of t!e a&'(#! 5oine* in t!i# cr(e" an* (nti&e" &irt!+ T!en an arro) %"ance* o,er Se"*en4# #!o("*er. an* !e "ea$e* an* ran a "itt"e 'ac/+ Anot!er *art #tr(c/ ;(i,erin% at !i# !ee"+ He &a*e for t!e co,er+ A t!ir* #!aft "ea$e* o(t ri%!t in !i# face an* fe"" #!ort in front of !i&+ An* t!en t!e "a(%!ter )a# re$eate* "o(*" ri#in% an* reec!oin% fro& *ifferent t!ic/et#+ 1t )a# $"ain t!at !i# a##ai"ant# )ere '(t 'aitin% !i& a# &en in t!o#e *a# 'aite* t!e $oor '("" or a# t!e cat #ti"" trif"e# )it! t!e &o(#e+ T!e #/ir&i#! )a# )e"" o,er. fart!er *o)n t!e roa* a fe""o) in %reen )a# a"rea* ca"&" %at!erin% t!e arro)#. an* no) in t!e e,i" $"ea#(re of t!eir !eart# t!e %a,e t!e&#e",e# t!e #$ectac"e of t!eir $oor fe""o)-#inner in !i# tort(re+
Se"*en 'e%an to (n*er#tan*. !e (ttere* a roar of an%er #!o("*ere* !i# cro##-'o) an* #ent a ;(arre" at a ,ent(re into t!e )oo*+ C!ance fa,o(re* !i& for a #"i%!t cr re#$on*e*+ T!en t!ro)in% *o)n !i# )ea$on Se"*en 'e%an to r(n 'efore !i& ($ t!e %"a*e an* a"&o#t in a #trai%!t "ine for Dic/ an* Matc!a&+ T!e co&$anion# of t!e B"ac/ Arro) no) 'e%an to #!oot in earne#t+ B(t t!e )ere $ro$er" #er,e*. t!eir c!ance !a* $a#t. &o#t of t!e& !a* no) to #!oot a%ain#t t!e #(n. an* Se"*en a# !e ran 'o(n*e* fro& #i*e to #i*e to 'aff"e an* *ecei,e t!eir ai&+ Be#t of a"" ' t(rnin% ($ t!e %"a*e !e !a* $re$aration#. t!ere )ere no &ar/#&en $o#te* !i%!er ($*efeate* t!an t!et!eir one )!o& !e !a* 5(#t /i""e* or )o(n*e*. an* t!e conf(#ion of t!e fore#ter#4 co(n#e"# #oon 'eca&e a$$arent+ A )!i#t"e #o(n*e* t!rice an* t!en a%ain t)ice+ 1t )a# re$eate* fro& anot!er ;(arter+ T!e )oo*# on eit!er #i*e 'eca&e f("" of t!e #o(n* of $eo$"e '(r#tin% t!ro(%! t!e (n*er)oo*. an* a 'e)i"*ere* *eer ran o(t into t!e o$en #too* for a #econ* on t!ree feet )it! no#e in air an* t!en $"(n%e* a%ain into t!e t!ic/et+ Se"*en #ti"" ran 'o(n*in%. e,er an* a%ain an arro) fo""o)e* !i& '(t #ti"" )o("* &i##+ 1t 'e%an to a$$ear a# if !e &i%!t e#ca$e+ Dic/ !a* !i# 'o) ar&e* rea* to #($$ort !i&. e,en Matc!a& for%etf(" of !i# intere#t too/ #i*e# at !eart for t!e $oor f(%iti,e. an* 'ot! "a*# %"o)e* an* tre&'"e* in t!e ar*o(r of t!eir !eart#+ He )a# )it!in fift ar*# of t!e& )!en an arro) #tr(c/ !i& an* !e fe""+ He )a# ($ a%ain in*ee* ($on t!e in#tant. '(t no) !e ran #ta%%erin% an* "i/e a '"in* &an t(rne* a#i*e fro& !i# *irection+ Dic/ "ea$e* to !i# feet an* )a,e* to !i&+ 6Here86 !e crie*+ r(n86
6T!i# )a8 !ere i# !e"$8
Na r(n fe""o) -
B(t 5(#t t!en a #econ* arro) #tr(c/ Se"*en in t!e #!o("*er 'et)een t!e $"ate# of !i# 'ri%an*ine an* $iercin% t!ro(%! !i# 5ac/ 'ro(%!t !i& "i/e a #tone to eart!+ 6O t!e $oor !eart86 crie* Matc!a& )it! c"a#$e* !an*#+ An* Dic/ #too* $etrifie* ($on t!e !i"" a &ar/ for arc!er+ Ten to one !e !a* #$ee*i" 'een #!ot - for t!e fore#ter# )ere f(rio(# )it! t!e&#e",e# an* ta/en (na)are# ' Dic/4# a$$earance in t!e rear of t!eir $o#ition - '(t in#tant" o(t of a ;(arter of t!e )oo* #(r$ri#in%" near to t!e t)o "a*# a #tentorian ,oice aro#e t!e ,oice of E""i# D(c/)ort!+ 6Ho"*86 it roare*+ 6S!oot not8 S!e"ton - Harr4# #on+6
Ta/e !i& a"i,e8
1t i# o(n%
An* i&&e*iate" after a #!ri"" )!i#t"e #o(n*e* #e,era" ti&e# an* )a# a%ain ta/en ($ an* re$eate* fart!er off+ T!e )!i#t"e it a$$eare* )a# Jo!n A&en*-A""4# 'att"e tr(&$et ' )!ic! !e $('"i#!e* !i# *irection#+ 6A! fo(" fort(ne86 crie* Dic/+
6We are (n*one+
S)ift" Jac/
co&e #)ift"86 An* t!e $air t(rne* an* ran 'ac/ t!ro(%! t!e o$en $ine c"(&$ t!at co,ere* t!e #(&&it of t!e !i""+
CHAPTER 01 - TO THE DA94S END
1t )a# in*ee* !i%! ti&e for t!e& to r(n+ On e,er #i*e t!e co&$an of t!e B"ac/ Arro) )a# &a/in% for t!e !i""+ So&e 'ein% 'etter r(nner# or !a,in% o$en %ro(n* to r(n ($on !a* far o(t#tri$$e* t!e ot!er# an* )ere a"rea* c"o#e ($on t!e %oa". #o&e fo""o)in% ,a""e# !a* #$rea* o(t to ri%!t an* "eft an* o(tf"an/e* t!e "a*# on eit!er #i*e+ Dic/ $"(n%e* into t!e neare#t co,er+ 1t )a# a ta"" %ro,e of oa/# fir& (n*er foot an* c"ear of (n*er'r(#! an* a# it "a *o)n !i"" t!e &a*e %oo* #$ee*+ T!ere fo""o)e* ne3t a $iece of o$en )!ic! Dic/ a,oi*e* !o"*in% to !i# "eft+ T)o &in(te# after an* t!e #a&e o'#tac"e ari#in% t!e "a*# fo""o)e* t!e #a&e co(r#e+ T!(# it fo""o)e* t!at )!i"e t!e "a*# 'en*in% contin(a"" to t!e "eft *re) nearer an* nearer to t!e !i%! roa* an* t!e ri,er )!ic! t!e !a* cro##e* an !o(r or t)o 'efore t!e %reat '("/ of t!eir $(r#(er# )ere "eanin% to t!e ot!er !an* an* r(nnin% to)ar*# T(n#ta""+ T!e "a*# $a(#e* to 'reat!e+ T!ere )a# no #o(n* of $(r#(it+ Dic/ $(t !i# ear to t!e %ro(n* an* #ti"" t!ere )a# not!in%. '(t t!e )in* to 'e #(re #ti"" &a*e a t(r&oi" in t!e tree# an* it )a# !ar* to &a/e certain+ 6On a%ain6 #ai* Dic/. an* tire* a# t!e )ere an* Matc!a& "i&$in% )it! !i# in5(re* foot t!e $(""e* t!e&#e",e# to%et!er an* once &ore $e"te* *o)n t!e !i""+ T!ree &in(te# "ater t!e )ere 'rea#tin% t!ro(%! a "o) t!ic/et of e,er%reen+ Hi%! o,er!ea* t!e ta"" tree# &a*e a contin(o(# roof of fo"ia%e+ 1t )a# a $i""are* %ro,e a# !i%! a# a cat!e*ra" an* e3ce$t for t!e !o""ie# a&on% )!ic! t!e "a*# )ere #tr(%%"in% o$en an* #&oot!" #)ar*e*+ On t!e ot!er #i*e $(#!in% t!ro(%! t!e "a#t frin%e of e,er%reen t!e '"(n*ere* fort! a%ain into t!e o$en t)i"i%!t of t!e %ro,e+ 6Stan*86 crie* a ,oice+ An* t!ere 'et)een t!e !(%e #te&# not fift feet 'efore t!e& t!e 'e!e"* a #to(t fe""o) in %reen #ore '"o)n )it! r(nnin% )!o in#tant" *re) an arro) to t!e !ea* an* co,ere* t!e&+ Matc!a& #to$$e* )it! a cr. '(t Dic/ )it!o(t a $a(#e ran #trai%!t ($on t!e fore#ter *ra)in% !i# *a%%er a# !e )ent+ T!e ot!er )!et!er !e )a# #tart"e* ' t!e *arin% of t!e on#"a(%!t or )!et!er !e )a# !a&$ere* ' !i# or*er# *i* not #!oot. !e #too* )a,erin%. an* 'efore !e !a* ti&e to co&e to !i&#e"f Dic/ 'o(n*e* at !i# t!roat an* #ent !i& #$ra)"in% 'ac/)ar* on t!e t(rf+ T!e arro) )ent one )a an* t!e 'o) anot!er )it! a #o(n*in% t)an%+ T!e *i#ar&e* fore#ter %ra$$"e* !i# a##ai"ant. '(t t!e *a%%er #!one an* *e#cen*e*
t)ice+ T!en ca&e a co($"e of %roan# an* t!en Dic/ ro#e to !i# feet a%ain an* t!e &an "a &otion"e## #ta''e* to t!e !eart+ 6On86 #ai* Dic/. an* !e once &ore $e"te* for)ar* Matc!a& trai"in% in t!e rear+ To #a tr(t! t!e &a*e '(t $oor #$ee* of it ' no) "a'o(rin% *i#&a"" a# t!e ran an* catc!in% for t!eir 'reat! "i/e fi#!+ Matc!a& !a* a cr(e" #titc! an* !i# !ea* #)a&. an* a# for Dic/ !i# /nee# )ere "i/e "ea*+ B(t t!e /e$t ($ t!e for& of r(nnin% )it! (n*i&ini#!e* co(ra%e+ Pre#ent" ca&e to t!e en*t!e& of t!e %ro,e+ 1t roa* #to$$e* a'r($t". an* t!ere t!e a fe) ar*# 'efore )a# t!e !i%! fro& Ri#in%!a& to S!ore' "in% at t!i# $oint 'et)een t)o e,en )a""# of fore#t+ At t!e #i%!t Dic/ $a(#e*. an* a# #oon a# !e #to$$e* r(nnin% !e 'eca&e a)are of a conf(#e* noi#e )!ic! ra$i*" %re) "o(*er+ 1t )a# at fir#t "i/e t!e r(#! of a ,er !i%! %(#t of )in* '(t #oon it 'eca&e &ore *efinite an* re#o",e* it#e"f into t!e %a""o$in% of !or#e#. an* t!en in a f"a#! a )!o"e co&$an of &en-at-ar&# ca&e *ri,in% ro(n* t!e corner #)e$t 'efore t!e "a*# an* )ere %one a%ain ($on t!e in#tant+ T!e ro*e a# for t!eir "i,e# in co&$"ete *i#or*er. #o&e of t!e& )ere )o(n*e*. ri*er"e## !or#e# %a""o$e* at t!eir #i*e )it! '"oo* #a**"e#+ T!e )ere $"ain" f(%iti,e# fro& t!e %reat 'att"e+ T!e noi#e of t!eir $a##a%e !a* #carce 'e%(n to *ie a)a to)ar*# S!ore' 'efore fre#! !oof# ca&e ec!oin% in t!eir )a/e an* anot!er *e#erter c"attere* *o)n t!e roa*. t!i# ti&e a #in%"e ri*er an* ' !i# #$"en*i* ar&o(r a &an of !i%! *e%ree+ C"o#e after !i& t!ere fo""o)e* #e,era" 'a%%a%e-)a%%on# f"eein% at an (n%ain" canter t!e *ri,er# f"ai"in% at t!e !or#e# a# if for "ife+ T!e#e &(#t !a,e r(n ear" in t!e *a. '(t t!eir co)ar*ice )a# not to #a,e t!e&+ For 5(#t 'efore t!e ca&e a'rea#t of )!ere t!e "a*# #too* )on*erin% a &an in !ac/e* ar&o(r an* #ee&in%" 'e#i*e !i&#e"f )it! f(r o,ertoo/ t!e )a%%on# an* )it! t!e tr(nc!eon of a #)or* 'e%an to c(t t!e *ri,er# *o)n+ So&e "ea$e* fro& t!eir $"ace# an* $"(n%e* into t!e )oo*. t!e ot!er# !e #a're* a# t!e #at c(r#in% t!e& t!e )!i"e for co)ar*# in a ,oice t!at )a# #carce !(&an+ A"" t!i# ti&e t!e noi#e in t!e *i#tance !a* contin(e* to increa#e. t!e r(&'"e of cart# t!e c"atter of !or#e# t!e crie# of &en a %reat conf(#e* r(&o(r ca&e #)e""in% on t!e )in*. an* it )a# $"ain t!at t!e ro(t of a )!o"e ar& )a# $o(rin% "i/e an in(n*ation *o)n t!e roa*+ Dic/ #too* #o&'re+ He !a* &eant to fo""o) t!e !i%!)a ti"" t!e t(rn for Ho")oo* an* no) !e !a* to c!an%e !i# $"an+ B(t a'o,e a"" !e !a* reco%ni#e* t!e co"o(r# of Ear" Ri#in%!a& an* !e /ne) t!at t!e 'att"e !a* %one fina"" a%ain#t t!e ro#e of Lanca#ter+ Ha* Sir Danie" 5oine* an* )a# !e no) a f(%iti,e an* r(ine*7 or !a* !e *e#erte* to t!e #i*e of 9or/ an* )a# !e forfeit to !ono(r7 1t )a# an (%" c!oice+ 6Co&e6 !e #ai* #tern". an* t(rnin% on !i# !ee" !e 'e%an to )a"/ for)ar* t!ro(%! t!e %ro,e )it! Matc!a& "i&$in% in !i# rear+ For #o&e ti&e t!e contin(e* to t!rea* t!e fore#t in #i"ence+ )a# no) %ro)in% "ate. t!e #(n )a# #ettin% in t!e $"ain 'eon*
1t
Kett"e. t!e tree-to$# o,er!ea* %"o)e* %o"*en. '(t t!e #!a*o)# !a* 'e%(n to %ro) *ar/er an* t!e c!i"" of t!e ni%!t to fa""+ 61f t!ere )ere ant!in% to eat86 crie* Dic/ #(**en" $a(#in% a# !e #$o/e+ Matc!a& #at *o)n an* 'e%an to )ee$+ 69e can )ee$ for o(r o)n #($$er '(t )!en it )a# to #a,e &en4# "i,e# o(r !eart )a# !ar* eno(%!6 #ai* Dic/ conte&$t(o(#"+ 694 4a,e #e,en for%i,e o(*eat!# t!at+6($on o(r con#cience Ma#ter Jo!n. 14"" ne4er 6Con#cience86 crie* Matc!a& "oo/in% fierce" ($+ 6Mine8 An* e !a,e t!e &an4# re* '"oo* ($on o(r *a%%er8 An* )!erefore *i* e #"a !i& t!e $oor #o("7 He *re) !i# arro) '(t !e "et not f". !e !e"* o( in !i# !an* an* #$are* o(8 4Ti# a# 'ra,e to /i"" a /itten a# a &an t!at not *efen*# !i&#e"f+6 Dic/ )a# #tr(c/ *(&'+ 61 #"e) !i& fair+
1 ran &e in ($on !i# 'o)6 !e crie*+
61t )a# a co)ar* '"o)6 ret(rne* Matc!a&+ 694 are '(t a "o(t an* '("" Ma#ter Dic/. e '(t a'(#e a*,anta%e#. "et t!ere co&e a #tron%er )e )i"" #ee o( tr(c/"e at !i# 'oot8 9e care not for ,en%eance neit!er - for o(r fat!er4# *eat! t!at %oe# (n$ai* an* !i# $oor %!o#t t!at c"a&o(ret! for 5(#tice+ B(t if t!ere co&e '(t a $oor creat(re in o(r !an*# t!at "ac/et! #/i"" an* #tren%t! an* )o("* 'efrien* o( *o)n #!e #!a"" %o86 Dic/ )a# too f(rio(# to o'#er,e t!at 6#!e+6 6Marr86 !e crie* 6an* !ere i# ne)#8 Of an t)o t!e one )i"" #ti"" 'e #tron%er+ T!e 'etter &an t!ro)et! t!e )or#e an* t!e )or#e i# )e"" #er,e*+ 9e *e#er,e a 'e"tin% Ma#ter Matc!a& for o(r i""-%(i*ance an* (nt!an/f("ne## to &e)ar*. an* )!at e *e#er,e e #!a"" !a,e+6 An* Dic/ )!o e,en in !i# an%rie#t te&$er #ti"" $re#er,e* t!e a$$earance of co&$o#(re 'e%an to (n'(c/"e !i# 'e"t+ 6Here #!a"" 'e o(r #($$er6 !e #ai* %ri&"+ Matc!a& !a* #to$$e* !i# tear#. !e )a# a# )!ite a# a #!eet '(t !e "oo/e* Dic/ #tea*i" in t!e face an* ne,er &o,e*+ Dic/ too/ a #te$ #)in%in% t!e 'e"t+ T!en !e $a(#e* e&'arra##e* ' t!e "ar%e ee# an* t!e t!in )ear face of !i# co&$anion+ Hi# co(ra%e 'e%an to #('#i*e+ 6Sa e )ere in t!e )ron% t!en6 !e #ai* "a&e"+ 6Na6 #ai* Matc!a& 61 )a# in t!e ri%!t+ Co&e cr(e"8 1 'e "a&e. 1 'e )ear. 1 re#i#t not. 1 ne4er *i* t!ee !(rt. co&e 'eat &e co)ar*86 Dic/ rai#e* t!e 'e"t at t!i# "a#t $ro,ocation '(t Matc!a& )ince* an* *re) !i&#e"f to%et!er )it! #o cr(e" an a$$re!en#ion t!at !i# !eart fai"e* !i& et a%ain+ T!e #tra$ fe"" ' !i# #i*e an* !e #too* irre#o"(te fee"in% "i/e a foo"+
6A $"a%(e ($on t!ee #!re)86 !e #ai*+ 6An e 'e #o fee'"e of !an* e #!o("* /ee$ t!e c"o#er %(ar* ($on o(r ton%(e+ B(t 14"" 'e !an%e* 'efore 1 'eat o(86 an* !e $(t on !i# 'e"t a%ain+ 6Beat o( 1 )i"" not6 !e contin(e*. 6'(t for%i,e o(7 - ne,er+ 1 /ne) e not. e )ere & &a#ter4# ene&. 1 "ent o( & !or#e. & *inner e !a,e eaten. 4 4a,e ca""e* &e a &an o4 )oo* a co)ar* an* a '(""+ Na ' t!e &a##8 t!e &ea#(re i# fi""e* an* r(nnet! o,er+ 4Ti# a %reat t!in% to 'e )ea/ 1 tro): e can *o o(r )or#t et #!a"" none $(ni#! o(. e &a #tea" a &an4# )ea$on# in t!e !o(r of nee* et &a t!e &an not ta/e !i# o)n a%ain. - 4 are )ea/ for#oot!8 Na co&et! c!ar%in% o('o* )it! t!ro(%!8 a "ance an* !e i#t!en )ea/if eone &(#t "et !i& $ierceat o(r T(t8criet! foo" )or*#86 6An* et e 'eat &e not6 ret(rne* Matc!a&+ 6Let 'e6 #ai* Dic/ - 6"et 'e+ 1 )i"" in#tr(ct o(+ 94 4a,e 'een i""-n(rt(re* &et!in/# an* et e !a,e t!e &a/in%# of #o&e %oo* an* 'eon* a"" ;(e#tion #a,e* &e fro& t!e ri,er+ Na 1 !a* for%otten it. 1 a& a# t!an/"e## a# t!#e"f+ B(t co&e "et (# on+ An )e 'e for Ho")oo* t!i# ni%!t a or to-&orro) ear" )e !a* 'e#t #et for)ar* #$ee*i"+6 B(t t!o(%! Dic/ !a* ta"/e* !i&#e"f 'ac/ into !i# (#(a" %oo*-!(&o(r Matc!a& !a* for%i,en !i& not!in%+ Hi# ,io"ence t!e reco""ection of t!e fore#ter )!o& !e !a* #"ain - a'o,e a"" t!e ,i#ion of t!e ($rai#e* 'e"t )ere t!in%# not ea#i" to 'e for%otten+ 61 )i"" t!an/ o( for t!e for&4# #a/e6 #ai* Matc!a&+ 6B(t in #oot! %oo* Ma#ter S!e"ton 1 !a* "ie,er fin* & )a a"one+ Here i# a )i*e )oo*. $rit!ee "et eac! c!oo#e !i# $at!. 1 o)e o( a *inner an* a "e##on+ Fare e )e""86 6Na6 crie* Dic/ 6if t!at 'e o(r t(ne #o 'e it an* a $"a%(e 'e )it! o(86 Eac! t(rne* a#i*e an* t!e 'e%an )a"/in% off #e,era"" )it! no t!o(%!t of t!e *irection intent #o"e" on t!eir ;(arre"+ B(t Dic/ !a* not %one ten $ace# ere !i# na&e )a# ca""e* an* Matc!a& ca&e r(nnin% after+ 6Dic/6 !e #ai* 6it )ere (n&anner" to $art #o co"*"+
Here i# &
!an* an* & !eart )it! it+ For a"" t!at )!erein o( !a,e #o e3ce""ent" #er,e* an* !e"$e* &e - not for t!e for& '(t fro& t!e !eart 1 t!an/ o(+ Fare e ri%!t )e""+6 6We"" "a*6 ret(rne* Dic/ ta/in% t!e !an* )!ic! )a# 6%oo* #$ee* to o( if #$ee* o( &a+ B(t 1 &i#*o('t 94 are too *i#$(tatio(#+6 So t!en t!e #e$arate* for ti&e. an* $re#ent" it )a# Dic/ )!o )a# r(nnin% after
offere* !i& it #!re)*"+ t!e #econ* Matc!a&+
6Here6 !e #ai* 6ta/e & cro##-'o). #!a"t not %o (nar&e*+6 6A cro##-'o)86 #ai* Matc!a&+ 6Na 'o 1 !a,e neit!er t!e #tren%t! to 'en* nor et t!e #/i"" to ai& )it! it+ 1t )ere no !e"$ to &e %oo* 'o+ B(t et 1 t!an/ o(+6 T!e ni%!t !a* no) fa""en an* (n*er t!e tree# t!e co("* no "on%er rea* eac! ot!er4# face+
61 )i"" %o #o&e "itt"e )a )it! o(6 #ai* Dic/+ 6T!e ni%!t i# *ar/+ 1 )o("* fain "ea,e o( on a $at! at "ea#t+ M &in* &i#%i,et! &e 4 are "i/e" to 'e "o#t+6 Wit!o(t an &ore )or*# !e 'e%an to )a"/ for)ar* an* t!e ot!er once &ore fo""o)e* !i&+ T!e '"ac/ne## %re) t!ic/er an* t!ic/er+ On" !ere an* t!ere in o$en $"ace# t!e #a) t!e #/ *otte* )it! #&a"" #tar#+ 1n t!e *i#tance t!e noi#e of t!e ro(t of t!e Lanca#trian ar& #ti"" contin(e* to 'e faint" a(*i'"e. '(t )it! e,er #te$ t!e "eft it fart!er in t!e rear+ At t!e en* of !a"f an !o(r of #i"ent $ro%re## t!e ca&e fort! ($on a 'roa* $atc! of !eat! o$en+ 1t %"i&&ere* in t!e "i%!t of t!e #tar# #!a%% )it! fern an* i#"an*e* )it! c"(&$# of e)+ An* !ere t!e $a(#e* an* "oo/e* ($on eac! ot!er+ 694 are )ear76 Dic/ #ai*+ 6Na 1 a& #o )ear6 an#)ere* Matc!a& 6t!at &et!in/# 1 co("* "ie *o)n an* *ie+6 61 !ear t!e c!i*in% of a ri,er6 ret(rne* Dic/+ fort! for 1 a& #ore at!ir#t+6
6Let (# %o #o far
T!e %ro(n* #"o$e* *o)n %ent". an* #(re eno(%! in t!e 'otto& t!e fo(n* a "itt"e &(r&(rin% ri,er r(nnin% a&on% )i""o)#+ Here t!e t!re) t!e&#e",e# *o)n to%et!er ' t!e 'rin/. an* $(ttin% t!eir &o(t!# to t!e "e,e" of a #tarr $oo" t!e *ran/ t!eir fi""+ 6Dic/6 #ai* Matc!a& 6it &a not 'e+
1 can no &ore+6
61 #a) a $it a# )e ca&e *o)n6 #ai* Dic/+ an* #"ee$+6
6Let (# "ie *o)n t!erein
6Na '(t )it! a"" & !eart86 crie* Matc!a&+ T!e $it )a# #an* an* *r. a #!oc/ of 'ra&'"e# !(n% ($on one !e*%e an* &a*e a $artia" #!e"ter. an* t!ere t!e t)o "a*# "a *o)n /ee$in% c"o#e to%et!er for t!e #a/e of )ar&t! t!eir ;(arre" a"" for%otten+ An* #oon #"ee$ fe"" ($on t!e& "i/e a c"o(* an* (n*er t!e *e) an* #tar# t!e re#te* $eacef(""+
CHAPTER 011 - THE HOODED FACE
T!e a)o/e in t!e %re of t!e &ornin%. t!e 'ir*# )ere not et in f("" #on% '(t t)ittere* !ere an* t!ere a&on% t!e )oo*#. t!e #(n )a# not et ($ '(t t!e ea#tern #/ )a# 'arre* )it! #o"e&n co"o(r#+ Ha"f #tar,e* an* o,er-)ear a# t!e )ere t!e "a )it!o(t &o,in% #(n/ in a *e"i%!tf(" "a##it(*e+ An* a# t!e t!(# "a t!e c"an% of a 'e"" fe"" #(**en" ($on t!eir ear#+ 6A 'e""86 #ai* Dic/ #ittin% ($+ Ho")oo*76
6Can )e 'e t!en #o near to
A "itt"e after t!e 'e"" c"an%e* a%ain '(t t!i# ti&e #o&e)!at nearer !an*. an* fro& t!at ti&e fort! an* #ti"" *ra)in% nearer an* nearer it contin(e* to #o(n* 'ro/en" a'roa* in t!e #i"ence of t!e &ornin%+ 6Na )!at #!o("* t!i# 'eto/en76 #ai* Dic/ )!o )a# no) 'roa* a)a/e+ 61t i# #o&e one )a"/in%6 ret(rne* Matc!a& an* 6t!e 'e"" to""et! e,er a# !e &o,e#+6 61 #ee t!at )e""6 #ai* Dic/+ 6B(t )!erefore7 W!at &a/et! !e in T(n#ta"" Woo*#7 Jac/6 !e a**e* 6"a(%! at &e an e )i"" '(t 1 "i/e not t!e !o""o) #o(n* of it+6 6Na6 #ai* Matc!a& )it! a #!i,er 6it !at! a *o"ef(" note+ t!e *a )ere not co&e6 -
An
B(t 5(#t t!en t!e 'e"" ;(ic/enin% it# $ace 'e%an to rin% t!ic/ an* !(rrie* an* t!en it %a,e a #in%"e !a&&erin% 5an%"e an* )a# #i"ent for a #$ace+ 61t i# a# t!o(%! t!e 'earer !a* r(n for a $ater-no#ter )!i"e an* t!en "ea$e* t!e ri,er6 Dic/ o'#er,e*+ 6An* no) 'e%innet! !e a%ain to $ace #o'er" for)ar*6 a**e* Matc!a&+ 6Na6 ret(rne* Dic/ - 6na not #o #o'er" Jac/+ 4Ti# a &an t!at )a"/et! o( ri%!t #$ee*i"+ 4Ti# a &an in #o&e fear of !i# "ife or a'o(t #o&e !(rrie* '(#ine##+ See e not !o) #)ift t!e 'eatin% *ra)et! near76 61t i# no) c"o#e '6 #ai* Matc!a&+ T!e )ere no) on t!e e*%e of t!e $it. an* a# t!e $it it#e"f )a# on a certain e&inence t!e co&&an*e* a ,ie) o,er t!e %reater $ro$ortion of t!e c"earin% ($ to t!e t!ic/ )oo*# t!at c"o#e* it in+ T!e *a"i%!t )!ic! )a# ,er c"ear an* %re #!o)e* t!e& a ri'an* of )!ite foot$at! )an*erin% a&on% t!e %or#e+ 1t $a##e* #o&e !(n*re* ar*# fro& t!e $it an* ran t!e )!o"e "en%t! of t!e c"earin% ea#t an* )e#t+ B t!e "ine of it# co(r#e Dic/ 5(*%e* it #!o("* "ea* &ore or "e## *irect" to t!e Moat Ho(#e+ U$on t!i# $at! #te$$in% fort! fro& t!e &ar%in of t!e )oo* a )!ite fi%(re no) a$$eare*+ 1t $a(#e* a "itt"e an* #ee&e* to "oo/ a'o(t. an* t!en at a #"o) $ace an* 'ent a"&o#t *o('"e it 'e%an to *ra) near acro## t!e !eat!+ At e,er #te$ t!e 'e"" c"an/e*+ Face it !a* none. a )!ite !oo* not e,en $ierce* )it! ee-!o"e# ,ei"e* t!e !ea*. an* a# t!e creat(re &o,e* it #ee&e* to fee" it# )a )it! t!e ta$$in% of a #tic/+ Fear fe"" ($on t!e "a*# a# co"* a# *eat!+ 6A "e$er86 #ai* Dic/ !oar#e"+ 6Hi# to(c! i# *eat!6 #ai* Matc!a&+ 6Not #o6 ret(rne* Dic/+
6Let (# r(n+6
6See e not7 - !e i# #tone '"in*+
He
%(i*et! !i& )it! a #taff+ Let (# "ie #ti"". t!e )in* '"o)et! to)ar*# t!e $at! an* !e )i"" %o ' an* !(rt (# not+ A"a# $oor #o(" an* )e #!o("* rat!er $it !i&86 61 )i"" $it !i& )!en !e i# '6 re$"ie* Matc!a&+ T!e '"in* "e$er )a# no) a'o(t !a"f)a to)ar*# t!e& t!e #(n ro#e an* #!one f("" on !i# ,ei"e* face+ He &an 'efore !e )a# 'o)e* ' !i# *i#%(#tin% #ic/ne## )a"/e* )it! a ,i%oro(# #te$+ T!e *i#&a" 'eatin% of
an* !a* an* !i#
5(#t t!en 'een a ta"" e,en no) !e 'e"" t!e
$atterin% of t!e #tic/ t!e ee"e## #creen 'efore !i# co(ntenance an* t!e /no)"e*%e t!at !e )a# not on" *oo&e* to *eat! an* #(fferin% '(t #!(t o(t for e,er fro& t!e to(c! of !i# fe""o)-&en fi""e* t!e "a*#4 'o#o&# )it! *i#&a. an* at e,er #te$ t!at 'ro(%!t !i& nearer t!eir co(ra%e an* #tren%t! #ee&e* to *e#ert t!e&+ A# !e ca&e a'o(t "e,e" )it! t!e $it !e $a(#e* an* t(rne* !i# face f("" ($on t!e "a*#+ 6Mar 'e & #!ie"*8
He #ee# (#86 #ai* Matc!a& faint"+
6H(#!86 )!i#$ere* Dic/+
6He *ot! '(t !ear/en+
He i# '"in* foo"86
T!e "e$er "oo/e* or "i#tene* )!ic!e,er !e )a# rea"" *oin% for #o&e #econ*#+ T!en !e 'e%an to &o,e on a%ain '(t $re#ent" $a(#e* once &ore an* a%ain t(rne* an* #ee&e* to %a2e ($on t!e "a*#+ E,en Dic/ 'eca&e *ea*-)!ite an* c"o#e* !i# ee# a# if ' t!e &ere #i%!t !e &i%!t 'eco&e infecte*+ B(t #oon t!e 'e"" #o(n*e* an* t!i# ti&e )it!o(t an fart!er !e#itation t!e "e$er cro##e* t!e re&ain*er of t!e "itt"e !eat! an* *i#a$$eare* into t!e co,ert of t!e )oo*#+ 6He #a) (#6 #ai* Matc!a&+
61 co("* #)ear it86
6T(t86 ret(rne* Dic/ reco,erin% #o&e #$ar/# of co(ra%e+ 6He '(t !ear* (#+ He )a# in fear $oor #o("8 An e )ere '"in* an* )a"/e* in a $er$et(a" ni%!t e )o("* #tart o(r#e"f if e,er a t)i% r(#t"e* or a 'ir* crie* 4Pee$+46 6Dic/ %oo* Dic/ !e #a) (#6 re$eate* Matc!a&+ 6W!en a &an !ear/enet! !e *ot! not a# t!i# &an. !e *ot! ot!er)i#e Dic/+ T!i# )a# #eein%. it )a# not !earin%+ He &ean# fo(""+ Har/ e"#e if !i# 'e"" 'e not #to$$e*86 S(c! )a# t!e ca#e+
T!e 'e"" ran% no "on%er+
6Na6 #ai* Dic/ 61 "i/e not t!at+ Na6 !e crie* a%ain 61 "i/e t!at "itt"e+ W!at &a t!i# 'eto/en7 Let (# %o ' t!e &a##86 6He !at! %one ea#t6 a**e* Matc!a&+ 6Goo* Dic/ "et (# %o )e#t)ar* #trai%!t. 1 #!a"" not 'reat!e ti"" 1 !a,e & 'ac/ t(rne* ($on t!at "e$er+6 6Jac/ 4 are too co)ar*"6 re$"ie* Dic/+ 6We #!a"" %o fair for Ho")oo* or a# fair at "ea#t a# 1 can %(i*e o( an* t!at )i"" 'e *(e nort!+6 T!e )ere afoot at once $a##e* t!e #trea& ($on #o&e #te$$in%#tone# an* 'e%an to &o(nt on t!e ot!er #i*e )!ic! )a# #tee$er
to)ar*# t!e &ar%in of t!e )oo*+ T!e %ro(n* 'eca&e ,er (ne,en f("" of /no""# an* !o""o)#. tree# %re) #cattere* or in c"(&$#+ it 'eca&e *iffic("t to c!oo#e a $at! an* t!e "a*# #o&e)!at )an*ere*+ T!e )ere )ear 'e#i*e# )it! e#ter*a4# e3ertion# an* t!e "ac/ of foo* an* t!e &o,e* '(t !ea,i" an* *ra%%e* t!eir feet a&on% t!e #an*+ Pre#ent" co&in% to t!e to$ of a /no"" t!e )ere a)are of t!e "e$er #o&e !(n*re* feet in front of t!e& cro##in% t!e "ine of t!eir &arc! ' a !o""o)+ Hi# 'e"" )a# #i"ent !i# #taff no "on%er ta$$e* %ro(n*of an* t!e!e #)ift a##(re*t!e foot#te$# a !e &an)ent )!o 'efore #ee#+ !i& Ne3t)it! &o&ent !a* an* *i#a$$eare* into a "itt"e t!ic/et+ T!e "a*# at t!e fir#t %"i&$#e !a* cro(c!e* 'e!in* a t(ft of %or#e. t!ere t!e "a !orror-#tr(c/+ 6Certain !e $(r#(et! (#6 #ai* Dic/ - 6certain8 He !e"* t!e c"a$$er of !i# 'e"" in one !an* #a) e7 t!at it #!o("* not #o(n*+ No) &a t!e #aint# ai* an* %(i*e (# for 1 !a,e no #tren%t! to co&'at $e#ti"ence86 6W!at &a/et! !e76 crie* Matc!a&+ 6W!at *ot! !e )ant7 W!o e,er !ear* t!e "i/e t!at a "e$er o(t of &ere &a"ice #!o("* $(r#(e (nfort(nate#7 Hat! !e not !i# 'e"" to t!at ,er en* t!at $eo$"e &a a,oi* !i&7 Dic/ t!ere i# 'e"o) t!i# #o&et!in% *ee$er+6 6Na 1 care not6 &oane* Dic/. 6t!e #tren%t! i# %one o(t of &e. & "e%# are "i/e )ater+ T!e #aint# 'e &ine a##i#tance86 6Wo("* e "ie t!ere i*"e76 crie* Matc!a&+ 6Let (# 'ac/ into t!e o$en+ We !a,e t!e 'etter c!ance. !e cannot #tea" ($on (# (na)are#+6 6Not 16 #ai* Dic/+ (# '+6
6M ti&e i# co&e an* $era*,ent(re !e &a $a##
6Ben* &e t!en o(r 'o)86 crie* t!e ot!er+ &an76
6W!at8 )i"" e 'e a
Dic/ cro##e* !i&#e"f+ 6Wo("* e !a,e &e #!oot ($on a "e$er76 !e crie*+ 6T!e !an* )o("* fai" &e+ Na no)6 !e a**e* - 6na no) "et 'e8 Wit! #o(n* &en 1 )i"" fi%!t '(t not )it! %!o#t# an* "e$er#+ W!ic! t!i# i# 1 )ot not+ One or ot!er Hea,en 'e o(r $rotection86 6No)6 #ai* Matc!a& 6if t!i# 'e &an4# co(ra%e )!at a $oor t!in% i# &an8 B(t #it! e )i"" *o na(%!t "et (# "ie c"o#e+6 T!en ca&e a #in%"e 'ro/en 5an%"e on t!e 'e""+ 6He !at! &i##e* !i# !o"* ($on t!e c"a$$er6 )!i#$ere* Matc!a&+ 6Saint#8 !o) near !e i#86 B(t Dic/ an#)ere* ne,er a )or*. !i# teet! )ere near c!atterin%+ Soon t!e #a) a $iece of t!e )!ite ro'e 'et)een #o&e '(#!e#. t!en t!e "e$er4# !ea* )a# t!r(#t fort! fro& 'e!in* a tr(n/ an* !e #ee&e* narro)" to #can t!e nei%!'o(r!oo* 'efore !e once a%ain
)it!*re)+ To t!eir #tretc!e* #en#e# t!e )!o"e '(#! a$$eare* a"i,e )it! r(#t"in%# an* t!e crea/ of t)i%#. an* t!e !ear* t!e 'eatin% of eac! ot!er4# !eart+ S(**en" )it! a cr t!e "e$er #$ran% into t!e o$en c"o#e ' an* ran #trai%!t ($on t!e "a*#+ T!e #!rie/in% a"o(* #e$arate* an* 'e%an to r(n *ifferent )a#+ B(t t!eir !orri'"e ene& fa#tene* ($on Matc!a& ran !i& #)ift" *o)n an* !a* !i& a"&o#t in#tant" a $ri#oner+ T!e "a* %a,e one #crea& t!at ec!oe* !i%! an* far o,er t!e fore#t !e !a* one #$a#& of #tr(%%"in% an* t!en a"" !i# "i&'# re"a3e* an* !e fe"" "i&$ into !i# ca$tor4# ar&#+ Dic/ !ear* t!e cr an* t(rne*+ He #a) Matc!a& fa"". an* on t!e in#tant !i# #$irit an* !i# #tren%t! re,i,e*. Wit! a cr of $it an* an%er !e (n#"(n% an* 'ent !i# ar'"a#t+ B(t ere !e !a* ti&e to #!oot t!e "e$er !e"* ($ !i# !an*+ 6Ho"* o(r #!ot Dic/on86 crie* a fa&i"iar ,oice+ &a* )a%8 Kno) e not a frien*76
6Ho"* o(r #!ot
An* t!en "ain% *o)n Matc!a& on t!e t(rf !e (n*i* t!e !oo* fro& off !i# face an* *i#c"o#e* t!e feat(re# of Sir Danie" Brac/"e+ 6Sir Danie"86 crie* Dic/+ 6A ' t!e &a## Sir Danie"86 ret(rne* t!e /ni%!t+
6Wo("* e
#!oot ($on o(r %(ar*ian ro%(e7 B(t !ere i# t!i#6 - An* t!ere !e 'ro/e off an* $ointin% to Matc!a& a#/e*: 6Ho) ca"" e !i& Dic/76 6Na6 #ai* Dic/ 61 ca"" !i& Ma#ter Matc!a&+ #ai* e /ne) !i&86
Kno) e !i& not7
He
6A6 re$"ie* Sir Danie" 61 /no) t!e "a*.6 an* !e c!(c/"e*+ 6B(t !e !a# fainte*. an* ' & #oot! !e &i%!t !a,e !a* "e## to faint for8 He Dic/7 Di* 1 $(t t!e fear of *eat! ($on o(76 61n*ee* Sir Danie" e *i* t!at6 #ai* Dic/ an* #i%!e* a%ain at t!e &ere reco""ection+ 6Na #ir #a,in% o(r re#$ect 1 !a* a# "ief 4a4 &et t!e *e,i" in $er#on. an* to #$ea/ tr(t! 1 a& et a"" a-;(a/e+ B(t )!at &a*e e #ir in #(c! a %(i#e76 Sir Danie"4# 'ro) %re) #(**en" '"ac/ )it! an%er+ 6W!at &a*e 176 !e #ai*+ 69e *o )e"" to &in* &e of it8 W!at7 1 #/("/e* for & $oor "ife in & o)n )oo* of T(n#ta"" Dic/+ We )ere i"" #$e* at t!e 'att"e. )e '(t %ot t!ere to 'e #)e$t a&on% t!e ro(t+ W!ere 'e a"" & %oo* &en-at-ar Dic/ ' t!e &a## 1 /no) not8 We )ere #)e$t *o)n. t!e #!ot fe"" t!ic/ a&on% (#. 1 !a,e not #een one &an in & o)n co"o(r# #ince 1 #a) t!ree fa""+ For &#e"f 1 ca&e #o(n* to S!ore' an* 'ein% &in*f(" of t!e B"ac/ Arro) %ot &e t!i# %o)n an* 'e"" an* ca&e #oft" ' t!e $at! for t!e Moat Ho(#e+ T!ere i# no *i#%(i#e to 'e co&$are* )it! it. t!e 5in%"e of t!i# 'e"" )o("* #care &e t!e #to(te#t o(t"a) in t!e fore#t. t!e )o("* a"" t(rn $a"e to !ear it+ At "en%t! 1 ca&e ' o( an* Matc!a&+ 1 co("* #ee '(t e,i"" t!ro(%! t!i# #a&e !oo* an* )a# not #(re of o( 'ein% c!ief" an* for &an a %oo* ca(#e a#toni#!e* at t!e fin*in% o( to%et!er+ Moreo,er in t!e o$en )!ere 1 !a* to %o #"o)" an* ta$ )it! & #taff 1 feare* to
*i#c"o#e &#e"f+ B(t #ee6 !e a**e* 6t!i# $oor #!re) 'e%in# a "itt"e to re,i,e+ A "itt"e %oo* canar )i"" co&fort &e t!e !eart of it+6 T!e /ni%!t fro& (n*er !i# "on% *re## $ro*(ce* a #to(t 'ott"e an* 'e%an to r(' t!e te&$"e# an* )et t!e "i$# of t!e $atient )!o ret(rne* %ra*(a"" to con#cio(#ne## an* 'e%an to ro"" *i& ee# fro& one to anot!er+ 6W!at c!eer Jac/86 #ai* Dic/+ Sir Danie"8
61t )a# no "e$er after a"". it )a#
See86
6S)a""o) &e a %oo* *ra(%!t of t!i#6 #ai* t!e /ni%!t+ 6T!i# )i"" %i,e o( &an!oo*+ T!ereafter 1 )i"" %i,e o( 'ot! a &ea" an* )e #!a"" a"" t!ree on to T(n#ta""+ For Dic/6 !e contin(e* "ain% fort! 'rea* an* &eat ($on t!e %ra## 61 )i"" a,o) to o( in a"" %oo* con#cience it ir/# &e #ore" to 'e #afe 'et)een fo(r )a""#+ Not #ince 1 'ac/e* a !or#e !a,e 1 'een $re##e* #o !ar*. $eri" of "ife 5eo$ar* of "an* an* "i,e"i!oo* an* to #(& ($ a"" t!e#e "o#e"# in t!e )oo* to !(nt &e *o)n+ B(t 1 'e not et #!ent+ So&e of & "a*# )i"" $ic/ &e t!eir )a !o&e+ Hatc! !at! ten fe""o)#. Se"*en !e !a* #i3+ Na )e #!a"" #oon 'e #tron% a%ain. an* if 1 can '(t '( & $eace )it! & ri%!t fort(nate an* (n*e#er,in% Lor* of 9or/ )! Dic/ )e4"" 'e a &an a%ain an* %o a-!or#e'ac/86 An* #o #ain% t!e /ni%!t fi""e* !i&#e"f a !orn of canar an* $"e*%e* !i# )ar* in *(&' #!o)+ 6Se"*en6 Dic/ fa"tere* - 6Se"*en6 -
An* !e $a(#e* a%ain+
Sir Danie" $(t *o)n t!e )ine (nta#te*+ 6Ho)86 !e crie* in a c!an%e* ,oice+ Se"*en76
6Se"*en7
S$ea/8
W!at of
Dic/ #ta&&ere* fort! t!e ta"e of t!e a&'(#! an* t!e &a##acre+ T!e /ni%!t !ear* in #i"ence. '(t a# !e "i#tene* !i# co(ntenance 'eca&e con,("#e* )it! ra%e an* %rief+ 6No) !ere6 !e crie* 6on & ri%!t !an* 1 #)ear to a,en%e it8 1f t!at 1 fai" if t!at 1 #$i"" not ten &en4# #o("# for eac! &a t!i# !an* )it!er fro& & 'o*8 1 'ro/e t!i# D(c/)ort! "i/e a r(#!. 1 'e%%are* !i& to !i# *oor. 1 '(rne* t!e t!atc! a'o,e !i# !ea*. 1 *ro,e !i& fro& t!i# co(ntr. an* no) co&et! !e 'ac/ to 'ear* &e7 Na '(t D(c/)ort! t!i# ti&e it #!a"" %o 'itter !ar*86 He )a# #i"ent for #o&e ti&e !i# face )or/in%+ 6Eat86 !e crie* #(**en"+ 6An* o( !ere6 !e a**e* to Matc!a& 6#)ear &e an oat! to fo""o) #trai%!t to t!e Moat Ho(#e+6 61 )i"" $"e*%e &ine !ono(r6 re$"ie* Matc!a&+ 6W!at &a/e 1 )it! o(r !ono(r76 crie* t!e /ni%!t+ o(r &ot!er4# )e"fare86
6S)ear &e ($on
Matc!a& %a,e t!e re;(ire* oat!. an* Sir Danie" re-a*5(#te* t!e !oo* o,er !i# face an* $re$are* !i# 'e"" an* #taff+ To #ee !i& once
&ore in t!at a$$a""in% tra,e#t #o&e)!at re,i,e* t!e !orror of !i# t)o co&$anion#+ B(t t!e /ni%!t )a# #oon ($on !i# feet+ 6Eat )it! *e#$atc!6 !e #ai* 6an* fo""o) &e are" to &ine !o(#e+6 An* )it! t!at !e #et fort! a%ain into t!e )oo*#. an* $re#ent" after t!e 'e"" 'e%an to #o(n* n(&'erin% !i# #te$# an* t!e t)o "a*# #at ' t!eir (nta#te* &ea" an* !ear* it *ie #"o)" a)a ($ !i"" into t!e *i#tance+ 6An* #o e %o to T(n#ta""76 Dic/ in;(ire*+ 69ea ,eri"6 #ai* Matc!a& 6)!en nee*# &(#t8 Sir Danie"4# 'ac/ t!an to !i# face+6
1 a& 'ra,er 'e!in*
T!e ate !a#ti" an* #et fort! a"on% t!e $at! t!ro(%! t!e air ($$er "e,e"# of t!e fore#t )!ere %reat 'eec!e# #too* a$art a&on% %reen "a)n# an* t!e 'ir*# an* #;(irre"# &a*e &err on t!e 'o(%!#+ T)o !o(r# "ater t!e 'e%an to *e#cen* ($on t!e ot!er #i*e an* a"rea* a&on% t!e tree-to$# #a) 'efore t!e& t!e re* )a""# an* roof# of T(n#ta"" Ho(#e+ 6Here6 #ai* Matc!a& $a(#in% 6e #!a"" ta/e o(r "ea,e of o(r frien* Jac/ )!o& 4 are to #ee no &ore+ Co&e Dic/ for%i,e !i& )!at !e *i* a&i## a# !e for !i# $art c!eerf("" an* "o,in%" for%i,et! o(+6 6An* )!erefore #o76 a#/e* Dic/+ 6An )e 'ot! %o to T(n#ta"" 1 #!a"" #ee o( et a%ain 1 tro) an* t!at ri%!t often+6 69e4"" ne,er a%ain #ee $oor Jac/ Matc!a&6 re$"ie* t!e ot!er 6t!at )a# #o fearf(" an* '(rt!en#o&e an* et $"(c/e* o( fro& t!e ri,er. e4"" not #ee !i& &ore Dic/ ' &ine !ono(r86 He !e"* !i# ar&# o$en an* t!e "a*# e&'race* an* /i##e*+ 6An* Dic/6 contin(e* Matc!a& 6& #$irit 'o*et! i""+ 94 are no) to #ee a ne) Sir Danie". for !eretofore !at! a"" $ro#$ere* in !i# !an*# e3cee*in%" an* fort(ne fo""o)e* !i&. '(t no) &et!in/# )!en !i# fate !at! co&e ($on !i& an* !e r(n# t!e a*,ent(re of !i# "ife !e )i"" $ro,e '(t a fo(" "or* to 'ot! of (#+ He &a 'e 'ra,e in 'att"e '(t !e !at! t!e "iar4# ee. t!ere i# fear in !i# ee Dic/ an* fear i# a# cr(e" a# t!e )o"f8 We %o *o)n into t!at !o(#e Saint Mar %(i*e (# fort! a%ain86 An* #o t!e contin(e* t!eir *e#cent in #i"ence an* ca&e o(t at "a#t 'efore Sir Danie"4# fore#t #tron%!o"* )!ere it #too* "o) an* #!a* f"an/e* )it! ro(n* to)er# an* #taine* )it! &o## an* "ic!en in t!e "i"ie* )ater# of t!e &oat+ E,en a# t!e a$$eare* t!e *oor# )ere o$ene* t!e 'ri*%e "o)ere* an* Sir Danie" !i&#e"f )it! Hatc! an* t!e $ar#on at !i# #i*e #too* rea* to recei,e t!e&+
BOOK 11 - THE MOAT HOUSE
CHAPTER 1 - D1CK ASKS
T!e Moat Ho(#e #too* not far fro& t!e ro(%! fore#t roa*+ E3terna"" it )a# a co&$act rectan%"e of re* #tone f"an/e* at eac! corner ' a ro(n* to)er $ierce* for arc!er an* 'att"e&ente* at t!e to$+ Wit!in it enc"o#e* a narro) co(rt+ T!e &oat )a# $er!a$# t)e",e feet )i*e cro##e* ' a #in%"e *ra)'ri*%e+ 1t )a# #($$"ie* )it! )ater ' a trenc! "ea*in% to a fore#t $oo" an* co&&an*e* t!ro(%! it# )!o"e "en%t! fro& t!e 'att"e&ent# of t!e t)o #o(t!ern to)er#+ E3ce$t)it!in t!at one orat)o ta"" of an*t!e t!ic/ tree# !a* 'een #(ffere* to re&ain !a"f 'o)#!ot )a""# t!e !o(#e )a# in a %oo* $o#t(re for *efence+ 1n t!e co(rt Dic/ fo(n* a $art of t!e %arri#on '(# )it! $re$aration# for *efence an* %"oo&i" *i#c(##in% t!e c!ance# of a #ie%e+ So&e )ere &a/in% arro)# #o&e #!ar$enin% #)or*# t!at !a* "on% 'een *i#(#e*. '(t e,en a# t!e )or/e* t!e #!oo/ t!eir !ea*#+ T)e",e of Sir Danie"4# $art !a* e#ca$e* t!e 'att"e r(n t!e %a(nt"et t!ro(%! t!e )oo* an* co&e a"i,e to t!e Moat Ho(#e+ B(t o(t of t!i# *o2en t!ree !a* 'een %ra,e" )o(n*e*: t)o at Ri#in%!a& in t!e *i#or*er of t!e ro(t one ' Jo!n A&en*-A""4# &ar/#&en a# !e cro##e* t!e fore#t+ T!i# rai#e* t!e force of t!e %arri#on co(ntin% Hatc! Sir Danie" an* o(n% S!e"ton to t)entt)o effecti,e &en+ An* &ore &i%!t 'e contin(a"" e3$ecte* to arri,e+
T!e *an%er "a not t!erefore in t!e "ac/ of &en+
1t )a# t!e terror of t!e B"ac/ Arro) t!at o$$re##e* t!e #$irit# of t!e %arri#on+ For t!eir o$en foe# of t!e $art of 9or/ in t!e#e &o#t c!an%in% ti&e# t!e fe"t '(t a far-a)a concern+ 6T!e )or"*6 a# $eo$"e #ai* in t!o#e *a# 6&i%!t c!an%e a%ain6 'efore !ar& ca&e+ B(t for t!eir nei%!'o(r# in t!e )oo* t!e tre&'"e*+ 1t )a# not Sir Danie" a"one )!o )a# a &ar/ for !atre*+ Hi# &en con#cio(# of i&$(nit !a* carrie* t!e&#e",e# cr(e"" t!ro(%! a"" t!e co(ntr+ Har#! co&&an*# !a* 'een !ar#!" e3ec(te*. an* of t!e "itt"e 'an* t!at no) #at ta"/in% in t!e co(rt t!ere )a# not one '(t !a* 'een %(i"t of #o&e act of o$$re##ion or 'ar'arit+ An* no) ' t!e fort(ne of )ar Sir Danie" !a* 'eco&e $o)er"e## to $rotect !i# in#tr(&ent#. no) ' t!e i##(e of #o&e !o(r# of 'att"e at )!ic! &an of t!e& !a* not 'een $re#ent t!e !a* a"" 'eco&e $(ni#!a'"e traitor# to t!e State o(t#i*e t!e '(c/"er of t!e "a) a #!r(n/en co&$an in a $oor fortre## t!at )a# !ar*" tena'"e an* e3$o#e* ($on a"" #i*e# to t!e 5(#t re#ent&ent of t!eir ,icti&#+ Nor !a* t!ere 'een "ac/in% %ri#" a*,erti#e&ent# of )!at t!e &i%!t e3$ect+ At *ifferent $erio*# of t!e e,enin% an* t!e ni%!t no fe)er t!an #e,en ri*er"e## !or#e# !a* co&e nei%!in% in terror to t!e %ate+ T)o )ere fro& Se"*en4# troo$. fi,e 'e"on%e* to &en )!o !a* ri**en )it! Sir Danie" to t!e fie"*+ La#t" a "itt"e 'efore *a)n a #$ear&an !a* co&e #ta%%erin% to t!e &oat #i*e $ierce* ' t!ree arro)#. e,en a# t!e carrie* !i& in !i# #$irit !a* *e$arte*. '(t ' t!e )or*# t!at !e (ttere* in !i# a%on !e &(#t !a,e 'een t!e "a#t #(r,i,or of a con#i*era'"e co&$an of &en+ Hatc! !i&#e"f #!o)e* (n*er !i# #(n-'ro)n t!e $a""o(r of an3iet. an* )!en !e !a* ta/en Dic/ a#i*e an* "earne* t!e fate of Se"*en !e fe"" on a #tone 'enc! an* fair" )e$t+ T!e ot!er# fro& )!ere t!e
#at on #too"# or *oor#te$# in t!e #(nn an%"e of t!e co(rt "oo/e* at !i& )it! )on*er an* a"ar& '(t none ,ent(re* to in;(ire t!e ca(#e of !i# e&otion+ 6Na Ma#ter S!e"ton6 #ai* Hatc! at "a#t - 6na '(t )!at #ai* 17 We #!a"" a"" %o+ Se"*en )a# a &an of !i# !an*#. !e )a# "i/e a 'rot!er to &e+ We"" !e !a# %one #econ*. )e"" )e #!a"" a"" fo""o)8 For )!at #ai* t!eir /na,e r!&e7 - 4A '"ac/ arro) in eac! '"ac/ !eart+4 Wa# it not #o it )ent7 A$$"ear* Se"*en S&it! o"* H(&$!re %one. an* t!ere "iet! $oor Jo!n Carter crin% $oor #inner for t!e $rie#t+6 Dic/ %a,e ear+ O(t of a "o) )in*o) !ar* ' )!ere t!e )ere ta"/in% %roan# an* &(r&(r# ca&e to !i# ear+ 6Liet! !e t!ere76 !e a#/e*+ 6A in t!e #econ* $orter4# c!a&'er6 an#)ere* Hatc!+ 6We co("* not 'ear !i& f(rt!er #o(" an* 'o* )ere #o 'itter" at o**#+ At e,er #te$ )e "ifte* !i& !e t!o(%!t to )en*+ B(t no) &et!in/# it i# t!e #o(" t!at #(fferet!+ E,er for t!e $rie#t !e criet! an* Sir O"i,er 1 )ot not )! #ti"" co&et! not+ 4T)i"" 'e a "on% #!rift. '(t $oor A$$"ear* an* $oor Se"*en t!e !a* none+6 Dic/ #too$e* to t!e )in*o) an* "oo/e* in+ T!e "itt"e ce"" )a# "o) an* *ar/ '(t !e co("* &a/e o(t t!e )o(n*e* #o"*ier "in% &oanin% on !i# $a""et+ 6Carter $oor frien* !o) %oet! it76 !e a#/e*+ 6Ma#ter S!e"ton6 ret(rne* t!e &an in an e3cite* )!i#$er 6for t!e *ear "i%!t of !ea,en 'rin% t!e $rie#t+ A"ac/ 1 a& #$e*. 1 a& 'ro(%!t ,er "o) *o)n. & !(rt i# to t!e *eat!+ 9e &a *o &e no &ore #er,ice. t!i# #!a"" 'e t!e "a#t+ No) for & $oor #o("4# intere#t an* a# a "oa" %ent"e&an 'e#tir o(. for 1 !a,e t!at &atter on & con#cience t!at #!a"" *ra% &e *ee$+6 He %roane* an* Dic/ !ear* t!e %ratin% of !i# teet! )!et!er in $ain or terror+ J(#t t!en Sir Danie" a$$eare* ($on t!e t!re#!o"* of t!e !a""+ !a* a "etter in one !an*+
He
6La*#6 !e #ai* 6)e !a,e !a* a #!o% )e !a,e !a* a t(&'"e. )!erefore t!en *en it7 Rat!er it i&$(tet! to %et #$ee*i" a%ain to #a**"e+ T!i# o"* Harr t!e Si3t !a# !a* t!e (n*er&o#t+ Wa#! )e t!en o(r !an*# of !i&+ 1 !a,e a %oo* frien* t!at ri*et! ne3t t!e *(/e t!e Lor* of Wen#"e*a"e+ We"" 1 !a,e )rit a "etter to & frien* $rain% !i# %oo* "or*#!i$ an* offerin% "ar%e #ati#faction for t!e $a#t an* rea#ona'"e #(ret for t!e f(t(re+ Do('t not '(t !e )i"" "en* a fa,o(ra'"e ear+ A $raer )it!o(t %ift# i# "i/e a #on% )it!o(t &(#ic: 1 #(rfeit !i& )it! $ro&i#e# 'o# - 1 #$are not to $ro&i#e+ W!at t!en i# "ac/in%7 Na a %reat t!in% - )!erefore #!o("* 1 *ecei,e o(7 - a %reat t!in% an* a *iffic("t: a &e##en%er to 'ear it+ T!e )oo*# - 4 are not i%norant of t!at - "ie t!ic/ )it! o(r i""-)i""er#+ Ha#te i# &o#t nee*f(". '(t )it!o(t #"ei%!t an* ca(tion a"" i# na(%!t+ W!ic! t!en of t!i# co&$an )i"" ta/e &e t!i# "etter 'ear &e it to & Lor* of Wen#"e*a"e an* 'rin% &e t!e an#)er 'ac/76
One &an in#tant" aro#e+ 61 )i"" an4t "i/e o(6 #ai* !e+
61 )i"" e,en ri#/ & carca#e+6
6Na Dic/ Bo)er not #o6 ret(rne* t!e /ni%!t+ 61t "i/e# &e not+ 94 are #" in*ee* '(t not #$ee*+ 9e )ere a "a%%ar* e,er+6 6An4t 'e #o Sir Danie" !ere a& 16 crie* anot!er+ 6T!e forfen*86 t!e /ni%!t+ into 694 Jo!n are #$ee* '(t not #"+ #aint# 9e )o("* '"(n*er #ai* &e !ea*fore&o#t A&en*-A""4# ca&$+ 1 t!an/ o( 'ot! for o(r %oo* co(ra%e. '(t in #oot! it &a not 'e+6 T!en Hatc! offere* !i&#e"f an* !e a"#o )a# ref(#e*+ 61 )ant o( !ere %oo* Bennet. 4 are & ri%!t !an* in*ee*6 ret(rne* t!e /ni%!t. an* t!en #e,era" co&in% for)ar* in a %ro($ Sir Danie" at "en%t! #e"ecte* one an* %a,e !i& t!e "etter+ 6No)6 !e #ai* 6($on o(r %oo* #$ee* an* 'etter *i#cretion )e *o a"" *e$en*+ Brin% &e a %oo* an#)er 'ac/ an* 'efore t!ree )ee/# 1 )i"" !a,e $(r%e* & fore#t of t!e#e ,a%a'on*# t!at 'ra,e (# to o(r face#+ B(t &ar/ it )e"" T!ro%&orton: t!e &atter i# not ea#+ 9e &(#t #tea" fort! (n*er ni%!t an* %o "i/e a fo3. an* !o) e are to cro## Ti"" 1 /no) not neit!er ' t!e 'ri*%e nor ferr+6 61 can #)i&6 ret(rne* T!ro%&orton+ not+6
61 )i"" co&e #o(n*" fear
6We"" frien* %et e to t!e '(tter6 re$"ie* Sir Danie"+ 69e #!a"" #)i& fir#t of a"" in n(t-'ro)n a"e+6 An* )it! t!at !e t(rne* 'ac/ into t!e !a""+ 6Sir Danie" !at! a )i#e ton%(e6 #ai* Hatc! a#i*e to Dic/+ 6See no) )!ere &an a "e##er &an !a* %"o##e* t!e &atter o,er !e #$ea/et! it o(t $"ain" to !i# co&$an+ Here i# a *an%er 4a #ait! an* !ere *iffic("t. an* 5e#tet! in t!e ,er #ain%+ Na ' Saint Bar'ar !e i# a 'orn ca$tain8 Not a &an '(t !e i# #o&e *ea" !eartene* ($8 See !o) t!e fa"" a%ain to )or/+6 T!i# $rai#e of Sir Danie" $(t a t!o(%!t in t!e "a*4# !ea*+ 6Bennet6 !e #ai* 6!o) ca&e & fat!er ' !i# en*76 6A#/ &e not t!at6 re$"ie* Hatc!+ 61 !a* no !an* nor /no)"e*%e in it. f(rt!er&ore 1 )i"" e,en 'e #i"ent Ma#ter Dic/+ For "oo/ o( in a &an4# o)n '(#ine## t!ere !e &a #$ea/. '(t of !ear#a &atter# an* of co&&on ta"/ not #o+ A#/ &e Sir O"i,er - a or Carter if e )i"". not &e+6 An* Hatc! #et off to &a/e t!e ro(n*# "ea,in% Dic/ in a &(#e+ 6W!erefore )o("* !e not te"" &e76 t!o(%!t t!e "a*+ 6An* )!erefore na&e* !e Carter7 Carter - na t!en Carter !a* a !an* in it $erc!ance+6 He entere* t!e !o(#e an* $a##in% #o&e "itt"e )a a"on% a f"a%%e*
an* ,a("te* $a##a%e ca&e to t!e *oor of t!e ce"" )!ere t!e !(rt &an "a %roanin%+ At !i# entrance Carter #tarte* ea%er"+ 6Ha,e e 'ro(%!t t!e $rie#t76 !e crie*+ 6Not et a)!i"e6 ret(rne* Dic/+ 694 4a,e a )or* to te"" &e fir#t+ Ho) ca&e & fat!er Harr S!e"ton ' !i# *eat!76 T!e &an4# face a"tere* in#tant"+ 61 /no) not6 !e re$"ie* *o%%e*"+ 6Na e /no) )e""6 ret(rne* Dic/+
6See/ not to $(t &e '+6
61 te"" o( 1 /no) not6 re$eate* Carter+ 6T!en6 #ai* Dic/ 6e #!a"" *ie (n#!ri,en+ Here a& 1 an* !ere #!a"" #ta+ T!ere #!a"" no $rie#t co&e near o( re#t a##(re*+ For of )!at a,ai" i# $enitence an e !a,e no &in* to ri%!t t!o#e )ron%# e !a* a !an* in7 an* )it!o(t $enitence confe##ion i# '(t &oc/er+6 69e #a )!at e &ean not Ma#ter Dic/6 #ai* Carter co&$o#e*"+ 61t i# i"" t!reatenin% t!e *in% an* 'eco&et! o( =to #$ea/ tr(t!> "itt"e+ An* for a# "itt"e a# it co&&en*# o( it #!a"" #er,e o( "e##+ Sta an e $"ea#e+ 9e )i"" con*e&n & #o(" - e #!a"" "earn not!in%8 T!ere i# & "a#t )or* to o(+6 t(rne* ($on t!e ot!er #i*e+
An* t!e )o(n*e* &an
No) Dic/ to #a tr(t! !a* #$o/en !a#ti" an* )a# a#!a&e* of !i# t!reat+ B(t !e &a*e one &ore effort+ 6Carter6 !e #ai* 6&i#ta/e &e not+ 1 /no) e )ere '(t an in#tr(&ent in t!e !an*# of ot!er#. a c!(r" &(#t o'e !i# "or*. 1 )o("* not 'ear !ea,i" on #(c! an one+ B(t 1 'e%in to "earn ($on &an #i*e# t!at t!i# %reat *(t "iet! on & o(t! an* i%norance to a,en%e & fat!er+ Prit!ee t!en %oo* Carter #et a#i*e t!e &e&or of & t!reatenin%# an* in $(re %oo*)i"" an* !one#t $enitence %i,e &e a )or* of !e"$+6 T!e )o(n*e* &an "a #i"ent. nor #a )!at Dic/ $"ea#e* co("* !e e3tract anot!er )or* fro& !i&+ 6We""6 #ai* Dic/ 61 )i"" %o ca"" t!e $rie#t to o( a# e *e#ire*. for !o)#oe,er e 'e in fa("t to &e or &ine 1 )o("* not 'e )i""in%" in fa("t to an "ea#t of a"" to one ($on t!e "a#t c!an%e+6 A%ain t!e o"* #o"*ier !ear* !i& )it!o(t #$eec! or &otion. e,en !i# %roan# !e !a* #($$re##e*. an* a# Dic/ t(rne* an* "eft t!e roo& !e )a# fi""e* )it! a*&iration for t!at r(%%e* fortit(*e+ 6An* et6 !e t!o(%!t 6of )!at (#e i# co(ra%e )it!o(t )it7 Ha* !i# !an*# 'een c"ean !e )o("* !a,e #$o/en. !i# #i"ence *i* confe## t!e #ecret "o(*er t!an )or*#+ Na ($on a"" #i*e# $roof f"o)et! on &e+ Sir Danie" !e or !i# &en !at! *one t!i# t!in%+6 Dic/ $a(#e* in t!e #tone $a##a%e )it! a !ea, !eart+ At t!at !o(r in t!e e'' of Sir Danie"4# fort(ne )!en !e )a# 'e"ea%(ere* ' t!e
arc!er# of t!e B"ac/ Arro) an* $ro#cri'e* ' t!e ,ictorio(# 9or/i#t# )a# Dic/ a"#o to t(rn ($on t!e &an )!o !a* no(ri#!e* an* ta(%!t !i& )!o !a* #e,ere" $(ni#!e* in*ee* '(t et (n)earin%" $rotecte* !i# o(t!7 T!e nece##it if it #!o("* $ro,e to 'e one )a# cr(e"+ 6Pra Hea,en !e 'e innocent86 !e #ai*+ An* t!en #te$# #o(n*e* on t!e f"a%%in% an* Sir O"i,er ca&e %ra,e" to)ar*# t!e "a*+ 6One #ee/et! o( earne#t"6 #ai* Dic/+ 61 a& ($on t!e )a %oo* Ric!ar*6 #ai* t!e $rie#t+ $oor Carter+ A"ac/ !e i# 'eon* c(re+6
61t i# t!i#
6An* et !i# #o(" i# #ic/er t!an !i# 'o*6 an#)ere* Dic/+ 6Ha,e e #een !i&76 a#/e* Sir O"i,er )it! a &anife#t #tart+ 61 *o '(t co&e fro& !i&6 re$"ie* Dic/+ 6W!at #ai* !e7 )!at #ai* !e76 #na$$e* t!e $rie#t )it! e3traor*inar ea%erne##+ 6He '(t crie* for o( t!e &ore $iteo(#" Sir O"i,er+
1t )ere )e""
*one to %o t!e fa#ter for !i# !(rt i# %rie,o(#6 ret(rne* t!e "a*+ 61 a& #trai%!t for !i&6 )a# t!e re$"+ 6We"" )e !a,e a"" o(r #in#+ We &(#t a"" co&e to o(r "atter *a %oo* Ric!ar*+6 6A #ir. an* it )ere )e"" if )e a"" ca&e fair"6 an#)ere* Dic/+ T!e $rie#t *ro$$e* !i# ee# an* )it! an ina(*i'"e 'ene*iction !(rrie* on+ 6He too86 t!o(%!t Dic/ - 6!e t!at ta(%!t &e in $iet8 Na t!en )!at a )or"* i# t!i# if a"" t!at care for &e 'e '"oo*-%(i"t of & fat!er4# *eat!7 0en%eance8 A"a#8 )!at a #ore fate i# &ine if 1 &(#t 'e a,en%e* ($on & frien*#86 T!e t!o(%!t $(t Matc!a& in !i# !ea*+
He #&i"e* at t!e re&e&'rance
of !i# #tran%e co&$anion an* t!en )on*ere* )!ere !e )a#+ E,er #ince t!e !a* co&e to%et!er to t!e *oor# of t!e Moat Ho(#e t!e o(n%er "a* !a* *i#a$$eare* an* Dic/ 'e%an to )ear for a )or* )it! !i&+ A'o(t an !o(r after &a## 'ein% #o&e)!at !a#ti" r(n t!ro(%! ' Sir O"i,er t!e co&$an %at!ere* in t!e !a"" for *inner+ 1t )a# a "on% "o) a$art&ent #tre)n )it! %reen r(#!e# an* t!e )a""# !(n% )it! arra# in a *e#i%n of #a,a%e &en an* ;(e#tin% '"oo*!o(n*#. !ere an* t!ere !(n% #$ear# an* 'o)# an* '(c/"er#. a fire '"a2e* in t!e 'i% c!i&ne. t!ere )ere arra#-co,ere* 'enc!e# ro(n* t!e )a"" an* in t!e &i*#t t!e ta'"e fair" #$rea* a)aite* t!e arri,a" of t!e *iner#+ Neit!er Sir Danie" nor !i# "a* &a*e t!eir a$$earance+ Sir O"i,er !i&#e"f )a# a'#ent an* !ere a%ain t!ere )a# no )or* of Matc!a&+ Dic/ 'e%an to %ro) a"ar&e* to reca"" !i# co&$anion4# &e"anc!o" fore'o*in%# an* to )on*er to !i&#e"f if an fo(" $"a !a* 'efa""en !i& in t!at !o(#e+
After *inner !e fo(n* Goo* Hatc! )!o )a# !(rrin% to & La* Brac/"e+ 6Goo*6 !e #ai* 6)!ere i# Ma#ter Matc!a& 1 $rit!ee7 in )it! !i& )!en )e arri,e*+6
1 #a) e %o
T!e o"* )o&an "a(%!e* a"o(*+ 6A! Ma#ter Dic/6 #!e #ai* 64 !a,e a fa&o(# 'ri%!t ee in o(r !ea* to 'e #(re86 an* "a(%!e* a%ain+ 6Na '(t )!ere i# !e in*ee*76 $er#i#te* Dic/+ 69e )i"" ne,er #ee !i& &ore6 #!e ret(rne* - 6ne,er+
1t i# #(re+6
6An 1 *o not6 ret(rne* t!e "a* 61 )i"" /no) t!e rea#on )!+ He ca&e not !it!er of !i# f("" free )i"". #(c! a# 1 a& 1 a& !i# 'e#t $rotector an* 1 )i"" #ee !i& 5(#t" (#e*+ T!ere 'e too &an &#terie#. 1 *o 'e%in to )ear of t!e %a&e86 B(t a# Dic/ )a# #$ea/in% a !ea, !an* fe"" on !i# #!o("*er+ 1t )a# Bennet Hatc! t!at !a* co&e (n$ercei,e* 'e!in* !i&+ Wit! a 5er/ of !i# t!(&' t!e retainer *i#&i##e* !i# )ife+ 6Frien* Dic/6 !e #ai* a# #oon a# t!e )ere a"one 6are e a &oon#tr(c/ nat(ra"7 An e "ea,e not certain t!in%# in $eace e )ere 'etter in t!e #a"t #ea t!an !ere in T(n#ta"" Moat Ho(#e+ 94 !a,e ;(e#tione* &e. 4 !a,e 'aite* Carter. 4 !a,e fri%!te* t!e Jac/$rie#t )it! !int#+ Bear e &ore )i#e" foo". an* e,en no) )!en Sir Danie" ca""et! o( #!o) &e a #&oot! face for t!e "o,e of )i#*o&+ 94 are to 'e #!ar$" ;(e#tione*+ Loo/ to o(r an#)er#+6 6Hatc!6 ret(rne* Dic/ 6in a"" t!i# 1 #&e"" a %(i"t con#cience+6 6An e %o not t!e )i#er e )i"" #oon #&e"" '"oo*6 re$"ie* Bennet+ 61 *o '(t )arn o(+ An* !ere co&et! one to ca"" o(+6 An* in*ee* at t!at ,er &o&ent a &e##en%er ca&e acro## t!e co(rt to #(&&on Dic/ into t!e $re#ence of Sir Danie"+
CHAPTER 11 - THE TWO OATHS
Sir Danie" )a# in t!e !a"". t!ere !e $ace* an%ri" 'efore t!e fire a)aitin% Dic/4# arri,a"+ None )a# ' e3ce$t Sir O"i,er an* !e #at *i#creet" 'ac/)ar* t!(&'in% an* &(tterin% o,er !i# 're,iar+ 694 !a,e #ent for &e Sir Danie"76 #ai* o(n% S!e"ton+ 61 !a,e #ent for o( in*ee*6 re$"ie* t!e /ni%!t+ 6For )!at co&et! to &ine ear#7 Ha,e 1 'een to o( #o !ea, a %(ar*ian t!at e &a/e !a#te to cre*it i"" of &e7 Or #it! t!at e #ee &e for t!e nonce #o&e )or#te* *o e t!in/ to ;(it & $art7 B t!e &a## o(r fat!er )a# not #o8 T!o#e !e )a# near t!o#e !e #too* ' co&e )in* or )eat!er+ B(t o( Dic/ 4 are a fair-*a frien* it
#ee&et! an* no) #ee/ to c"ear o(r#e"f of o(r a""e%iance+6 6An4t $"ea#e o( Sir Danie" not #o6 ret(rne* Dic/ fir&"+ 61 a& %ratef(" an* fait!f(" )!ere %ratit(*e an* fait! are *(e+ An* 'efore &ore i# #ai* 1 t!an/ o( an* 1 t!an/ Sir O"i,er. 4 !a,e %reat c"ai&# ($on &e 'ot! - none can !a,e &ore. 1 )ere a !o(n* if 1 for%ot t!e&+6 61t i# )e""6 #ai* Sir Danie". an* t!en ri#in% into an%er: 6Gratit(*e an* fait! are )or*# Dic/ S!e"ton6 !e contin(e*. 6'(t 1 "oo/ to *ee*#+ 1n "an*# t!i# !o(r of & $eri" na&e attainte* )!en & are forfeit )!en )!en t!i# & )oo* i# i# f("" of &en t!at !(n%er an* t!ir#t for & *e#tr(ction )!at *ot! %ratit(*e7 )!at *ot! fait!7 1 !a,e '(t a "itt"e co&$an re&ainin%. i# it %ratef(" or fait!f(" to $oi#on &e t!eir !eart# )it! o(r in#i*io(# )!i#$erin%#7 Sa,e &e fro& #(c! %ratit(*e8 B(t co&e no) )!at i# it e )i#!7 S$ea/. )e are !ere to an#)er+ 1f e !a,e a(%!t a%ain#t &e #tan* fort! an* #a it+6 6Sir6 re$"ie* Dic/ 6& fat!er fe"" )!en 1 )a# et a c!i"*+ 1t !at! co&e to &ine ear# t!at !e )a# fo("" *one '+ 1t !at! co&e to &ine ear# - for 1 )i"" not *i##e&'"e - t!at e !a* a !an* in !i# (n*oin%+ An* in a"" ,erit 1 #!a"" not 'e at $eace in &ine o)n &in* nor ,er c"ear to !e"$ o( ti"" 1 !a,e certain re#o"(tion of t!e#e *o('t#+6 Sir Danie" #at *o)n in a *ee$ #ett"e+ an* "oo/e* at Dic/ fi3e*"+
He too/ !i# c!in in !i# !an*
6An* e t!in/ 1 )o("* 'e %(ar*ian to t!e &an4# #on t!at 1 !a* &(r*ere*76 !e a#/e*+ 6Na6 #ai* Dic/ 6$ar*on &e if 1 an#)er c!(r"i#!". '(t in*ee* e /no) ri%!t )e"" a )ar*#!i$ i# &o#t $rofita'"e+ A"" t!e#e ear# !a,e e not en5oe* & re,en(e# an* "e* & &en7 Ha,e e not #ti"" & &arria%e7 1 )ot not )!at it &a 'e )ort! - it i# )ort! #o&et!in%+ Par*on &e a%ain. '(t if e )ere 'a#e eno(%! to #"a a &an (n*er tr(#t !ere )ere $er!a$# rea#on# eno(%! to &o,e o( to t!e "e##er 'a#ene##+6 6W!en 1 )a# "a* of o(r ear#6 ret(rne* Sir Danie" #tern" 6& &in* !a* not #o t(rne* ($on #(#$icion#+ An* Sir O"i,er !ere6 !e a**e* 6)! #!o("* !e a $rie#t 'e %(i"t of t!i# act76 6Na Sir Danie"6 #ai* Dic/ 6'(t )!ere t!e &a#ter 'i**et! t!ere )i"" t!e *o% %o+ 1t i# )e"" /no)n t!i# $rie#t i# '(t o(r in#tr(&ent+ 1 #$ea/ ,er free". t!e ti&e i# not for co(rte#ie#+ E,en a# 1 #$ea/ #o )o("* 1 'e an#)ere*+ An* an#)er %et 1 none8 9e '(t $(t &ore ;(e#tion#+ 1 re*e e 'e )are Sir Danie". for in t!i# )a e )i"" '(t no(ri#! an* not #ati#f & *o('t#+6 61 )i"" an#)er o( fair" Ma#ter Ric!ar*6 #ai* t!e /ni%!t+ 6Were 1 to $reten* e !a,e not #tirre* & )rat! 1 )ere no !one#t &an+ B(t 1 )i"" 'e 5(#t e,en in an%er+ Co&e to &e )it! t!e#e )or*# )!en 4 are %ro)n an* co&e to &an4# e#tate an* 1 a& no "on%er o(r %(ar*ian an* #o !e"$"e## to re#ent t!e&+ Co&e to &e t!en an* 1 )i"" an#)er o( a# e &erit )it! a '(ffet in t!e &o(t!+ Ti"" t!en e !a,e t)o co(r#e#: eit!er #)a""o) &e *o)n t!e#e in#("t# /ee$ a #i"ent ton%(e an* fi%!t in t!e &ean)!i"e for t!e &an t!at fe* an*
fo(%!t for o(r infanc. or e"#e - t!e *oor #tan*et! o$en t!e )oo*# are f("" of &ine ene&ie# - %o+6 T!e #$irit )it! )!ic! t!e#e )or*# )ere (ttere* t!e "oo/# )it! )!ic! t!e )ere acco&$anie* #ta%%ere* Dic/. an* et !e co("* not '(t o'#er,e t!at !e !a* %ot no an#)er+ 61 *e#ire not!in% &ore earne#t" Sir Danie" t!an to 'e"ie,e o(6 !e re$"ie*+ 6A##(re &e e are free fro& t!i#+6 6Wi"" e ta/e & )or* of !ono(r Dic/76 in;(ire* t!e /ni%!t+ 6T!at )o("* 16 an#)ere* t!e "a*+ 61 %i,e it o(6 ret(rne* Sir Danie"+ 6U$on & )or* of !ono(r ($on t!e eterna" )e"fare of & #$irit an* a# 1 #!a"" an#)er for & *ee*# !ereafter 1 !a* no !an* nor $ortion in o(r fat!er4# *eat!+6 He e3ten*e* !i# !an* an* Dic/ too/ it ea%er"+ Neit!er of t!e& o'#er,e* t!e $rie#t )!o at t!e $ron(nciation of t!at #o"e&n an* fa"#e oat! !a* !a"f ari#en fro& !i# #eat in an a%on of !orror an* re&or#e+ 6A!6 crie* Dic/ 6e &(#t fin* it in o(r %reat-!earte*ne## to $ar*on &e8 1 )a# a c!(r" in*ee* to *o('t of o(+ B(t e !a,e & !an* ($on it. 1 )i"" *o('t no &ore+6 6Na Dic/6 re$"ie* Sir Danie" 64 are for%i,en+ )or"* an* it# ca"(&nio(# nat(re+6
9e /no) not t!e
61 )a# t!e &ore to '"a&e6 a**e* Dic/ 6in t!at t!e ro%(e# $ointe* not *irect" at o(r#e"f '(t at Sir O"i,er+6 A# !e #$o/e !e t(rne* to)ar*# t!e $rie#t an* $a(#e* in t!e &i**"e of t!e "a#t )or*+ T!i# ta"" r(** cor$("ent !i%!-#te$$in% &an !a* fa""en o( &i%!t #a to $iece#. !i# co"o(r )a# %one !i# "i&'# )ere re"a3e* !i# "i$# #ta&&ere* $raer#. an* no) )!en Dic/4# ee# )ere fi3e* ($on !i& #(**en" !e crie* o(t a"o(* "i/e #o&e )i"* ani&a" an* '(rie* !i# face in !i# !an*#+ Sir Danie" )a# ' !i& in t)o #tri*e# an* #!oo/ !i& fierce" ' t!e #!o("*er+ At t!e #a&e &o&ent Dic/4# #(#$icion# rea)a/ene*+ 6Na6 !e #ai* 6Sir O"i,er &a #)ear a"#o+ acc(#e*+6
4T)a# !i& t!e
6He #!a"" #)ear6 #ai* t!e /ni%!t+ Sir O"i,er #$eec!"e##" )a,e* !i# ar&#+ 6A ' t!e &a##8 '(t e #!a"" #)ear6 crie* Sir Danie" 'e#i*e !i&#e"f )it! f(r+ 6Here ($on t!i# 'oo/ e #!a"" #)ear6 !e contin(e* $ic/in% ($ t!e 're,iar )!ic! !a* fa""en to t!e %ro(n*+ 6W!at8 9e &a/e &e *o('t o(8 S)ear 1 #a. #)ear86 B(t t!e $rie#t )a# #ti"" inca$a'"e of #$eec!+ Hi# terror of Sir Danie" !i# terror of $er5(r ri#en to a'o(t an e;(a" !ei%!t #tran%"e* !i&+
An* 5(#t t!en t!ro(%! t!e !i%! #taine*-%"a## )in*o) of t!e !a"" a '"ac/ arro) cra#!e* an* #tr(c/ an* #t(c/ ;(i,erin% in t!e &i*#t of t!e "on% ta'"e+ Sir O"i,er )it! a "o(* #crea& fe"" faintin% on t!e r(#!e#. )!i"e t!e /ni%!t fo""o)e* ' Dic/ *a#!e* into t!e co(rt an* ($ t!e neare#t cor/#cre) #tair to t!e 'att"e&ent#+ T!e #entrie# )ere a"" on t!e a"ert+ T!e #(n #!one ;(iet" on %reen "a)n# *otte* )it! tree# an* on t!e )oo*e* !i""# of t!e fore#t )!ic! enc"o#e* t!e ,ie)+ T!ere )a# no #i%n of a 'e#ie%er+ 6W!ence ca&e t!at #!ot76 a#/e* t!e /ni%!t+ 6Fro& on*er c"(&$ Sir Danie"6 ret(rne* a #entine"+ T!e /ni%!t #too* a "itt"e &(#in%+ T!en !e t(rne* to Dic/+ 6Dic/6 !e #ai* 6/ee$ &e an ee ($on t!e#e &en. 1 "ea,e o( in c!ar%e !ere+ A# for t!e $rie#t !e #!a"" c"ear !i&#e"f or 1 )i"" /no) t!e rea#on )!+ 1 *o a"&o#t 'e%in to #!are in o(r #(#$icion#+ He #!a"" #)ear tr(#t &e or )e #!a"" $ro,e !i& %(i"t+6 Dic/ an#)ere* #o&e)!at co"*" an* t!e /ni%!t %i,in% !i& a $iercin% %"ance !(rrie*" ret(rne* to t!e !a""+ Hi# fir#t %"ance )a# for t!e arro)+ 1t )a# t!e fir#t of t!e#e &i##i"e# !e !a* #een an* a# !e t(rne* it to an* fro t!e *ar/ !(e of it to(c!e* !i& )it! #o&e fear+
A%ain t!ere )a# #o&e )ritin%:
one )or* - 6Eart!e*+6
6A6 !e 'ro/e o(t 6t!e /no) 1 a& !o&e t!en+ Eart!e*8 t!ere i# not a *o% a&on% t!e& fit to *i% &e o(t+6
A '(t
Sir O"i,er !a* co&e to !i&#e"f an* no) #cra&'"e* to !i# feet+ 6A"ac/ Sir Danie"86 !e &oane* 64 4a,e #)orn a *rea* oat!. 4 are *oo&e* to t!e en* of ti&e+6 6A6 ret(rne* t!e /ni%!t 61 !a,e #)orn an oat! in*ee* t!o( c!(c/"e!ea*. '(t t!#e"f #!a"t #)ear a %reater+ 1t #!a"" 'e on t!e '"e##e* cro## of Ho")oo*+ Loo/ to it. %et t!e )or*# rea*+ 1t #!a"" 'e #)orn to-ni%!t+6 6No) &a Hea,en "i%!ten o(86 re$"ie* t!e $rie#t. 6&a Hea,en inc"ine o(r !eart fro& t!i# ini;(it86 6Loo/ o( & %oo* fat!er6 #ai* Sir Danie" 6if 4 are for $iet 1 #a no &ore. e 'e%in "ate t!at i# a""+ B(t if 4 are in an #en#e 'ent ($on )i#*o& !ear &e+ T!i# "a* 'e%innet! to ir/ &e "i/e a )a#$+ 1 !a,e a nee* for !i& for 1 )o("* #e"" !i# &arria%e+ B(t 1 te"" o( in a"" $"ainne## if t!at !e contin(e to )ear &e !e #!a"" %o 5oin !i# fat!er+ 1 %i,e or*er# no) to c!an%e !i& to t!e c!a&'er a'o,e t!e c!a$e"+ 1f t!at e can #)ear o(r innocenc )it! a %oo* #o"i* oat! an* an a##(re* co(ntenance it i# )e"". t!e "a* )i"" 'e at $eace a "itt"e an* 1 )i"" #$are !i&+ 1f t!at e #ta&&er or '"enc! or an)a# 'o%%"e at t!e #)earin% !e )i"" not 'e"ie,e o(. an* ' t!e &a## !e #!a"" *ie+ T!ere i# for o(r t!in/in% on+6 6T!e c!a&'er a'o,e t!e c!a$e"86 %a#$e* t!e $rie#t+
6T!at #a&e6 re$"ie* t!e /ni%!t+ 6So if e *e#ire to #a,e !i& #a,e !i&. an* if e *e#ire not $rit!ee %o to an* "et &e 'e at $eace8 For an 1 !a* 'een a !a#t &an 1 )o("* a"rea* !a,e $(t & #)or* t!ro(%! o( for o(r into"era'"e co)ar*ice an* fo""+ Ha,e e c!o#en7 Sa86 61 !a,e c!o#en6 #ai* t!e $rie#t+ 6Hea,en $ar*on &e 1 )i"" *o e,i" for %oo*+ 1 )i"" #)ear for t!e "a*4# #a/e+6 6So i# it 'e#t86 #ai* Sir Danie"+
6Sen* for !i& t!en #$ee*i"+
9e #ee !i& a"one+ 9et 1 #!a"" !a,e an ee on o(+ 'e #!a"" !ere in t!e $ane" roo&+6
1 #!a""
T!e /ni%!t rai#e* t!e arra# an* "et it fa"" a%ain 'e!in* !i&+ T!ere )a# t!e #o(n* of a #$rin% o$enin%. t!en fo""o)e* t!e crea/in% of tro* #tair#+ Sir O"i,er "eft a"one ca#t a ti&oro(# %"ance ($)ar* at t!e arra#co,ere* )a"" an* cro##e* !i&#e"f )it! e,er a$$earance of terror an* contrition+ 6Na if !e i# in t!e c!a$e" roo&6 t!e $rie#t &(r&(re* 6)ere it at & #o("4# co#t 1 &(#t #a,e !i&+6 T!ree &in(te# "ater Dic/ )!o !a* 'een #(&&one* ' anot!er &e##en%er fo(n* Sir O"i,er #tan*in% ' t!e !a"" ta'"e re#o"(te an* $a"e+ 6Ric!ar* S!e"ton6 !e #ai* 6e !a,e re;(ire* an oat! fro& &e+ 1 &i%!t co&$"ain 1 &i%!t *en o(. '(t & !eart i# &o,e* to)ar* o( for t!e $a#t an* 1 )i"" e,en content o( a# e c!oo#e+ B t!e tr(e cro## of Ho")oo* 1 *i* not #"a o(r fat!er+6 6Sir O"i,er6 ret(rne* Dic/ 6)!en fir#t )e rea* Jo!n A&en*-A""4# $a$er 1 )a# con,ince* of #o &(c!+ B(t #(ffer &e to $(t t)o ;(e#tion#+ 9e *i* not #"a !i&. %rante*+ B(t !a* e no !an* in it76 6None6 #ai* Sir O"i,er+ An* at t!e #a&e ti&e !e 'e%an to contort !i# face an* #i%na" )it! !i# &o(t! an* ee'ro)# "i/e one )!o *e#ire* to con,e a )arnin% et *are* not (tter a #o(n*+ Dic/ re%ar*e* !i& in )on*er. t!en !e t(rne* an* "oo/e* a"" a'o(t !i& at t!e e&$t !a""+ 6W!at &a/e e76 !e in;(ire*+ 6W! na(%!t6 ret(rne* t!e $rie#t !a#ti" #&oot!in% !i# co(ntenance+ 61 &a/e na(%!t. 1 *o '(t #(ffer. 1 a& #ic/+ 1 - 1 $rit!ee Dic/ 1 &(#t 'e%one+ On t!e tr(e cro## of Ho")oo* 1 a& c"ean innocent a"i/e of ,io"ence or treac!er+ Content e %oo* "a*+ Fare)e""86 An* !e &a*e !i# e#ca$e fro& t!e a$art&ent )it! (n(#(a" a"acrit+ Dic/ re&aine* roote* to t!e #$ot roo& !i# face a c!an%in% $ict(re *o('t #(#$icion an* a&(#e&ent+ c"earer #(#$icion too/ t!e ($$er
!i# ee# )an*erin% a'o(t t!e of ,ario(# e&otion# )on*er Gra*(a"" a# !i# &in* %re) !an* an* )a# #(ccee*e* '
certaint of t!e )or#t+ He rai#e* !i# !ea* an* a# !e *i* #o ,io"ent" #tarte*+ Hi%! ($on t!e )a"" t!ere )a# t!e fi%(re of a #a,a%e !(nter )o,en in t!e ta$e#tr+ Wit! one !an* !e !e"* a !orn to !i# &o(t!. in t!e ot!er !e 'ran*i#!e* a #to(t #$ear+ Hi# face )a# *ar/ for !e )a# &eant to re$re#ent an African+ No) !ere )a# )!at !a* #tart"e* Ric!ar* S!e"ton+ T!e #(n !a* &o,e* a)a fro& t!e !a"" )in*o)# an* at t!e #a&e ti&e t!e fire !a* '"a2e* ($ !i%! on t!e )i*e !eart! an* #!e* a c!an%ef(" %"o) ($on t!e roof an* !an%in%#+ 1n t!i# "i%!t t!e fi%(re of t!e '"ac/ !(nter !a* )in/e* at !i& )it! a )!ite ee"i*+ He contin(e* #tarin% at t!e ee+ T!e "i%!t #!one ($on it "i/e a %e&. it )a# "i;(i* it )a# a"i,e+ A%ain t!e )!ite ee"i* c"o#e* ($on it for a fraction of a #econ* an* t!e ne3t &o&ent it )a# %one+ T!ere co("* 'e no &i#ta/e+ T!e "i,e ee t!at !a* 'een )atc!in% !i& t!ro(%! a !o"e in t!e ta$e#tr )a# %one+ T!e fire"i%!t no "on%er #!one on a ref"ectin% #(rface+ An* in#tant" Dic/ a)o/e to t!e terror# of !i# $o#ition+ Hatc!4# )arnin% t!e &(te #i%na"# of t!e $rie#t t!i# ee t!at !a* o'#er,e* !i& fro& t!e )a"" ran to%et!er in !i# &in*+ He #a) !e !a* 'een $(t ($on !i# tria" t!at !e !a* once &ore 'etrae* !i# #(#$icion# an* t!at #!ort of #o&e &irac"e !e )a# "o#t+ 61f 1 cannot %et &e fort! o(t of t!i# !o(#e6 !e t!o(%!t 61 a& a *ea* &an8 An* t!i# $oor Matc!a& too - to )!at a coc/atrice4# ne#t !a,e 1 not "e* !i&86 He )a# #ti"" #o t!in/in% )!en t!ere ca&e one in !a#te to 'i* !i& !e"$ in c!an%in% !i# ar&# !i# c"ot!in% an* !i# t)o or t!ree 'oo/# to a ne) c!a&'er+ 6A ne) c!a&'er76 !e re$eate*+
6W!erefore #o7
W!at c!a&'er76
64Ti# one a'o,e t!e c!a$e"6 an#)ere* t!e &e##en%er+ 61t !at! #too* "on% e&$t6 #ai* Dic/ &(#in%+ roo& i# it76 6Na a 'ra,e roo&6 ret(rne* t!e &an+ ,oice - 6t!e ca"" it !a(nte*+6 6Ha(nte*76 re$eate* Dic/ )it! a c!i""+ Na t!en an* ' )!o&76
6W!at &anner of
6B(t et6 - "o)erin% !i# 61 !a,e not !ear* of it+
T!e &e##en%er "oo/e* a'o(t !i&. an* t!en in a "o) )!i#$er 6B t!e #acri#t of St+ Jo!n4#6 !e #ai*+ 6T!e !a* !i& t!ere to #"ee$ one ni%!t an* in t!e &ornin% - )!e)8 - !e )a# %one+ T!e *e,i" !a* ta/en !i& t!e #ai*. t!e &ore 'eto/en !e !a* *r(n/ "ate t!e ni%!t 'efore+6 Dic/ fo""o)e* t!e &an )it! '"ac/ fore'o*in%#+
CHAPTER 111 - THE ROOM O0ER THE CHAPEL
Fro& t!e 'att"e&ent# not!in% f(rt!er )a# o'#er,e*+ T!e #(n 5o(rnee* )e#t)ar* an* at "a#t )ent *o)n. '(t to t!e ee# of a"" t!e#e ea%er #entine"# no "i,in% t!in% a$$eare* in t!e nei%!'o(r!oo* of T(n#ta"" Ho(#e+ W!en t!e ni%!t )a# at "en%t! fair" co&e T!ro%&orton )a# "e* to a roo& o,er"oo/in% an an%"e of t!e &oat+ T!ence !e )a# "o)ere* )it! e,er ri$$"e of !i# #)i&&in% )a# 'rief $reca(tion. $erio*. t!ent!e a '"ac/ fi%(re )a# o'#er,e* toa(*i'"e "an* 'for t!ea 'ranc!e# of a )i""o) an* cra)" a)a a&on% t!e %ra##+ For #o&e !a"f !o(r Sir Danie" an* Hatc! #too* ea%er" %i,in% ear. '(t a"" re&aine* ;(iet+ T!e &e##en%er !a* %ot a)a in #afet+ Sir Danie"4# 'ro) %re) c"earer+
He t(rne* to Hatc!+
6Bennet6 !e #ai* 6t!i# Jo!n A&en*-A"" i# no &ore t!an a &an e #ee+ He #"ee$et!+ We )i"" &a/e a %oo* en* of !i& %o to86 A"" t!e afternoon an* e,enin% Dic/ !a* 'een or*ere* !it!er an* t!it!er one co&&an* fo""o)in% anot!er ti"" !e )a# 'e)i"*ere* )it! t!e n(&'er an* t!e !(rr of co&&i##ion#+ A"" t!at ti&e !e !a* #een no &ore of Sir O"i,er an* not!in% of Matc!a&. an* et 'ot! t!e $rie#t an* t!e o(n% "a* ran contin(a"" in !i# &in*+ 1t )a# no) !i# c!ief $(r$o#e to e#ca$e fro& T(n#ta"" Moat Ho(#e a# #$ee*i" a# &i%!t 'e. an* et 'efore !e )ent !e *e#ire* a )or* )it! 'ot! of t!e#e+ At "en%t! )it! a "a&$ in one !an* !e &o(nte* to !i# ne) a$art&ent+ 1t )a# "ar%e "o) an* #o&e)!at *ar/+ T!e )in*o) "oo/e* ($on t!e &oat an* a"t!o(%! it )a# #o !i%! ($ it )a# !ea,i" 'arre*+ T!e 'e* )a# "(3(rio(# )it! one $i""o) of *o)n an* one of "a,en*er an* a re* co,er"et )or/e* in a $attern of ro#e#+ A"" a'o(t t!e )a""# )ere c($'oar*# "oc/e* an* $a*"oc/e* an* concea"e* fro& ,ie) ' !an%in%# of *ar/-co"o(re* arra#+ Dic/ &a*e t!e ro(n* "iftin% t!e arra# #o(n*in% t!e $ane"# #ee/in% ,ain" to o$en t!e c($'oar*#+ He a##(re* !i&#e"f t!at t!e *oor )a# #tron% an* t!e 'o"t #o"i*. t!en !e #et *o)n !i# "a&$ ($on a 'rac/et an* once &ore "oo/e* a"" aro(n*+ For )!at rea#on !a* !e 'een %i,en t!i# c!a&'er7 1t )a# "ar%er an* finer t!an !i# o)n+ Co("* it concea" a #nare7 Wa# t!ere a #ecret entrance7 Wa# it in*ee* !a(nte*7 Hi# '"oo* ran a "itt"e c!i"" in !i# ,ein#+ 1&&e*iate" o,er !i& t!e !ea, foot of a #entr tro* t!e "ea*#+ Be"o) !i& !e /ne) )a# t!e arc!e* roof of t!e c!a$e". an* ne3t to t!e c!a$e" )a# t!e !a""+ Certain" t!ere )a# a #ecret $a##a%e in t!e !a"". t!e ee t!at !a* )atc!e* !i& fro& t!e arra# %a,e !i& $roof of t!at+ Wa# it not &ore t!an $ro'a'"e t!at t!e $a##a%e e3ten*e* to t!e c!a$e" an* if #o t!at it !a* an o$enin% in !i# roo&7 To #"ee$ in #(c! a $"ace !e fe"t )o("* 'e foo"!ar*+ He &a*e !i# )ea$on# rea* an* too/ !i# $o#ition in a corner of t!e roo& 'e!in* t!e *oor+ 1f i"" )a# inten*e* !e )o("* #e"" !i# "ife *ear+
T!e #o(n* of &an feet t!e c!a""en%e an* t!e $a##)or* #o(n*e* o,er!ea* a"on% t!e 'att"e&ent#. t!e )atc! )a# 'ein% c!an%e*+ An* 5(#t t!en t!ere ca&e a #cratc!in% at t!e *oor of t!e c!a&'er. it %re) a "itt"e "o(*er. t!en a )!i#$er: 6Dic/ Dic/ it i# 186 Dic/ ran to t!e *oor *re) t!e 'o"t an* a*&itte* Matc!a&+ He )a# ,er $a"e an* carrie* a "a&$ in one !an* an* a *ra)n *a%%er in t!e ot!er+ 6S!(t &e t!e *oor6 !e )!i#$ere*+ 6S)ift Dic/8 T!i# !o(#e i# f("" of #$ie#. 1 !ear t!eir feet fo""o) &e in t!e corri*or#. 1 !ear t!e& 'reat!e 'e!in* t!e arra#+6 6We"" content o(6 ret(rne* Dic/ 6it i# c"o#e*+ We are #afe for t!i# )!i"e if t!ere 'e #afet an)!ere )it!in t!e#e )a""#+ B(t & !eart i# %"a* to #ee o(+ B t!e &a## "a* 1 t!o(%!t e )ere #$e*8 W!ere !i* e76 61t &atter# not6 ret(rne* Matc!a&+ 6Since )e 'e &et it &atter# not+ B(t Dic/ are o(r ee# o$en7 Ha,e t!e to"* o( of to&orro)4# *oin%#76 6Not t!e6 re$"ie* Dic/+
6W!at &a/e t!e to-&orro)76
6To-&orro) or to-ni%!t 1 /no) not6 #ai* t!e ot!er 6'(t one ti&e or ot!er Dic/ t!e *o inten* ($on o(r "ife+ 1 !a* t!e $roof of it. 1 !a,e !ear* t!e& )!i#$er. na t!e a# %oo* a# to"* &e+6 6A6 ret(rne* Dic/ 6i# it #o7
1 !a* t!o(%!t a# &(c!+6
An* !e to"* !i& t!e *a4# occ(rrence# at "en%t!+ W!en it )a# *one Matc!a& aro#e an* 'e%an in t(rn to e3a&ine t!e a$art&ent+ 6No6 !e #ai* 6t!ere i# no entrance ,i#i'"e+ 9et 4ti# a certaint t!ere i# one+ Dic/ 1 )i"" #ta ' o(+ An 4 *ie 1 )i"" *ie )it! o(+ An* 1 can !e"$ - "oo/8 1 !a,e *a%%er - 1 )i"" *o & 'e#t8 An* &ean)!i"e an e /no) of
$(re are to #to"en a an
i##(e an #a""-$ort )e co("* %et o$ene* or an )in*o) t!at )e &i%!t *e#cen* ' 1 )i"" &o#t 5of("" face an 5eo$ar* to f"ee )it! o(+6 6Jac/6 #ai* Dic/ 6' t!e &a## Jac/ 4 are t!e 'e#t #o(" an* t!e tr(e#t an* t!e 'ra,e#t in a"" En%"an*8 Gi,e &e o(r !an* Jac/+6 An* !e %ra#$e* t!e ot!er4# !an* in #i"ence+ 61 )i"" te"" o(6 !e re#(&e*+ 6T!ere i# a )in*o) o(t of )!ic! t!e &e##en%er *e#cen*e*. t!e ro$e #!o("* #ti"" 'e in t!e c!a&'er+ 4Ti# a !o$e+6 6Hi#t86 #ai* Matc!a&+ Bot! %a,e ear+
T!ere )a# a #o(n* 'e"o) t!e f"oor. t!en it $a(#e*
an* t!en 'e%an a%ain+ 6So&e one )a"/et! in t!e roo& 'e"o)6 )!i#$ere* Matc!a&+ 6Na6 ret(rne* Dic/ 6t!ere i# no roo& 'e"o). )e are a'o,e t!e c!a$e"+ 1t i# & &(r*erer in t!e #ecret $a##a%e+ We"" "et !i& co&e. it #!a"" %o !ar* )it! !i&.6 an* !e %ro(n* !i# teet!+ 6B"o) &e t!e "i%!t# o(t6 #ai* t!e ot!er+ 'etra !i&#e"f+6
6Perc!ance !e )i""
T!e '"e) o(t 'ot! t!e "a&$# an* "a #ti"" a# *eat!+ T!e footfa""# (n*erneat! )ere ,er #oft '(t t!e )ere c"ear" a(*i'"e+ Se,era" ti&e# t!e ca&e an* )ent. an* t!en t!ere )a# a "o(* 5ar of a /e t(rnin% in a "oc/ fo""o)e* ' a con#i*era'"e #i"ence+ Pre#ent" t!e #te$# 'e%an a%ain an* t!en a"" of a #(**en a c!in/ of "i%!t a$$eare* in t!e $"an/in% of t!e roo& in a far corner+ 1t )i*ene*. a tra$-*oor )a# 'ein% o$ene* "ettin% in a %(#! of "i%!t+ T!e co("* #ee t!e #tron% !an* $(#!in% it ($. an* Dic/ rai#e* !i# cro##-'o) )aitin% for t!e !ea* to fo""o)+ B(t no) t!ere ca&e an interr($tion+ Fro& a *i#tant corner of t!e Moat Ho(#e #!o(t# 'e%an to 'e !ear* an* fir#t one ,oice an* t!en #e,era" crin% a"o(* ($on a na&e+ T!i# noi#e !a* $"ain" *i#concerte* t!e &(r*erer for t!e tra$-*oor )a# #i"ent" "o)ere* to it# $"ace an* t!e #te$# !(rrie*" ret(rne* $a##e* once &ore c"o#e 'e"o) t!e "a*# an* *ie* a)a in t!e *i#tance+ Here )a# a &o&ent4# re#$ite+ Dic/ 'reat!e* *ee$ an* t!en an* not ti"" t!en !e %a,e ear to t!e *i#t(r'ance )!ic! !a* interr($te* t!e attac/ an* )!ic! )a# no) rat!er increa#in% t!an *i&ini#!in%+ A"" a'o(t t!e Moat Ho(#e feet )ere r(nnin% *oor# )ere o$enin% an* #"a&&in% an* #ti"" t!e ,oice of Sir Danie" to)ere* a'o,e a"" t!i# '(#t"e #!o(tin% for 6Joanna+6 6Joanna86 re$eate* Dic/+ 6W! )!o t!e &(rrain #!o("* t!i# 'e7 Here i# no Joanna nor e,er !at! 'een+ W!at &eanet! it76 Matc!a& )a# #i"ent+ He #ee&e* to !a,e *ra)n f(rt!er a)a+ B(t on" a "itt"e faint #tar"i%!t entere* ' t!e )in*o) an* at t!e far en* of t!e a$art&ent )!ere t!e $air )ere t!e *ar/ne## )a# co&$"ete+ 6Jac/6 #ai* Dic/ 61 )ot not )!ere e )ere a"" *a+ Joanna76
Sa) e t!i#
6Na6 ret(rne* Matc!a& 61 #a) !er not+6 6Nor !ear* te"" of !er76 !e $(r#(e*+ T!e #te$# *re) nearer+ Sir Danie" )a# #ti"" roarin% t!e na&e of Joanna fro& t!e co(rtar*+ 6Di* e !ear of !er76 re$eate* Dic/+ 61 !ear* of !er6 #ai* Matc!a&+ 6Ho) o(r ,oice t)itter#8
W!at ai"et! o(76 #ai* Dic/+
6Ti# a
&o#t e3ce""ent %oo* fort(ne t!i# Joanna. it )i"" ta/e t!eir &in*# fro& (#+6 6Dic/6 crie* Matc!a& 61 a& "o#t. )e are 'ot! "o#t+ Let (# f"ee if t!ere 'e et ti&e+ T!e )i"" not re#t ti"" t!e !a,e fo(n* &e+ Or #ee8 "et &e %o fort!. )!en t!e !a,e fo(n* &e e &a f"ee+ Let &e fort! Dic/ - %oo* Dic/ "et &e a)a86 S!e )a# %ro$in% for t!e 'o"t )!en Dic/ at "a#t co&$re!en*e*+ 6B !e crie* 64&arr are no Jac/. 4 are Joanna Se*"e. 4 are t!e t!e &a##86 &ai* t!at )o("* not &e86 T!e %ir" $a(#e* an* #too* #i"ent an* &otion"e##+ #i"ent for a "itt"e. t!en !e #$o/e a%ain+
Dic/ too )a#
6Joanna6 !e #ai* 64 4a,e #a,e* & "ife an* 1 !a,e #a,e* o(r#. an* )e !a,e #een '"oo* f"o) an* 'een frien*# an* ene&ie# - a an* 1 too/ & 'e"t to t!ra#! o(. an* a"" t!at ti&e 1 t!o(%!t e )ere a 'o+ B(t no) *eat! !a# &e an* & ti&e4# o(t an* 'efore 1 *ie 1 &(#t #a t!i#: 94 are t!e 'e#t &ai* an* t!e 'ra,e#t (n*er !ea,en an* if on" 1 co("* "i,e 1 )o("* &arr o( '"it!e". an* "i,e or *ie 1 "o,e o(+6 S!e an#)ere* not!in%+ 6Co&e6 !e #ai* 6#$ea/ ($ Jac/+ "o,e &e86
Co&e 'e a %oo* &ai* an* #a e
6W! Dic/6 #!e crie* 6)o("* 1 'e !ere76 6We"" #ee e !ere6 contin(e* Dic/ 6an )e '(t e#ca$e )!o"e )e4"" &arr. an* an )e4re to *ie )e *ie an* t!ere4# an en* on4t+ B(t no) t!at 1 t!in/ !o) fo(n* e & c!a&'er76 61 a#/e* it of Da&e Hatc!6 #!e an#)ere*+ 6We"" t!e *a&e4# #ta(nc!6 !e an#)ere*. 6#!e4"" not te"" ($on o(+ We !a,e ti&e 'efore (#+6 An* 5(#t t!en a# if to contra*ict !i# )or*# feet ca&e *o)n t!e corri*or an* a fi#t 'eat ro(%!" on t!e *oor+ 6Here86 crie* a ,oice+ &o,e* nor an#)ere*+
6O$en Ma#ter Dic/. o$en86
Dic/ neit!er
61t i# a"" o,er6 #ai* t!e %ir". an* #!e $(t !er ar&# a'o(t Dic/4# nec/+ One after anot!er &en ca&e troo$in% to t!e *oor+ T!en Sir Danie" arri,e* !i&#e"f an* t!ere )a# a #(**en ce##ation of t!e noi#e+ 6Dic/6 crie* t!e /ni%!t 6'e not an a##+ T!e Se,en S"ee$er# !a* 'een a)a/e ere no)+ We /no) #!e i# )it!in t!ere+ O$en t!en t!e *oor &an+6 Dic/ )a# a%ain #i"ent+ 6Do)n )it! it6 #ai* Sir Danie"+
An* i&&e*iate" !i# fo""o)er#
fe"" #a,a%e" ($on t!e *oor )it! foot an* fi#t+ So"i* a# it )a# an* #tron%" 'o"te* it )o("* #oon !a,e %i,en )a. '(t once &ore fort(ne interfere*+ O,er t!e t!(n*er#tor& of '"o)# t!e cr of a #entine" )a# !ear*. it )a# fo""o)e* ' anot!er. #!o(t# ran a"on% t!e 'att"e&ent# #!o(t# an#)ere* o(t of t!e )oo*+ 1n t!e fir#t &o&ent of a"ar& it #o(n*e* a# if t!e fore#ter# )ere carrin% t!e Moat Ho(#e ' a##a("t+ An* Sir Danie" an* !i# &en *e#i#tin% in#tant" fro& t!eir attac/ ($on Dic/4# c!a&'er !(rrie* to *efen* t!e )a""#+ 6No)6 crie* Dic/ 6)e are #a,e*+6 He #ei2e* t!e %reat o"* 'e*#tea* )it! 'ot! !an*# an* 'ent !i&#e"f in ,ain to &o,e it+ 6He"$ &e Jac/+
For o(r "ife4# #a/e !e"$ &e #to(t"86 !e crie*+
Bet)een t!e& )it! a !(%e effort t!e *ra%%e* t!e 'i% fra&e of oa/ acro## t!e roo& an* t!r(#t it en*)i#e to t!e c!a&'er *oor+ 69e *o '(t &a/e t!in%# )or#e6 #ai* Joanna #a*"+ enter ' t!e tra$+6
6He )i"" t!en
6Not #o6 re$"ie* Dic/+ 6He *(r#t not te"" !i# #ecret to #o &an+ 1t i# ' t!e tra$ t!at )e #!a"" f"ee+ Har/8 T!e attac/ i# o,er+ Na it )a# none86 1t !a* in*ee* 'een no attac/. it )a# t!e arri,a" of anot!er $art of #tra%%"er# fro& t!e *efeat of Ri#in%!a& t!at !a* *i#t(r'e* Sir Danie"+ T!e !a* r(n t!e %a(nt"et (n*er co,er of t!e *ar/ne##. t!e !a* 'een a*&itte* ' t!e %reat %ate. an* no) )it! a %reat #ta&$in% of !oof# an* 5in%"e of acco(tre&ent# an* ar&# t!e )ere *i#&o(ntin% in t!e co(rt+ 6He )i"" ret(rn anon6 #ai* Dic/+
6To t!e tra$86
He "i%!te* a "a&$ an* t!e )ent to%et!er into t!e corner of t!e roo&+ T!e o$en c!in/ t!ro(%! )!ic! #o&e "i%!t #ti"" %"ittere* )a# ea#i" *i#co,ere* an* ta/in% a #to(t #)or* fro& !i# #&a"" ar&o(r Dic/ t!r(#t it *ee$ into t!e #ea& an* )ei%!e* #tren(o(#" on t!e !i"t+ T!e tra$ &o,e* %a$e* a "itt"e an* at "en%t! ca&e )i*e" o$en+ Sei2in% it )it! t!eir !an*# t!e t)o o(n% fo"/ t!re) it 'ac/+ 1t *i#c"o#e* a fe) #te$# *e#cen*in% an* at t!e foot of t!e& )!ere t!e )o("*-'e &(r*erer !a* "eft it a '(rnin% "a&$+ 6No)6 #ai* Dic/ 6%o fir#t an* ta/e t!e "a&$+ c"o#e t!e tra$+6
1 )i"" fo""o) to
So t!e *e#cen*e* one after t!e ot!er an* a# Dic/ "o)ere* t!e tra$ t!e '"o)# 'e%an once a%ain to t!(n*er on t!e $ane"# of t!e *oor+
CHAPTER 10 - THE PASSAGE
T!e $a##a%e in )!ic! Dic/ an* Joanna no) fo(n* t!e&#e",e# )a#
narro) *irt an* #!ort+ At t!e ot!er en* of it a *oor #too* $art" o$en. t!e #a&e *oor )it!o(t *o('t t!at t!e !a* !ear* t!e &an (n"oc/in%+ Hea, co')e'# !(n% fro& t!e roof. an* t!e $a,e* f"oorin% ec!oe* !o""o) (n*er t!e "i%!te#t trea*+ Beon* t!e *oor t!ere )ere t)o 'ranc!e# at ri%!t an%"e#+ Dic/ c!o#e one of t!e& at ran*o& an* t!e $air !(rrie* )it! ec!oin% foot#te$# a"on% t!e !o""o) of t!e c!a$e" roof+ T!e to$ of t!e arc!e* cei"in% ro#e "i/e a )!a"e4# 'ac/ in t!e *i& %"i&&er of t!e "a&$+ Here an* t!ere )ere #$!o"e# concea"e* on t!e ot!er #i*e ' t!e Dic/ car,in% t!e cornice. *o)n one)it! of it# t!e#e #a)of t!e $a,e* f"ooran* of "oo/in% t!e c!a$e" - t!ro(%! t!e a"tar '(rnin% ta$er# - an* #tretc!e* 'efore it on t!e #te$# t!e fi%(re of Sir O"i,er $rain% )it! ($"ifte* !an*#+ At t!e ot!er en* t!e *e#cen*e* a fe) #te$#+ T!e $a##a%e %re) narro)er. t!e )a"" ($on one !an* )a# no) of )oo*. t!e noi#e of $eo$"e ta"/in% an* a faint f"ic/erin% of "i%!t# ca&e t!ro(%! t!e inter#tice#. an* $re#ent" t!e ca&e to a ro(n* !o"e a'o(t t!e #i2e of a &an4# ee an* Dic/ "oo/in% *o)n t!ro(%! it 'e!e"* t!e interior of t!e !a"" an* #o&e !a"f a *o2en &en #ittin% in t!eir 5ac/# a'o(t t!e ta'"e *rin/in% *ee$ an* *e&o"i#!in% a ,eni#on $ie+ T!e#e )ere certain" #o&e of t!e "ate arri,a"#+ 6Here i# no !e"$6 #ai* Dic/+
6Let (# tr 'ac/+6
6Na6 #ai* Joanna. 6&a'e t!e $a##a%e %oet! fart!er+6 An* #!e $(#!e* on+ B(t a fe) ar*# fart!er t!e $a##a%e en*e* at t!e to$ of a #!ort f"i%!t of #te$#. an* it 'eca&e $"ain t!at a# "on% a# t!e #o"*ier# occ($ie* t!e !a"" e#ca$e )a# i&$o##i'"e ($on t!at #i*e+ T!e retrace* t!eir #te$# )it! a"" i&a%ina'"e #$ee* an* #et for)ar* to e3$"ore t!e ot!er 'ranc!+ 1t )a# e3cee*in%" narro) #carce )i*e eno(%! for a "ar%e &an. an* it "e* t!e& contin(a"" ($ an* *o)n ' "itt"e 'rea/-nec/ #tair# (nti" e,en Dic/ !a* "o#t a"" notion of !i# )!erea'o(t#+ At "en%t! it %re) 'ot! narro)er an* "o)er. t!e #tair# contin(e* to *e#cen*. t!e )a""# on eit!er !an* 'eca&e *a&$ an* #"i& to t!e to(c!. an* far in front of t!e& t!e !ear* t!e #;(ea/in% an* #c(tt"in% of t!e rat#+ 6We &(#t 'e in t!e *(n%eon#6 Dic/ re&ar/e*+ 6An* #ti"" t!ere i# no o(t"et6 a**e* Joanna+ 6Na '(t an o(t"et t!ere &(#t 'e86 Dic/ an#)ere*+ Pre#ent" #(re eno(%! t!e ca&e to a #!ar$ an%"e an* t!en t!e $a##a%e en*e* in a f"i%!t of #te$#+ On t!e to$ of t!at t!ere )a# a #o"i* f"a% of #tone ' )a of tra$ an* to t!i# t!e 'ot! #et t!eir 'ac/#+ 1t )a# i&&o,a'"e+ 6So&e one !o"*et! it6 #(%%e#te* Joanna+ 6Not #o6 #ai* Dic/. 6for )ere a &an #tron% a# ten !e &(#t #ti"" ie"* a "itt"e+ B(t t!i# re#i#tet! "i/e *ea* roc/+ T!ere i# a )ei%!t ($on t!e tra$+ Here i# no i##(e. an* ' & #oot! %oo* Jac/ )e are !ere a# fair" $ri#oner# a# t!o(%! t!e %,e# )ere on o(r an/"e 'one#+ Sit e t!en *o)n an* "et (# ta"/+ After a )!i"e
)e #!a"" ret(rn )!en $erc!ance t!e #!a"" 'e "e## caref("" ($on t!eir %(ar*. an* )!o /no)et!7 )e &a 'rea/ o(t an* #tan* a c!ance+ B(t in & $oor o$inion )e are a# %oo* a# #!ent+6 6Dic/86 #!e crie* 6a"a# t!e *a t!at e,er e #!o("* !a,e #een &e8 For "i/e a &o#t (n!a$$ an* (nt!an/f(" &ai* it i# 1 !a,e "e* o( !it!er+6 6W!at c!eer86 ret(rne* Dic/+ 61t )a# a"" )ritten an* t!at )!ic! i# )ritten )i"" ni"" co&et! #ti"" to $a##+ B(t te"" &e a "itt"e )!at &anner of)i"" a &ai* e aret!an an* to !o)'e&oan e ca&e into Sir Danie"4# !an*#. t!at *o 'etter o(r#e"f )!et!er for o(r #a/e or &ine+6 61 a& an or$!an "i/e o(r#e"f of fat!er an* &ot!er6 #ai* Joanna. 6an* for & %reat &i#fort(ne Dic/ an* !it!erto for o(r# 1 a& a ric! &arria%e+ M Lor* Fo3!a& !a* &e to )ar*. et it a$$ear# Sir Danie" 'o(%!t t!e &arria%e of &e fro& t!e /in% an* a ri%!t *ear $rice !e $ai* for it+ So !ere )a# 1 $oor 'a'e )it! t)o %reat an* ric! &en fi%!tin% )!ic! #!o("* &arr &e an* 1 #ti"" at n(r#e8 We"" t!en t!e )or"* c!an%e* an* t!ere )a# a ne) c!ance""or an* Sir Danie" 'o(%!t t!e )ar*in% of &e o,er t!e Lor* Fo3!a&4# !ea*+ An* t!en t!e )or"* c!an%e* a%ain an* Lor* Fo3!a& 'o(%!t & &arria%e o,er Sir Danie"4#. an* fro& t!en to no) it )ent on i"" 'et)i3t t!e t)o of t!e&+ B(t #ti"" Lor* Fo3!a& /e$t &e in !i# !an*# an* )a# a %oo* "or* to &e+ An* at "a#t 1 )a# to 'e &arrie* - or #o"* if e "i/e it 'etter+ Fi,e !(n*re* $o(n*# Lor* Fo3!a& )a# to %et for &e+ Ha&"e )a# t!e %roo&4# na&e an* to-&orro) Dic/ of a"" *a# in t!e ear )a# 1 to 'e 'etrot!e*+ Ha* it not co&e to Sir Danie" 1 !a* 'een )e**e* #(re - an* ne,er #een t!ee Dic/ - *ear Dic/86 An* !ere #!e too/ !i# !an* an* /i##e* it )it! t!e $rettie#t %race. an* Dic/ *re) !er !an* to !i& an* *i* t!e "i/e+ 6We""6 #!e )ent on 6Sir Danie" too/ &e (na)are# in t!e %ar*en an* &a*e &e *re## in t!e#e &en4# c"ot!e# )!ic! i# a *ea*" #in for a )o&an. an* 'e#i*e# t!e fit &e not+ He ro*e )it! &e to Kett"e a# e #a) te""in% &e 1 )a# to &arr o(. '(t 1 in & !eart &a*e #(re 1 )o("* &arr Ha&"e in !i# teet!+6 6A86 crie* Dic/ 6an* #o e "o,e* t!i# Ha&"e86 6Na6 re$"ie* Joanna 6not 1+ 1 *i* '(t !ate Sir Danie"+ An* t!en Dic/ e !e"$e* &e an* e )ere ri%!t /in* an* ,er 'o"* an* & !eart t(rne* to)ar*# o( in &ine o)n *e#$ite. an* no) if )e can in an )a co&$a## it 1 )o("* &arr o( )it! ri%!t %oo*)i""+ An* if ' cr(e" *e#tin it &a not 'e #ti"" e4"" 'e *ear to &e+ W!i"e & !eart 'eat# it4"" 'e tr(e to o(+6 6An* 16 #ai* Dic/ 6t!at ne,er care* a #tra) for an &anner of )o&an (nti" no) 1 too/ to o( )!en 1 t!o(%!t e )ere a 'o+ 1 !a* a $it to o( an* /ne) not )!+ W!en 1 )o("* !a,e 'e"te* o( t!e !an* fai"e* &e+ B(t )!en e o)ne* e )ere a &ai* Jac/ - for #ti"" 1 )i"" ca"" o( Jac/ - 1 &a*e #(re e )ere t!e &ai* for &e+ Har/86 !e #ai* 'rea/in% off - 6one co&et!+6 An* in*ee* a !ea, trea* )a# no) a(*i'"e in t!e ec!oin% $a##a%e an* t!e rat# a%ain f"e* in ar&ie#+
Dic/ reconnoitre* !i# $o#ition+ T!e #(**en t(rn %a,e !i& a $o#t of ,anta%e+ He co("* t!(# #!oot in #afet fro& t!e co,er of t!e )a""+ B(t it )a# $"ain t!e "i%!t )a# too near !i& an* r(nnin% #o&e )a for)ar* !e #et *o)n t!e "a&$ in t!e &i**"e of t!e $a##a%e an* t!en ret(rne* to )atc!+ Pre#ent" at t!e far en* of t!e $a##a%e Bennet !o,e in #i%!t+ #ee&e* to 'e a"one an* !e carrie* in !i# !an* a '(rnin% torc! )!ic! &a*e !i& t!e 'etter &ar/+ 6Stan* Bennet86 crie* Dic/+
He
6Anot!er #te$ an* 4 are *ea*+6
6So !ere e are6 ret(rne* Hatc! $eerin% for)ar* into t!e *ar/ne##+ 61 #ee o( not+ A!a8 4 4a,e *one )i#e" Dic/. 4 4a,e $(t o(r "a&$ 'efore o(+ B & #oot! '(t t!o(%! it )a# *one to #!oot & o)n /na,e 'o* 1 *o re5oice to #ee e $rofit of & "e##on#8 An* no) )!at &a/e e7 )!at #ee/ e !ere7 W! )o("* e #!oot ($on an o"* /in* frien*7 An* !a,e e t!e o(n% %ent"e)o&an t!ere76 6Na Bennet it i# 1 #!o("* ;(e#tion an* o( an#)er6 re$"ie* Dic/+ 6W! a& 1 in t!i# 5eo$ar* of & "ife7 W! *o &en co&e $ri,i" to #"a &e in & 'e*7 W! a& 1 no) f"eein% in &ine o)n %(ar*ian4# #tron% !o(#e an* fro& t!e frien*# t!at 1 !a,e "i,e* a&on% an* ne,er in5(re*76 6Ma#ter Dic/ Ma#ter Dic/6 #ai* Bennet 6)!at to"* 1 o(7 'ra,e '(t t!e &o#t (ncraft "a* t!at 1 can t!in/ ($on86
94 are
6We""6 ret(rne* Dic/ 61 #ee e /no) a"" an* t!at 1 a& *oo&e* in*ee*+ 1t i# )e""+ Here )!ere 1 a& 1 #ta+ Let Sir Danie" %et &e o(t if !e 'e a'"e86 Hatc! )a# #i"ent for a #$ace+ 6Har/ e6 !e 'e%an 6ret(rn to Sir Danie" to te"" !i& )!ere e are an* !o) $o#te*. for in tr(t! it )a# to t!at en* !e #ent &e+ B(t o( if e are no foo" !a* 'e#t 'e %one ere 1 ret(rn+6 6Be%one86 re$eate* Dic/+ 1 cannot &o,e t!e tra$+6
61 )o("* 'e %one a"rea* an4 1 )i#t !o)+
6P(t &e o(r !an* into t!e corner an* #ee )!at e fin* t!ere6 re$"ie* Bennet+ 6T!ro%&orton4# ro$e i# #ti"" in t!e 'ro)n c!a&'er+ Fare e )e""+6 An* Hatc! t(rnin% ($on !i# !ee" *i#a$$eare* a%ain into t!e )in*in%# of t!e $a##a%e+ Dic/ in#tant" ret(rne* for !i# "a&$ an* $rocee*e* to act ($on t!e !int+ At one corner of t!e tra$ t!ere )a# a *ee$ ca,it in t!e )a""+ P(#!in% !i# ar& into t!e a$ert(re Dic/ fo(n* an iron 'ar )!ic! !e t!r(#t ,i%oro(#" ($)ar*#+ T!ere fo""o)e* a #na$$in% noi#e an* t!e #"a' of #tone in#tant" #tarte* in it# 'e*+ T!e )ere free of t!e $a##a%e+ A "itt"e e3erci#e of #tren%t! ea#i" rai#e* t!e tra$. an* t!e ca&e fort! into a ,a("te* c!a&'er o$enin% on one !an* ($on t!e co(rt )!ere one or t)o fe""o)# )it!
'are ar&# )ere r(''in% *o)n t!e !or#e# of t!e "a#t arri,a"#+ torc! or t)o eac! #t(c/ in an iron rin% a%ain#t t!e )a"" c!an%ef("" "it ($ t!e #cene+
A
CHAPTER 0 - HOW D1CK CHANGED S1DES
Dic/ '"o)in% o(t !i# #!o("* attract "e* t!e t!e )a ($-#tair# an* "a&$ a"on%"e#t t!e it corri*or+ 1n t!e attention 'ro)n c!a&'er ro$e !a* 'een &a*e fa#t to t!e fra&e of an e3cee*in% !ea, an* ancient 'e*+ 1t !a* not 'een *etac!e* an* Dic/ ta/in% t!e coi" to t!e )in*o) 'e%an to "o)er it #"o)" an* ca(tio(#" into t!e *ar/ne## of t!e ni%!t+ Joan #too* '. '(t a# t!e ro$e "en%t!ene* an* #ti"" Dic/ contin(e* to $a it o(t e3tre&e fear 'e%an to con;(er !er re#o"(tion+ 6Dic/6 #!e #ai* 6i# it #o *ee$7 infa""i'" fa"" %oo* Dic/+6
1 &a not e##a it+ 1 #!o("*
1t )a# 5(#t at t!e *e"icate &o&ent of t!e o$eration# t!at #!e #$o/e+ Dic/ #tarte*. t!e re&ain*er of t!e coi" #"i$$e* fro& !i# %ra#$ an* t!e en* fe"" )it! a #$"a#! into t!e &oat+ 1n#tant" fro& t!e 'att"e&ent a'o,e t!e ,oice of a #entine" crie* 6W!o %oe#76 6A &(rrain86 crie* Dic/+ t!e ro$e+6
6We are $ai* no)8
Do)n )it! o( - ta/e
61 cannot6 #!e crie* recoi"in%+ 6An e cannot no &ore can 16 #ai* S!e"ton+ &oat )it!o(t o(7 Do o( *e#ert &e t!en76 6Dic/6 #!e %a#$e* 61 cannot+
6Ho) can 1 #)i& t!e
T!e #tren%t! i# %one fro& &e+6
6B t!e &a## t!en )e are a"" #!ent86 !e #!o(te* #ta&$in% )it! !i# foot. an* t!en !earin% #te$# !e ran to t!e roo& *oor an* #o(%!t to c"o#e it+ Before !e co("* #!oot t!e 'o"t #tron% ar&# )ere t!r(#tin% it 'ac/ ($on !i& fro& t!e ot!er #i*e+ He #tr(%%"e* for a #econ*. t!en fee"in% !i&#e"f o,er$o)ere* ran 'ac/ to t!e )in*o)+ T!e %ir" !a* fa""en a%ain#t t!e )a"" in t!e e&'ra#(re of t!e )in*o). #!e )a# &ore t!an !a"f in#en#i'"e. an* )!en !e trie* to rai#e !er in !i# ar&# !er 'o* )a# "i&$ an* (nre#$on#i,e+ At t!e #a&e &o&ent t!e &en )!o !a* force* t!e *oor a%ain#t !i& "ai* !o"* ($on !i&+ T!e fir#t !e $oinar*e* at a '"o) an* t!e ot!er# fa""in% 'ac/ for a #econ* in #o&e *i#or*er !e $rofite* ' t!e c!ance 'e#tro*e t!e )in*o)-#i"" #ei2e* t!e cor* in 'ot! !an*# an* "et !i# 'o* #"i$+ T!e cor* )a# /notte* )!ic! &a*e it t!e ea#ier to *e#cen*. '(t #o f(rio(# )a# Dic/4# !(rr an* #o #&a"" !i# e3$erience of #(c! %&na#tic# t!at !e #$an ro(n* an* ro(n* in &i*-air "i/e a cri&ina" ($on a %i''et an* no) 'eat !i# !ea* an* no) 'r(i#e* !i# !an*#
a%ain#t t!e r(%%e* #tone)or/ of t!e )a""+ T!e air roare* in !i# ear#. !e #a) t!e #tar# o,er!ea* an* t!e ref"ecte* #tar# 'e"o) !i& in t!e &oat )!ir"in% "i/e *ea* "ea,e# 'efore t!e te&$e#t+ An* t!en !e "o#t !o"* an* fe"" an* #o(#e* !ea* o,er ear# into t!e ic )ater+ W!en !e ca&e to t!e #(rface !i# !an* enco(ntere* t!e ro$e )!ic! ne)" "i%!tene* of !i# )ei%!t )a# #)in%in% )i"*" to an* fro+ T!ere )a# a re* %"o) o,er!ea* an* "oo/in% ($ !e #a) ' t!e "i%!t of #e,era" torc!e# an* a cre##et f("" of '(rnin% coa"# t!e 'att"e&ent# "ine* )it! He!e #a) t!e &en4# t(rnin% !it!er an* t!it!er in ;(e#t of face#+ !i&. '(t )a# too far ee# 'e"o) t!e "i%!t reac!e* !i& not an* t!e "oo/e* in ,ain+ An* no) !e $ercei,e* t!at t!e ro$e )a# con#i*era'" too "on% an* !e 'e%an to #tr(%%"e a# )e"" a# !e co("* to)ar*# t!e ot!er #i*e of t!e &oat #ti"" /ee$in% !i# !ea* a'o,e )ater+ 1n t!i# )a !e %ot &(c! &ore t!an !a"f)a o,er. in*ee* t!e 'an/ )a# a"&o#t )it!in reac! 'efore t!e ro$e 'e%an to *ra) !i& 'ac/ ' it# o)n )ei%!t+ Ta/in% !i# co(ra%e in 'ot! !an*# !e "eft %o an* &a*e a "ea$ for t!e trai"in% #$ra# of )i""o) t!at !a* a"rea* t!at #a&e e,enin% !e"$e* Sir Danie"4# &e##en%er to "an*+ He )ent *o)n ro#e a%ain #an/ a #econ* ti&e an* t!en !i# !an* ca(%!t a 'ranc! an* )it! t!e #$ee* of t!o(%!t !e !a* *ra%%e* !i&#e"f into t!e t!ic/ of t!e tree an* c"(n% t!ere *ri$$in% an* $antin% an* #ti"" !a"f (ncertain of !i# e#ca$e+ B(t a"" t!i# !a* not 'een *one )it!o(t a con#i*era'"e #$"a#!in% )!ic! !a* #o far in*icate* !i# $o#ition to t!e &en a"on% t!e 'att"e&ent#+ Arro)# an* ;(arre"# fe"" t!ic/ aro(n* !i& in t!e *ar/ne## t!ic/ "i/e *ri,in% !ai". an* #(**en" a torc! )a# t!ro)n *o)n - f"are* t!ro(%! t!e air in it# #)ift $a##a%e - #t(c/ for a &o&ent on t!e e*%e of t!e 'an/ )!ere it '(rne* !i%! an* "it ($ it# )!o"e #(rro(n*in%# "i/e a 'onfire - an* t!en in a %oo* !o(r for Dic/ #"i$$e* off $"(&$e* into t!e &oat an* )a# in#tant" e3tin%(i#!e*+ 1t !a* #er,e* it# $(r$o#e+ T!e &ar/#&en !a* !a* )i""o) an* Dic/ en#conce* a&on% it# 'o(%!#. an* in#tant" #$ran% !i%!er ($ t!e 'an/ an* ran for et not ;(ic/ eno(%! to e#ca$e a #!ot+ An arro) #!o("*er anot!er %ra2e* !i# !ea*+
ti&e to #ee t!e t!o(%! t!e "a* !i# "ife !e )a# #tr(c/ !i& in t!e
T!e $ain of !i# )o(n*# "ent !i& )in%#. an* !e !a* no #ooner %ot ($on t!e "e,e" t!an !e too/ to !i# !ee"# an* ran #trai%!t 'efore !i& in t!e *ar/ )it!o(t a t!o(%!t for t!e *irection of !i# f"i%!t+ For a fe) #te$# &i##i"e# fo""o)e* !i& '(t t!e#e #oon cea#e*. an* )!en at "en%t! !e ca&e to a !a"t an* "oo/e* 'e!in* !e )a# a"rea* a %oo* )a fro& t!e Moat Ho(#e t!o(%! !e co("* #ti"" #ee t!e torc!e# &o,in% to an* fro a"on% it# 'att"e&ent#+ He "eane* a%ain#t a tree #trea&in% )it! '"oo* an* )ater 'r(i#e* )o(n*e* a"one an* (nar&e*+ For a"" t!at !e !a* #a,e* !i# "ife for t!at 'o(t. an* t!o(%! Joanna re&aine* 'e!in* in t!e $o)er of Sir Danie" !e neit!er '"a&e* !i&#e"f for an acci*ent t!at it !a* 'een 'eon* !i# $o)er to $re,ent nor *i* !e a(%(r an fata" con#e;(ence# to t!e %ir" !er#e"f+ Sir Danie" )a# cr(e" '(t !e )a# not "i/e" to 'e cr(e" to a o(n% %ent"e)o&an )!o !a* ot!er
$rotector# )i""in% an* a'"e to 'rin% !i& to acco(nt+ 1t )a# &ore $ro'a'"e !e )o("* &a/e !a#te to &arr !er to #o&e frien* of !i# o)n+ 6We""6 t!o(%!t Dic/ 6'et)een t!en an* no) 1 )i"" fin* &e t!e &ean# to 'rin% t!at traitor (n*er. for 1 t!in/ ' t!e &a## t!at 1 'e no) a'#o",e* fro& an %ratit(*e or o'"i%ation. an* )!en )ar i# o$en t!ere i# a fair c!ance for a""+6 1n t!e &ean)!i"e !ere !e )a# in a #ore $"i%!t+ For #o&e "itt"e )a fart!er !e #tr(%%"e* for)ar* t!ro(%! t!e fore#t. '(t )!at )it! t!e $ain of !i# )o(n*# t!e *ar/ne## of t!e ni%!t an* t!e e3tre&e (nea#ine## an* conf(#ion of !i# &in* !e #oon 'eca&e e;(a"" (na'"e to %(i*e !i&#e"f or to contin(e to $(#! t!ro(%! t!e c"o#e (n*er%ro)t! an* !e )a# fain at "en%t! to #it *o)n an* "ean !i# 'ac/ a%ain#t a tree+ W!en !e a)o/e fro& #o&et!in% 'et)i3t #"ee$ an* #)oonin% t!e %re of t!e &ornin% !a* 'e%(n to ta/e t!e $"ace of ni%!t+ A "itt"e c!i"" 'ree2e )a# '(#t"in% a&on% t!e tree# an* a# !e #ti"" #at #tarin% 'efore !i& on" !a"f a)a/e !e 'eca&e a)are of #o&et!in% *ar/ t!at #)(n% to an* fro a&on% t!e 'ranc!e# #o&e !(n*re* ar*# in front of !i&+ T!e $ro%re##i,e 'ri%!tenin% of t!e *a an* t!e ret(rn of !i# o)n #en#e# at "a#t ena'"e* !i& to reco%ni#e t!e o'5ect+ 1t )a# a &an !an%in% fro& t!e 'o(%! of a ta"" oa/+ Hi# !ea* !a* fa""en for)ar* on !i# 'rea#t. '(t at e,er #tron%er $(ff of )in* !i# 'o* #$an ro(n* an* ro(n* an* !i# "e%# an* ar&# to##e* "i/e #o&e ri*ic("o(# $"at!in%+ Dic/ c"a&'ere* to !i# feet an* #ta%%erin% an* "eanin% on t!e tree-tr(n/# a# !e )ent *re) near to t!i# %ri& o'5ect+ T!e 'o(%! )a# $er!a$# t)ent feet a'o,e t!e %ro(n* an* t!e $oor fe""o) !a* 'een *ra)n ($ #o !i%! ' !i# e3ec(tioner# t!at !i# 'oot# #)(n% c"ear a'o,e Dic/4# reac!. an* a# !i# !oo* !a* 'een *ra)n o,er !i# face it )a# i&$o##i'"e to reco%ni#e t!e &an+ Dic/ "oo/e* a'o(t !i& ri%!t an* "eft. an* at "a#t !e $ercei,e* t!at t!e ot!er en* of t!e cor* !a* 'een &a*e fa#t to t!e tr(n/ of a "itt"e !a)t!orn )!ic! %re) t!ic/ )it! '"o##o& (n*er t!e "oft arca*e of t!e oa/+ Wit! !i# *a%%er )!ic! a"one re&aine* to !i& of a"" !i# ar&# o(n% S!e"ton #e,ere* t!e ro$e an* in#tant" )it! a *ea* t!(&$ t!e cor$#e fe"" in a !ea$ ($on t!e %ro(n*+ Dic/ rai#e* t!e !oo*. it )a# T!ro%&orton Sir Danie"4# &e##en%er+ He !a* not %one far ($on !i# erran*+ A $a$er )!ic! !a* a$$arent" e#ca$e* t!e notice of t!e &en of t!e B"ac/ Arro) #t(c/ fro& t!e 'o#o& of !i# *o('"et an* Dic/ $(""in% it fort! fo(n* it )a# Sir Danie"4# "etter to Lor* Wen#"e*a"e+ 6Co&e6 t!o(%!t !e 6if t!e )or"* c!an%e# et a%ain 1 &a !a,e !ere t!e )!ere)it!a" to #!a&e Sir Danie" - na an* $erc!ance to 'rin% !i& to t!e '"oc/+6 An* !e $(t t!e $a$er in !i# o)n 'o#o& #ai* a $raer o,er t!e *ea* &an an* #et fort! a%ain t!ro(%! t!e )oo*#+ Hi# fati%(e an* )ea/ne## increa#e*. !i# ear# #an% !i# #te$#
fa"tere* !i# &in* at inter,a"# fai"e* !i& #o "o) !a* !e 'een 'ro(%!t ' "o## of '"oo*+ Do('t"e## !e &a*e &an *e,iation# fro& !i# tr(e $at! '(t at "a#t !e ca&e o(t ($on t!e !i%!-roa* not ,er far fro& T(n#ta"" !a&"et+ A ro(%! ,oice 'i* !i& #tan*+ 6Stan*76 re$eate* Dic/+
6B t!e &a## '(t 1 a& nearer fa""in%+6
An* !e #(ite* t!e action to t!e )or* an* fe"" a"" !i# "en%t! ($on t!e roa*+ T)o &en ca&e fort! o(t of t!e t!ic/et eac! in %reen fore#t 5er/in eac! )it! "on%-'o) an* ;(i,er an* #!ort #)or*+ 6W! La)"e##6 #ai* t!e o(n%er of t!e t)o 6it i# o(n% S!e"ton+6 6A t!i# )i"" 'e a# %oo* a# 'rea* to Jo!n A&en*-A""6 ret(rne* t!e ot!er+ 6T!o(%! fait! !e !at! 'een to t!e )ar#+ Here i# a tear in !i# #ca"$ t!at &(#t 4a4 co#t !i& &an a %oo* o(nce of '"oo*+6 6An* !ere6 a**e* Green#!e,e 6i# a !o"e in !i# #!o("*er t!at &(#t !a,e $ric/e* !i& )e""+ W!o !at! *one t!i# t!in/ e7 1f it 'e one of o(r# !e &a a"" to $raer. E""i# )i"" %i,e !i& a #!ort #!rift an* a "on% ro$e+6 6U$ )it! t!e c('6 #ai* La)"e##+
6C"a$ !i& on & 'ac/+6
An* t!en )!en Dic/ !a* 'een !oi#te* to !i# #!o("*er# an* !e !a* ta/en t!e "a*4# ar&# a'o(t !i# nec/ an* %ot a fir& !o"* of !i& t!e e3-Gre Friar a**e*: 6Kee$ e t!e $o#t 'rot!er Green#!e,e+ &#e"f+6
1 )i"" on )it! !i& '
So Green#!e,e ret(rne* to !i# a&'(#! on t!e )a#i*e an* La)"e## tr(*%e* *o)n t!e !i"" )!i#t"in% a# !e )ent )it! Dic/ #ti"" in a *ea* faint co&forta'" #ett"e* on !i# #!o("*er#+ T!e #(n ro#e a# !e ca&e o(t of t!e #/irt# of t!e )oo* an* #a) T(n#ta"" !a&"et #tra%%"in% ($ t!e o$$o#ite !i""+ A"" #ee&e* ;(iet '(t a #tron% $o#t of #o&e !a"f a #core of arc!er# "a c"o#e ' t!e 'ri*%e on eit!er #i*e of t!e roa* an* a# #oon a# t!e $ercei,e* La)"e## )it! !i# '(rt!en 'e%an to 'e#tir t!e&#e",e# an* #et arro) to #trin% "i/e ,i%i"ant #entrie#+ 6W!o %oe#76 crie* t!e &an in co&&an*+ 6Wi"" La)"e## ' t!e roo* - e /no) &e a# )e"" a# o(r o)n !an*6 ret(rne* t!e o(t"a) conte&$t(o(#"+ 6Gi,e t!e )or* La)"e##6 ret(rne* t!e ot!er+ 6No) Hea,en "i%!ten t!ee t!o( %reat foo"6 re$"ie* La)"e##+ 6Di* 1 not te"" it t!ee &#e"f7 B(t e are a"" &a* for t!i# $"ain% at #o"*ier#+ W!en 1 a& in t!e %reen)oo* %i,e &e %reen)oo* )a#. an* & )or* for t!i# ti*e i#: 4A fi% for a"" &oc/ #o"*ier846 6La)"e## e '(t #!o) an i"" e3a&$"e. %i,e (# t!e )or* foo"
5e#ter6 #ai* t!e co&&an*er of t!e $o#t+ 6An* if 1 !a* for%otten it76 a#/e* t!e ot!er+ 6An e !a* for%otten it - a# 1 /no) 4 4a,e not - ' t!e &a## 1 )o("* c"a$ an arro) into o(r 'i% 'o*6 ret(rne* t!e fir#t+ 6Na an 4 are #o i"" a 5e#ter6 #ai* La)"e## 6e #!a"" !a,e o(r )or* for &e+ 4D(c/)ort! an* S!e"ton4 i# t!e )or*. an* !ere to t!e i""(#tration i# S!e"ton on & #!o("*er# an* to D(c/)ort! *o 1 carr !i&+6 6Pa## La)"e##6 #ai* t!e #entr+ 6An* )!ere i# Jo!n76 a#/e* t!e Gre Friar+ 6He !o"*et! a co(rt ' t!e &a## an* ta/et! rent# a# to t!e &anner 'orn86 crie* anot!er of t!e co&$an+ So it $ro,e*+ W!en La)"e## %ot a# far ($ t!e ,i""a%e a# t!e "itt"e inn !e fo(n* E""i# D(c/)ort! #(rro(n*e* ' Sir Danie"4# tenant# an* ' t!e ri%!t of !i# %oo* co&$an of arc!er# coo"" ta/in% rent# an* %i,in% )ritten recei$t# in ret(rn for t!e&+ B t!e face# of t!e tenant# it )a# $"ain !o) "itt"e t!i# $rocee*in% $"ea#e* t!e&. for t!e ar%(e* ,er ri%!t" t!at t!e )o("* #i&$" !a,e to $a t!e& t)ice+ A# #oon a# !e /ne) )!at !a* 'ro(%!t La)"e## E""i# *i#&i##e* t!e re&ain*er of t!e tenant# an* )it! e,er &ar/ of intere#t an* a$$re!en#ion con*(cte* Dic/ into an inner c!a&'er of t!e inn+ T!ere t!e "a*4# !(rt# )ere "oo/e* to. an* !e )a# reca""e* ' #i&$"e re&e*ie# to con#cio(#ne##+ 6Dear "a*6 #ai* E""i# $re##in% !i# !an* 64 are in a frien*4# !an*# t!at "o,e* o(r fat!er an* "o,e# o( for !i# #a/e+ Re#t e a "itt"e ;(iet" for e are #o&e)!at o(t of ca#e+ T!en #!a"" e te"" &e o(r #tor an* 'et)i3t t!e t)o of (# )e #!a"" fin* a re&e* for a""+6 A "itt"e "ater in t!e *a an* after Dic/ !a* a)a/ene* fro& a co&forta'"e #"(&'er to fin* !i&#e"f #ti"" ,er )ea/ '(t c"earer in &in* an* ea#ier in 'o* E""i# ret(rne* an* #ittin% *o)n ' t!e 'e*#i*e 'e%%e* !i& in t!e na&e of !i# fat!er to re"ate t!e circ(&#tance of !i# e#ca$e fro& T(n#ta"" Moat Ho(#e+ T!ere )a# #o&et!in% in t!e #tren%t! of D(c/)ort!4# fra&e in t!e !one#t of !i# 'ro)n face in t!e c"earne## an* #!re)*ne## of !i# ee# t!at &o,e* Dic/ to o'e !i&. an* fro& fir#t to "a#t t!e "a* to"* !i& t!e #tor of !i# t)o *a#4 a*,ent(re#+ 6We""6 #ai* E""i# )!en !e !a* *one 6#ee )!at t!e /in* #aint# !a,e *one for o( Dic/ S!e"ton not a"one to #a,e o(r 'o* in #o n(&ero(# an* *ea*" $eri"# '(t to 'rin% o( into & !an*# t!at !a,e no *earer )i#! t!an to a##i#t o(r fat!er4# #on+ Be '(t tr(e to &e - an* 1 #ee 4 are tr(e - an* 'et)i3t o( an* &e )e #!a"" 'rin% t!at fa"#e-!eart traitor to t!e *eat!+6 6Wi"" e a##a("t t!e !o(#e76 a#/e* Dic/+ 61 )ere &a* in*ee* to t!in/ of it6 ret(rne* E""i#+
6He !at! too
&(c! $o)er. !i# &en %at!er to !i&. t!o#e t!at %a,e &e t!e #"i$ "a#t ni%!t an* ' t!e &a## ca&e in #o !an*i" for o( -t!o#e !a,e &a*e !i& #afe+ Na Dic/ to t!e contrar t!o( an* 1 an* & 'ra,e 'o)&en )e &(#t a"" #"i$ fro& t!i# fore#t #$ee*i" an* "ea,e Sir Danie" free+6 6M &in* &i#%i,et! &e for Jac/6 #ai* t!e "a*+ 6For Jac/86 re$eate* D(c/)ort!+ 6O 1 #ee for t!e )enc!8 Na Dic/ 1 $ro&i#e o( if t!ere co&e ta"/ of an &arria%e )e #!a"" act at once. ti"" t!en or ti"" t!e ti&e Sir i# ri$e )e#!a"" #!a"""oo/ a"" ea#t *i#a$$ear e,en "i/e #!a*o)# at &ornin%. Danie" an* )e#t an* #ee none ene&ie#. !e #!a"" t!in/ ' t!e &a## t!at !e !at! *rea&e* a)!i"e an* !at! no) a)a/ene* in !i# 'e*+ B(t o(r fo(r ee# Dic/ #!a"" fo""o) !i& ri%!t c"o#e an* o(r fo(r !an*# #o !e"$ (# a"" t!e ar& of t!e #aint#8 - #!a"" 'rin% t!at traitor "o)86 T)o *a# "ater Sir Danie"4# %arri#on !a* %ro)n to #(c! a #tren%t! t!at !e ,ent(re* on a #a"" an* at t!e !ea* of #o&e t)o #core !or#e&en $(#!e* )it!o(t o$$o#ition a# far a# T(n#ta"" !a&"et+ Not an arro) f"e) not a &an #tirre* in t!e t!ic/et. t!e 'ri*%e )a# no "on%er %(ar*e* '(t #too* o$en to a"" corner#. an* a# Sir Danie" cro##e* it !e #a) t!e ,i""a%er# "oo/in% ti&i*" fro& t!eir *oor#+ Pre#ent" one of t!e& ta/in% !eart of %race ca&e for)ar* an* )it! t!e "o)"ie#t #a"(tation# $re#ente* a "etter to t!e /ni%!t+ Hi# face *ar/ene* a# !e rea* t!e content#+
1t ran t!(#:
To t!e &o#t (ntr(e an* cr(e" %ent"&an Sir Danie" Brac/"e Kn%!t T!e#e: 1 fn*e e )ere (ntr(e an* (n/n* fro t!e fir#t+ 9e !a,e & fat!er4# '"oo* ($on o(r !an*#. "et 'e it )i"" not )a##!e+ So&e *a e #!a"" $eri#! ' & $roc(re&ent #o &(c! 1 "et o( to )tte. an* 1 "et o( to )tte fart!er t!at if e #ee/ to )e* to an ot!er t!e %ent")o&an Mi#tre##e Joan Se*"e )!o& t!at 1 a& 'o(n* ($on a %reat oat! to )e* &#e"f t!e '"o) )i"" 'e ,er #)ift+ T!e fir#t #te$ t!erinne )i"" 'e t! fir#t #te$ to t!e %ra,e+ R1C+ SHELTON+
BOOK 111 - M9 LORD FO?HAM
CHAPTER 1 - THE HOUSE B9 THE SHORE
Mont!# !a* $a##e* a)a #ince Ric!ar* S!e"ton &a*e !i# e#ca$e fro& t!e !an*# of !i# %(ar*ian+ T!e#e &ont!# !a* 'een e,entf(" for En%"an*+ T!e $art of Lanca#ter )!ic! )a# t!en in t!e ,er
artic"e of *eat! !a* once &ore rai#e* it# !ea*+ T!e 9or/i#t# *efeate* an* *i#$er#e* t!eir "ea*er '(tc!ere* on t!e fie"* it #ee&e* - for a ,er 'rief #ea#on in t!e )inter fo""o)in% ($on t!e e,ent# a"rea* recor*e* a# if t!e Ho(#e of Lanca#ter !a* fina"" tri(&$!e* o,er it# foe#+ T!e #&a"" to)n of S!ore'-on-t!e-Ti"" )a# f("" of t!e Lanca#trian no'"e# of t!e nei%!'o(r!oo*+ Ear" Ri#in%!a& )a# t!ere )it! t!ree !(n*re* &en-at-ar&#. Lor* S!ore' )it! t)o !(n*re*. Sir Danie" !i&#e"f !i%! in fa,o(r an* once &ore %ro)in% ric! on confi#cation# "a T!e in a !o(#e ofc!an%e* !i# o)n on t!e &ain #treet )it! t!ree-#core &en+ )or"* !a* in*ee*+ 1t )a# a '"ac/ 'itter co"* e,enin% in t!e fir#t )ee/ of Jan(ar )it! a !ar* fro#t a !i%! )in* an* e,er "i/e"i!oo* of #no) 'efore t!e &ornin%+ 1n an o'#c(re a"e!o(#e in a '-#treet near t!e !ar'o(r t!ree or fo(r &en #at *rin/in% a"e an* eatin% a !a#t &e## of e%%#+ T!e )ere a"" "i/e" "(#t )eat!er-'eaten fe""o)# !ar* of !an* 'o"* of ee. an* t!o(%! t!e )ore $"ain ta'ar*# "i/e co(ntr $"o(%!&en e,en a *r(n/en #o"*ier &i%!t !a,e "oo/e* t)ice 'efore !e #o(%!t a ;(arre" in #(c! co&$an+ A "itt"e a$art 'efore t!e !(%e fire #at a o(n%er &an a"&o#t a 'o *re##e* in &(c! t!e #a&e fa#!ion t!o(%! it )a# ea# to #ee ' !i# "oo/# t!at !e )a# 'etter 'orn an* &i%!t !a,e )orn a #)or* !a* t!e ti&e #(ite*+ 6Na6 #ai* one of t!e &en at t!e ta'"e 61 "i/e it not+ 1"" )i"" co&e of it+ T!i# i# no $"ace for 5o"" fe""o)#+ A 5o"" fe""o) "o,et! o$en co(ntr %oo* co,er an* #carce foe#. '(t !ere )e are #!(t in a to)n %irt a'o(t )it! ene&ie#. an* for t!e '(""4#-ee of &i#fort(ne #ee if it #no) not ere t!e &ornin%+6 64Ti# for Ma#ter S!e"ton t!ere6 #ai* anot!er no**in% !i# !ea* to)ar*# t!e "a* 'efore t!e fire+ 61 )i"" *o &(c! for Ma#ter S!e"ton6 ret(rne* t!e fir#t. 6'(t to co&e to t!e %a""o)# for an &an - na 'rot!er# not t!at86 T!e *oor of t!e inn o$ene* an* anot!er &an entere* !a#ti" an* a$$roac!e* t!e o(t! 'efore t!e fire+ 6Ma#ter S!e"ton6 !e #ai* 6Sir Danie" %oet! fort! )it! a $air of "in/# an* fo(r arc!er#+6 Dic/ =for t!i# )a# o(r o(n% frien*> ro#e in#tant" to !i# feet+ 6La)"e##6 !e #ai* 6e )i"" ta/e Jo!n Ca$$er4# )atc!+ Green#!e,e fo""o) )it! &e+ Ca$$er "ea* for)ar*+ We )i"" fo""o) !i& t!i# ti&e an !e %o to 9or/+6 T!e ne3t &o&ent t!e )ere o(t#i*e in t!e *ar/ #treet an* Ca$$er t!e &an )!o !a* 5(#t co&e $ointe* to )!ere t)o torc!e# f"are* in t!e )in* at a "itt"e *i#tance+ T!e to)n )a# a"rea* #o(n* a#"ee$. no one &o,e* ($on t!e #treet# an* t!ere )a# not!in% ea#ier t!an to fo""o) t!e $art )it!o(t
o'#er,ation+ T!e t)o "in/-'earer# )ent fir#t. ne3t fo""o)e* a #in%"e &an )!o#e "on% c"oa/ '"e) a'o(t !i& in t!e )in*. an* t!e rear )a# 'ro(%!t ($ ' t!e fo(r arc!er# eac! )it! !i# 'o) ($on !i# ar&+ T!e &o,e* at a 'ri#/ )a"/ t!rea*in% t!e intricate "ane# an* *ra)in% nearer to t!e #!ore+ 6He !at! %one eac! ni%!t in t!i# *irection76 a#/e* Dic/ in a )!i#$er+ 6T!i# i# t!e t!ir* ni%!t r(nnin% Ma#ter S!e"ton6 ret(rne* Ca$$er 6an* #ti"" #a&e !o(r an* )it! t!e #a&e #&a"" fo""o)in% a# t!o(%! !i# at en*t!e )ere #ecret+6 Sir Danie" an* !i# #i3 &en )ere no) co&e to t!e o(t#/irt# of t!e co(ntr+ S!ore' )a# an o$en to)n an* t!o(%! t!e Lanca#trian "or*# )!o "a t!ere /e$t a #tron% %(ar* on t!e &ain roa*# it )a# #ti"" $o##i'"e to enter or *e$art (n#een ' an of t!e "e##er #treet# or acro## t!e o$en co(ntr+ T!e "ane )!ic! Sir Danie" !a* 'een fo""o)in% ca&e to an a'r($t en*+ Before !i& t!ere )a# a #tretc! of ro(%! *o)n an* t!e noi#e of t!e #ea-#(rf )a# a(*i'"e ($on one !an*+ T!ere )ere no %(ar*# in t!e nei%!'o(r!oo* nor an "i%!t in t!at ;(arter of t!e to)n+ Dic/ an* !i# t)o o(t"a)# *re) a "itt"e c"o#er to t!e o'5ect of t!eir c!a#e an* $re#ent" a# t!e ca&e fort! fro& 'et)een t!e !o(#e# an* co("* #ee a "itt"e fart!er ($on eit!er !an* t!e )ere a)are of anot!er torc! *ra)in% near fro& anot!er *irection+ 6He6 #ai* Dic/ 61 #&e"" trea#on+6 Mean)!i"e Sir Danie" !a* co&e to a f("" !a"t+ T!e torc!e# )ere #t(c/ into t!e #an* an* t!e &en "a *o)n a# if to a)ait t!e arri,a" of t!e ot!er $art+ T!i# *re) near at a %oo* rate+ 1t con#i#te* of fo(r &en on" - a $air of arc!er# a ,ar"et )it! a "in/ an* a c"oa/e* %ent"e&an )a"/in% in t!eir &i*#t+ 61# it o( & "or*76 crie* Sir Danie"+ 61t i# 1 in*ee*. an* if e,er tr(e /ni%!t %a,e $roof 1 a& t!at &an6 re$"ie* t!e "ea*er of t!e #econ* troo$. 6for )!o )o("* not rat!er face %iant# #orcerer# or $a%an# t!an t!i# $inc!in% co"*76 6M "or*6 ret(rne* Sir Danie" 6'ea(t )i"" 'e t!e &ore 'e!o"*en &i#*o('t it not+ B(t #!a"" )e fort!7 for t!e #ooner e !a,e #een & &erc!an*i#e t!e #ooner #!a"" )e 'ot! %et !o&e+6 6B(t )! /ee$ e !er !ere %oo* /ni%!t76 in;(ire* t!e ot!er+ 6An #!e 'e #o o(n% an* #o fair an* #o )ea"t! )! *o e not 'rin% !er fort! a&on% !er &ate#7 9e )o("* #oon &a/e !er a %oo* &arria%e an* no nee* to free2e o(r fin%er# an* ri#/ arro)-#!ot# ' %oin% a'roa* at #(c! (nti&e" #ea#on# in t!e *ar/+6 61 !a,e to"* o( & "or*6 re$"ie* Sir Danie" 6t!e rea#on t!ereof concernet! &e on"+ Neit!er *o 1 $(r$o#e to e3$"ain it fart!er+ S(ffice it t!at if e 'e )ear of o(r o"* %o##i$ Danie" Brac/"e $('"i#! it a'roa* t!at 4 are to )e* Joanna Se*"e an* 1
%i,e o( & )or* e )i"" 'e ;(it of !i& ri%!t #oon+ !i& )it! an arro) in !i# 'ac/+6
9e )i"" fin*
Meanti&e t!e t)o %ent"e&en )ere )a"/in% 'ri#/" for)ar* o,er t!e *o)n. t!e t!ree torc!e# %oin% 'efore t!e& #too$in% a%ain#t t!e )in* an* #catterin% c"o(*# of #&o/e an* t(ft# of f"a&e an* t!e rear 'ro(%!t ($ ' t!e #i3 arc!er#+ C"o#e ($on t!e !ee"# of t!e#e Dic/ fo""o)e*+ He !a* of co(r#e !ear* no )or* of t!i# con,er#ation. '(t !e !a* reco%ni#e* in t!e #econ* ofre$(tation t!e #$ea/er# o"*e,en Lor*Sir S!ore' !i&#e"f a &an of an infa&o(# )!o& Danie" affecte* in $('"ic to con*e&n+ Pre#ent" t!e ca&e c"o#e *o)n ($on t!e 'eac!+ T!e air #&e"t #a"t. t!e noi#e of t!e #(rf increa#e*. an* !ere in a "ar%e )a""e* %ar*en t!ere #too* a #&a"" !o(#e of t)o #tore# )it! #ta'"e# an* ot!er office#+ T!e fore&o#t torc!-'earer (n"oc/e* a *oor in t!e )a"" an* after t!e )!o"e $art !a* $a##e* into t!e %ar*en a%ain c"o#e* an* "oc/e* it on t!e ot!er #i*e+ Dic/ an* !i# &en )ere t!(# e3c"(*e* fro& an fart!er fo""o)in% (n"e## t!e #!o("* #ca"e t!e )a"" an* t!(# $(t t!eir nec/# in a tra$+ T!e #at *o)n in a t(ft of f(r2e an* )aite*+ T!e re* %"o) of t!e torc!e# &o,e* ($ an* *o)n an* to an* fro )it!in t!e enc"o#(re a# if t!e "in/ 'earer# #tea*i" $atro""e* t!e %ar*en+ T)ent &in(te# $a##e* an* t!en t!e )!o"e $art i##(e* fort! a%ain ($on t!e *o)n. an* Sir Danie" an* t!e 'aron after an e"a'orate #a"(tation #e$arate* an* t(rne* #e,era"" !o&e)ar* eac! )it! !i# o)n fo""o)in% of &en an* "i%!t#+ A# #oon a# t!e #o(n* of t!eir #te$# !a* 'een #)a""o)e* ' t!e )in* Dic/ %ot to !i# feet a# 'ri#/" a# !e )a# a'"e for !e )a# #tiff an* ac!in% )it! t!e co"*+ 6Ca$$er e )i"" %i,e &e a 'ac/ ($6 !e #ai*+ T!e a*,ance* a"" t!ree to t!e )a"". Ca$$er #too$e* an* Dic/ %ettin% ($on !i# #!o("*er# c"a&'ere* on to t!e co$e-#tone+ 6No) Green#!e,e6 )!i#$ere* Dic/ 6fo""o) &e ($ !ere. "ie f"at ($on o(r face t!at e &a 'e t!e "e## #een. an* 'e e,er rea* to %i,e &e a !an* if 1 fa"" fo("" on t!e ot!er #i*e+6 An* #o #ain% !e *ro$$e* into t!e %ar*en+ 1t )a# a"" $itc! *ar/. t!ere )a# no "i%!t in t!e !o(#e+ T!e )in* )!i#t"e* #!ri"" a&on% t!e $oor #!r('# an* t!e #(rf 'eat ($on t!e 'eac!. t!ere )a# no ot!er #o(n*+ Ca(tio(#" Dic/ foote* it fort! #t(&'"in% a&on% '(#!e# an* %ro$in% )it! !i# !an*#. an* $re#ent" t!e cri#$ noi#e of %ra,e" (n*erfoot to"* !i& t!at !e !a* #tr(c/ ($on an a""e+ Here !e $a(#e* an* ta/in% !i# cro##'o) fro& )!ere !e /e$t it
concea"e* (n*er !i# "on% ta'ar* !e $re$are* it for in#tant action an* )ent for)ar* once &ore )it! %reater re#o"(tion an* a##(rance+ T!e $at! "e* !i& #trai%!t to t!e %ro($ of '(i"*in%#+ A"" #ee&e* to 'e #ore" *i"a$i*ate*: t!e )in*o)# of t!e !o(#e )ere #ec(re* ' cra2 #!(tter#. t!e #ta'"e# )ere o$en an* e&$t. t!ere )a# no !a in t!e !a-"oft no corn in t!e corn-'o3+ An one )o("* !a,e #($$o#e* t!e $"ace to 'e *e#erte*+ B(t Dic/ !a* %oo* rea#on to t!in/ ot!er)i#e+ He contin(e* !i# in#$ection ,i#itin% t!e office# trin% a"" t!e )in*o)#+ At "en%t! !e ca&e ro(n* to t!e #ea-#i*e an*)in*o)#+ t!ere #(re eno(%! t!ere '(rne* a $a"e "i%!t in of onet!e of !o(#e t!e ($$er He #te$$e* 'ac/ a "itt"e )a ti"" !e t!o(%!t !e co("* #ee t!e &o,e&ent of a #!a*o) on t!e )a"" of t!e a$art&ent+ T!en !e re&e&'ere* t!at in t!e #ta'"e !i# %ro$in% !an* !a* re#te* for a &o&ent on a "a**er an* !e ret(rne* )it! a"" *e#$atc! to 'rin% it+ T!e "a**er )a# ,er #!ort '(t et ' #tan*in% on t!e to$&o#t ro(n* !e co("* 'rin% !i# !an*# a# !i%! a# t!e iron 'ar# of t!e )in*o). an* #ei2in% t!e#e !e rai#e* !i# 'o* ' &ain force (nti" !i# ee# co&&an*e* t!e interior of t!e roo&+ T)o $er#on# )ere )it!in. t!e fir#t !e rea*i" /ne) to 'e Da&e Hatc!. t!e #econ* a ta"" an* 'ea(tif(" an* %ra,e o(n% "a* in a "on% e&'roi*ere* *re## - co("* t!at 'e Joanna Se*"e7 !i# o"* )oo*-co&$anion Jac/ )!o& !e !a* t!o(%!t to $(ni#! )it! a 'e"t7 He *ro$$e* 'ac/ a%ain to t!e to$ ro(n* of t!e "a**er in a /in* of a&a2e&ent+ He !a* ne,er t!o(%!t of !i# #)eet!eart a# of #o #($erior a 'ein% an* !e )a# in#tant" ta/en )it! a fee"in% of *iffi*ence+ B(t !e !a* "itt"e o$$ort(nit for t!o(%!t+ A "o) 6Hi#t86 #o(n*e* fro& c"o#e ' an* !e !a#tene* to *e#cen* t!e "a**er+ 6W!o %oe#76 !e )!i#$ere*+ 6Green#!e,e6 ca&e t!e re$" in tone# #i&i"ar" %(ar*e*+ 6W!at )ant e76 a#/e* Dic/+ 6T!e !o(#e i# )atc!e* Ma#ter S!e"ton6 ret(rne* t!e o(t"a)+ 6We are not a"one to )atc! it. for e,en a# 1 "a on & 'e"" on t!e )a"" 1 #a) &en $ro)"in% in t!e *ar/ an* !ear* t!e& )!i#t"e #oft" one to t!e ot!er+6 6B & #oot!6 #ai* Dic/ 6'(t t!i# i# $a##in% #tran%e8 not &en of Sir Danie"4#76
Were t!e
6Na #ir t!at t!e )ere not6 ret(rne* Green#!e,e. 6for if 1 !a,e ee# in & !ea* e,er &an-Jac/ of t!e& )earet! &e a )!ite 'a*%e in !i# 'onnet #o&et!in% c!e;(ere* )it! *ar/+6 6W!ite c!e;(ere* )it! *ar/6 re$eate* Dic/+ 6Fait! 4ti# a 'a*%e 1 /no) not+ 1t i# none of t!i# co(ntr4# 'a*%e#+ We"" an t!at 'e #o "et (# #"i$ a# ;(iet" fort! fro& t!i# %ar*en a# )e &a. for !ere )e are in an e,i" $o#t(re for *efence+ Beon* a"" ;(e#tion t!ere are &en of Sir Danie"4# in t!at !o(#e an* to 'e ta/en 'et)een t)o #!ot# i# a 'e%%ar&an4# $o#ition+ Ta/e &e t!i# "a**er. 1 &(#t "ea,e it )!ere 1 fo(n* it+6
T!e ret(rne* t!e "a**er to t!e #ta'"e an* %ro$e* t!eir )a to t!e $"ace )!ere t!e !a* entere*+ Ca$$er !a* ta/en Green#!e,e4# $o#ition on t!e co$e an* no) !e "eane* *o)n !i# !an* an* fir#t one an* t!en t!e ot!er $(""e* t!e& ($+ Ca(tio(#" an* #i"ent" t!e *ro$$e* a%ain ($on t!e ot!er #i*e. nor *i* t!e *are to #$ea/ (nti" t!e !a* ret(rne* to t!eir o"* a&'(#! in t!e %or#e+ 6No) Jo!n Ca$$er6 #ai* Dic/ 6'ac/ )it! o( to S!ore' e,en a# for o(r "ife+ Brin% &e in#tant" )!at &en e can co""ect+ Here #!a"" 'e t!e ren*e2,o(#. or if t!e &en 'e #cattere* an* t!e *a 'e near at !an* 'efore t!e &(#ter "et t!e $"ace 'e #o&et!in% fart!er 'ac/ an* ' t!e enterin% in of t!e to)n+ Green#!e,e an* 1 "ie !ere to )atc!+ S$ee* e Jo!n Ca$$er an* t!e #aint# ai* o( to *e#$atc!+ An* no) Green#!e,e6 !e contin(e* a# #oon a# Ca$$er !a* *e$arte* 6"et t!o( an* 1 %o ro(n* a'o(t t!e %ar*en in a )i*e circ(it+ 1 )o("* fain #ee )!et!er t!ine ee# 'etrae* t!ee+6 Kee$in% )e"" o(t)ar*# fro& t!e )a"" an* $rofitin% ' e,er !ei%!t an* !o""o) t!e $a##e* a'o(t t)o #i*e# 'e!o"*in% not!in%+ On t!e t!ir* #i*e t!e %ar*en )a"" )a# '(i"t c"o#e ($on t!e 'eac! an* to $re#er,e t!e *i#tance nece##ar to t!eir $(r$o#e t!e !a* to %o #o&e )a *o)n ($on t!e #an*#+ A"t!o(%! t!e ti*e )a# #ti"" $rett far o(t t!e #(rf )a# #o !i%! an* t!e #an*# #o f"at t!at at eac! 'rea/er a %reat #!eet of frot! an* )ater ca&e careerin% o,er t!e e3$an#e an* Dic/ an* Green#!e,e &a*e t!i# $art of t!eir in#$ection )a*in% no) to t!e an/"e# an* no) a# *ee$ a# to t!e /nee# in t!e #a"t an* ic )ater# of t!e Ger&an Ocean+ S(**en" a%ain#t t!e co&$arati,e )!itene## of t!e %ar*en )a"" t!e fi%(re of a &an )a# #een "i/e a faint C!ine#e #!a*o) ,io"ent" #i%na""in% )it! 'ot! ar&#+ A# !e *ro$$e* a%ain to t!e eart! anot!er aro#e a "itt"e fart!er on an* re$eate* t!e #a&e $erfor&ance+ An* #o "i/e a #i"ent )atc! )or* t!e#e %e#tic("ation# &a*e t!e ro(n* of t!e 'e"ea%(ere* %ar*en+ 6T!e /ee$ %oo* )atc!6 Dic/ )!i#$ere*+ 6Let (# 'ac/ to "an* %oo* &a#ter6 an#)ere* Green#!e,e+ 6We #tan* !ere too o$en. for "oo/ e )!en t!e #ea# 'rea/ !ea, an* )!ite o(t t!ere 'e!in* (# t!e #!a"" #ee (# $"ain" a%ain#t t!e foa&+6 69e #$ea/ #oot!6 ret(rne* Dic/+
6A#!ore )it! (# ri%!t #$ee*i"+6
CHAPTER 11 - A SK1RM1SH 1N THE DARK
T!oro(%!" *renc!e* an* c!i""e* t!e t)o a*,ent(rer# ret(rne* to t!eir $o#ition in t!e %or#e+ 61 $ra Hea,en t!at Ca$$er &a/e %oo* #$ee*86 #ai* Dic/+ 61 ,o) a can*"e to St+ Mar of S!ore' if !e co&e 'efore t!e !o(r86
694 are in a !(rr Ma#ter Dic/76 a#/e* Green#!e,e+ 6A %oo* fe""o)6 an#)ere* Dic/. 6for in t!at !o(#e "iet! & "a* )!o& 1 "o,e an* )!o #!o("* t!e#e 'e t!at "ie a'o(t !er #ecret" ' ni%!t7 Unfrien*# for #(re86 6We""6 ret(rne* Green#!e,e 6an Jo!n co&e #$ee*i" )e #!a"" %i,e a %oo* acco(nt of t!e&+ T!e are not t)o #core at t!e o(t#i*e - 1 5(*%e #o ' t!e #$acin% of t!eir #entrie# - an* ta/en )!ere t!e are "in% #o )i*e" #core t!e& "i/e #$arro)#+ An* et Ma#ter Dic/ one an #!e 'e )o("* in Sir#catter Danie"4# $o)er a"rea* it )i"" "itt"e !(rt t!at #!e #!o("* c!an%e into anot!er4#+ W!o #!o("* t!e#e 'e76 61 *o #(#$ect t!e Lor* of S!ore'6 Dic/ re$"ie*+ t!e76
6W!en ca&e
6T!e 'e%an to co&e Ma#ter Dic/6 #ai* Green#!e,e 6a'o(t t!e ti&e e cro##e* t!e )a""+ 1 !a* not "ain t!ere t!e #$ace of a &in(te ere 1 &ar/e* t!e fir#t of t!e /na,e# cra)"in% ro(n* t!e corner+6 T!e "a#t "i%!t !a* 'een a"rea* e3tin%(i#!e* in t!e "itt"e !o(#e )!en t!e )ere )a*in% in t!e )a#! of t!e 'rea/er# an* it )a# i&$o##i'"e to $re*ict at )!at &o&ent t!e "(r/in% &en a'o(t t!e %ar*en )a"" &i%!t &a/e t!eir on#"a(%!t+ Of t)o e,i"# Dic/ $referre* t!e "ea#t+ He $referre* t!at Joanna #!o("* re&ain (n*er t!e %(ar*ian#!i$ of Sir Danie" rat!er t!an $a## into t!e c"(tc!e# of Lor* S!ore'. an* !i# &in* )a# &a*e ($ if t!e !o(#e #!o("* 'e a##a("te* to co&e at once to t!e re"ief of t!e 'e#ie%e*+ B(t t!e ti&e $a##e* an* #ti"" t!ere )a# no &o,e&ent+ Fro& ;(arter of an !o(r to ;(arter of an !o(r t!e #a&e #i%na" $a##e* a'o(t t!e %ar*en )a"" a# if t!e "ea*er *e#ire* to a##(re !i&#e"f of t!e ,i%i"ance of !i# #cattere* fo""o)er#. '(t in e,er ot!er $artic("ar t!e nei%!'o(r!oo* of t!e "itt"e !o(#e "a (n*i#t(r'e*+ Pre#ent" Dic/4# reinforce&ent# 'e%an to arri,e+ T!e ni%!t )a# not et o"* 'efore near" a #core of &en cro(c!e* 'e#i*e !i& in t!e %or#e+ Se$aratin% t!e#e into t)o 'o*ie# !e too/ t!e co&&an* of t!e #&a""er !i&#e"f an* entr(#te* t!e "ar%er to t!e "ea*er#!i$ of Green#!e,e+ 6No) Kit6 #ai* !e to t!i# "a#t 6ta/e &e o(r &en to t!e near an%"e of t!e %ar*en )a"" ($on t!e 'eac!+ Po#t t!e& #tron%" an* )ait ti"" t!at e !ear &e fa""in% on ($on t!e ot!er #i*e+ 1t i# t!o#e ($on t!e #ea front t!at 1 )o("* fain &a/e certain of for t!ere )i"" 'e t!e "ea*er+ T!e re#t )i"" r(n. e,en "et t!e&+ An* no) "a*# "et no &an *ra) an arro). e )i"" '(t !(rt frien*#+ Ta/e to t!e #tee" an* /ee$ to t!e #tee". an* if )e !a,e t!e ($$er&o#t 1 $ro&i#e e,er &an of o( a %o"* no'"e )!en 1 co&e to &ine e#tate+6 O(t of t!e o** co""ection of 'ro/en &en t!ie,e# &(r*erer# an* r(ine* $ea#antr )!o& D(c/)ort! !a* %at!ere* to%et!er to #er,e t!e $(r$o#e# of !i# re,en%e #o&e of t!e 'o"*e#t an* t!e &o#t e3$erience* in )ar !a* ,o"(nteere* to fo""o) Ric!ar* S!e"ton+ T!e
#er,ice of )atc!in% Sir Danie"4# &o,e&ent# in t!e to)n of S!ore' !a* fro& t!e fir#t 'een ir/#o&e to t!eir te&$er an* t!e !a* of "ate 'e%(n to %r(&'"e "o(*" an* t!reaten to *i#$er#e+ T!e $ro#$ect of a #!ar$ enco(nter an* $o##i'"e #$oi"# re#tore* t!e& to %oo* !(&o(r an* t!e 5of("" $re$are* for 'att"e+ T!eir "on% ta'ar*# t!ro)n a#i*e t!e a$$eare* #o&e in $"ain %reen 5er/in# an* #o&e in #to(t "eat!ern 5ac/#. (n*er t!eir !oo*# &an )ore 'onnet# #tren%t!ene* ' iron $"ate#. an* for offen#i,e ar&o(r #)or*# *a%%er# a fe) #to(t 'oar-#$ear# an* a *o2en of 'ri%!t $(t t!e& in a $o#t(re to en%a%e e,en re%("ar fe(*a" troo$#+'i""# T!e 'o)# ;(i,er# an* ta'ar*# )ere concea"e* a&on% t!e %or#e an* t!e t)o 'an*# #et re#o"(te" for)ar*+ Dic/ )!en !e !a* reac!e* t!e ot!er #i*e of t!e !o(#e $o#te* !i# #i3 &en in a "ine a'o(t t)ent ar*# fro& t!e %ar*en )a"" an* too/ $o#ition !i&#e"f a fe) $ace# in front+ T!en t!e a"" #!o(te* )it! one ,oice an* c"o#e* ($on t!e ene&+ T!e#e "in% )i*e" #cattere* #tiff )it! co"* an* ta/en at (na)are# #$ran% #t($i*" to t!eir feet an* #too* (n*eci*e*+ Before t!e !a* ti&e to %et t!eir co(ra%e a'o(t t!e& or e,en to for& an i*ea of t!e n(&'er an* &ett"e of t!eir a##ai"ant# a #i&i"ar #!o(t of on#"a(%!t #o(n*e* in t!eir ear# fro& t!e far #i*e of t!e enc"o#(re+ T!ere($on t!e %a,e t!e&#e",e# ($ for "o#t an* ran+ 1n t!i# )a t!e t)o #&a"" troo$# of t!e &en of t!e B"ac/ Arro) c"o#e* ($on t!e #ea front of t!e %ar*en )a"" an* too/ a $art of t!e #tran%er# a# it )ere 'et)een t)o fire#. )!i"e t!e )!o"e of t!e re&ain*er ran for t!eir "i,e# in *ifferent *irection# an* )ere #oon #cattere* in t!e *ar/ne##+ For a"" t!at t!e fi%!t )a# '(t 'e%innin%+ Dic/4# o(t"a)# a"t!o(%! t!e !a* t!e a*,anta%e of t!e #(r$ri#e )ere #ti"" con#i*era'" o(tn(&'ere* ' t!e &en t!e !a* #(rro(n*e*+ T!e ti*e !a* f"o)e* in t!e &ean)!i"e. t!e 'eac! )a# narro)e* to a #tri$. an* on t!i# )et fie"* 'et)een t!e #(rf an* t!e %ar*en )a"" t!ere 'e%an in t!e *ar/ne## a *o('tf(" f(rio(# an* *ea*" conte#t+ T!e #tran%er# )ere )e"" ar&e*. t!e fe"" in #i"ence ($on t!eir a##ai"ant#. an* t!e affra 'eca&e a #erie# of #in%"e co&'at#+ Dic/ )!o !a* co&e fir#t into t!e &e""a )a# en%a%e* ' t!ree. t!e fir#t !e c(t *o)n at t!e fir#t '"o) '(t t!e ot!er t)o co&in% ($on !i& !ot" !e )a# fain to %i,e %ro(n* 'efore t!eir on#et+ One of t!e#e t)o )a# a !(%e fe""o) a"&o#t a %iant for #tat(re an* ar&e* )it! a t)o-!an*e* #)or* )!ic! !e 'ran*i#!e* "i/e a #)itc!+ A%ain#t t!i# o$$onent )it! !i# reac! of ar& an* t!e "en%t! an* )ei%!t of !i# )ea$on Dic/ an* !i# 'i"" )ere ;(ite *efence"e##. an* !a* t!e ot!er contin(e* to 5oin ,i%oro(#" in t!e attac/ t!e "a* &(#t !a,e in*('ita'" fa""en+ T!i# #econ* &an !o)e,er "e## in #tat(re an* #"o)er in !i# &o,e&ent# $a(#e* for a &o&ent to $eer a'o(t !i& in t!e *ar/ne## an* to %i,e ear to t!e #o(n*# of t!e 'att"e+ T!e %iant #ti"" $(r#(e* !i# a*,anta%e an* #ti"" Dic/ f"e* 'efore !i& #$in% for !i# c!ance+ T!en t!e !(%e '"a*e f"a#!e* an* *e#cen*e* an* t!e "a* "ea$in% on one #i*e an* r(nnin% in #"a#!e* #i*e)a# an* ($)ar*# )it! !i# 'i""+ A roar of a%on re#$on*e*
an* 'efore t!e )o(n*e* &an co("* rai#e !i# for&i*a'"e )ea$on Dic/ t)ice re$eatin% !i# '"o) !a* 'ro(%!t !i& to t!e %ro(n*+ T!e ne3t &o&ent !e )a# en%a%e* ($on &ore e;(a" ter&# )it! !i# #econ* $(r#(er+ Here t!ere )a# no %reat *ifference in #i2e an* t!o(%! t!e &an fi%!tin% )it! #)or* an* *a%%er a%ain#t a 'i"" an* 'ein% )ar an* ;(ic/ of fence !a* a certain #($eriorit of ar&# Dic/ &ore t!an &a*e it ($ ' !i# %reater a%i"it on foot+ Neit!er at fir#t %aine* an o',io(# a*,anta%e. '(t t!e o"*er &an )a# #ti"" in#en#i'" $rofitin% ' t!e ar*o(r of t!e o(n%er to "ea* !i& )!ere !e )o("*. an*'eac! $re#ent" t!at t!e !a*t!e cro##e* )i*t! of t!e an* Dic/ )ere fo(n* no) fi%!tin% a'o,e /nee#t!e in )!o"e t!e #$(&e an* '(''"e of t!e 'rea/er#+ Here !i# o)n #($erior acti,it )a# ren*ere* (#e"e##. !e fo(n* !i&#e"f &ore or "e## at t!e *i#cretion of !i# foe. et a "itt"e an* !e !a* !i# 'ac/ t(rne* ($on !i# o)n &en an* #a) t!at t!i# a*roit an* #/i"f(" a*,er#ar )a# 'ent ($on *ra)in% !i& fart!er an* fart!er a)a+ Dic/ %ro(n* !i# teet!+ He *eter&ine* to *eci*e t!e co&'at in#tant". an* )!en t!e )a#! of t!e ne3t )a,e !a* e''e* an* "eft t!e& *r !e r(#!e* in ca(%!t a '"o) ($on !i# 'i"" an* "ea$e* ri%!t at t!e t!roat of !i# o$$onent+ T!e &an )ent *o)n 'ac/)ar*# )it! Dic/ #ti"" ($on t!e to$ of !i&. an* t!e ne3t )a,e #$ee*i" #(ccee*in% to t!e "a#t '(rie* !i& 'e"o) a r(#! of )ater+ W!i"e !e )a# #ti"" #('&er%e* Dic/ force* !i# *a%%er fro& !i# %ra#$ an* ro#e to !i# feet ,ictorio(#+ 69ie"* e86 !e #ai*+
61 %i,e o( "ife+6
61 ie"* &e6 #ai* t!e ot!er %ettin% to !i# /nee#+ 69e fi%!t "i/e a o(n% &an i%norant" an* foo"!ar*i". '(t ' t!e arra of t!e #aint# e fi%!t 'ra,e"86 Dic/ t(rne* to t!e 'eac!+ T!e co&'at )a# #ti"" ra%in% *o('tf("" in t!e ni%!t. o,er t!e !oar#e roar of t!e 'rea/er# #tee" c"an%e* ($on #tee" an* crie# of $ain an* t!e #!o(t of 'att"e re#o(n*e*+ 6Lea* &e to o(r ca$tain o(t!6 #ai* t!e con;(ere* /ni%!t+ i# fit t!i# '(tc!er #!o("* cea#e+6
61t
6Sir6 re$"ie* Dic/ 6#o far a# t!e#e 'ra,e fe""o)# !a,e a ca$tain t!e $oor %ent"e&an )!o !ere a**re##e# o( i# !e+6 6Ca"" off o(r *o%# t!en an* 1 )i"" 'i* & ,i""ain# !o"*6 ret(rne* t!e ot!er+ T!ere )a# #o&et!in% no'"e 'ot! in t!e ,oice an* &anner of !i# "ate o$$onent an* Dic/ in#tant" *i#&i##e* a"" fear# of treac!er+ 6La *o)n o(r ar&# &en86 crie* t!e #tran%er /ni%!t+ ie"*e* &e ($on $ro&i#e of "ife+6
61 !a,e
T!e tone of t!e #tran%er )a# one of a'#o"(te co&&an* an* a"&o#t in#tant" t!e *in an* conf(#ion of t!e &e""a cea#e*+ 6La)"e##6 crie* Dic/ 6are e #afe76 6A6 crie* La)"e## 6#afe an* !eart+6
6Li%!t &e t!e "antern6 #ai* Dic/+ 61# not Sir Danie" !ere76 in;(ire* t!e /ni%!t+ 6Sir Danie"76 ec!oe* Dic/+ 6No) ' t!e roo* 1 $ra not+ )o("* %o i"" )it! &e if !e )ere+6
1t
61"" )it! 9OU fair #ir76 in;(ire* t!e ot!er+ 6Na t!en if e 'e not of Sir Danie"4# $art 1 $rofe## 1 co&$re!en* no "on%er+ W!erefore t!en fe""frien*7 e ($onto &ine a&'(#!7 in$(r$o#e7 )!at ;(arre" &&a/e o(n% an* ,er fier )!at eart!" an* to a c"ear en* of ;(e#tionin% to )!at %oo* %ent"e&an !a,e 1 #(rren*ere*76 B(t 'efore Dic/ co("* an#)er a ,oice #$o/e in t!e *ar/ne## fro& c"o#e '+ Dic/ co("* #ee t!e #$ea/er4# '"ac/ an* )!ite 'a*%e an* t!e re#$ectf(" #a"(te )!ic! !e a**re##e* to !i# #($erior+ 6M "or*6 #ai* !e 6if t!e#e %ent"e&en 'e (nfrien*# to Sir Danie" it i# $it in*ee* )e #!o("* !a,e 'een at '"o)# )it! t!e&. '(t it )ere tenfo"* %reater t!at eit!er t!e or )e #!o("* "in%er !ere+ T!e )atc!er# in t!e !o(#e - (n"e## t!e 'e a"" *ea* or *eaf - !a,e !ear* o(r !a&&erin% t!i# ;(arter-!o(r a%one. in#tant" t!e )i"" !a,e #i%na""e* to t!e to)n. an* (n"e## )e 'e t!e "i,e"ier in o(r *e$art(re )e are "i/e to 'e ta/en 'ot! of (# ' a fre#! foe+6 6Ha)/#"e i# in t!e ri%!t6 a**e* t!e "or*+ W!it!er #!a"" )e &arc!76
6Ho) $"ea#e e #ir7
6Na & "or*6 #ai* Dic/ 6%o )!ere e )i"" for &e+ 1 *o 'e%in to #(#$ect )e !a,e #o&e %ro(n* of frien*#!i$ an* if in*ee* 1 'e%an o(r ac;(aintance #o&e)!at r(%%e*" 1 )o("* not c!(r"i#!" contin(e+ Let (# t!en #e$arate & "or* o( "ain% o(r ri%!t !an* in &ine. an* at t!e !o(r an* $"ace t!at e #!a"" na&e "et (# enco(nter an* a%ree+6 694 are too tr(#tf(" 'o6 #ai* t!e ot!er. 6'(t t!i# ti&e o(r tr(#t i# not &i#$"ace*+ 1 )i"" &eet o( at t!e $oint of *a at St+ Bri*e4# Cro##+ Co&e "a*# fo""o)86 T!e #tran%er# *i#a$$eare* fro& t!e #cene )it! a ra$i*it t!at #ee&e* #(#$icio(#. an* )!i"e t!e o(t"a)# fe"" to t!e con%enia" ta#/ of rif"in% t!e *ea* 'o*ie# Dic/ &a*e once &ore t!e circ(it of t!e %ar*en )a"" to e3a&ine t!e front of t!e !o(#e+ 1n a "itt"e ($$er "oo$!o"e of t!e roof !e 'e!e"* a "i%!t #et. an* a# it )o("* certain" 'e ,i#i'"e in to)n fro& t!e 'ac/ )in*o)# of Sir Danie"4# &an#ion !e *o('te* not t!at t!i# )a# t!e #i%na" feare* ' Ha)/#"e an* t!at ere "on% t!e "ance# of t!e Kni%!t of T(n#ta"" )o("* arri,e ($on t!e #cene+ He $(t !i# ear to t!e %ro(n* an* it #ee&e* to !i& a# if !e !ear* a 5arrin% an* !o""o) noi#e fro& to)n)ar*+ Bac/ to t!e 'eac! !e )ent !(rrin%+ B(t t!e )or/ )a# a"rea* *one. t!e "a#t 'o* )a# *i#ar&e* an* #tri$$e* to t!e #/in an* fo(r fe""o)# )ere a"rea* )a*in% #ea)ar* to co&&it it to t!e &ercie# of t!e *ee$+ A fe) &in(te# "ater )!en t!ere *e'a(c!e* o(t of t!e neare#t "ane# of S!ore' #o&e t)o #core !or#e&en !a#ti" arrae* an* &o,in% at
t!e %a""o$ of t!eir #tee*# t!e nei%!'o(r!oo* of t!e !o(#e 'e#i*e t!e #ea )a# entire" #i"ent an* *e#erte*+ Mean)!i"e Dic/ an* !i# &en !a* ret(rne* to t!e a"e-!o(#e of t!e Goat an* Ba%$i$e# to #natc! #o&e !o(r# of #"ee$ 'efore t!e &ornin% tr#t+
CHAPTER 111 - ST+ BR1DE4S CROSS
St+ Bri*e4# cro## #too* a "itt"e )a 'ac/ fro& S!ore' on t!e #/irt# of T(n#ta"" Fore#t+ T)o roa*# &et: one fro& Ho")oo* acro## t!e fore#t. one t!at roa* fro& Ri#in%!a& *o)n )!ic! )e #a) t!e )rec/# of a Lanca#trian ar& f"eein% in *i#or*er+ Here t!e t)o 5oine* i##(e an* )ent on to%et!er *o)n t!e !i"" to S!ore'. an* a "itt"e 'ac/ fro& t!e $oint of 5(nction t!e #(&&it of a "itt"e /no"" )a# cro)ne* ' t!e ancient an* )eat!er-'eaten cro##+ Here t!en a'o(t #e,en in t!e &ornin% Dic/ arri,e*+ 1t )a# a# co"* a# e,er. t!e eart! )a# a"" %re an* #i",er )it! t!e !oarfro#t an* t!e *a 'e%an to 'rea/ in t!e ea#t )it! &an co"o(r# of $(r$"e an* oran%e+ Dic/ #et !i& *o)n ($on t!e "o)e#t #te$ of t!e cro## )ra$$e* !i&#e"f )e"" in !i# ta'ar* an* "oo/e* ,i%i"ant" ($on a"" #i*e#+ He !a* not "on% to )ait+ Do)n t!e roa* fro& Ho")oo* a %ent"e&an in ,er ric! an* 'ri%!t ar&o(r an* )earin% o,er t!at a #(rcoat of t!e rare#t f(r# ca&e $acin% on a #$"en*i* c!ar%er+ T)ent ar*# 'e!in* !i& fo""o)e* a c"(&$ of "ance#. '(t t!e#e !a"te* a# #oon a# t!e ca&e in ,ie) of t!e tr#tin%-$"ace )!i"e t!e %ent"e&an in t!e f(r #(rcoat contin(e* to a*,ance a"one+ Hi# ,i#or )a# rai#e* an* #!o)e* a co(ntenance of %reat co&&an* an* *i%nit an#)era'"e to t!e ric!ne## of !i# attire an* ar&#+ An* it )a# )it! #o&e conf(#ion of &anner t!at Dic/ aro#e fro& t!e cro## an* #te$$e* *o)n t!e 'an/ to &eet !i# $ri#oner+ 61 t!an/ o( & "or* for o(r e3actit(*e6 !e #ai* "o(tin% ,er "o)+ 6Wi"" it $"ea#e o(r "or*#!i$ to #et foot to eart!76 6Are e !ere a"one o(n% &an76 in;(ire* t!e ot!er 61 )a# not #o #i&$"e6 an#)ere* Dic/. 6an* to 'e $"ain )it! o(r "or*#!i$ t!e )oo*# ($on eit!er !an* of t!i# cro## "ie f("" of &ine !one#t fe""o)# "in% on t!eir )ea$on#+6 694 4a,e *one )i#e"6 #ai* t!e "or*+ 61t $"ea#et! &e t!e rat!er #ince "a#t ni%!t e fo(%!t foo"!ar*i" an* &ore "i/e a #a",a%e Saracen "(natic t!an an C!ri#tian )arrior+ B(t it 'eco&e# not &e to co&$"ain t!at !a* t!e (n*er&o#t+6 69e !a* t!e (n*er&o#t in*ee* & "or* #ince e #o fe""6 ret(rne* Dic/. 6'(t !a* t!e )a,e# not !o"$en &e it )a# 1 t!at #!o("* !a,e !a* t!e )or#t+ 9e )ere $"ea#e* to &a/e &e o(r# )it! #e,era" *a%%er &ar/# )!ic! 1 #ti"" carr+ An* in fine & "or* &et!in/# 1 !a* a"" t!e *an%er a# )e"" a# a"" t!e $rofit of t!at "itt"e
'"in*-&an4# &e""a on t!e 'eac!+6 694 are #!re)* eno(%! to &a/e "i%!t of it 1 #ee6 ret(rne* t!e #tran%er+ 6Na & "or* not #!re)*6 re$"ie* Dic/ 6in t!at 1 #!oot at no a*,anta%e to &#e"f+ B(t )!en ' t!e "i%!t of t!i# ne) *a 1 #ee !o) #to(t a /ni%!t !at! ie"*e* not to & ar&# a"one '(t to fort(ne an* t!e *ar/ne## an* t!e #(rf - an* !o) ea#i" t!e 'att"e !a* %one ot!er)i#e )it! a #o"*ier #o (ntrie* an* r(#tic a# &#e"f t!in/ it not #tran%e & "or* if 1 fee" confo(n*e* )it! & ,ictor+6 69e #$ea/ )e""6 #ai* t!e #tran%er+
69o(r na&e76
6M na&e an4t "i/e o( i# S!e"ton6 an#)ere* Dic/+ 6Men ca"" &e t!e Lor* Fo3!a&6 a**e* t!e ot!er+ 6T!en & "or* an* (n*er o(r %oo* fa,o(r e are %(ar*ian to t!e #)eete#t &ai* in En%"an*6 re$"ie* Dic/. 6an* for o(r ran#o& an* t!e ran#o& of #(c! a# )ere ta/en )it! o( on t!e 'eac! t!ere )i"" 'e no (ncertaint of ter&#+ 1 $ra o( & "or* of o(r %oo*)i"" an* c!arit ie"* &e t!e !an* of & &i#tre## Joan Se*"e. an* ta/e e ($on t!e ot!er $art o(r "i'ert t!e "i'ert of t!e#e o(r fo""o)er# an* =if e )i"" !a,e it> & %ratit(*e an* #er,ice ti"" 1 *ie+6 6B(t are e not )ar* to Sir Danie"7 Met!o(%!t if 4 are Harr S!e"ton4# #on t!at 1 !a* !ear* it #o re$orte*6 #ai* Lor* Fo3!a&+ 6Wi"" it $"ea#e o( & "or* to a"i%!t7 1 )o("* fain te"" o( f("" )!o 1 a& !o) #it(ate an* )! #o 'o"* in & *e&an*#+ Be#eec! o( & "or* ta/e $"ace ($on t!e#e #te$# !ear &e to a f("" en* an* 5(*%e &e )it! a""o)ance+6 An* #o #ain% Dic/ "ent a !an* to Lor* Fo3!a& to *i#&o(nt. "e* !i& ($ t!e /no"" to t!e cro##. in#ta""e* !i& in t!e $"ace )!ere !e !a* !i&#e"f 'een #ittin%. an* #tan*in% re#$ectf("" 'efore !i# no'"e $ri#oner re"ate* t!e #tor of !i# fort(ne# ($ to t!e e,ent# of t!e e,enin% 'efore+ Lor* Fo3!a& "i#tene* %ra,e" an* )!en Dic/ !a* *one 6Ma#ter S!e"ton6 !e #ai* 6e are a &o#t fort(nate-(nfort(nate o(n% %ent"e&an. '(t )!at fort(ne 4 4a,e !a* t!at e !a,e a&$" &erite*. an* )!at (nfort(ne e !a,e no)a# *e#er,e*+ Be of a %oo* c!eer. for e !a,e &a*e a frien* )!o i# *e,oi* neit!er of $o)er nor fa,o(r+ For o(r#e"f a"t!o(%! it fit# not for a $er#on of o(r 'irt! to !er* )it! o(t"a)# 1 &(#t o)n e are 'ot! 'ra,e an* !ono(ra'"e. ,er *an%ero(# in 'att"e ri%!t co(rteo(# in $eace. a o(t! of e3ce""ent *i#$o#ition an* 'ra,e 'earin%+ For o(r e#tate# e )i"" ne,er #ee t!e& ti"" t!e )or"* #!a"" c!an%e a%ain. #o "on% a# Lanca#ter !at! t!e #tron% !an* #o "on% #!a"" Sir Danie" en5o t!e& for !i# o)n+ For & )ar* it i# anot!er &atter. 1 !a* $ro&i#e* !er 'efore to a %ent"e&an a /in#&an of & !o(#e one Ha&"e. t!e $ro&i#e i# o"* - 6 6A & "or* an* no) Sir Danie" !at! $ro&i#e* !er to & Lor* S!ore'6 interr($te* Dic/+ 6An* !i# $ro&i#e for a"" it i# '(t
o(n% i# #ti"" t!e "i/e"ier to 'e &a*e %oo*+6 64Ti# t!e $"ain tr(t!6 ret(rne* !i# "or*#!i$+ 6An* con#i*erin% &oreo,er t!at 1 a& o(r $ri#oner ($on no 'etter co&$o#ition t!an & 'are "ife an* o,er an* a'o,e t!at t!at t!e &ai*en i# (n!a$$i" in ot!er !an*# 1 )i"" #o far con#ent+ Ai* &e )it! o(r %oo* fe""o)#6 6M "or*6 crie* Dic/ 6t!e are t!e#e #a&e o(t"a)# t!at e '"a&e &e for con#ortin% )it!+6 6Let t!e& 'e )!at t!e )i"" t!e can fi%!t6 ret(rne* Lor* Fo3!a&+ 6He"$ &e t!en. an* if 'et)een (# )e re%ain t!e &ai* ($on & /ni%!t" !ono(r #!e #!a"" &arr o(86 Dic/ 'ent !i# /nee 'efore !i# $ri#oner. '(t !e "ea$in% ($ "i%!t" fro& t!e cro## ca(%!t t!e "a* ($ an* e&'race* !i& "i/e a #on+ 6Co&e6 !e #ai* 6an 4 are to &arr Joan )e &(#t 'e ear" frien*#+6
CHAPTER 10 - THE GOOD HOPE
An !o(r t!ereafter Dic/ )a# 'ac/ at t!e Goat an* Ba%$i$e# 'rea/in% !i# fa#t an* recei,in% t!e re$ort of !i# &e##en%er# an* #entrie#+ D(c/)ort! )a# #ti"" a'#ent fro& S!ore'. an* t!i# )a# fre;(ent" t!e ca#e for !e $"ae* &an $art# in t!e )or"* #!are* &an *ifferent intere#t# an* con*(cte* &an ,ario(# affair#+ He !a* fo(n*e* t!at fe""o)#!i$ of t!e B"ac/ Arro) a# a r(ine* &an "on%in% for ,en%eance an* &one. an* et a&on% t!o#e )!o /ne) !i& 'e#t !e )a# t!o(%!t to 'e t!e a%ent an* e&i##ar of t!e %reat Kin%-&a/er of En%"an* Ric!ar* Ear" of War)ic/+ 1n !i# a'#ence at an rate it fe"" ($on Ric!ar* S!e"ton to co&&an* affair# in S!ore'. an* a# !e #at at &eat !i# &in* )a# f("" of care an* !i# face !ea, )it! con#i*eration+ 1t !a* 'een *eter&ine* 'et)een !i& an* t!e Lor* Fo3!a& to &a/e one 'o"* #tro/e t!at e,enin% an* ' 'r(te force to #et Joanna free+ T!e o'#tac"e# !o)e,er )ere &an. an* a# one after anot!er of !i# #co(t# arri,e* eac! 'ro(%!t !i& &ore *i#co&forta'"e ne)#+ Sir Danie" )a# a"ar&e* ' t!e #/ir&i#! of t!e ni%!t 'efore+ He !a* increa#e* t!e %arri#on of t!e !o(#e in t!e %ar*en. '(t not content )it! t!at !e !a* #tatione* !or#e&en in a"" t!e nei%!'o(rin% "ane# #o t!at !e &i%!t !a,e in#tant )or* of an &o,e&ent+ Mean)!i"e in t!e co(rt of !i# &an#ion #tee*# #too* #a**"e* an* t!e ri*er# ar&e* at e,er $oint a)aite* '(t t!e #i%na" to ri*e+ T!e a*,ent(re of t!e ni%!t a$$eare* &ore an* &ore *iffic("t of e3ec(tion ti"" #(**en" Dic/4# co(ntenance "i%!tene*+ 6La)"e##86 !e crie* 6o( t!at )ere a #!i$&an can e #tea" &e a #!i$76 6Ma#ter Dic/6 re$"ie* La)"e## 6if e )o("* 'ac/ &e 1 )o("* a%ree
to #tea" 9or/ Min#ter+6 Pre#ent" after t!e#e t)o #et fort! an* *e#cen*e* to t!e !ar'o(r+ 1t )a# a con#i*era'"e 'a#in "in% a&on% #an* !i""# an* #(rro(n*e* )it! $atc!e# of *o)n ancient r(ino(# "(&'er an* t(&'"e-*o)n #"(&# of t!e to)n+ Man *ec/e* #!i$# an* &an o$en 'oat# eit!er "a t!ere at anc!or or !a* 'een *ra)n ($ on t!e 'eac!+ A "on% *(ration of 'a* )eat!er !a* *ri,en t!e& fro& t!e !i%! #ea# into t!e #!e"ter of t!e $ort. an* t!e %reat troo$in% of '"ac/ c"o(*# an* t!e co"* #;(a""# t!at fo""o)e* one anot!er no) )it! a #$rin/"in% of #no) no) in a a &ere #)oo$ of )in* no i&$ro,e&ent '(t*r rat!er t!reatene* &ore #erio(# #tor& $ro&i#e* in t!e i&&e*iate f(t(re+ T!e #ea&en in ,ie) of t!e co"* an* t!e )in* !a* for t!e &o#t $art #"(n/ a#!ore an* )ere no) roarin% an* #in%in% in t!e #!ore#i*e ta,ern#+ Man of t!e #!i$# a"rea* ro*e (n%(ar*e* at t!eir anc!or#. an* a# t!e *a )ore on an* t!e )eat!er offere* no a$$earance of i&$ro,e&ent t!e n(&'er )a# contin(a"" 'ein% a(%&ente*+ 1t )a# to t!e#e *e#erte* #!i$# an* a'o,e a"" to t!o#e of t!e& t!at "a far o(t t!at La)"e## *irecte* !i# attention. )!i"e Dic/ #eate* ($on an anc!or t!at )a# !a"f e&'e**e* in t!e #an* an* %i,in% ear no) to t!e r(*e $otent an* 'o*in% ,oice# of t!e %a"e an* no) to t!e !oar#e #in%in% of t!e #!i$&en in a nei%!'o(rin% ta,ern #oon for%ot !i# i&&e*iate #(rro(n*in%# an* concern# in t!e a%reea'"e reco""ection of Lor* Fo3!a&4# $ro&i#e+ He )a# *i#t(r'e* ' a to(c! ($on !i# #!o("*er+ 1t )a# La)"e## $ointin% to a #&a"" #!i$ t!at "a #o&e)!at ' it#e"f an* )it!in '(t a "itt"e of t!e !ar'o(r &o(t! )!ere it !ea,e* re%("ar" an* #&oot!" on t!e enterin% #)e""+ A $a"e %"ea& of )inter #(n#!ine fe"" at t!at &o&ent on t!e ,e##e"4# *ec/ re"ie,in% !er a%ain#t a 'an/ of #co)"in% c"o(*. an* in t!i# &o&entar %"itter Dic/ co("* #ee a co($"e of &en !a("in% t!e #/iff a"on%#i*e+ 6T!ere #ir6 #ai* La)"e## 6&ar/ e it )e""8 for to-ni%!t+6
T!ere i# t!e #!i$
Pre#ent" t!e #/iff $(t o(t fro& t!e ,e##e"4# #i*e an* t!e t)o &en /ee$in% !er !ea* )e"" to t!e )in* $(""e* "(#ti" for #!ore+ La)"e## t(rne* to a "oiterer+ 6Ho) ca"" e !er76 !e a#/e* $ointin% to t!e "itt"e ,e##e"+ 6T!e ca"" !er t!e Goo* Ho$e of Dart&o(t!6 re$"ie* t!e "oiterer+ 6Her ca$tain Ar'"a#ter ' na&e+ He $(""et! t!e 'o) oar in on #/iff+6 T!i# )a# a"" t!at La)"e## )ante*+ H(rrie*" t!an/in% t!e &an !e &o,e* ro(n* t!e #!ore to a certain #an* cree/ for )!ic! t!e #/iff )a# !ea*in%+ T!ere !e too/ ($ !i# $o#ition an* a# #oon a# t!e )ere )it!in ear#!ot o$ene* fire on t!e #ai"or# of t!e Goo* Ho$e+ 6W!at8 Go##i$ Ar'"a#ter86 !e crie*+ 6W! e 'e )e"" &et. na %o##i$ e 'e ri%!t )e"" &et ($on t!e roo*8 An* i# t!at t!e Goo* Ho$e7 A 1 )o("* /no) !er a&on% ten t!o(#an*8 - a #)eet #!ear a #)eet 'oat8 B(t &arr co&e ($ & %o##i$ )i"" e *rin/7 1 !a,e co&e into &ine e#tate )!ic! *o('t"e## e re&e&'er to !a,e !ear* on+ 1 a& no) ric!. 1 !a,e "eft to #ai" ($on t!e #ea. 1 *o #ai" no) for t!e &o#t $art ($on #$ice* a"e+ Co&e fe""o). t! !an* ($on 4t8
Co&e *rin/ )it! an o"* #!i$fe""o)86 S/i$$er Ar'"a#ter a "on%-face* e"*er" )eat!er-'eaten &an )it! a /nife !an%in% a'o(t !i# nec/ ' a $"aite* cor* an* for a"" t!e )or"* "i/e an &o*ern #ea&an in !i# %ait an* 'earin% !a* !(n% 'ac/ in o',io(# a&a2e&ent an* *i#tr(#t+ B(t t!e na&e of an e#tate an* a certain air of ti$#ifie* #i&$"icit an* %oo*-fe""o)#!i$ )!ic! La)"e## ,er )e"" affecte* co&'ine* to con;(er !i# #(#$icio(# 5ea"o(#. !i# co(ntenance re"a3e* an* !e at once e3ten*e* !i# o$en !an* an* #;(ee2e* t!at of t!e o(t"a) in a for&i*a'"e %ra#$+ 6Na6 !e #ai* 61 cannot &in* o(+ B(t )!at o4 t!at7 1 )o("* *rin/ )it! an &an %o##i$ an* #o )o("* & &an To&+ Man To&6 !e a**e* a**re##in% !i# fo""o)er 6!ere i# & %o##i$ )!o#e na&e 1 cannot &in* '(t no *o('t a ,er %oo* #ea&an+ Let4# %o *rin/ )it! !i& an* !i# #!ore frien*+6 La)"e## "e* t!e )a an* t!e )ere #oon #eate* in an a"e!o(#e )!ic! a# it )a# ,er ne) an* #too* in an e3$o#e* an* #o"itar #tation )a# "e## cro)*e* t!an t!o#e nearer to t!e centre of t!e $ort+ 1t )a# '(t a #!e* of ti&'er &(c! "i/e a '"oc/!o(#e in t!e 'ac/)oo*# of to-*a an* )a# coar#e" f(rni#!e* )it! a $re## or t)o a n(&'er of na/e* 'enc!e# an* 'oar*# #et ($on 'arre"# to $"a t!e $art of ta'"e#+ 1n t!e &i**"e an* 'e#ie%e* ' !a"f a !(n*re* ,io"ent *ra(%!t# a fire of )rec/-)oo* '"a2e* an* ,o&ite* t!ic/ #&o/e+ 6A no)6 #ai* La)"e## 6!ere i# a #!i$&an4# 5o - a %oo* fire an* a %oo* #tiff c($ a#!ore )it! fo(" )eat!er )it!o(t an* an off-#ea %a"e a-#norin% in t!e roof 8 Here4# to t!e Goo* Ho$e8 Ma #!e ri*e ea#86 6A6 #ai* S/i$$er Ar'"a#ter 64ti# %oo* )eat!er to 'e a#!ore in t!at i# #oot!+ Man To& !o) #a e to t!at7 Go##i$ e #$ea/ )e"" t!o(%! 1 can ne,er t!in/ ($on o(r na&e. '(t e #$ea/ ,er )e""+ Ma t!e Goo* Ho$e ri*e ea#8 A&en86 6Frien* Dic/on6 re#(&e* La)"e## a**re##in% !i# co&&an*er 6e !a,e certain &atter# on !an* (n"e## 1 err7 We"" $rit!ee 'e a'o(t t!e& incontinent"+ For !ere 1 'e )it! t!e c!oice of a"" %oo* co&$an t)o to(%! o"* #!i$&en. an* ti"" t!at e ret(rn 1 )i"" %o )arrant t!e#e 'ra,e fe""o)# )i"" 'i*e !ere an* *rin/ &e c($ for c($+
We are not "i/e #!ore-&en )e o"* to(%! tarr-Jo!n#86
61t i# )e"" &eant6 ret(rne* t!e #/i$$er+ 69e can %o 'o. for 1 )i"" /ee$ o(r %oo* frien* an* & %oo* %o##i$ co&$an ti"" c(rfe) a an* ' St+ Mar ti"" t!e #(n %et ($ a%ain8 For "oo/ e )!en a &an !at! 'een "on% eno(%! at #ea t!e #a"t %ettet! &e into t!e c"a ($on !i# 'one#. an* "et !i& *rin/ a *ra)-)e"" !e )i"" ne,er 'e ;(enc!e*+6 T!(# enco(ra%e* ($on a"" !an*# Dic/ ro#e #a"(te* !i# co&$an an* %oin% fort! a%ain into t!e %(#t afternoon %ot !i& a# #$ee*i" a# !e &i%!t to t!e Goat an* Ba%$i$e#+ T!ence !e #ent )or* to & Lor* Fo3!a& t!at #o #oon a# e,er t!e e,enin% c"o#e* t!e )o("* !a,e a #to(t 'oat to /ee$ t!e #ea in+ An* t!en "ea*in% a"on% )it! !i& a co($"e of o(t"a)# )!o !a* #o&e e3$erience of t!e #ea !e ret(rne* !i&#e"f to t!e !ar'o(r an* t!e "itt"e #an* cree/+
T!e #/iff of t!e Goo* Ho$e "a a&on% &an ot!er# fro& )!ic! it )a# ea#i" *i#tin%(i#!e* ' it# e3tre&e #&a""ne## an* fra%i"it+ 1n*ee* )!en Dic/ an* !i# t)o &en !a* ta/en t!eir $"ace# an* 'e%(n to $(t fort! o(t of t!e cree/ into t!e o$en !ar'o(r t!e "itt"e coc/"e *i$$e* into t!e #)e"" an* #ta%%ere* (n*er e,er %(#t of )in* "i/e a t!in% ($on t!e $oint of #in/in%+ T!e Goo* Ho$e a# )e !a,e #ai* )a# anc!ore* far o(t )!ere t!e #)e"" )a# !ea,ie#t+ No ot!er ,e##e" "a nearer t!an #e,era" ca'"e#4 "en%t!. t!o#e t!at )ere t!e neare#t )ere t!e&#e",e# entire" an* a# t!e a$$roac!e* a t!ic/ f"(rr of #no) an* *e#erte*. a #(**en *ar/enin% of#/iff t!e )eat!er f(rt!er concea"e* t!e &o,e&ent# of t!e o(t"a)# fro& a"" $o##i'"e e#$ia"+ 1n a trice t!e !a* "ea$e* ($on t!e !ea,in% *ec/ an* t!e #/iff )a# *ancin% at t!e #tern+ T!e Goo* Ho$e )a# ca$t(re*+ S!e )a# a %oo* #to(t 'oat *ec/e* in t!e 'o)# an* a&i*#!i$# '(t o$en in t!e #tern+ S!e carrie* one &a#t an* )a# ri%%e* 'et)een a fe"(cca an* a "(%%er+ 1t )o("* #ee& t!at S/i$$er Ar'"a#ter !a* &a*e an e3ce""ent ,ent(re for t!e !o"* )a# f("" of $iece# of Frenc! )ine. an* in t!e "itt"e ca'in 'e#i*e# t!e 0ir%in Mar in t!e '("/!ea* )!ic! $ro,e* t!e ca$tain4# $iet t!ere )ere &an "oc/fa#t c!e#t# an* c($'oar*# )!ic! #!o)e* !i& to 'e ric! an* caref("+ A *o% )!o )a# t!e #o"e occ($ant of t!e ,e##e" f(rio(#" 'ar/e* an* 'it t!e !ee"# of t!e 'oar*er#. '(t !e )a# #oon /ic/e* into t!e ca'in an* t!e *oor #!(t ($on !i# 5(#t re#ent&ent+ A "a&$ )a# "it an* fi3e* in t!e #!ro(*# to &ar/ t!e ,e##e" c"ear" fro& t!e #!ore. one of t!e )ine $iece# in t!e !o"* )a# 'roac!e* an* a c($ of e3ce""ent Ga#con e&$tie* to t!e a*,ent(re of t!e e,enin%. an* t!en )!i"e one of t!e o(t"a)# 'e%an to %et rea* !i# 'o) an* arro)# an* $re$are to !o"* t!e #!i$ a%ain#t a"" co&er# t!e ot!er !a("e* in t!e #/iff an* %ot o,er'oar* )!ere !e !e"* on )aitin% for Dic/+ 6We"" Jac/ /ee$ &e a %oo* )atc!6 #ai* t!e o(n% co&&an*er $re$arin% to fo""o) !i# #('or*inate+ 69e )i"" *o ri%!t )e""+6 6W!6 ret(rne* Jac/ 61 #!a"" *o e3ce""ent )e"" in*ee* #o "on% a# )e "ie !ere. '(t once )e $(t t!e no#e of t!i# $oor #!i$ o(t#i*e t!e !ar'o(r - See t!ere #!e tre&'"e#8 Na t!e $oor #!re) !ear* t!e )or*# an* t!e !eart &i#%a,e !er in !er oa/-tree ri'#+ Ma#ter Dic/8 !o) '"ac/ t!e )eat!er %at!er#86
B(t "oo/
T!e *ar/ne## a!ea* )a# in*ee* a#toni#!in%+ Great 'i""o)# !ea,e* ($ o(t of t!e '"ac/ne## one after anot!er. an* one after anot!er t!e Goo* Ho$e '(oant" c"i&'e* an* %i**i" $"(n%e* ($on t!e f(rt!er #i*e+ A t!in #$rin/"e of #no) an* t!in f"a/e# of foa& ca&e f"in% an* $o)*ere* t!e *ec/. an* t!e )in* !ar$e* *i#&a"" a&on% t!e ri%%in%+ 61n #oot! it "oo/et! e,i""6 #ai* Dic/+ 6B(t )!at c!eer8 4Ti# '(t a #;(a"" an* $re#ent" it )i"" '"o) o,er+6 B(t in #$ite of !i# )or*# !e )a# *e$re##in%" affecte* ' t!e '"ea/ *i#or*er of t!e #/ an* t!e )ai"in% an* f"(tin% of t!e )in*. an* a# !e %ot o,er t!e #i*e of t!e Goo* Ho$e an* &a*e once &ore for t!e "an*in%-cree/ )it! t!e 'e#t #$ee* of oar# !e cro##e* !i&#e"f *e,o(t" an* reco&&en*e* to Hea,en t!e "i,e# of a"" )!o #!o("* a*,ent(re on t!e
#ea+ At t!e "an*in%-cree/ t!ere !a* a"rea* %at!ere* a'o(t a *o2en of t!e o(t"a)#+ To t!e#e t!e #/iff )a# "eft an* t!e )ere 'i**en e&'ar/ )it!o(t *e"a+ A "itt"e f(rt!er ($ t!e 'eac! Dic/ fo(n* Lor* Fo3!a& !(rrin% in ;(e#t of !i& !i# face concea"e* )it! a *ar/ !oo* an* !i# 'ri%!t ar&o(r co,ere* ' a "on% r(##et &ant"e of a $oor a$$earance+ 69o(n% S!e"ton6 !e #ai* 6are e for #ea t!en tr("76 6M "or*6 re$"ie* Ric!ar* 6t!e "ie a'o(t t!e !o(#e )it! !or#e&en. it &a not 'e reac!e* fro& t!e "an* #i*e )it!o(t a"ar(&. an* Sir Danie" once a*,erti#e* of o(r a*,ent(re )e can no &ore carr it to a %oo* en* t!an #a,in% o(r $re#ence )e co("* ri*e ($on t!e )in*+ No) in %oin% ro(n* ' #ea )e *o r(n #o&e $eri" ' t!e e"e&ent#. '(t )!at &(c! o(t)ei%!tet! a"" )e !a,e a c!ance to &a/e %oo* o(r $(r$o#e an* 'ear off t!e &ai*+6 6We""6 ret(rne* Lor* Fo3!a& 6"ea* on+ 1 )i"" in #o&e #ort fo""o) o( for #!a&e4# #a/e. '(t 1 o)n 1 )o("* 1 )ere in 'e*+6 6Here t!en6 #ai* Dic/+
6Hit!er )e %o to fetc! o(r $i"ot+6
An* !e "e* t!e )a to t!e r(*e a"e!o(#e )!ere !e !a* %i,en ren*e2,o(# to a $ortion of !i# &en+ So&e of t!e#e !e fo(n* "in%erin% ro(n* t!e *oor o(t#i*e. ot!er# !a* $(#!e* &ore 'o"*" in an* c!oo#in% $"ace# a# near a# $o##i'"e to )!ere t!e #a) t!eir co&ra*e %at!ere* c"o#e a'o(t La)"e## an* t!e t)o #!i$&en+ T!e#e to 5(*%e ' t!e *i#te&$ere* co(ntenance an* c"o(* ee !a* "on% #ince %one 'eon* t!e 'o(n*arie# of &o*eration. an* a# Ric!ar* entere* c"o#e" fo""o)e* ' Lor* Fo3!a& t!e )ere a"" t!ree t(nin% ($ an o"* $itif(" #ea-*itt to t!e c!or(# of t!e )ai"in% of t!e %a"e+ T!e o(n% "ea*er ca#t a ra$i* %"ance a'o(t t!e #!e*+ T!e fire !a* 5(#t 'een re$"eni#!e* an* %a,e fort! ,o"(&e# of '"ac/ #&o/e #o t!at it )a# *iffic("t to #ee c"ear" in t!e f(rt!er corner#+ 1t )a# $"ain !o)e,er t!at t!e o(t"a)# ,er "ar%e" o(tn(&'ere* t!e re&ain*er of t!e %(e#t#+ Sati#fie* ($on t!i# $oint in ca#e of an fai"(re in t!e o$eration of !i# $"an Dic/ #tro*e ($ to t!e ta'"e an* re#(&e* !i# $"ace ($on t!e 'enc!+ 6He76 crie* t!e #/i$$er ti$#i" 6)!o are e !e76 61 )ant a )or* )it! o( )it!o(t Ma#ter Ar'"a#ter6 ret(rne* Dic/. 6an* !ere i# )!at )e #!a"" ta"/ of+6 An* !e #!o)e* !i& a %o"* no'"e in t!e %"i&&er of t!e fire"i%!t+ T!e #!i$&an4# ee# '(rne* a"t!o(%! !e #ti"" fai"e* to reco%ni#e o(r !ero+ 6A 'o6 !e #ai* 61 a& )it! o(+ Go##i$ 1 )i"" 'e 'ac/ anon+ Drin/ fair %o##i$.6 an* ta/in% Dic/4# ar& to #tea* !i# (ne,en #te$# !e )a"/e* to t!e *oor of t!e a"e!o(#e+ A# #oon a# !e )a# o,er t!e t!re#!o"* ten #tron% ar&# !a* #ei2e* an* 'o(n* !i&. an* in t)o &in(te# &ore )it! !i# "i&'# tr(##e* one
to anot!er an* a %oo* %a% in !i# &o(t! !e !a* 'een t(&'"e* nec/ an* cro$ into a nei%!'o(rin% !a-'arn+ Pre#ent" !i# &an To& #i&i"ar" #ec(re* )a# to##e* 'e#i*e !i& an* t!e $air )ere "eft to t!eir (nco(t! ref"ection# for t!e ni%!t+ An* no) a# t!e ti&e for concea"&ent !a* %one ' Lor* Fo3!a&4# fo""o)er# )ere #(&&one* ' a $reconcerte* #i%na" an* t!e $art 'o"*" ta/in% $o##e##ion of a# &an 'oat# a# t!eir n(&'er# re;(ire* $(""e* in a f"oti""a for t!e "i%!t in t!e ri%%in% of t!e #!i$+ Lon% 'efore t!e "a#t &an !a* c"i&'e* to t!e *ec/ of t!e Goo* Ho$e #o(n* of #!o(tin% fro& t!e #!ore #!o)e* t!at a $art t!e at "ea#t of f(rio(# t!e #ea&en !a* *i#co,ere* t!e "o## of t!eir #/iff#+ B(t it )a# no) too "ate )!et!er for reco,er or re,en%e+ O(t of #o&e fort fi%!tin% &en no) &(#tere* in t!e #to"en #!i$ ei%!t !a* 'een to #ea an* co("* $"a t!e $art of &ariner#+ Wit! t!e ai* of t!e#e a #"ice of #ai" )a# %ot ($on !er+ T!e ca'"e )a# c(t+ La)"e## ,aci""atin% on !i# feet an* #ti"" #!o(tin% t!e c!or(# of #ea-'a""a*# too/ t!e "on% ti""er in !i# !an*#: an* t!e Goo* Ho$e 'e%an to f"it for)ar* into t!e *ar/ne## of t!e ni%!t an* to face t!e %reat )a,e# 'eon* t!e !ar'o(r 'ar+ Ric!ar* too/ !i# $"ace 'e#i*e t!e )eat!er ri%%in%+ E3ce$t for t!e #!i$4# o)n "antern an* for #o&e "i%!t# in S!ore' to)n t!at )ere a"rea* fa*in% to "ee)ar* t!e )!o"e )or"* of air )a# a# '"ac/ a# in a $it+ On" fro& ti&e to ti&e a# t!e Goo* Ho$e #)oo$e* *i22i" *o)n into t!e ,a""e of t!e ro""er# a cre#t )o("* 'rea/ - a %reat cataract of #no) foa& )o("* "ea$ in one in#tant into 'ein% - an* in an in#tant &ore )o("* #trea& into t!e )a/e an* ,ani#!+ Man of t!e &en "a !o"*in% on an* $rain% a"o(*. &an &ore )ere #ic/ an* !a* cre$t into t!e 'otto& )!ere t!e #$ra)"e* a&on% t!e car%o+ An* )!at )it! t!e e3tre&e ,io"ence of t!e &otion an* t!e contin(e* *r(n/en 'ra,a*o of La)"e## #ti"" #!o(tin% an* #in%in% at t!e !e"& t!e #to(te#t !eart on 'oar* &a !a,e no(ri#!e* a #!re)* &i#%i,in% a# to t!e re#("t+ B(t La)"e## a# if %(i*e* ' an in#tinct #teere* t!e #!i$ acro## t!e 'rea/er# #tr(c/ t!e "ee of a %reat #an*'an/ )!ere t!e #ai"e* for a)!i"e in #&oot! )ater an* $re#ent" after "ai* !er a"on%#i*e a r(*e #tone $ier )!ere #!e )a# !a#ti" &a*e fa#t an* "a *(c/in% an* %rin*in% in t!e *ar/+
CHAPTER 0 - THE GOOD HOPE =contin(e*>
T!e $ier )a# not far *i#tant fro& t!e !o(#e in )!ic! Joanna "a. it no) on" re&aine* to %et t!e &en on #!ore to #(rro(n* t!e !o(#e )it! a #tron% $art '(r#t in t!e *oor an* carr off t!e ca$ti,e+ T!e &i%!t t!en re%ar* t!e&#e",e# a# *one )it! t!e Goo* Ho$e. it !a* $"ace* t!e& on t!e rear of t!eir ene&ie#. an* t!e retreat )!et!er t!e #!o("* #(ccee* or fai" in t!e &ain enter$ri#e )o("* 'e *irecte* )it! a %reater &ea#(re of !o$e in t!e *irection of t!e fore#t an* & Lor* Fo3!a&4# re#er,e+
To %et t!e &en on #!ore !o)e,er )a# no ea# ta#/. &an !a* 'een #ic/ a"" )ere $ierce* )it! co"*. t!e $ro&i#c(it an* *i#or*er on 'oar* !a* #!a/en t!eir *i#ci$"ine. t!e &o,e&ent of t!e #!i$ an* t!e *ar/ne## of t!e ni%!t !a* co)e* t!eir #$irit#+ T!e &a*e a r(#! ($on t!e $ier. & "or* )it! !i# #)or* *ra)n on !i# o)n retainer# &(#t t!ro) !i&#e"f in front. an* t!i# i&$("#e of ra''"e&ent )a# not re#traine* )it!o(t a certain c"a&o(r of ,oice# !i%!" to 'e re%rette* in t!e ca#e+ W!en #o&e *e%ree of or*er !a* 'een re#tore* Dic/ )it! a fe) c!o#en &en #et fort! in a*,ance+ T!e *ar/ne## #!ore '"i/e a contra#t )it! t!e f"a#!in% of t!e #(rf a$$eare* on 'efore !i& #o"i* 'o*. an* t!e !o)"in% an* )!i#t"in% of t!e %a"e *ro)ne* an "e##er noi#e+ He !a* #carce reac!e* t!e en* of t!e $ier !o)e,er )!en t!ere fe"" a "("" of t!e )in*. an* in t!i# !e #ee&e* to !ear on #!ore t!e !o""o) footin% of !or#e# an* t!e c"a#! of ar&#+ C!ec/in% !i# i&&e*iate fo""o)er# !e $a##e* for)ar* a #te$ or t)o a"one e,en #ettin% foot ($on t!e *o)n. an* !ere !e &a*e #(re !e co("* *etect t!e #!a$e of &en an* !or#e# &o,in%+ A #tron% *i#co(ra%e&ent a##ai"e* !i&+ 1f t!eir ene&ie# )ere rea"" on t!e )atc! if t!e !a* 'e"ea%(ere* t!e #!ore)ar* en* of t!e $ier !e an* Lor* Fo3!a& )ere ta/en in a $o#t(re of ,er $oor *efence t!e #ea 'e!in* t!e &en 5o#t"e* in t!e *ar/ ($on a narro) ca(#e)a+ He %a,e a ca(tio(# )!i#t"e t!e #i%na" $re,io(#" a%ree* ($on+ 1t $ro,e* to 'e a #i%na" far &ore t!an !e *e#ire*+ 1n#tant" t!ere fe"" t!ro(%! t!e '"ac/ ni%!t a #!o)er of arro)# #ent at a ,ent(re. an* #o c"o#e )ere t!e &en !(**"e* on t!e $ier t!at &ore t!an one )a# !it an* t!e arro)# )ere an#)ere* )it! crie# of 'ot! fear an* $ain+ 1n t!i# fir#t *i#c!ar%e Lor* Fo3!a& )a# #tr(c/ *o)n. Ha)/#"e !a* !i& carrie* on 'oar* a%ain at once. an* !i# &en *(rin% t!e 'rief re&ain*er of t!e #/ir&i#! fo(%!t =)!en t!e fo(%!t at a""> )it!o(t %(i*ance+ T!at )a# $er!a$# t!e c!ief ca(#e of t!e *i#a#ter )!ic! &a*e !a#te to fo""o)+ At t!e #!ore en* of t!e $ier for $er!a$# a &in(te Dic/ !e"* !i# o)n )it! a !an*f(". one or t)o )ere )o(n*e* ($on eit!er #i*e. #tee" cro##e* #tee". nor !a* t!ere 'een t!e "ea#t #i%na" of a*,anta%e )!en in t!e t)in/"in% of an ee t!e ti*e t(rne* a%ain#t t!e $art fro& t!e #!i$+ So&eone crie* o(t t!at a"" )a# "o#t. t!e &en )ere in t!e ,er !(&o(r to "en* an ear to a *i#co&forta'"e co(n#e". t!e cr )a# ta/en ($+ 6On 'oar* "a*# for o(r "i,e#86 crie* anot!er+ A t!ir* )it! t!e tr(e in#tinct of t!e co)ar* rai#e* t!at ine,ita'"e re$ort on a"" retreat#: 6We are 'etrae*86 An* in a &o&ent t!e )!o"e &a## of &en )ent #(r%in% an* 5o#t"in% 'ac/)ar* *o)n t!e $ier t(rnin% t!eir *efence"e## 'ac/# on t!eir $(r#(er# an* $iercin% t!e ni%!t )it! cra,en o(tcr+ One co)ar* t!r(#t off t!e #!i$4# #tern )!i"e anot!er #ti"" !e"* !er ' t!e 'o)#+ T!e f(%iti,e# "ea$e* #crea&in% an* )ere !a("e* on 'oar* or fe"" 'ac/ an* $eri#!e* in t!e #ea+ So&e )ere c(t *o)n ($on t!e $ier ' t!e $(r#(er#+ Man )ere in5(re* on t!e #!i$4# *ec/ in t!e '"in* !a#te an* terror of t!e &o&ent one &an "ea$in% ($on anot!er an* a t!ir* on 'ot!+ At "a#t an* )!et!er ' *e#i%n or acci*ent t!e 'o)# of t!e Goo* Ho$e )ere "i'erate*. an* t!e e,er-rea* La)"e## )!o !a* &aintaine* !i# $"ace at t!e !e"& t!ro(%! a"" t!e !(r"-'(r" ' #!eer #tren%t! of 'o* an* a "i'era"
(#e of t!e co"* #tee" in#tant" c"a$$e* !er on t!e $ro$er tac/+ T!e #!i$ 'e%an to &o,e once &ore for)ar* on t!e #tor& #ea it# #c($$er# r(nnin% '"oo* it# *ec/ !ea$e* )it! fa""en &en #$ra)"in% an* #tr(%%"in% in t!e *ar/+ T!ere($on La)"e## #!eat!e* !i# *a%%er an* t(rnin% to !i# ne3t nei%!'o(r 61 !a,e "eft & &ar/ on t!e& %o##i$6 #ai* !e 6t!e e"$in% co)ar* !o(n*#+6 No) )!i"e t!e )ere a"" "ea$in% an* #tr(%%"in% for t!eir "i,e# t!e &en !a*)!ic! not a$$eare* t!e ro(%! an* c(ttin% #ta'# )it! La)"e## to !a*o'#er,e !e"* !i# $o#t in #!o,e# t!e conf(#ion+ B(t $er!a$# t!e !a* a"rea* 'e%(n to (n*er#tan* #o&e)!at &ore c"ear" or $er!a$# anot!er ear !a* o,er!ear* t!e !e"&#&an4# #$eec!+ Panic-#tric/en troo$# reco,er #"o)" an* &en )!o !a,e 5(#t *i#%race* t!e&#e",e# ' co)ar*ice a# if to )i$e o(t t!e &e&or of t!eir fa("t )i"" #o&eti&e# r(n #trai%!t into t!e o$$o#ite e3tre&e of in#('or*ination+ So it )a# no). an* t!e #a&e &en )!o !a* t!ro)n a)a t!eir )ea$on# an* 'een !a("e* feet fore&o#t into t!e Goo* Ho$e 'e%an to cr o(t ($on t!eir "ea*er# an* *e&an* t!at #o&eone #!o("* 'e $(ni#!e*+ T!i# %ro)in% i""-fee"in% t(rne* ($on La)"e##+ 1n or*er to %et a $ro$er offin% t!e o"* o(t"a) !a* $(t t!e !ea* of t!e Goo* Ho$e to #ea)ar*+ 6W!at86 'a)"e* one of t!e %r(&'"er# 6!e carriet! (# to #ea)ar*86 64Ti# #oot!6 crie* anot!er+
6Na )e are 'etrae* for #(re+6
An* t!e a"" 'e%an to cr o(t in c!or(# t!at t!e )ere 'etrae* an* in #!ri"" tone# an* )it! a'o&ina'"e oat!# 'a*e La)"e## %o a'o(t-#!i$ an* 'rin% t!e& #$ee*i" a#!ore+ La)"e## %rin*in% !i# teet! contin(e* in #i"ence to #teer t!e tr(e co(r#e %(i*in% t!e Goo* Ho$e a&on% t!e for&i*a'"e 'i""o)#+ To t!eir e&$t terror# a# to t!eir *i#!ono(ra'"e t!reat# 'et)een *rin/ an* *i%nit !e #corne* to &a/e re$"+ T!e &a"content# *re) to%et!er a "itt"e a'aft t!e &a#t an* it )a# $"ain t!e )ere "i/e 'arnar* coc/# 6cro)in% for co(ra%e+6 Pre#ent" t!e )o("* 'e fit for an e3tre&it of in5(#tice or in%ratit(*e+ Dic/ 'e%an to &o(nt ' t!e "a**er ea%er to inter$o#e. '(t one of t!e o(t"a)# )!o )a# a"#o #o&et!in% of a #ea&an %ot 'efore!an*+ 6La*#6 !e 'e%an 64 are ri%!t )oo*en !ea*# 1 t!in/+ For to %et 'ac/ ' t!e &a## )e &(#t !a,e an offin% &(#t )e not7 An* t!i# o"* La)"e## - 6 So&eone #tr(c/ t!e #$ea/er on t!e &o(t! an* t!e ne3t &o&ent a# a fire #$rin%# a&on% *r #tra) !e )a# fe""e* ($on t!e *ec/ tra&$"e* (n*er t!e feet an* *e#$atc!e* ' t!e *a%%er# of !i# co)ar*" co&$anion#+ At t!i# t!e )rat! of La)"e## ro#e an* 'ro/e+ 6Steer o(r#e",e#6 !e 'e""o)e* )it! a c(r#e. an* care"e## of t!e re#("t !e "eft t!e !e"&+ T!e Goo* Ho$e )a# at t!at &o&ent tre&'"in% on t!e #(&&it of a #)e""+ S!e #('#i*e* )it! #ic/enin% ,e"ocit ($on t!e fart!er
#i*e+ A )a,e "i/e a %reat '"ac/ '(")ar/ !o,e i&&e*iate" in front of !er. an* )it! a #ta%%erin% '"o) #!e $"(n%e* !ea*fore&o#t t!ro(%! t!at "i;(i* !i""+ T!e %reen )ater $a##e* ri%!t o,er !er fro& #te& to #tern a# !i%! a# a &an4# /nee#. t!e #$ra# ran !i%!er t!an t!e &a#t. an* #!e ro#e a%ain ($on t!e ot!er #i*e )it! an a$$a""in% tre&("o(# in*eci#ion "i/e a 'ea#t t!at !a# 'een *ea*" )o(n*e*+ Si3 or #e,en of t!e &a"content# !a* 'een carrie* 'o*i" o,er'oar*. an* a# for t!e re&ain*er )!en t!e fo(n* t!eir ton%(e# a%ain it )a# 'e""o) to t!e #aint# an* )ai" ($on La)"e## to co&e 'ac/ an* ta/eto t!e ti""er+ Nor *i* La)"e## )ait to 'e t)ice 'i**en+ T!e terri'"e re#("t of !i# f"in% of 5(#t re#ent&ent #o'ere* !i& co&$"ete"+ He /ne) 'etter t!an an one on 'oar* !o) near" t!e Goo* Ho$e !a* %one 'o*i" *o)n 'e"o) t!eir feet. an* !e co("* te"" ' t!e "a2ine## )it! )!ic! #!e &et t!e #ea t!at t!e $eri" )a# ' no &ean# o,er+ Dic/ )!o !a* 'een t!ro)n *o)n ' t!e conc(##ion an* !a"f *ro)ne* ro#e )a*in% to !i# /nee# in t!e #)a&$e* )e"" of t!e #tern an* cre$t to t!e o"* !e"&#&an4# #i*e+ 6La)"e##6 !e #ai* 6)e *o a"" *e$en* on o(. 4 are a 'ra,e #tea* &an in*ee* an* craft in t!e &ana%e&ent of #!i$#. 1 #!a"" $(t t!ree #(re &en to )atc! ($on o(r #afet+6 6Boot"e## & &a#ter 'oot"e##6 #ai* t!e #teer#&an $eerin% for)ar* t!ro(%! t!e *ar/+ 6We co&e e,er &o&ent #o&e)!at c"earer of t!e#e #an*'an/#. )it! e,er &o&ent t!en t!e #ea $ac/et! ($on (# !ea,ier an* for a"" t!e#e )!i&$erer# t!e )i"" $re#ent" 'e on t!eir 'ac/#+ For & &a#ter 4ti# a ri%!t &#ter '(t tr(e t!ere ne,er et )a# a 'a* &an t!at )a# a %oo* #!i$&an+ None '(t t!e !one#t an* t!e 'o"* can en*(re &e t!i# to##in% of a #!i$+6 6Na La)"e##6 #ai* Dic/ "a(%!in% 6t!at i# a ri%!t #!i$&an4# ')or* an* !at! no &ore of #en#e t!an t!e )!i#t"e of t!e )in*+ B(t $rit!ee !o) %o )e7 Do )e "ie )e""7 Are )e in %oo* ca#e76 6Ma#ter S!e"ton6 re$"ie* La)"e## 61 !a,e 'een a Gre Friar - 1 $rai#e fort(ne - an arc!er a t!ief an* a #!i$&an+ Of a"" t!e#e coat# 1 !a* t!e 'e#t fanc to *ie in t!e Gre Friar4# a# e &a rea*i" concei,e an* t!e "ea#t fanc to *ie in Jo!n S!i$&an4# tarr 5ac/et. an* t!at for t)o e3ce""ent %oo* rea#on#: fir#t t!at t!e *eat! &i%!t ta/e a &an #(**en". an* #econ* for t!e !orror of t!at %reat #a"t #&ot!er an* )e"ter (n*er & foot !ere6 - an* La)"e## #ta&$e* )it! !i# foot+ 6Ho)'eit6 !e )ent on 6an 1 *ie not a #ai"or4# *eat! an* t!at t!i# ni%!t 1 #!a"" o)e a ta"" can*"e to o(r La*+6 61# it #o76 a#/e* Dic/+ 61t i# ri%!t #o6 re$"ie* t!e o(t"a)+ 6Do e not fee" !o) !ea, an* *("" #!e &o,e# ($on t!e )a,e#7 Do e not !ear t!e )ater )a#!in% in !er !o"*7 S!e )i"" #carce &in* t!e r(**er e,en no)+ Bi*e ti"" #!e !a# #ett"e* a 'it "o)er. an* #!e )i"" eit!er %o *o)n 'e"o) o(r 'oot# "i/e a #tone i&a%e or *ri,e a#!ore !ere (n*er o(r "ee an* co&e a"" to $iece# "i/e a t)i#t of #trin%+6
69e #$ea/ )it! a %oo* co(ra%e6 ret(rne* Dic/+ a$$a""e*76
69e are not t!en
6W! &a#ter6 an#)ere* La)"e## 6if e,er a &an !a* an i"" cre) to co&e to $ort )it! it i# 1 - a rene%a*e friar a t!ief an* a"" t!e re#t on4t+ We"" e &a )on*er '(t 1 /ee$ a %oo* !o$e in & )a""et. an* if t!at 1 'e to *ro)n 1 )i"" *ro)n )it! a 'ri%!t ee Ma#ter S!e"ton an* a #tea* !an*+6 Dic/ ret(rne* no an#)er. '(t !e )a# #(r$ri#e* to fin* t!e o"* ,a%a'on* of #o#et re#o"(te te&$er an* fearin% #o&e fre#! ,io"ence or treac!er fort! a ($on !i# ;(e#t for t!ree #(re &en+ T!e %reat '("/ of t!e &en !a* no) *e#erte* t!e *ec/ )!ic! )a# contin(a"" )ette* )it! t!e f"in% #$ra# an* )!ere t!e "a e3$o#e* to t!e #!re)*ne## of t!e )inter )in*+ T!e !a* %at!ere* in#tea* into t!e !o"* of t!e &erc!an*i#e a&on% t!e '(tt# of )ine an* "i%!te* ' t)o #)in%in% "antern#+ Here a fe) /e$t ($ t!e for& of re,e"r an* toa#te* eac! ot!er *ee$ in Ar'"a#ter4# Ga#con )ine+ B(t a# t!e Goo* Ho$e contin(e* to tear t!ro(%! t!e #&o/in% )a,e# an* to## !er #te& an* #tern a"ternate" !i%! in air an* *ee$ into )!ite foa& t!e n(&'er of t!e#e 5o"" co&$anion# *i&ini#!e* )it! e,er &o&ent an* )it! e,er "(rc!+ Man #at a$art ten*in% t!eir !(rt# '(t t!e &a5orit )ere a"rea* $ro#trate* )it! #ic/ne## an* "a &oanin% in t!e 'i"%e+ Green#!e,e C(c/o) an* a o(n% fe""o) of Lor* Fo3!a&4# )!o& Dic/ !a* a"rea* re&ar/e* for !i# inte""i%ence an* #$irit )ere #ti"" !o)e,er 'ot! fit to (n*er#tan* an* )i""in% to o'e+ T!e#e Dic/ #et a# a 'o*-%(ar* a'o(t t!e $er#on of t!e #teer#&an an* t!en )it! a "a#t "oo/ at t!e '"ac/ #/ an* #ea !e t(rne* an* )ent 'e"o) into t!e ca'in )!it!er Lor* Fo3!a& !a* 'een carrie* ' !i# #er,ant#+
CHAPTER 01 - THE GOOD HOPE =conc"(*e*>
T!e &oan# of t!e )o(n*e* 'aron '"en*e* )it! t!e )ai"in% of t!e #!i$4# *o%+ T!e $oor ani&a" )!et!er !e )a# &ere" #ic/ at !eart to 'e #e$arate* fro& !i# frien*# or )!et!er !e in*ee* reco%ni#e* #o&e $eri" in t!e "a'o(rin% of t!e #!i$ rai#e* !i# crie# "i/e &in(te-%(n# a'o,e t!e roar of )a,e an* )eat!er. an* t!e &ore #($er#titio(# of t!e &en !ear* in t!e#e #o(n*# t!e /ne"" of t!e Goo* Ho$e+ Lor* Fo3!a& !a* 'een "ai* in a 'ert! ($on a f(r c"oa/+ A "itt"e "a&$ '(rne* *i& 'efore t!e 0ir%in in t!e '("/!ea* an* ' it# %"i&&er Dic/ co("* #ee t!e $a"e co(ntenance an* !o""o) ee# of t!e !(rt &an+ 61 a& #ore !(rt6 #ai* !e+ 6Co&e near to & #i*e o(n% S!e"ton. "et t!ere 'e one ' &e )!o at "ea#t i# %ent"e 'orn. for after !a,in% "i,e* no'" an* ric!" a"" t!e *a# of & "ife t!i# i# a #a* $a## t!at 1 #!o("* %et & !(rt in a "itt"e ferretin% #/ir&i#! an* *ie !ere in a fo(" co"* #!i$ ($on t!e #ea a&on% 'ro/en &en an* c!(r"#+6
6Na & "or*6 #ai* Dic/ 61 $ra rat!er to t!e #aint# t!at e )i"" reco,er o( of o(r !(rt an* co&e #oon an* #o(n* a#!ore+6 6Ho)86 *e&an*e* !i# "or*#!i$+ a ;(e#tion of it76
6Co&e #o(n* a#!ore7
T!ere i# t!en
6T!e #!i$ "a'o(ret! - t!e #ea i# %rie,o(# an* contrar6 re$"ie* t!e "a*. 6an* ' )!at 1 can "earn of & fe""o) t!at #teeret! (# )e #!a"" *o )e"" in*ee* if )e co&e *r#!o* to "an*+6 6Ha86 #ai* t!e 'aron %"oo&i" 6t!(# #!a"" e,er terror atten* ($on t!e $a##a%e of & #o("8 Sir $ra rat!er to "i,e !ar* t!at e &a *ie ea# t!an to 'e foo"e* an* f"(te* a"" t!ro(%! "ife a# to t!e $i$e an* ta'or an* in t!e "a#t !o(r 'e $"(n%e* a&on% &i#fort(ne#8 Ho)'eit 1 !a,e t!at ($on & &in* t!at &(#t not 'e *e"ae*+ We !a,e no $rie#t a'oar*76 6None6 re$"ie* Dic/+ 6Here t!en to & #ec("ar intere#t#6 re#(&e* Lor* Fo3!a&: 6e &(#t 'e a# %oo* a frien* to &e *ea* a# 1 fo(n* o( a %a""ant ene& )!en 1 )a# "i,in%+ 1 fa"" in an e,i" !o(r for &e for En%"an* an* for t!e& t!at tr(#te* &e+ M &en are 'ein% 'ro(%!t ' Ha&"e - !e t!at )a# o(r ri,a". t!e )i"" ren*e2,o(# in t!e "on% !o"& at Ho")oo*. t!i# rin% fro& off & fin%er )i"" accre*it o( to re$re#ent &ine or*er#. an* 1 #!a"" )rite 'e#i*e# t)o )or*# ($on t!i# $a$er 'i**in% Ha&"e ie"* to o( t!e *a&#e"+ Wi"" !e o'e7 1 /no) not+6 6B(t & "or* )!at or*er#76 in;(ire* Dic/+ 6A6 ;(ot! t!e 'aron 6a - t!e or*er#.6 an* !e "oo/e* ($on Dic/ )it! !e#itation+ 6Are e Lanca#ter or 9or/76 !e a#/e* at "en%t!+ 61 #!a&e to #a it6 an#)ere* Dic/ 61 can #carce c"ear" an#)er+ B(t #o &(c! 1 t!in/ i# certain: #ince 1 #er,e )it! E""i# D(c/)ort! 1 #er,e t!e !o(#e of 9or/+ We"" if t!at 'e #o 1 *ec"are for 9or/+6 61t i# )e""6 ret(rne* t!e ot!er. 6it i# e3cee*in% )e""+ For tr(" !a* e #ai* Lanca#ter 1 )ot not for t!e )or"* )!at 1 !a* *one+ B(t #it! e are for 9or/ fo""o) &e+ 1 ca&e !it!er '(t to )atc! t!e#e "or*# at S!ore' )!i"e &ine e3ce""ent o(n% "or* Ric!ar* of G"o(ce#ter =@> $re$aret! a #(fficient force to fa"" ($on an* #catter t!e&+ 1 !a,e &a*e &e note# of t!eir #tren%t! )!at )atc! t!e /ee$ an* !o) t!e "ie. an* t!e#e 1 )a# to *e"i,er to & o(n% "or* on S(n*a an !o(r 'efore noon at St+ Bri*e4# Cro## 'e#i*e t!e fore#t+ T!i# tr#t 1 a& not "i/e to /ee$ '(t 1 $ra o( of co(rte# to /ee$ it in & #tea*. an* #ee t!at not $"ea#(re nor $ain te&$e#t )o(n* nor $e#ti"ence )it!!o"* o( fro& t!e !o(r an* $"ace for t!e )e"fare of En%"an* "iet! ($on t!i# ca#t+6 61 *o #o'er" ta/e t!i# ($ on &e6 #ai* Dic/+ "iet! o(r $(r$o#e #!a"" 'e *one+6
61n #o far a# in &e
61t i# %oo*6 #ai* t!e )o(n*e* &an+ 6M "or* *(/e #!a"" or*er o( fart!er an* if e o'e !i& )it! #$irit an* %oo* )i"" t!en i# o(r
fort(ne &a*e+ Gi,e &e t!e "a&$ a "itt"e nearer to &ine ee# ti"" t!at 1 )rite t!e#e )or*# for o(+6 He )rote a note 6to !i# )or#!i$f(" /in#&an Sir Jo!n Ha&"e.6 an* t!en a #econ* )!ic! !e-"eft )it!o(t e3terna" #($er#cri$t(re+ 6T!i# i# for t!e *(/e6 !e #ai*+ 6T!e )or* i# 4En%"an* an* E*)ar*4 an* t!e co(nter 4En%"an* an* 9or/+46 6An* Joanna & "or*76 a#/e* Dic/+ 6Na e &(#t %et Joanna !o) e can6 re$"ie* t!e 'aron+ 61 !a,e na&e* o( for & c!oice in 'ot! t!e#e "etter#. '(t e &(#t %et !er for o(r#e"f 'o+ 1 !a,e trie* a# e #ee !ere 'efore o( an* !a,e "o#t & "ife+ More co("* no &an *o+6 B t!i# ti&e t!e )o(n*e* &an 'e%an to 'e ,er )ear. an* Dic/ $(ttin% t!e $recio(# $a$er# in !i# 'o#o& 'a*e !i& 'e of %oo* c!eer an* "eft !i& to re$o#e+ T!e *a )a# 'e%innin% to 'rea/ co"* an* '"(e )it! f"in% #;(a""# of #no)+ C"o#e (n*er t!e "ee of t!e Goo* Ho$e t!e coa#t "a in a"ternate roc/ !ea*"an*# an* #an* 'a#. an* f(rt!er in"an* t!e )oo*e* !i""-to$# of T(n#ta"" #!o)e* a"on% t!e #/+ Bot! t!e )in* an* t!e #ea !a* %one *o)n. '(t t!e ,e##e" )a""o)e* *ee$ an* #carce ro#e ($on t!e )a,e#+ La)"e## )a# #ti"" fi3e* at t!e r(**er. an* ' t!i# ti&e near" a"" t!e &en !a* cra)"e* on *ec/ an* )ere no) %a2in% )it! '"an/ face# ($on t!e in!o#$ita'"e coa#t+ 6Are )e %oin% a#!ore76 a#/e* Dic/+ 6A6 #ai* La)"e## 6(n"e## )e %et fir#t to t!e 'otto&+6 An* 5(#t t!en t!e #!i$ ro#e #o "an%(i*" to &eet a #ea an* t!e )ater )e"tere* #o "o(*" in !er !o"* t!at Dic/ in,o"(ntari" #ei2e* t!e #teer#&an ' t!e ar&+ 6B t!e &a##86 crie* Dic/ a# t!e 'o)# of t!e Goo* Ho$e rea$$eare* a'o,e t!e foa& 61 t!o(%!t )e !a* fo(n*ere* in*ee*. & !eart )a# at & t!roat+6 1n t!e )ai#t Green#!e,e Ha)/#"e an* t!e 'etter &en of 'ot! co&$anie# )ere '(# 'rea/in% ($ t!e *ec/ to '(i"* a raft. an* to t!e#e Dic/ 5oine* !i&#e"f )or/in% t!e !ar*er to *ro)n t!e &e&or of !i# $re*ica&ent+ B(t e,en a# !e )or/e* e,er #ea t!at #tr(c/ t!e $oor #!i$ an* e,er one of !er *("" "(rc!e# a# #!e t(&'"e* )a""o)in% a&on% t!e )a,e# reca""e* !i& )it! a !orri* $an% to t!e i&&e*iate $ro3i&it of *eat!+ Pre#ent" "oo/in% ($ fro& !i# )or/ !e #a) t!at t!e )ere c"o#e in 'e"o) a $ro&ontor. a $iece of r(ino(# c"iff a%ain#t t!e 'a#e of )!ic! t!e #ea 'ro/e )!ite an* !ea, a"&o#t o,er$"(&'e* t!e *ec/. an* a'o,e t!at a%ain a !o(#e a$$eare* cro)nin% a *o)n+ 1n#i*e t!e 'a t!e #ea# ran %a" rai#e* t!e Goo* Ho$e ($on t!eir foa&-f"ec/e* #!o("*er# carrie* !er 'eon* t!e contro" of t!e #teer#&an an* in a &o&ent *ro$$e* !er )it! a %reat conc(##ion on
t!e #an* an* 'e%an to 'rea/ o,er !er !a"f-&a#t !i%! an* ro"" !er to an* fro+ Anot!er %reat )a,e fo""o)e* rai#e* !er a%ain an* carrie* !er et fart!er in. an* t!en a t!ir* #(ccee*e* an* "eft !er far in#!ore of t!e &ore *an%ero(# 'rea/er# )e*%e* ($on a 'an/+ 6No) 'o#6 crie* La)"e## 6t!e #aint# !a,e !a* a care of (# in*ee*+ T!e ti*e e''#. "et (# '(t #it *o)n an* *rin/ a c($ of )ine an* 'efore !a"f an !o(r e &a a"" &arc! &e a#!ore a# #afe a# on a 'ri*%e+6 A 'arre" 'roac!e* an* #ittin% )!at #!e"ter t!e!an*e* co("* t!e fin* fro& t!e )a# f"in% #no) an* #$ra t!e in #!i$)rec/e* co&$an c($ aro(n* an* #o(%!t to )ar& t!eir 'o*ie# an* re#tore t!eir #$irit#+ Dic/ &ean)!i"e ret(rne* to Lor* Fo3!a& )!o "a in %reat $er$"e3it an* fear t!e f"oor of !i# ca'in )a#!in% /nee-*ee$ in )ater an* t!e "a&$ )!ic! !a* 'een !i# on" "i%!t 'ro/en an* e3tin%(i#!e* ' t!e ,io"ence of t!e '"o)+ 6M "or*6 #ai* o(n% S!e"ton 6fear not at a"". t!e #aint# are $"ain" for (#. t!e #ea# !a,e ca#t (# !i%! ($on a #!oa" an* a# #oon a# t!e ti*e !at! #o&e)!at e''e* )e &a )a"/ a#!ore ($on o(r feet+6 1t )a# near" an !o(r 'efore t!e ,e##e" )a# #(fficient" *e#erte* ' t!e e''in% #ea. an* t!e co("* #et fort! for t!e "an* )!ic! a$$eare* *i&" 'efore t!e& t!ro(%! a ,ei" of *ri,in% #no)+ U$on a !i""oc/ on one #i*e of t!eir )a a $art of &en "a !(**"e* to%et!er #(#$icio(#" o'#er,in% t!e &o,e&ent# of t!e ne) arri,a"#+ 6T!e &i%!t *ra) near an* offer (# #o&e co&fort6 Dic/ re&ar/e*+ 6We"" an4 t!e co&e not to (# "et (# e,en t(rn a#i*e to t!e&6 #ai* Ha)/#"e+ 6T!e #ooner )e co&e to a %oo* fire an* a *r 'e* t!e 'etter for & $oor "or*+6 B(t t!e !a* not &o,e* far in t!e *irection of t!e !i""oc/ 'efore t!e &en )it! one con#ent ro#e #(**en" to t!eir feet an* $o(re* a f"i%!t of )e""-*irecte* arro)# on t!e #!i$)rec/e* co&$an+ 6Bac/8 'ac/86 crie* !i# "or*#!i$+ e re$" not+6
6Be)are in Hea,en4# na&e t!at
6Na6 crie* Green#!e,e $(""in% an arro) fro& !i# "eat!er 5ac/+ 6We are in no $o#t(re to fi%!t it i# certain 'ein% *renc!in% )et *o%-)ear an* t!ree-$art# fro2en. '(t for t!e "o,e of o"* En%"an* )!at ai"et! t!e& to #!oot t!(# cr(e"" on t!eir $oor co(ntr $eo$"e in *i#tre##76 6T!e ta/e (# to 'e Frenc! $irate#6 an#)ere* Lor* Fo3!a&+ 61n t!e#e &o#t tro('"e#o&e an* *e%enerate *a# )e cannot /ee$ o(r o)n #!ore# of En%"an*. '(t o(r o"* ene&ie# )!o& )e once c!a#e* on #ea an* "an* *o no) ran%e at $"ea#(re ro''in% an* #"a(%!terin% an* '(rnin%+ 1t i# t!e $it an* re$roac! of t!i# $oor "an*+6 T!e &en ($on t!e !i""oc/ "a c"o#e" o'#er,in% t!e& )!i"e t!e trai"e* ($)ar* fro& t!e 'eac! an* )o(n* in"an* a&on% *e#o"ate #an*-
!i""#. for a &i"e or #o t!e e,en !(n% ($on t!e rear of t!e &arc! rea* at a #i%n to $o(r anot!er ,o""e on t!e )ear an* *i#$irite* f(%iti,e#. an* it )a# on" )!en #tri/in% at "en%t! ($on a fir& !i%!-roa* Dic/ 'e%an to ca"" !i# &en to #o&e &ore &artia" or*er t!at t!e#e 5ea"o(# %(ar*ian# of t!e coa#t of En%"an* #i"ent" *i#a$$eare* a&on% t!e #no)+ T!e !a* *one )!at t!e *e#ire*. t!e !a* $rotecte* t!eir o)n !o&e# an* far&# t!eir o)n fa&i"ie# an* catt"e. an* t!eir $ri,ate intere#t 'ein% t!(# #ec(re* it &attere* not t!e )ei%!t of a #tra) to an one of t!e& a"t!o(%! t!e Frenc!&en #!o("* carr '"oo* an* fire to e,er ot!er $ari#! in t!e rea"& of En%"an*+
BOOK 10 - THE D1SGU1SE
CHAPTER 1 - THE DEN
T!e $"ace )!ere Dic/ !a* #tr(c/ t!e "ine of a !i%!-roa* )a# not far fro& Ho")oo* an* )it!in nine or ten &i"e# of S!ore'-on-t!e-Ti"". an* !ere after &a/in% #(re t!at t!e )ere $(r#(e* no "on%er t!e t)o 'o*ie# #e$arate*+ Lor* Fo3!a&4# fo""o)er# *e$arte* carrin% t!eir )o(n*e* &a#ter to)ar*# t!e co&fort an* #ec(rit of t!e %reat a''e. an* Dic/ a# !e #a) t!e& )in* a)a an* *i#a$$ear in t!e t!ic/ c(rtain of t!e fa""in% #no) )a# "eft a"one )it! near ($on a *o2en o(t"a)# t!e "a#t re&ain*er of !i# troo$ of ,o"(nteer#+ So&e )ere )o(n*e*. one an* a"" )ere f(rio(# at t!eir i""-#(cce## an* "on% e3$o#(re. an* t!o(%! t!e )ere no) too co"* an* !(n%r to *o &ore t!e %r(&'"e* an* ca#t #(""en "oo/# ($on t!eir "ea*er#+ Dic/ e&$tie* !i# $(r#e a&on% t!e& "ea,in% !i&#e"f not!in%. t!an/e* t!e& for t!e co(ra%e t!e !a* *i#$"ae* t!o(%! !e co("* !a,e fo(n* it &ore rea*i" in !i# !eart to rate t!e& for $o"trooner. an* !a,in% t!(# #o&e)!at #oftene* t!e effect of !i# $ro"on%e* &i#fort(ne *e#$atc!e* t!e& to fin* t!eir )a eit!er #e,era"" or in $air# to S!ore' an* t!e Goat an* Ba%$i$e#+ For !i# o)n $art inf"(ence* ' )!at !e !a* #een on 'oar* of t!e Goo* Ho$e !e c!o#e La)"e## to 'e !i# co&$anion on t!e )a"/+ T!e #no) )a# fa""in% )it!o(t $a(#e or ,ariation in one e,en '"in*in% c"o(*. t!e )in* !a* 'een #tran%"e* an* no) '"e) no "on%er. an* t!e )!o"e )or"* )a# '"otte* o(t an* #!eete* *o)n 'e"o) t!at #i"ent in(n*ation+ T!ere )a# %reat *an%er of )an*erin% ' t!e )a an* $eri#!in% in *rift#. an* La)"e## /ee$in% !a"f a #te$ in front of !i# co&$anion an* !o"*in% !i# !ea* for)ar* "i/e a !(ntin% *o% ($on t!e #cent in;(ire* !i# )a of e,er tree an* #t(*ie* o(t t!eir $at! a# t!o(%! !e )ere connin% a #!i$ a&on% *an%er#+ A'o(t a &i"e into t!e fore#t t!e ca&e to a $"ace )!ere #e,era" )a# &et (n*er a %ro,e of "oft an* contorte* oa/#+ E,en in t!e narro) !ori2on of t!e fa""in% #no) it )a# a #$ot t!at co("* not fai" to 'e reco%ni#e*. an* La)"e## e,i*ent" reco%ni#e* it )it! $artic("ar *e"i%!t+
6No) Ma#ter Ric!ar*6 #ai* !e 6an 4 are not too $ro(* to 'e t!e %(e#t of a &an )!o i# neit!er a %ent"e&an ' 'irt! nor #o &(c! a# a %oo* C!ri#tian 1 can offer o( a c($ of )ine an* a %oo* fire to &e"t t!e &arro) in o(r fro2en 'one#+6 6Lea* on Wi""6 an#)ere* Dic/+ 6A c($ of )ine an* a %oo* fire8 Na 1 )o("* %o a far )a ro(n* to #ee t!e&+6 La)"e## t(rne* a#i*e (n*er t!e 'are 'ranc!e# of t!e %ro,e an* )a"/in% for)ar* for ti&e ca&e a #tee$i#! or *en re#o"(te" t!at !a* no) *rifte* a #o&e ;(arter f("" of to #no)+ On t!e !o""o) ,er%e a %reat 'eec!-tree !(n% $recario(#" roote*. an* !ere t!e o"* o(t"a) $(""in% a#i*e #o&e '(#! (n*er)oo* 'o*i" *i#a$$eare* into t!e eart!+ T!e 'eec! !a* in #o&e ,io"ent %a"e 'een !a"f-($roote* an* !a* torn ($ a con#i*era'"e #tretc! of t(rf an* it )a# (n*er t!i# t!at o"* La)"e## !a* *(% o(t !i# fore#t !i*in%-$"ace+ T!e root# #er,e* !i& for rafter# t!e t(rf )a# !i# t!atc!. for )a""# an* f"oor !e !a* !i# &ot!er t!e eart!+ R(*e a# it )a# t!e !eart! in one corner '"ac/ene* ' fire an* t!e $re#ence in anot!er of a "ar%e oa/en c!e#t )e"" fortifie* )it! iron #!o)e* it at one %"ance to 'e t!e *en of a &an an* not t!e '(rro) of a *i%%in% 'ea#t+ T!o(%! t!e #no) !a* *rifte* at t!e &o(t! an* #ifte* in ($on t!e f"oor of t!i# eart! ca,ern et )a# t!e air &(c! )ar&er t!an )it!o(t. an* )!en La)"e## !a* #tr(c/ a #$ar/ an* t!e *r f(r2e '(#!e# !a* 'e%(n to '"a2e an* crac/"e on t!e !eart! t!e $"ace a##(&e* e,en to t!e ee an air of co&fort an* of !o&e+ Wit! a #i%! of %reat content&ent La)"e## #$rea* !i# 'roa* !an*# 'efore t!e fire an* #ee&e* to 'reat!e t!e #&o/e+ 6Here t!en6 !e #ai* 6i# t!i# o"* La)"e##4# ra''it-!o"e. $ra Hea,en t!ere co&e no terrier8 Far 1 !a,e ro""e* !it!er an* t!it!er an* !ere an* a'o(t #ince t!at 1 )a# fo(rteen ear# of &ine a%e an* fir#t ran a)a fro& &ine a''e )it! t!e #acri#t4# %o"* c!ain an* a &a##-'oo/ t!at 1 #o"* for fo(r &ar/#+ 1 !a,e 'een in En%"an* an* France an* B(r%(n* an* in S$ain too on a $i"%ri&a%e for & $oor #o(". an* ($on t!e #ea )!ic! i# no &an4# co(ntr+ B(t !ere i# & $"ace Ma#ter S!e"ton+ T!i# i# & nati,e "an* t!i# '(rro) in t!e eart!8 Co&e rain or )in* - an* )!et!er it4# A$ri" an* t!e 'ir*# a"" #in% an* t!e '"o##o&# fa"" a'o(t & 'e* - or )!et!er it4# )inter an* 1 #it a"one )it! & %oo* %o##i$ t!e fire an* ro'in re* 'rea#t t)itter# in t!e )oo*# - !ere i# & c!(rc! an* &ar/et an* & )ife an* c!i"*+ 1t4# !ere 1 co&e 'ac/ to an* it4# !ere #o $"ea#e t!e #aint# t!at 1 )o("* "i/e to *ie+6 64Ti# a )ar& corner to 'e #(re6 re$"ie* Dic/ 6an* a $"ea#ant an* a )e"" !i*+6 61t !a* nee* to 'e6 ret(rne* La)"e## 6for an t!e fo(n* it Ma#ter S!e"ton it )o("* 'rea/ & !eart+ B(t !ere6 !e a**e* '(rro)in% )it! !i# #to(t fin%er# in t!e #an* f"oor 6!ere i# & )ine ce""ar. an* e #!a"" !a,e a f"a#/ of e3ce""ent #tron% #tin%o+6 S(re eno(%! after '(t a "itt"e *i%%in% !e $ro*(ce* a 'i% "eat!ern 'ott"e of a'o(t a %a""on near" t!ree-$art# f("" of a ,er !ea*
an* #)eet )ine. an* )!en t!e !a* *r(n/ to eac! ot!er co&ra*e" an* t!e fire !a* 'een re$"eni#!e* an* '"a2e* ($ a%ain t!e $air "a at f("" "en%t! t!a)in% an* #tea&in% an* *i,ine" )ar&+ 6Ma#ter S!e"ton6 o'#er,e* t!e o(t"a) 64 4a,e !a* t)o &i#c!ance# t!i# "a#t )!i"e an* 4 are "i/e to "o#e t!e &ai* - *o 1 ta/e it ari%!t76 6Ari%!t86 ret(rne* Dic/ no**in% !i# !ea*+ 6We"" no)6 contin(e* an* La)"e## 6!ear an o"* !at! 'een ni%!-!an* e,ert!in% #een ni%!-!an* a""8foo" 9e t!at %o too &(c! on ot!er $eo$"e4# erran*# Ma#ter Dic/+ 9e %o on E""i#4#. '(t !e *e#iret! rat!er t!e *eat! of Sir Danie"+ 9e %o on Lor* Fo3!a&4#. )e"" - t!e #aint# $re#er,e !i&8 - *o('t"e## !e &eanet! )e""+ B(t %o e ($on o(r o)n %oo* Dic/+ Co&e ri%!t to t!e &ai*4# #i*e+ Co(rt !er "e#t t!at #!e for%et o(+ Be rea*. an* )!en t!e c!ance #!a"" co&e off )it! !er at t!e #a**"e-'o)+6 6A '(t La)"e## 'eon* *o('t #!e i# no) in Sir Danie"4# o)n &an#ion+6 an#)ere* Dic/+ 6T!it!er t!en %o )e6 re$"ie* t!e o(t"a)+ Dic/ #tare* at !i&+ 6Na 1 &ean it6 no**e* La)"e##+ 6An* if 4 are of #o "itt"e fait! an* #t(&'"e at a )or* #ee !ere86 An* t!e o(t"a) ta/in% a /e fro& a'o(t !i# nec/ o$ene* t!e oa/ c!e#t an* *i$$in% an* %ro$in% *ee$ a&on% it# content# $ro*(ce* fir#t a friar4# ro'e an* ne3t a %ir*"e of ro$e. an* t!en a !(%e ro#ar of )oo* !ea, eno(%! to 'e co(nte* a# a )ea$on+ 6Here6 !e #ai* 6i# for o(+
On )it! t!e&86
An* t!en )!en Dic/ !a* c"ot!e* !i&#e"f in t!i# c"erica" *i#%(i#e La)"e## $ro*(ce* #o&e co"o(r# an* a $enci" an* $rocee*e* )it! t!e %reate#t c(nnin% to *i#%(i#e !i# face+ T!e ee'ro)# !e t!ic/ene* an* $ro*(ce*. to t!e &o(#tac!e )!ic! )a# et !ar*" ,i#i'"e !e ren*ere* a "i/e #er,ice. )!i"e ' a fe) "ine# aro(n* t!e ee !e c!an%e* t!e e3$re##ion an* increa#e* t!e a$$arent a%e of t!i# o(n% &on/+ 6No)6 !e re#(&e* 6)!en 1 !a,e *one t!e "i/e )e #!a"" &a/e a# 'onn a $air of friar# a# t!e ee co("* )i#!+ Bo"*" to Sir Danie"4# )e #!a"" %o an* t!ere 'e !o#$ita'" )e"co&e for t!e "o,e of Mot!er C!(rc!+6 6An* !o) *ear La)"e##6 crie* t!e "a* 6#!a"" 1 re$a o(76 6T(t 'rot!er6 re$"ie* t!e o(t"a) 61 $"ea#(re+ Min* not for &e+ 1 a& one for !i&#e"f+ W!en t!at 1 "ac/ 1 !a,e "i/e t!e &ona#ter 'e"" - 1 *o a#/ & fai"et! 1 *o &o#t (#(a"" ta/e+6
*o na(%!t '(t for & ' t!e &a## t!at &in*et! a "on% ton%(e an* a ,oice #on. an* )!ere a#/in%
T!e o"* ro%(e &a*e a !(&oro(# %ri&ace. an* a"t!o(%! Dic/ )a# *i#$"ea#e* to "ie (n*er #o %reat fa,o(r# to #o e;(i,oca" a
$er#ona%e !e )a# et (na'"e to re#train !i# &irt!+ Wit! t!at La)"e## ret(rne* to t!e 'i% c!e#t an* )a# #oon #i&i"ar" *i#%(i#e*. '(t 'e"o) !i# %o)n Dic/ )on*ere* to o'#er,e !i& concea" a #!eaf of '"ac/ arro)#+ 6W!erefore *o e t!at76 a#/e* t!e "a*+ ta/e no 'o)76
6W!erefore arro)# )!en e
6Na6 re$"ie* La)"e## "i%!t" 64ti# "i/e t!ere )i"" 'e !ea*# 'ro/e not to if #a 'ac/# - ere o( an* )in #o(n* #!o("* fro& )!ere %oin% to. an* an fa"" 1 )o("* o(r 1 fe""o)#!i$ co&e )e4re ' t!e cre*it on4t+ A '"ac/ arro) Ma#ter Dic/ i# t!e #ea" of o(r a''e. it #!o)et! o( )!o )rit t!e 'i""+6 6An e $re$are #o caref(""6 #ai* Dic/ 61 !a,e !ere #o&e $a$er# t!at for &ine o)n #a/e an* t!e intere#t of t!o#e t!at tr(#te* &e )ere 'etter "eft 'e!in* t!an fo(n* ($on & 'o*+ W!ere #!a"" 1 concea" t!e& Wi""76 6Na6 re$"ie* La)"e## 61 )i"" %o fort! into t!e )oo* an* )!i#t"e &e t!ree ,er#e# of a #on%. &ean)!i"e *o o( '(r t!e& )!ere e $"ea#e an* #&oot! t!e #an* ($on t!e $"ace+6 6Ne,er86 crie* Ric!ar*+ 1 not tr(#te* o(+6
61 tr(#t o( &an+
1 )ere 'a#e in*ee* if
6Brot!er 4 are '(t a c!i"*6 re$"ie* t!e o"* o(t"a) $a(#in% an* t(rnin% !i# face ($on Dic/ fro& t!e t!re#!o"* of t!e *en+ 61 a& a /in* o"* C!ri#tian an* no traitor to &en4# '"oo* an* no #$arer of &ine o)n in a frien*4# 5eo$ar*+ B(t foo" c!i"* 1 a& a t!ief ' tra*e an* 'irt! an* !a'it+ 1f & 'ott"e )ere e&$t an* & &o(t! *r 1 )o("* ro' o( *ear c!i"* a# #(re a# 1 "o,e !ono(r an* a*&ire o(r $art# an* $er#on8 Can it 'e c"earer #$o/en7 No+6 An* !e #t(&$e* fort! t!ro(%! t!e '(#!e# )it! a #na$ of !i# 'i% fin%er#+ Dic/ t!(# "eft a"one after a )on*erin% t!o(%!t ($on t!e incon#i#tencie# of !i# co&$anion4# c!aracter !a#ti" $ro*(ce* re,ie)e* an* '(rie* !i# $a$er#+ One on" !e re#er,e* to carr a"on% )it! !i& #ince it in no)i#e co&$ro&i#e* !i# frien*# an* et &i%!t #er,e !i& in a $inc! a%ain#t Sir Danie"+ T!at )a# t!e /ni%!t4# o)n "etter to Lor* Wen#"e*a"e #ent ' T!ro%&orton on t!e &orro) of t!e *efeat at Ri#in%!a& an* fo(n* ne3t *a ' Dic/ ($on t!e 'o* of t!e &e##en%er+ T!en trea*in% *o)n t!e e&'er# of t!e fire Dic/ "eft t!e *en an* re5oine* t!e o"* o(t"a) )!o #too* a)aitin% !i& (n*er t!e "eaf"e## oa/# an* )a# a"rea* 'e%innin% to 'e $o)*ere* ' t!e fa""in% #no)+ Eac! "oo/e* ($on t!e ot!er an* eac! "a(%!e* #o t!oro(%! an* #o *ro"" )a# t!e *i#%(i#e+ 69et 1 )o("* it )ere '(t #(&&er an* a c"ear *a6 %r(&'"e* t!e o(t"a) 6t!at 1 &i%!t #ee &#e"f in t!e &irror of a $oo"+ T!ere 'e &an of Sir Danie"4# &en t!at /no) &e. an* if )e fe"" to 'e reco%ni#e* t!ere &i%!t 'e t)o )or*# for o( 'rot!er '(t a# for &e in a $aterno#ter )!i"e 1 #!o("* 'e /ic/in% in a ro$e4#-en*+6
T!(# t!e #et fort! to%et!er a"on% t!e roa* to S!ore' )!ic! in t!i# $art of it# co(r#e /e$t near a"on% t!e &ar%in or t!e fore#t co&in% fort! fro& ti&e to ti&e in t!e o$en co(ntr an* $a##in% 'e#i*e $oor fo"/#4 !o(#e# an* #&a"" far&#+ Pre#ent" at #i%!t of one of t!e#e La)"e## $(""e* ($+ 6Brot!er Martin6 !e #ai* in a ,oice ca$ita"" *i#%(i#e* an* #(ite* to !i# &on/i#! ro'e 6"et (# enter an* #ee/ a"&# fro& t!e#e $oor #inner#+ PA? 0OB1SCUM8 A6 !e a**e* in !i# o)n ,oice 64ti# a# 1 feare*. 1 !a,e #o&e)!at )!ine an* 'in o(r "ea,e %oo* Ma#ter S!e"ton e"o#t &(#tt!e #(ffer &eof toit. $racti#e t!e#e co(ntr $"ace# 'efore t!at 1 ri#/ & fat nec/ ' enterin% Sir Danie"4#+ B(t "oo/ e a "itt"e )!at an e3ce""ent t!in% it i# to 'e a Jac/-of-a""-tra*e#8 An 1 !a* not 'een a #!i$&an e !a* infa""i'" %one *o)n in t!e Goo* Ho$e. an 1 !a* not 'een a t!ief 1 co("* not !a,e $ainte* &e o(r face. an* '(t t!at 1 !a* 'een a Gre Friar an* #(n% "o(* in t!e c!oir an* ate !eart at t!e 'oar* 1 co("* not !a,e carrie* t!i# *i#%(i#e '(t t!e ,er *o%# )o("* !a,e #$ie* (# o(t an* 'ar/e* at (# for #!a&#+6 He )a# ' t!i# ti&e c"o#e to t!e )in*o) of t!e far& an* !e ro#e on !i# ti$-toe# an* $ee$e* in+ 6Na6 !e crie* 6'etter an* 'etter+ We #!a"" !ere tr o(r fa"#e face# )it! a ,en%eance an* !a,e a &err 5e#t on Brot!er Ca$$er to 'oot+6 An* #o #ain% !e o$ene* t!e *oor an* "e* t!e )a into t!e !o(#e+ T!ree of t!eir o)n co&$an #at at t!e ta'"e %ree*i" eatin%+ T!eir *a%%er# #t(c/ 'e#i*e t!e& in t!e 'oar* an* t!e '"ac/ an* &enacin% "oo/# )!ic! t!e contin(e* to #!o)er ($on t!e $eo$"e of t!e !o(#e $ro,e* t!at t!e o)e* t!eir entertain&ent rat!er to force t!an fa,o(r+ On t!e t)o &on/# )!o no) )it! a #ort of !(&'"e *i%nit entere* t!e /itc!en of t!e far& t!e #ee&e* to t(rn )it! a $artic("ar re#ent&ent. an* one - it )a# Jo!n Ca$$er in $er#on - )!o #ee&e* to $"a t!e "ea*in% $art in#tant" an* r(*e" or*ere* t!e& a)a+ 6We )ant no 'e%%ar# !ere86 !e crie*+ B(t anot!er - a"t!o(%! !e )a# a# far fro& reco%ni#in% Dic/ an* La)"e## - inc"ine* to &ore &o*erate co(n#e"#+ 6Not #o6 !e crie*+ 6We 'e #tron% &en an* ta/e. t!e#e 'e )ea/ an* cra,e. '(t in t!e "atter en* t!e#e #!a"" 'e ($$er&o#t an* )e 'e"o)+ Min* !i& not & fat!er. '(t co&e *rin/ of & c($ an* %i,e &e a 'ene*iction+6 694 are &en of a "i%!t &in* carna" an* acc(r#e*6 #ai* t!e &on/+ 6No) &a t!e #aint# for'i* t!at e,er 1 #!o("* *rin/ )it! #(c! co&$anion#8 B(t !ere for t!e $it 1 'ear to #inner# !ere 1 *o "ea,e o( a '"e##e* re"ic t!e )!ic! for o(r #o("4# intere#t 1 'i* o( /i## an* c!eri#!+6 So far La)"e## t!(n*ere* ($on t!e& "i/e a $reac!in% friar. '(t )it! t!e#e )or*# !e *re) fro& (n*er !i# ro'e a '"ac/ arro) to##e* it on t!e 'oar* in front of t!e t!ree #tart"e* o(t"a)# t(rne* in t!e
#a&e in#tant an* ta/in% Dic/ a"on% )it! !i& )a# o(t of t!e roo& an* o(t of #i%!t a&on% t!e fa""in% #no) 'efore t!e !a* ti&e to (tter a )or* or &o,e a fin%er+ 6So6 !e #ai* 6)e !a,e $ro,e* o(r fa"#e face# Ma#ter S!e"ton+ )i"" no) a*,ent(re & $oor carca#e )!ere e $"ea#e+6 6Goo*86 ret(rne* Ric!ar*+ S!ore'8
61t ir/# &e to 'e *oin%+
1
Set )e on for
CHAPTER 11 - 61N M1NE ENEM1ES4 HOUSE6
Sir Danie"4# re#i*ence in S!ore' )a# a ta"" co&&o*io(# $"a#tere* &an#ion fra&e* in car,en oa/ an* co,ere* ' a "o)-$itc!e* roof of t!atc!+ To t!e 'ac/ t!ere #tretc!e* a %ar*en f("" of fr(it-tree# a""e# an* t!ic/ ar'o(r# an* o,er"oo/e* fro& t!e far en* ' t!e to)er of t!e a''e c!(rc!+ T!e !o(#e &i%!t contain ($on a $inc! t!e retin(e of a %reater $er#on t!an Sir Danie". '(t e,en no) it )a# fi""e* )it! !(''('+ T!e co(rt ran% )it! ar&# an* !or#e#!oe-iron. t!e /itc!en# roare* )it! coo/er "i/e a 'ee#4-!i,e. &in#tre"# an* t!e $"aer# of in#tr(&ent# an* t!e crie# of t(&'"er# #o(n*e* fro& t!e !a""+ Danie" in !i# $rof(#ion in t!e %aiet an* %a""antr of !i# e#ta'"i#!&ent ri,a""e* )it! Lor* S!ore' an* ec"i$#e* Lor* Ri#in%!a&+
Sir
A"" %(e#t# )ere &a*e )e"co&e+ Min#tre"# t(&'"er# $"aer# of c!e## t!e #e""er# of re"ic# &e*icine# $erf(&e# an* enc!ant&ent# an* a"on% )it! t!e#e e,er #ort of $rie#t friar or $i"%ri& )ere &a*e )e"co&e to t!e "o)er ta'"e an* #"e$t to%et!er in t!e a&$"e "oft# or on t!e 'are 'oar*# of t!e "on% *inin%-!a""+ On t!e afternoon fo""o)in% t!e )rec/ of t!e Goo* Ho$e t!e '(tter t!e /itc!en# t!e #ta'"e# t!e co,ere* cart#!e* t!at #(rro(n*e* t)o #i*e# of t!e co(rt )ere a"" cro)*e* ' i*"e $eo$"e $art" 'e"on%in% to Sir Danie"4# e#ta'"i#!&ent an* attire* in !i# "i,er of &(rre an* '"(e $art" non*e#cri$t #tran%er# attracte* to t!e to)n ' %ree* an* recei,e* ' t!e /ni%!t t!ro(%! $o"ic an* 'eca(#e it )a# t!e fa#!ion of t!e ti&e+ T!e #no) )!ic! #ti"" fe"" )it!o(t interr($tion t!e e3tre&e c!i"" of t!e air an* t!e a$$roac! of ni%!t co&'ine* to /ee$ t!e& (n*er #!e"ter+ Wine a"e an* &one )ere a"" $"entif(". &an #$ra)"e* %a&'"in% in t!e #tra) of t!e 'arn &an )ere #ti"" *r(n/en fro& t!e noonti*e &ea"+ To t!e ee of a &o*ern it )o("* !a,e "oo/e* "i/e t!e #ac/ of a cit. to t!e ee of a conte&$orar it )a# "i/e an ot!er ric! an* no'"e !o(#e!o"* at a fe#ti,e #ea#on+ T)o &on/# - a o(n% an* an o"* - !a* arri,e* "ate an* )ere no) )ar&in% t!e&#e",e# at a 'onfire in a corner of t!e #!e*+ A &i3e* cro)* #(rro(n*e* t!e& - 5(%%"er# &o(nte'an/# an* #o"*ier#. an* )it! t!e#e t!e e"*er of t!e t)o !a* #oon en%a%e* #o 'ri#/ a con,er#ation an* e3c!an%e* #o &an "o(* %(ffa)# an* co(ntr )ittici#&# t!at t!e %ro($ &o&entari" increa#e* in n(&'er+
T!e o(n%er co&$anion in )!o& t!e rea*er !a# a"rea* reco%ni#e* Dic/ S!e"ton #at fro& t!e fir#t #o&e)!at 'ac/)ar* an* %ra*(a"" *re) !i&#e"f a)a+ He "i#tene* in*ee* c"o#e" '(t !e o$ene* not !i# &o(t!. an* ' t!e %ra,e e3$re##ion of !i# co(ntenance !e &a*e '(t "itt"e acco(nt of !i# co&$anion4# $"ea#antrie#+ At "a#t !i# ee )!ic! tra,e""e* contin(a"" to an* fro an* /e$t a %(ar* ($on a"" t!e entrance# of t!e !o(#e "it ($on a "itt"e $roce##ion enterin% ' t!e &ain %ate an* cro##in% t!e co(rt in an o'"i;(e "a*ie# &(ff"e* in t!ic/ f(r##to(t "e* t!e )a an* )ere *irection+ fo""o)e* 'T)o a $air of )aitin%-)o&en an* fo(r &en-atar&#+ T!e ne3t &o&ent t!e !a* *i#a$$eare* )it!in t!e !o(#e. an* Dic/ #"i$$in% t!ro(%! t!e cro)* of "oiterer# in t!e #!e* )a# a"rea* %i,in% !ot $(r#(it+ 6T!e ta""er of t!e#e t)ain )a# La* Brac/"e6 !e t!o(%!t. 6an* )!ere La* Brac/"e i# Joan )i"" not 'e far+6 At t!e *oor of t!e !o(#e t!e fo(r &en-at-ar&# !a* cea#e* to fo""o) an* t!e "a*ie# )ere no) &o(ntin% t!e #tair)a of $o"i#!e* oa/ (n*er no 'etter e#cort t!an t!at of t!e t)o )aitin%-)o&en+ Dic/ fo""o)e* c"o#e 'e!in*+ 1t )a# a"rea* t!e *(#/ of t!e *a. an* in t!e !o(#e t!e *ar/ne## of t!e ni%!t !a* a"&o#t co&e+ On t!e #tair"an*in%# torc!e# f"are* in iron !o"*er#. *o)n t!e "on% ta$e#trie* corri*or# a "a&$ '(rne* ' e,er *oor+ An* )!ere t!e *oor #too* o$en Dic/ co("* "oo/ in ($on arra#-co,ere* )a""# an* r(#!'e#cattere* f"oor# %"o)in% in t!e "i%!t of t!e )oo* fire#+ T)o f"oor# )ere $a##e* an* at e,er "an*in% t!e o(n%er an* #!orter of t!e t)o "a*ie# !a* "oo/e* 'ac/ /een" at t!e &on/+ He /ee$in% !i# ee# "o)ere* an* affectin% t!e *e&(re &anner# t!at #(ite* !i# *i#%(i#e !a* '(t #een !er once an* )a# (na)are t!at !e !a* attracte* !er attention+ An* no) on t!e t!ir* f"oor t!e $art #e$arate* t!e o(n%er "a* contin(in% to a#cen* a"one t!e ot!er fo""o)e* ' t!e )aitin%-&ai*# *e#cen*in% t!e corri*or to t!e ri%!t+ Dic/ &o(nte* )it! a #)ift foot an* !o"*in% to t!e corner t!r(#t fort! !i# !ea* an* fo""o)e* t!e t!ree )o&en )it! !i# ee#+ Wit!o(t t(rnin% or "oo/in% 'e!in* t!e& t!e contin(e* to *e#cen* t!e corri*or+ 61t i# ri%!t )e""6 t!o(%!t Dic/+ 6Let &e '(t /no) & La* Brac/"e4# c!a&'er an* it )i"" %o !ar* an 1 fin* not Da&e Hatc! ($on an erran*+6 An* 5(#t t!en a !an* )a# "ai* ($on !i# #!o("*er an* )it! a 'o(n* an* a c!o/e* cr !e t(rne* to %ra$$"e !i# a##ai"ant+ He )a# #o&e)!at a'a#!e* to fin* in t!e $er#on )!o& !e !a* #o ro(%!" #ei2e* t!e #!ort o(n% "a* in t!e f(r#+ S!e on !er $art )a# #!oc/e* an* terrifie* 'eon* e3$re##ion an* !(n% tre&'"in% in !i# %ra#$+ 6Ma*a&6 #ai* Dic/ re"ea#in% !er 61 cr o( a t!o(#an* $ar*on#. '(t 1 !a,e no ee# 'e!in* an* ' t!e &a## 1 co("* not te"" e )ere a &ai*+6
T!e %ir" contin(e* to "oo/ at !i& '(t ' t!i# ti&e terror 'e%an to 'e #(ccee*e* ' #(r$ri#e an* #(r$ri#e ' #(#$icion+ Dic/ )!o co("* rea* t!e#e c!an%e# on !er face 'eca&e a"ar&e* for !i# o)n #afet in t!at !o#ti"e !o(#e+ 6Fair &ai*6 !e #ai* affectin% ea#ine## 6#(ffer &e to /i## o(r !an* in to/en e for%i,e & ro(%!ne## an* 1 )i"" e,en %o+6 694 are a #tran%e &on/ o(n% #ir6 ret(rne* t!e o(n% "a* "oo/in% !i& 'ot! 'o"*" an* #!re)*" in t!e face. 6an* no) t!at & fir#t a#toni#!&ent !at! #o&e)!at a)a can e #$ t!e "a&an in eac! )or* o( (tter+ W!at *o $a##e* e !ere7 W!1 are t!(# #acri"e%io(#" tric/e* o(t7 Co&e e in $eace or )ar7 An* )! #$ e after La* Brac/"e "i/e a t!ief76 6Ma*a&6 ;(ot! Dic/ 6of one t!in% 1 $ra o( to 'e ,er #(re: 1 a& no t!ief+ An* e,en if 1 co&e !ere in )ar a# in #o&e *e%ree 1 *o 1 &a/e no )ar ($on fair &ai*# an* 1 !ere' entreat t!e& to co$ &e #o far an* to "ea,e &e 'e+ For in*ee* fair &i#tre## cr o(t - if #(c! 'e o(r $"ea#(re - cr '(t once an* #a )!at e !a,e #een an* t!e $oor %ent"e&an 'efore o( i# &ere" a *ea* &an+ 1 cannot t!in/ e )o("* 'e cr(e"6 a**e* Dic/. an* ta/in% t!e %ir"4# !an* %ent" in 'ot! of !i# !e "oo/e* at !er )it! co(rteo(# a*&iration+ 6Are e t!en a #$ - a 9or/i#t76 a#/e* t!e &ai*+ 6Ma*a&6 !e re$"ie* 61 a& in*ee* a 9or/i#t an* in #o&e #ort a #$+ B(t t!at )!ic! 'rin%et! &e into t!i# !o(#e t!e #a&e )!ic! )i"" )in for &e t!e $it an* intere#t of o(r /in* !eart i# neit!er of 9or/ nor Lanca#ter+ 1 )i"" )!o"" $(t & "ife in o(r *i#cretion+ 1 a& a "o,er an* & na&e - 6 B(t !ere t!e o(n% "a* c"a$$e* !er !an* #(**en" ($on Dic/4# &o(t! "oo/e* !a#ti" ($ an* *o)n an* ea#t an* )e#t an* #eein% t!e coa#t c"ear 'e%an to *ra% t!e o(n% &an )it! %reat #tren%t! an* ,e!e&ence ($-#tair#+ 6H(#!86 #!e #ai* 6an* co&e8
S!a"t ta"/ !ereafter+6
So&e)!at 'e)i"*ere* Dic/ #(ffere* !i&#e"f to 'e $(""e* ($-#tair# '(#t"e* a"on% a corri*or an* t!r(#t #(**en" into a c!a&'er "it "i/e #o &an of t!e ot!er# ' a '"a2in% "o% ($on t!e !eart!+ 6No)6 #ai* t!e o(n% "a* forcin% !i& *o)n t!ere an* atten* & #o,erei%n %oo* $"ea#(re+ o,er o( an* 1 )i"" not #cr($"e to a'(#e & o(r#e"f. 4 4a,e cr(e"" &a("e* & ar&+ He ;(ot! !e8 Ha* !e /no)n 1 )a# a &ai* !e !a* for#oot!86
($on a #too" 6#it e 1 !a,e "ife an* *eat! $o)er+ Loo/ to /ne) not 1 )a# a &ai* ta4en !i# 'e"t to &e
An* )it! t!e#e )or*# #!e )!i$$e* o(t of t!e roo& an* "eft Dic/ %a$in% )it! )on*er an* not ,er #(re if !e )ere *rea&in% or a)a/e+ 6Ta4en & 'e"t to !er86 !e re$eate*+ 6Ta4en & 'e"t to !er86 An* t!e reco""ection of t!at e,enin% in t!e fore#t f"o)e* 'ac/ ($on !i# &in* an* !e once &ore #a) Matc!a&4# )incin% 'o* an* 'e#eec!in% ee#+
An* t!en !e )a# reca""e* to t!e *an%er# of t!e $re#ent+ 1n t!e ne3t roo& !e !ear* a #tir a# of a $er#on &o,in%. t!en fo""o)e* a #i%! )!ic! #o(n*e* #tran%e" near. an* t!en t!e r(#t"e of #/irt# an* ta$ of feet once &ore 'e%an+ A# !e #too* !ear/enin% !e #a) t!e arra# )a,e a"on% t!e )a"". t!ere )a# t!e #o(n* of a *oor 'ein% o$ene* t!e !an%in%# *i,i*e* an* "a&$ in !an* Joanna Se*"e entere* t!e a$art&ent+ S!e )a# attire* in co#t" #t(ff# of *ee$ an* )ar& co"o(r# #(c! a# 'efit t!e )inter an* t!e #no)+ U$on !er !ea* !er !air !a* 'een %at!ere* an*#o 'eca&e !erin a#t!e a cro)n+ An*Matc!a& #!e )!o)a# !a*no) #ee&e* #o to%et!er "itt"e an* a)/)ar* attire of ta"" "i/e a o(n% )i""o) an* #)a& acro## t!e f"oor a# t!o(%! #!e #corne* t!e *r(*%er of )a"/in%+ Wit!o(t a #tart )it!o(t a tre&or #!e rai#e* !er "a&$ an* "oo/e* at t!e o(n% &on/+ 6W!at &a/e e !ere %oo* 'rot!er76 #!e in;(ire*+ 69e are *o('t"e## i""-*irecte*+ W!o& *o e re;(ire7 An* #!e #et !er "a&$ ($on t!e 'rac/et+ 6Joanna6 #ai* Dic/. an* t!en !i# ,oice fai"e* !i&+ 6Joanna6 !e 'e%an a%ain 6e #ai* e "o,e* &e. an* t!e &ore foo" 1 '(t 1 'e"ie,e* it86 6Dic/86 #!e crie*+
6Dic/86
An* t!en to t!e )on*er of t!e "a* t!i# 'ea(tif(" an* ta"" o(n% "a* &a*e '(t one #te$ of it an* t!re) !er ar&# a'o(t !i# nec/ an* %a,e !i& a !(n*re* /i##e# a"" in one+ 6O! t!e foo" fe""o)86 #!e crie*+ 6O! *ear Dic/8 O! if e co("* #ee o(r#e"f8 A"ac/86 #!e a**e* $a(#in%+ 61 !a,e #$oi"t o( Dic/8 1 !a,e /noc/e* #o&e of t!e $aint off+ B(t t!at can 'e &en*e*+ W!at cannot 'e &en*e* Dic/ - or 1 &(c! fear it cannot8 i# & &arria%e )it! Lor* S!ore'+6 61# it *eci*e* t!en76 a#/e* t!e "a*+ 6To-&orro) 'efore noon Dic/ in t!e a''e c!(rc!6 #!e an#)ere* 6Jo!n Matc!a& an* Joanna Se*"e 'ot! #!a"" co&e to a ri%!t &i#era'"e en*+ T!ere i# no !e"$ in tear# or 1 co("* )ee$ &ine ee# o(t+ 1 !a,e not #$are* &#e"f to $ra '(t Hea,en fro)n# on & $etition+ An* *ear Dic/ - %oo* Dic/ - '(t t!at e can %et &e fort! of t!i# !o(#e 'efore t!e &ornin% )e &(#t e,en /i## an* #a %oo*-'e+6 6Na6 #ai* Dic/ 6not 1. 1 )i"" ne,er #a t!at )or*+ 4Ti# "i/e *e#$air. '(t )!i"e t!ere4# "ife Joanna t!ere i# !o$e+ 9et )i"" 1 !o$e+ A ' t!e &a## an* tri(&$!8 Loo/ e no) )!en e )ere '(t a na&e to &e *i* 1 not fo""o) - *i* 1 not ro(#e %oo* &en - *i* 1 not #ta/e & "ife ($on t!e ;(arre"7 An* no) t!at 1 !a,e #een o( for )!at e are - t!e faire#t &ai* an* #tate"ie#t of En%"an* t!in/ e 1 )o("* t(rn7 - if t!e *ee$ #ea )ere t!ere 1 )o("* #trai%!t t!ro(%! it. if t!e )a )ere f("" of "ion# 1 )o("* #catter t!e& "i/e &ice+6 6A6 #!e #ai* *r" 6e &a/e a %reat a*o a'o(t a #/-'"(e ro'e86
6Na Joan6 $rote#te* Dic/ 64ti# not a"one t!e ro'e+ B(t "a## e )ere *i#%(i#e*+ Here a& 1 *i#%(i#e*. an* to t!e $roof *o 1 not c(t a fi%(re of f(n - a ri%!t foo"4# fi%(re76 6A Dic/ an4 t!at e *o86 #!e an#)ere* #&i"in%+ 6We"" t!en86 !e ret(rne* tri(&$!ant+ 6So )a# it )it! o( $oor Matc!a& in t!e fore#t+ 1n #oot! e )ere a )enc! to "a(%! at+ B(t no)86 So t!e ran on !o"*in% eac! ot!er ' 'ot! !an*# e3c!an%in% #&i"e# an* "o,e" "oo/# an* &e"tin% &in(te# into #econ*#. an* #o t!e &i%!t !a,e contin(e* a"" ni%!t "on%+ B(t $re#ent" t!ere )a# a noi#e 'e!in* t!e&. an* t!e )ere a)are of t!e #!ort o(n% "a* )it! !er fin%er on !er "i$#+ 6Saint#86 #!e crie* 6'(t )!at a noi#e e /ee$8 Can e not #$ea/ in co&$a##7 An* no) Joanna & fair &ai* of t!e )oo*# )!at )i"" e %i,e o(r %o##i$ for 'rin%in% o( o(r #)eet!eart76 Joanna ran to !er ' )a of an#)er an* e&'race* !er fieri"+ 6An* o( #ir6 a**e* t!e o(n% "a* 6)!at *o e %i,e &e76 6Ma*a&6 #ai* Dic/ 61 )o("* fain offer to $a o( in t!e #a&e &one+6 6Co&e t!en6 #ai* t!e "a* 6it i# $er&itte* o(+6 B(t Dic/ '"(#!in% "i/e a $eon on" /i##e* !er !an*+ 6W!at ai"# e at & face fair #ir76 #!e in;(ire* c(rt#ein% to t!e ,er %ro(n*. an* t!en )!en Dic/ !a* at "en%t! an* &o#t te$i*" e&'race* !er 6Joanna6 #!e a**e* 6o(r #)eet!eart i# ,er 'ac/)ar* (n*er o(r ee#. '(t 1 )arrant o( )!en fir#t )e &et !e )a# &ore rea*+ 1 a& a"" '"ac/ an* '"(e )enc!. tr(#t &e ne,er if 1 'e not '"ac/ an* '"(e8 An* no)6 #!e contin(e* 6!a,e e #ai* o(r #ain%#7 for 1 &(#t #$ee*i" *i#&i## t!e $a"a*in+6 B(t at t!i# t!e 'ot! crie* o(t t!at t!e !a* #ai* not!in% t!at t!e ni%!t )a# #ti"" ,er o(n% an* t!at t!e )o("* not 'e #e$arate* #o ear"+ 6An* #($$er76 a#/e* t!e o(n% "a*+ #($$er76 6Na to 'e #(re86 crie* Joan+
6M(#t )e not %o *o)n to
61 !a* for%otten+6
6Hi*e &e t!en6 #ai* Dic/ 6$(t &e 'e!in* t!e arra# #!(t &e in a c!e#t or )!at e )i"" #o t!at 1 &a 'e !ere on o(r ret(rn+ 1n*ee* fair "a*6 !e a**e* 6'ear t!i# in &in* t!at )e are #ore 'e#te* an* &a ne,er "oo/ ($on eac! ot!er4# face fro& t!i# ni%!t for)ar* ti"" )e *ie+6 At t!i# t!e o(n% "a* &e"te*. an* )!en a "itt"e after t!e 'e"" #(&&one* Sir Danie"4# !o(#e!o"* to t!e 'oar* Dic/ )a# $"ante* ,er #tiff" a%ain#t t!e )a"" at a $"ace )!ere a *i,i#ion in t!e ta$e#tr $er&itte* !i& to 'reat!e t!e &ore free" an* e,en to #ee
into t!e roo&+ He !a* not 'een "on% in t!i# $o#ition )!en !e )a# #o&e)!at #tran%e" *i#t(r'e*+ T!e #i"ence in t!at ($$er #tore of t!e !o(#e )a# on" 'ro/en ' t!e f"ic/erin% of t!e f"a&e# an* t!e !i##in% of a %reen "o% in t!e c!i&ne. '(t $re#ent" to Dic/4# #traine* !earin% t!ere ca&e t!e #o(n* of #o&e one )a"/in% )it! e3tre&e $reca(tion. an* #oon after t!e *oor o$ene* an* a "itt"e '"ac/-face* *)arfi#! fe""o) in Lor* S!ore'4# co"o(r# $(#!e* fir#t !i# !ea* an* t!en !i# croo/e* 'o* into t!e c!a&'er+ Hi# &o(t! )a# o$en a# f"itte* t!o(%! to !ear t!e an* 'etter. an* to !i# ee# )ere ,er 'ri%!t re#t"e##" #)ift" an* fro+)!ic! He )ent ro(n* an* ro(n* t!e roo& #tri/in% !ere an* t!ere ($on t!e !an%in%#. '(t Dic/ ' a &irac"e e#ca$e* !i# notice+ T!en !e "oo/e* 'e"o) t!e f(rnit(re an* e3a&ine* t!e "a&$. an* at "a#t )it! an air of cr(e" *i#a$$oint&ent )a# $re$arin% to %o a)a a# #i"ent" a# !e !a* co&e )!en *o)n !e *ro$$e* ($on !i# /nee# $ic/e* ($ #o&et!in% fro& a&on% t!e r(#!e# on t!e f"oor e3a&ine* it an* )it! e,er #i%na" of *e"i%!t concea"e* it in t!e )a""et at !i# 'e"t+ Dic/4# !eart #an/ for t!e o'5ect in ;(e#tion )a# a ta##e" fro& !i# o)n %ir*"e. an* it )a# $"ain to !i& t!at t!i# *)arfi#! #$ )!o too/ a &a"i%n *e"i%!t in !i# e&$"o&ent )o("* "o#e no ti&e in 'earin% it to !i# &a#ter t!e 'aron+ He )a# !a"f-te&$te* to t!ro) a#i*e t!e arra# fa"" ($on t!e #co(n*re" an* at t!e ri#/ of !i# "ife re&o,e t!e te""ta"e to/en+ An* )!i"e !e )a# #ti"" !e#itatin% a ne) ca(#e of concern )a# a**e*+ A ,oice !oar#e an* 'ro/en ' *rin/ 'e%an to 'e a(*i'"e fro& t!e #tair. an* $re#ent" after (ne,en )an*erin% an* !ea, foot#te$# #o(n*e* )it!o(t a"on% t!e $a##a%e+ 6W!at &a/e e !ere & &err &en a&on% t!e %reen)oo* #!a)#76 #an% t!e ,oice+ 6W!at &a/e e !ere7 He8 #ot# )!at &a/e e !ere76 it a**e* )it! a ratt"e of *r(n/en "a(%!ter. an* t!en once &ore 'rea/in% into #on%:
61f e #!o("* *rin/ t!e c"ar )ine Fat Friar Jo!n e frien* o4 &ine 1f 1 #!o("* eat an* e #!o("* *rin/ W!o #!a"" #in% t!e &a## *4e t!in/76
La)"e## a"a#8 ro""in% *r(n/ )a# )an*erin% t!e !o(#e #ee/in% for a corner )!erein to #"(&'er off t!e effect of !i# $otation#+ Dic/ in)ar*" ra%e*+ T!e #$ at fir#t terrifie* !a* %ro)n rea##(re* a# !e fo(n* !e !a* to *ea" )it! an into3icate* &an an* no) )it! a &o,e&ent of cat-"i/e ra$i*it #"i$$e* fro& t!e c!a&'er an* )a# %one fro& Ric!ar*4# ee#+ W!at )a# to 'e *one7 1f !e "o#t to(c! of La)"e## for t!e ni%!t !e )a# "eft i&$otent )!et!er to $"an or carr fort! Joanna4# re#c(e+ 1f on t!e ot!er !an* !e *are* to a**re## t!e *r(n/en o(t"a) t!e #$ &i%!t #ti"" 'e "in%erin% )it!in #i%!t an* t!e &o#t fata" con#e;(ence# en#(e+ 1t )a# ne,ert!e"e## ($on t!i# "a#t !a2ar* t!at Dic/ *eci*e*+ S"i$$in% fro& 'e!in* t!e ta$e#tr !e #too* rea* in t!e *oor)a of
t!e c!a&'er )it! a )arnin% !an* ($rai#e*+ La)"e## f"(#!e* cri&#on )it! !i# ee# in5ecte* ,aci""atin% on !i# feet *re) #ti"" (n#tea*i" nearer+ At "a#t !e !a2i" ca(%!t #i%!t of !i# co&&an*er an* in *e#$ite of Dic/4# i&$erio(# #i%na"# !ai"e* !i& in#tant" an* "o(*" ' !i# na&e+ Dic/ "ea$e* ($on an* #!oo/ t!e *r(n/ar* f(rio(#"+ 6Bea#t86 !e !i##e* - 6'ea#t an* no &an8 1t i# )or#e t!an treac!er to 'e #o )it"e##+ We &a a"" 'e #!ent for t! #ottin%+6 B(t La)"e## on" "a(%!e* an* #ta%%ere* an* trie* to c"a$ o(n% S!e"ton on t!e 'ac/+ An* 5(#t t!en Dic/4# ;(ic/ ear ca(%!t a ra$i* 'r(#!in% in t!e arra#+ He "ea$e* to)ar*# t!e #o(n* an* t!e ne3t &o&ent a $iece of t!e )a""-!an%in% !a* 'een torn *o)n an* Dic/ an* t!e #$ )ere #$ra)"in% to%et!er in it# fo"*#+ O,er an* o,er t!e ro""e* %ra$$"in% for eac! ot!er4# t!roat an* #ti"" 'aff"e* ' t!e arra# an* #ti"" #i"ent in t!eir *ea*" f(r+ B(t Dic/ )a# ' &(c! t!e #tron%er an* #oon t!e #$ "a $ro#trate (n*er !i# /nee an* )it! a #in%"e #tro/e of t!e "on% $oniar* cea#e* to 'reat!e+
CHAPTER 111 - THE DEAD SP9
T!ro(%!o(t t!i# f(rio(# an* ra$i* $a##a%e La)"e## !a* "oo/e* on !e"$"e##" an* e,en )!en a"" )a# o,er an* Dic/ a"rea* re-ari#en to !i# feet )a# "i#tenin% )it! t!e &o#t $a##ionate attention to t!e *i#tant '(#t"e in t!e "o)er #tore# of t!e !o(#e t!e o"* o(t"a) )a# #ti"" )a,erin% on !i# "e%# "i/e a #!r(' in a 'ree2e of )in* an* #ti"" #t($i*" #tarin% on t!e face of t!e *ea* &an+ 61t i# )e""6 #ai* Dic/ at "en%t!. 6t!e !a,e not !ear* (# $rai#e t!e #aint#8 B(t no) )!at #!a"" 1 *o )it! t!i# $oor #$7 At "ea#t 1 )i"" ta/e & ta##e" fro& !i# )a""et+6 So #ain% Dic/ o$ene* t!e )a""et. )it!in !e fo(n* a fe) $iece# of &one t!e ta##e" an* a "etter a**re##e* to Lor* Wen#"e*a"e an* #ea"e* )it! & Lor* S!ore'4# #ea"+ T!e na&e a)o/e Dic/4# reco""ection. an* !e in#tant" 'ro/e t!e )a3 an* rea* t!e content# of t!e "etter+ 1t )a# #!ort '(t to Dic/4# *e"i%!t it %a,e e,i*ent $roof t!at Lor* S!ore' )a# treac!ero(#" corre#$on*in% )it! t!e Ho(#e of 9or/+ T!e o(n% fe""o) (#(a"" carrie* !i# in/-!orn an* i&$"e&ent# a'o(t !i& an* #o no) 'en*in% a /nee 'e#i*e t!e 'o* of t!e *ea* #$ !e )a# a'"e to )rite t!e#e )or*# ($on a corner of t!e $a$er:
M Lor* of S!ore' e t!at )ritt t!e "etter )ot e )! o(r &an i# *e*7 B(t "et &e re*e o( &arr not+ JON AMEND-ALL+
He "ai* t!i# $a$er on t!e 'rea#t of t!e cor$#e. an* t!en La)"e## )!o !a* 'een "oo/in% on ($on t!e#e "a#t &anoe(,re# )it! #o&e f"ic/erin% ret(rn# of inte""i%ence #(**en" *re) a '"ac/ arro) fro& 'e"o) !i# ro'e an* t!ere)it! $inne* t!e $a$er in it# $"ace+ T!e #i%!t of t!i# *i#re#$ect or a# it a"&o#t #ee&e* cr(e"t to t!e *ea* *re) a cr of !orror fro& o(n% S!e"ton. '(t t!e o"* o(t"a) on" "a(%!e*+ 6Na 1 )i"" !a,e t!e cre*it for &ine or*er6 !e !icc($$e*+ 6M 5o"" 'o# &(#t !a,e t!e cre*it on4t - t!e cre*it 'rot!er.6 an* t!en #!(ttin% !i# ee# ti%!t an* !i# &o(t! "i/e a $recentor !e 'e%an to t!(n*er ino$enin% a for&i*a'"e ,oice:
61f e #!o("* *rin/ t!e c"ar )ine6 -
6Peace #ot86 crie* Dic/ an* t!r(#t !i& !ar* a%ain#t t!e )a""+ 61n t)o )or*# - if #o 'e t!at #(c! a &an can (n*er#tan* &e )!o !at! &ore )ine t!an )it in !i& - in t)o )or*# an* a-Mar4# na&e 'e%one o(t of t!i# !o(#e )!ere if e contin(e to a'i*e e )i"" not on" !an% o(r#e"f '(t &e a"#o8 Fait! t!en ($ foot8 'e are or ' t!e &a## 1 &a for%et t!at 1 a& in #o&e #ort o(r ca$tain an* in #o&e o(r *e'tor8 Go86 T!e #!a& &on/ )a# no) in #o&e *e%ree reco,erin% t!e (#e of !i# inte""i%ence. an* t!e rin% in Dic/4# ,oice an* t!e %"itter in Dic/4# ee #ta&$e* !o&e t!e &eanin% of !i# )or*#+ 6B t!e &a##6 crie* La)"e## 6an 1 'e not )ante* 1 can %o.6 an* !e t(rne* ti$#i" a"on% t!e corri*or an* $rocee*e* to f"o(n*er *o)n-#tair# "(rc!in% a%ain#t t!e )a""+ So #oon a# !e )a# o(t of #i%!t Dic/ ret(rne* to !i# !i*in%-$"ace re#o"(te" fi3e* to #ee t!e &atter o(t+ Wi#*o& in*ee* &o,e* !i& to 'e %one. '(t "o,e an* c(rio#it )ere #tron%er+ Ti&e $a##e* #"o)" for t!e o(n% &an 'o"t ($ri%!t 'e!in* t!e arra#+ T!e fire in t!e roo& 'e%an to *ie *o)n an* t!e "a&$ to '(rn "o) an* to #&o/e+ An* #ti"" t!ere )a# no )or* of t!e ret(rn of an one to t!e#e ($$er ;(arter# of t!e !o(#e. #ti"" t!e faint !(& an* c"atter of t!e #($$er $art #o(n*e* fro& far 'e"o). an* #ti"" (n*er t!e t!ic/ fa"" of t!e #no) S!ore' to)n "a #i"ent ($on e,er #i*e+ At "en%t! !o)e,er feet an* ,oice# 'e%an to *ra) near ($on t!e #tair. an* $re#ent" after #e,era" of Sir Danie"4# %(e#t# arri,e* ($on t!e "an*in% an* t(rnin% *o)n t!e corri*or 'e!e"* t!e torn arra# an* t!e 'o* of t!e #$+ So&e ran for)ar* an* #o&e 'ac/ an* a"" to%et!er 'e%an to cr a"o(*+ At t!e #o(n* of t!eir crie# %(e#t# &en-at-ar&# "a*ie# #er,ant# an* in a )or* a"" t!e in!a'itant# of t!at %reat !o(#e ca&e f"in% fro& e,er *irection an* 'e%an to 5oin t!eir ,oice# to t!e t(&("t+ Soon a )a )a# c"eare* an* Sir Danie" ca&e fort! in $er#on
fo""o)e* ' t!e 'ri*e%roo& of t!e &orro) & Lor* S!ore'+ 6M "or*6 #ai* Sir Danie" 6!a,e 1 not to"* o( of t!i# /na,e B"ac/ Arro)7 To t!e $roof 'e!o"* it8 T!ere it #tan*# an* ' t!e roo* & %o##i$ in a &an of o(r# or one t!at #to"e o(r co"o(r#86 61n %oo* #oot! it )a# a &an of &ine6 re$"ie* Lor* S!ore' !an%in% 'ac/+ 61 )o("* 1 !a* &ore #(c!+ He )a# /een a# a 'ea%"e an* #ecret a# a &o"e+6 6A %o##i$ tr("76 a#/e* Sir Danie" /een"+ #&e""in% ($ #o &an #tair# in & $oor &an#ion7 no &ore+6
6An* )!at ca&e !e B(t !e )i"" #&e""
6An4t $"ea#e o( Sir Danie"6 #ai* one 6!ere i# a $a$er )ritten ($on )it! #o&e &atter $inne* ($on !i# 'rea#t+6 6Gi,e it &e arro) an* a""6 #ai* t!e /ni%!t+ An* )!en !e !a* ta/en into !i# !an* t!e #!aft !e contin(e* for #o&e ti&e to %a2e ($on it in a #(""en &(#in%+ 6A6 !e #ai* a**re##in% Lor* S!ore' 6!ere i# a !ate t!at fo""o)et! !ar* an* c"o#e ($on & !ee"#+ T!i# '"ac/ #tic/ or it# 5(#t "i/ene## #!a"" et 'rin% &e *o)n+ An* %o##i$ #(ffer a $"ain /ni%!t to co(n#e" o(. an* if t!e#e !o(n*# 'e%in to )in* o( f"ee8 4Ti# "i/e a #ic/ne## - it #ti"" !an%et! !an%et! ($on t!e "i&'#+ B(t "et (# #ee )!at t!e !a,e )ritten+ 1t i# a# 1 t!o(%!t & "or*. 4 are &ar/e* "i/e an o"* oa/ ' t!e )oo*&an. to-&orro) or ne3t *a ' )i"" co&e t!e a3e+ B(t )!at )rote e in a "etter76 Lor* S!ore' #natc!e* t!e $a$er fro& t!e arro) rea* it cr(&$"e* it 'et)een !i# !an*# an* o,erco&in% t!e re"(ctance )!ic! !a* !it!erto )it!!e"* !i& fro& a$$roac!in% t!re) !i&#e"f on !i# /nee# 'e#i*e t!e 'o* an* ea%er" %ro$e* in t!e )a""et+ He ro#e to !i# feet )it! a #o&e)!at (n#ett"e* co(ntenance+ 6Go##i$6 !e #ai* 61 !a,e in*ee* "o#t a "etter !ere t!at &(c! i&$orte*. an* co("* 1 "a & !an* ($on t!e /na,e t!at too/ it !e #!o("* incontinent" %race a !a"ter+ B(t "et (# fir#t of a"" #ec(re t!e i##(e# of t!e !o(#e+ Here i# eno(%! !ar& a"rea* ' St+ Geor%e86 Sentine"# )ere $o#te* c"o#e aro(n* t!e !o(#e an* %ar*en. a #entine" on e,er "an*in% of t!e #tair a )!o"e troo$ in t!e &ain entrance!a"". an* et anot!er a'o(t t!e 'onfire in t!e #!e*+ Sir Danie"4# fo""o)er# )ere #($$"e&ente* ' Lor* S!ore'4#. t!ere )a# t!(# no "ac/ of &en or )ea$on# to &a/e t!e !o(#e #ec(re or to entra$ a "(r/in% ene& #!o("* one 'e t!ere+ Mean)!i"e t!e 'o* of t!e #$ )a# carrie* o(t t!ro(%! t!e fa""in% #no) an* *e$o#ite* in t!e a''e c!(rc!+ 1t )a# not (nti" t!e#e *i#$o#ition# !a* 'een ta/en an* a"" !a* ret(rne* to a *ecoro(# #i"ence t!at t!e t)o %ir"# *re) Ric!ar* S!e"ton fro& !i# $"ace of concea"&ent an* &a*e a f("" re$ort to !i& of )!at !a* $a##e*+ He ($on !i# #i*e reco(nte* t!e ,i#it of t!e #$ !i# *an%ero(# *i#co,er an* #$ee* en*+
Joanna "eane* 'ac/ ,er faint a%ain#t t!e c(rtaine* )a""+ 61t )i"" a,ai" '(t "itt"e6 #!e #ai*+ in t!e &ornin% after a""86
61 #!a"" 'e )e* to-&orro)
6W!at86 crie* !er frien*+ 6An* !ere i# o(r $a"a*in t!at *ri,et! "ion# "i/e &ice8 9e !a,e "itt"e fait! of a #(ret+ B(t co&e frien* "ion-*ri,er %i,e (# #o&e co&fort. #$ea/ an* "et (# !ear 'o"* co(n#e"#+6 Dic/ )a# confo(n*e* 'e t!(# !e o(tface* o)n e3a%%erate* )or*#. '(t t!o(%! !eto co"o(re* #ti"" )it! #$o/e!i# #to(t"+ 6Tr("6 #ai* !e 6)e are in #trait#+ 9et co("* 1 '(t )in o(t of t!i# !o(#e for !a"f an !o(r 1 *o !one#t" te"" &#e"f t!at a"" &i%!t #ti"" %o )e"". an* for t!e &arria%e it #!o("* 'e $re,ente*+6 6An* for t!e "ion#6 &i&ic/e* t!e %ir" 6t!e #!a"" 'e *ri,en+6 61 cra,e o(r e3c(#e6 #ai* Dic/+ 61 #$ea/ not no) in an 'oa#tin% !(&o(r '(t rat!er a# one in;(irin% after !e"$ or co(n#e". for if 1 %et not fort! of t!i# !o(#e an* t!ro(%! t!e#e #entine"# 1 can *o "e## t!an na(%!t+ Ta/e &e 1 $ra o( ri%!t"+6 6W! #ai* e !e )a# r(#tic Joan76 t!e %ir" in;(ire*+ 61 )arrant !e !at! a ton%(e in !i# !ea*. rea* #oft an* 'o"* i# !i# #$eec! at $"ea#(re+
W!at )o("* e &ore76
6Na6 #i%!e* Joanna )it! a #&i"e 6t!e !a,e c!an%e* &e & frien* Dic/ 4ti# #(re eno(%!+ W!en 1 'e!e"* !i& !e )a# ro(%! in*ee*+ B(t it &atter# "itt"e. t!ere i# no !e"$ for & !ar* ca#e an* 1 &(#t #ti"" 'e La* S!ore'86 6Na t!en6 #ai* Dic/ 61 )i"" e,en &a/e t!e a*,ent(re+ A friar i# not &(c! re%ar*e*. an* if 1 fo(n* a %oo* fair to "ea* &e ($ 1 &a fin* anot!er 'e"i/e to carr &e *o)n+ Ho) ca"" t!e t!e na&e of t!i# #$76 6R(tter6 #ai* t!e o(n% "a*. 6an* an e3ce""ent %oo* na&e to ca"" !i& '+ B(t !o) &ean e "ion-*ri,er7 W!at i# in o(r &in* to *o76 6To offer 'o"*" to %o fort!6 ret(rne* Dic/. 6an* if an #to$ &e to /ee$ an (nc!an%e* co(ntenance an* #a 1 %o to $ra for R(tter+ T!e )i"" 'e $rain% o,er !i# $oor c"a e,en no)+6 6T!e *e,ice i# #o&e)!at #i&$"e6 re$"ie* t!e %ir" 6et it &a !o"*+6 6Na6 #ai* o(n% S!e"ton 6it i# no *e,ice '(t &ere 'o"*ne## )!ic! #er,et! often 'etter in %reat #trait#+6 69e #a tr(e6 #!e #ai*+ 6We"" %o a-Mar4# na&e an* &a Hea,en #$ee* o(8 9e "ea,e !ere a $oor &ai* t!at "o,e# o( entire" an* anot!er t!at i# &o#t !earti" o(r frien*+ Be )ar for t!eir #a/e# an* &a/e not #!i$)rec/ of o(r #afet+6 6A6 a**e* Joanna 6%o Dic/+ 9e r(n no &ore $eri" )!et!er e %o or #ta+ Go. e ta/e & !eart )it! o(. t!e #aint# *efen* o(86
Dic/ $a##e* t!e fir#t #entr )it! #o a##(re* a co(ntenance t!at t!e fe""o) &ere" fi%ete* an* #tare*. '(t at t!e #econ* "an*in% t!e &an carrie* !i# #$ear acro## an* 'a*e !i& na&e !i# '(#ine##+ 6PA? 0OB1SCUM6 an#)ere* Dic/+ $oor R(tter+6
61 %o to $ra o,er t!e 'o* of t!i#
6Li/e eno(%!6 ret(rne* t!e #entr. 6'(t to %o a"one i# not $er&itte* o(+6 He "eane* o,er t!e oa/en 'a"(#ter# an* )!i#t"e* #!ri""+
6One co&et!86 !e crie*. an* t!en &otione* Dic/ to $a##+
At t!e foot of t!e #tair !e fo(n* t!e %(ar* afoot an* a)aitin% !i# arri,a". an* )!en !e !a* once &ore re$eate* !i# #tor t!e co&&an*er of t!e $o#t or*ere* fo(r &en o(t to acco&$an !i& to t!e c!(rc!+ 6Let !i& not #"i$ & "a*#6 !e #ai*+ o(r "i,e#86
6Brin% !i& to Sir O"i,er on
T!e *oor )a# t!en o$ene*. one of t!e &en too/ Dic/ ' eit!er ar& anot!er &arc!e* a!ea* )it! a "in/ an* t!e fo(rt! )it! 'ent 'o) an* t!e arro) on t!e #trin% 'ro(%!t ($ t!e rear+ 1n t!i# or*er t!e $rocee*e* t!ro(%! t!e %ar*en (n*er t!e t!ic/ *ar/ne## of t!e ni%!t an* t!e #catterin% #no) an* *re) near to t!e *i&"i""(&inate* )in*o)# of t!e a''e c!(rc!+ At t!e )e#tern $orta" a $ic/et of arc!er# #too* ta/in% )!at #!e"ter t!e co("* fin* in t!e !o""o) of t!e arc!e* *oor)a# an* a"" $o)*ere* )it! t!e #no). an* it )a# not (nti" Dic/4# con*(ctor# !a* e3c!an%e* a )or* )it! t!e#e t!at t!e )ere #(ffere* to $a## fort! an* enter t!e na,e of t!e #acre* e*ifice+ T!e c!(rc! )a# *o('tf("" "i%!te* ' t!e ta$er# ($on t!e %reat a"tar an* ' a "a&$ or t)o t!at #)(n% fro& t!e arc!e* roof 'efore t!e $ri,ate c!a$e"# of i""(#trio(# fa&i"ie#+ 1n t!e &i*#t of t!e c!oir t!e *ea* #$ "a !i# "i&'# $io(#" co&$o#e* ($on a 'ier+ A !(rrie* &(tter of $raer #o(n*e* a"on% t!e arc!e#. co)"e* fi%(re# /ne"t in t!e #ta""# of t!e c!oir an* on t!e #te$# of t!e !i%! a"tar a $rie#t in $ontifica" ,e#t&ent# ce"e'rate* &a##+ U$on t!i# fre#! entrance one of t!e co)"e* fi%(re# aro#e an* co&in% *o)n t!e #te$# )!ic! e"e,ate* t!e "e,e" of t!e c!oir a'o,e t!at of t!e na,e *e&an*e* fro& t!e "ea*er of t!e fo(r &en )!at '(#ine## 'ro(%!t !i& to t!e c!(rc!+ O(t of re#$ect for t!e #er,ice an* t!e *ea* t!e #$o/e in %(ar*e* tone#. '(t t!e ec!oe# of t!at !(%e e&$t '(i"*in% ca(%!t ($ t!eir )or*# an* !o""o)" re$eate* an* re$eate* t!e& a"on% t!e ai#"e#+ 6A &on/86 ret(rne* Sir O"i,er =for !e it )a#> )!en !e !a* !ear* t!e re$ort of t!e arc!er+ 6M 'rot!er 1 "oo/e* not for o(r co&in%6 !e a**e* t(rnin% to o(n% S!e"ton+ 61n a"" ci,i"it )!o are e7 an* at )!o#e in#tance *o e 5oin o(r #($$"ication# to o(r#76 Dic/ /ee$in% !i# co)" a'o(t !i# face #i%ne* to Sir O"i,er to &o,e a $ace or t)o a#i*e fro& t!e arc!er#. an* #o #oon a# t!e $rie#t !a* *one #o 61 cannot !o$e to *ecei,e o( #ir6 !e #ai*+ 6M
"ife i# in o(r !an*#+6 Sir O"i,er ,io"ent" #tarte*. !i# #to(t c!ee/# %re) $a"e an* for a #$ace !e )a# #i"ent+ 6Ric!ar*6 !e #ai* 6)!at 'rin%# o( !ere 1 /no) not. '(t 1 &(c! &i#*o('t it to 'e e,i"+ Ne,ert!e"e## for t!e /in*ne## t!at )a# 1 )o("* not )i""in%" *e"i,er o( to !ar&+ 9e #!a"" #it a"" ni%!t 'e#i*e &e in t!e #ta""#: e #!a"" #it t!ere ti"" & Lor* of S!ore' 'e &arrie* an* t!e $art %one #afe !o&e. an* if a"" %oet! )e"" an* e $"anne* no e,i" in t!e it en* e #!a"" %o ($on )!it!er e )i""+ B(t!a,e if o(r $(r$o#e 'e '"oo* #!a"" ret(rn o(r !ea*+ A&en86 An* t!e $rie#t *e,o(t" cro##e* !i&#e"f an* t(rne* an* "o(te* to t!e a"tar+ Wit! t!at !e #$o/e a fe) )or*# &ore to t!e #o"*ier# an* ta/in% Dic/ ' t!e !an* "e* !i& ($ to t!e c!oir an* $"ace* !i& in t!e #ta"" 'e#i*e !i# o)n )!ere for &ere *ecenc t!e "a* !a* in#tant" to /nee" an* a$$ear to 'e '(# )it! !i# *e,otion#+ Hi# &in* an* !i# ee# !o)e,er )ere contin(a"" )an*erin%+ T!ree of t!e #o"*ier# !e o'#er,e* in#tea* of ret(rnin% to t!e !o(#e !a* %ot t!e& ;(iet" into a $oint of ,anta%e in t!e ai#"e. an* !e co("* not *o('t t!at t!e !a* *one #o ' Sir O"i,er4# co&&an*+ Here t!en !e )a# tra$$e*+ Here %!o#t" %"i&&er an* #!a*o) of t!e face of !i& !e #"e). an* !ere in #)eet!eart &arrie* to anot!er &an
!e &(#t #$en* t!e ni%!t in t!e c!(rc! an* "oo/in% on t!e $a"e t!e &ornin% !e &(#t #ee !i# 'efore !i# ee#+
B(t for a"" t!at !e o'taine* a co&&an* ($on !i# &in* an* '(i"t !i&#e"f ($ in $atience to a)ait t!e i##(e+
CHAPTER 10 - 1N THE ABBE9 CHURCH
1n S!ore' A''e C!(rc! t!e $raer# )ere /e$t ($ a"" ni%!t )it!o(t ce##ation no) )it! t!e #in%in% of $#a"&# no) )it! a note or t)o ($on t!e 'e""+ R(tter t!e #$ )a# no'" )a/e*+ T!ere !e "a &ean)!i"e a# t!e !a* arran%e* !i& !i# *ea* !an*# cro##e* ($on !i# 'o#o& !i# *ea* ee# #tarin% on t!e roof. an* !ar* ' in t!e #ta"" t!e "a* )!o !a* #"ain !i& )aite* in #ore *i#;(iet(*e t!e co&in% of t!e &ornin%+ Once on" in t!e co(r#e of t!e !o(r# Sir O"i,er "eane* acro## to !i# ca$ti,e+ 6Ric!ar*6 !e )!i#$ere* 6& #on if e &ean &e e,i" 1 )i"" certif on & #o("4# )e"fare e *e#i%n ($on an innocent &an+ Sinf(" in t!e ee of Hea,en 1 *o *ec"are &#e"f. '(t #inf(" a# a%ain#t o( 1 a& not neit!er !a,e 'een e,er+6 6M fat!er6 ret(rne* Dic/ in t!e #a&e tone of ,oice 6tr(#t &e 1
*e#i%n not!in%. '(t a# for o(r innocence 1 &a not for%et t!at e c"eare* o(r#e"f '(t "a&e"+6 6A &an &a 'e innocent" %(i"t6 re$"ie* t!e $rie#t+ 6He &a 'e #et '"in*fo"*e* ($on a &i##ion i%norant of it# tr(e #co$e+ So it )a# )it! &e+ 1 *i* *eco o(r fat!er to !i# *eat!. '(t a# Hea,en #ee# (# in t!i# #acre* $"ace 1 /ne) not )!at 1 *i*+6 61t &a 'e6 ret(rne* Dic/+ 6B(t #ee )!at a #tran%e )e' e !a,e )o,en t!at 1 #!o("* 'e at t!i# !o(r at once o(r $ri#oner an* o(r 5(*%e. t!at e *a# & an%er+ Met!in/# if#!o("* e !a*'ot! 'eent!reaten a"" o(r& "ife a an* tr(e*e$recate &an an* %oo* $rie#t e )o("* neit!er t!(# fear nor t!(# *ete#t &e+ An* no) to o(r $raer#+ 1 *o o'e o( #ince nee*# &(#t. '(t 1 )i"" not 'e '(rt!ene* )it! o(r co&$an+6 T!e $rie#t (ttere* a #i%! #o !ea, t!at it !a* a"&o#t to(c!e* t!e "a* into #o&e #enti&ent of $it an* !e 'o)e* !i# !ea* ($on !i# !an*# "i/e a &an 'orne *o)n 'e"o) a )ei%!t of care+ He 5oine* no "on%er in t!e $#a"&#. '(t Dic/ co("* !ear t!e 'ea*# ratt"e t!ro(%! !i# fin%er# an* t!e $raer# a-$atterin% 'et)een !i# teet!+ 9et a "itt"e an* t!e %re of t!e &ornin% 'e%an to #tr(%%"e t!ro(%! t!e $ainte* ca#e&ent# of t!e c!(rc! an* to $(t to #!a&e t!e %"i&&er of t!e ta$er#+ T!e "i%!t #"o)" 'roa*ene* an* 'ri%!tene* an* $re#ent" t!ro(%! t!e #o(t!-ea#tern c"ere#torie# a f"(#! of ro# #(n"i%!t f"ic/ere* on t!e )a""#+ T!e #tor& )a# o,er. t!e %reat c"o(*# !a* *i#'(r*ene* t!eir #no) an* f"e* fart!er on an* t!e ne) *a )a# 'rea/in% on a &err )inter "an*#ca$e #!eat!e* in )!ite+ A '(#t"e of c!(rc! officer# fo""o)e*. t!e 'ier )a# carrie* fort! to t!e *ea*!o(#e an* t!e #tain# of '"oo* )ere c"ean#e* fro& off t!e ti"e# t!at no #(c! i""-o&ene* #$ectac"e #!o("* *i#%race t!e &arria%e of Lor* S!ore'+ At t!e #a&e ti&e t!e ,er ecc"e#ia#tic# )!o !a* 'een #o *i#&a"" en%a%e* a"" ni%!t 'e%an to $(t on &ornin% face# to *o !ono(r to t!e &errier cere&on )!ic! )a# a'o(t to fo""o)+ An* f(rt!er to anno(nce t!e co&in% of t!e *a t!e $io(# of t!e to)n 'e%an to a##e&'"e an* fa"" to $raer 'efore t!eir fa,o(rite #!rine# or )ait t!eir t(rn at t!e confe##iona"#+ Fa,o(re* ' t!i# #tir it )a# of co(r#e ea#i" $o##i'"e for an &an to a,oi* t!e ,i%i"ance of Sir Danie"4# #entrie# at t!e *oor. an* $re#ent" Dic/ "oo/in% a'o(t !i& )eari" ca(%!t t!e ee of no "e## a $er#on t!an Wi"" La)"e## #ti"" in !i# &on/4# !a'it+ T!e o(t"a) at t!e #a&e &o&ent reco%ni#e* !i# "ea*er an* $ri,i" #i%ne* to !i& )it! !an* an* ee+ No) Dic/ )a# far fro& !a,in% for%i,en t!e o"* ro%(e !i# &o#t (nti&e" *r(n/enne## '(t !e !a* no *e#ire to in,o",e !i& in !i# o)n $re*ica&ent. an* !e #i%na""e* 'ac/ to !i& a# $"ain a# !e )a# a'"e to 'e%one+ La)"e## a# t!o(%! !e !a* (n*er#too* *i#a$$eare* at once 'e!in* a $i""ar an* Dic/ 'reat!e* a%ain+ W!at t!en )a# !i# *i#&a to fee" !i&#e"f $"(c/e* ' t!e #"ee,e an* to fin* t!e o"* ro''er in#ta""e* 'e#i*e !i& ($on t!e ne3t
#eat an* to a"" a$$earance $"(n%e* in !i# *e,otion#8 1n#tant" Sir O"i,er aro#e fro& !i# $"ace an* %"i*in% 'e!in* t!e #ta""# &a*e for t!e #o"*ier# in t!e ai#"e+ 1f t!e $rie#t4# #(#$icion# !a* 'een #o "i%!t" )a/ene* t!e !ar& )a# a"rea* *one an* La)"e## a $ri#oner in t!e c!(rc!+ 6Mo,e not6 )!i#$ere* Dic/+ 6We are in t!e $"a%(ie#t $a## t!an/# 'efore a"" t!in%# to t! #)ini#!ne## of e#tere,en+ W!en e #a) &e !ere #o #tran%e" #eate* )!ere 1 !a,e neit!er ri%!t nor intere#t )!at a &(rrain 1 co("* e not #&e"" !ar& an* %et e %one fro& e,i"76 6Na6 ret(rne* La)"e## 61 t!o(%!t e !a* !ear* fro& E""i# an* )ere !ere on *(t+6 6E""i#86 ec!oe* Dic/+
61# E""i# t!en ret(rne*7
6For #(re6 re$"ie* t!e o(t"a)+ 6He ca&e "a#t ni%!t an* 'e"te* &e #ore for 'ein% in )ine - #o t!ere e are a,en%e* & &a#ter+ A f(rio(# &an i# E""i# D(c/)ort!8 He !at! ri**en &e !ot-#$(r fro& Cra,en to $re,ent t!i# &arria%e. an* Ma#ter Dic/ e /no) t!e )a of !i& - *o #o !e )i""86 6Na t!en6 ret(rne* Dic/ )it! co&$o#(re 6o( an* 1 & $oor 'rot!er are *ea* &en. for 1 #it !ere a $ri#oner ($on #(#$icion an* & nec/ )a# to an#)er for t!i# ,er &arria%e t!at !e $(r$o#et! to &ar+ 1 !a* a fair c!oice ' t!e roo*8 to "o#e & #)eet!eart or e"#e "o#e & "ife8 We"" t!e ca#t i# t!ro)n - it i# to 'e & "ife+6 6B t!e &a##6 crie* La)"e## !a"f ari#in% 61 a& %one86 B(t Dic/ !a* !i# !an* at once ($on !i# #!o("*er+ 6Frien* La)"e## #it e #ti""6 !e #ai*+ 6An e !a,e ee# "oo/ on*er at t!e corner ' t!e c!ance" arc!. #ee e not t!at e,en ($on t!e &otion of o(r ri#in% on ar&e* &en are ($ an* rea* to interce$t o(7 9ie"* e frien*+ 9e )ere 'o"* a'oar* #!i$ )!en e t!o(%!t to *ie a #ea-*eat!. 'e 'o"* a%ain no) t!at 4 are to *ie $re#ent" ($on t!e %a""o)#+6 6Ma#ter Dic/6 %a#$e* La)"e## 6t!e t!in% !at! co&e ($on &e #o&e)!at of t!e #(**ene#t+ B(t %i,e &e a &o&ent ti"" 1 fetc! & 'reat! a%ain. an* ' t!e &a## 1 )i"" 'e a# #to(t-!earte* a# o(r#e"f+6 6Here i# & 'o"* fe""o)86 ret(rne* Dic/+ 6An* et La)"e## it %oe# !ar* a%ain#t t!e %rain )it! &e to *ie. '(t )!ere )!inin% &en*et! not!in% )!erefore )!ine76 6Na t!at in*ee*86 c!i&e* La)"e##+ 6An* a fi% for *eat! at )or#t8 1t !a# to 'e *one & &a#ter #oon or "ate+ An* !an%in% in a %oo* ;(arre" i# an ea# *eat! t!e #a t!o(%! 1 co("* ne,er !ear of an t!at ca&e 'ac/ to #a #o+6 An* #o #ain% t!e #to(t o"* ra#ca" "eane* 'ac/ in !i# #ta"" fo"*e* !i# ar&# an* 'e%an to "oo/ a'o(t !i& )it! t!e %reate#t air of in#o"ence an* (nconcern+
6An* for t!e &atter of t!at6 Dic/ a**e* 6it i# et o(r 'e#t c!ance to /ee$ ;(iet+ We )ot not et )!at D(c/)ort! $(r$o#e#. an* )!en a"" i# #ai* an* if t!e )or#t 'efa"" )e &a et c"ear o(r feet of it+6 No) t!at t!e cea#e* ta"/in% t!e )ere a)are of a ,er *i#tant an* t!in #train of &irt!f(" &(#ic )!ic! #tea*i" *re) nearer "o(*er an* &errier+ T!e 'e""# in t!e to)er 'e%an to 'rea/ fort! into a *o('"in% $ea" an* a %reater an* %reater conco(r#e of $eo$"e to cro)* into t!e c!(rc! t!e #no) off *oor t!eir feet an* c"a$$in% an* '"o)in% in#!(ff"in% t!eir !an*#+ T!e fro& )e#tern )a# f"(n% )i*e o$en #!o)in% a %"i&$#e of #(n"it #no) #treet an* a*&ittin% in a %reat %(#t t!e #!re)* air of t!e &ornin%. an* in #!ort it 'eca&e $"ain ' e,er #i%n t!at Lor* S!ore' *e#ire* to 'e &arrie* ,er ear" in t!e *a an* t!at t!e )e**in%-train )a# *ra)in% near+ So&e of Lor* S!ore'4# &en no) c"eare* a $a##a%e *o)n t!e &i**"e ai#"e forcin% t!e $eo$"e 'ac/ )it! "ance-#toc/#. an* 5(#t t!en o(t#i*e t!e $orta" t!e #ec("ar &(#ician# co("* 'e *e#crie* *ra)in% near o,er t!e fro2en #no) t!e fifer# an* tr(&$eter# #car"et in t!e face )it! "(#t '"o)in% t!e *r(&&er# an* t!e c&'a"i#t# 'eatin% a# for a )a%er+ T!e#e a# t!e *re) near t!e *oor of t!e #acre* '(i"*in% fi"e* off on eit!er #i*e an* &ar/in% ti&e to t!eir o)n ,i%oro(# &(#ic #too* #ta&$in% in t!e #no)+ A# t!e t!(# o$ene* t!eir ran/# t!e "ea*er# of t!i# no'"e 'ri*a" train a$$eare* 'e!in* an* 'et)een t!e&. an* #(c! )a# t!e ,ariet an* %aiet of t!eir attire #(c! t!e *i#$"a of #i"/# an* ,e",et f(r an* #atin e&'roi*er an* "ace t!at t!e $roce##ion #!o)e* fort! ($on t!e #no) "i/e a f"o)er-'e* in a $at! or a $ainte* )in*o) in a )a""+ Fir#t ca&e t!e 'ri*e a #orr #i%!t a# $a"e a# )inter c"in%in% to Sir Danie"4# ar& an* atten*e* a# 'ri*e#-&ai* ' t!e #!ort o(n% "a* )!o !a* 'efrien*e* Dic/ t!e ni%!t 'efore+ C"o#e 'e!in* in t!e &o#t ra*iant toi"et fo""o)e* t!e 'ri*e%roo& !a"tin% on a %o(t foot. an* a# !e $a##e* t!e t!re#!o"* of t!e #acre* '(i"*in% an* *offe* !i# !at !i# 'a"* !ea* )a# #een to 'e ro# )it! e&otion+ An* no) ca&e t!e !o(r of E""i# D(c/)ort!+ Dic/ )!o #at #t(nne* a&on% contrar e&otion# %ra#$in% t!e *e#/ in front of !i& 'e!e"* a &o,e&ent in t!e cro)* $eo$"e 5o#t"in% 'ac/)ar* an* ee# an* ar&# ($"ifte*+ Fo""o)in% t!e#e #i%n# !e 'e!e"* t!ree or fo(r &en )it! 'ent 'o)# "eanin% fro& t!e c"ere#tor %a""er+ At t!e #a&e in#tant t!e *e"i,ere* t!eir *i#c!ar%e an* 'efore t!e c"a&o(r an* crie# of t!e a#to(n*e* $o$("ace !a* ti&e to #)e"" f("" ($on t!e ear t!e !a* f"itte* fro& t!eir $erc! an* *i#a$$eare*+ T!e na,e )a# f("" of #)ain% !ea*# an* ,oice# #crea&in%. t!e ecc"e#ia#tic# t!ron%e* in terror fro& t!eir $"ace#. t!e &(#ic cea#e* an* t!o(%! t!e 'e""# o,er!ea* contin(e* for #o&e #econ*# to c"an% ($on t!e air #o&e )in* of t!e *i#a#ter #ee&e* to fin* it# )a at "a#t e,en to t!e c!a&'er )!ere t!e rin%er# )ere "ea$in% on t!eir ro$e# an* t!e a"#o *e#i#te* fro& t!eir &err "a'o(r#+ Ri%!t in t!e &i*#t of t!e na,e t!e 'ri*e%roo& "a #tone-*ea*
$ierce* ' t)o '"ac/ arro)#+ T!e 'ri*e !a* fainte*+ Sir Danie" #too* to)erin% a'o,e t!e cro)* in !i# #(r$ri#e an* an%er a c"ot!ar* #!aft ;(i,erin% in !i# "eft forear& an* !i# face #trea&in% '"oo* fro& anot!er )!ic! !a* %ra2e* !i# 'ro)+ Lon% 'efore an #earc! co("* 'e &a*e for t!e& t!e a(t!or# of t!i# tra%ic interr($tion !a* c"attere* *o)n a t(rn$i/e #tair an* *eca&$e* ' a $o#tern *oor+ B(t Dic/ an* La)"e## #ti"" re&aine* in $a)n. t!e !a* in*ee* ari#en on)it! t!e fir#t a"ar& an* &anf("" t!e *oor. '(t )!at t!e narro)ne## of$(#!e* t!e #ta""# an* to t!e%ain cro)*in% of terrifie* $rie#t# an* c!ori#ter# t!e atte&$t !a* 'een in ,ain an* t!e !a* #toica"" re#(&e* t!eir $"ace#+ An* no) $a"e )it! !orror Sir O"i,er ro#e to !i# feet an* ca""e* ($on Sir Danie" $ointin% )it! one !an* to Dic/+ 6Here6 !e crie* 6i# Ric!ar* S!e"ton - a"a# t!e !o(r8 - '"oo* %(i"t8 Sei2e !i&8 - 'i* !i& 'e #ei2e*8 For a"" o(r "i,e#4 #a/e# ta/e !i& an* 'in* !i& #(re"8 He !at! #)orn o(r fa""+6 Sir Danie" )a# '"in*e* ' an%er - '"in*e* ' t!e !ot '"oo* t!at #ti"" #trea&e* acro## !i# face+ 6W!ere76 !e 'e""o)e*+
6Ha"e !i& fort!8
B t!e cro## of Ho")oo*
'(t !e #!a"" r(e t!i# !o(r86 T!e cro)* fe"" 'ac/ an* a $art of arc!er# in,a*e* t!e c!oir "ai* ro(%! !an*# on Dic/ *ra%%e* !i& !ea*-fore&o#t fro& t!e #ta"" an* t!r(#t !i& ' t!e #!o("*er# *o)n t!e c!ance" #te$#+ La)"e## on !i# $art #at a# #ti"" a# a &o(#e+ Sir Danie" 'r(#!in% t!e '"oo* o(t of !i# ee# #tare* '"in/in%" ($on !i# ca$ti,e+ 6A6 !e #ai* 6treac!ero(# an* in#o"ent 1 !a,e t!ee fa#t. an* ' a"" $otent oat!# for e,er *ro$ of '"oo* t!at no) tric/"e# in &ine ee# 1 )i"" )rin% a %roan o(t of t! carca#e+ A)a )it! !i&86 !e a**e*+ 6Here i# no $"ace8 Off )it! !i& to & !o(#e+ 1 )i"" n(&'er e,er 5oint of t! 'o* )it! a tort(re+6 B(t Dic/ $(ttin% off !i# ca$tor# ($"ifte* !i# ,oice+ 6Sanct(ar86 !e #!o(te*+ 6Sanct(ar8 )o("* *ra% &e fro& t!e c!(rc!86
Ho t!ere & fat!er#8
T!e
6Fro& t!e c!(rc! t!o( !a#t *efi"e* )it! &(r*er 'o6 a**e* a ta"" &an &a%nificent" *re##e*+ 6On )!at $ro'ation76 crie* Dic/+ 6T!e *o acc(#e &e in*ee* of #o&e co&$"icit '(t !a,e not $ro,e* one titt"e+ 1 )a# in tr(t! a #(itor for t!i# *a&#e"4# !an*. an* #!e 1 )i"" 'e 'o"* to #a it re$ai* & #(it )it! fa,o(r+ B(t )!at t!en7 To "o,e a &ai* i# no offence 1 tro) - na nor to %ain !er "o,e+ 1n a"" e"#e 1 #tan* !ere free fro& %(i"tine##+6 T!ere )a# a &(r&(r of a$$ro,a" a&on% t!e '#tan*er# #o 'o"*" Dic/ *ec"are* !i# innocence. '(t at t!e #a&e ti&e a t!ron% of acc(#er#
aro#e ($on t!e ot!er #i*e crin% !o) !e !a* 'een fo(n* "a#t ni%!t in Sir Danie"4# !o(#e !o) !e )ore a #acri"e%io(# *i#%(i#e. an* in t!e &i*#t of t!e 'a'e" Sir O"i,er in*icate* La)"e## 'ot! ' ,oice an* %e#t(re a# acco&$"ice to t!e fact+ He in !i# t(rn )a# *ra%%e* fro& !i# #eat an* #et 'e#i*e !i# "ea*er+ T!e fee"in%# of t!e cro)* ro#e !i%! on eit!er #i*e an* )!i"e #o&e *ra%%e* t!e $ri#oner# to an* fro to fa,o(r t!eir e#ca$e ot!er# c(r#e* an* #tr(c/ t!e& )it! t!eir fi#t#+ Dic/4# ear# ran% an* !i# 'rain #)a& *i22i" "i/e a &an #tr(%%"in% in t!e e**ie# of a f(rio(# ri,er+ B(t t!e ta"" &an )!o !a* a"rea* an#)ere* Dic/ ' a&o'+ $ro*i%io(# e3erci#e of ,oice re#tore* #i"ence an* or*er in t!e 6Searc! t!e&6 !e #ai* 6for ar&#+ intention#+6
We &a #o 5(*%e of t!eir
U$on Dic/ t!e fo(n* no )ea$on '(t !i# $oniar* an* t!i# to"* in !i# fa,o(r (nti" one &an officio(#" *re) it fro& it# #!eat! an* fo(n* it #ti"" (nc"ean#e* of t!e '"oo* of R(tter+ At t!i# t!ere )a# a %reat #!o(t a&on% Sir Danie"4# fo""o)er# )!ic! t!e ta"" &an #($$re##e* ' a %e#t(re an* an i&$erio(# %"ance+ B(t )!en it ca&e to t!e t(rn of La)"e## t!ere )a# fo(n* (n*er !i# %o)n a #!eaf of arro)# i*entica" )it! t!o#e t!at !a* 'een #!ot+ 6Ho) #a e no)76 a#/e* t!e ta"" &an fro)nin%" of Dic/+ 6Sir6 re$"ie* Dic/ 61 a& !ere in #anct(ar i# it not #o7 We"" #ir 1 #ee ' o(r 'earin% t!at e are !i%! in #tation an* 1 rea* in o(r co(ntenance t!e &ar/# of $iet an* 5(#tice+ To o( t!en 1 )i"" ie"* &e $ri#oner an* t!at '"it!e" fore%oin% t!e a*,anta%e of t!i# !o" $"ace+ B(t rat!er t!an to 'e ie"*e* into t!e *i#cretion of t!at &an - )!o& 1 *o !ere acc(#e )it! a "o(* ,oice to 'e t!e &(r*erer of & nat(ra" fat!er an* t!e (n5(#t retainer of & "an*# an* re,en(e# - rat!er t!an t!at 1 )o("* 'e#eec! o( (n*er fa,o(r )it! o(r o)n %ent"e !an* to *e#$atc! &e on t!e #$ot+ 9o(r o)n ear# !a,e !ear* !i& !o) 'efore t!at 1 )a# $ro,en %(i"t !e *i* t!reaten &e )it! tor&ent#+ 1t #tan*et! not )it! o(r o)n !ono(r to *e"i,er &e to & #)orn ene& an* o"* o$$re##or '(t to tr &e fair" ' t!e )a of "a) an* if t!at 1 'e %(i"t in*ee* to #"a &e &ercif(""+6 6M "or*6 crie* Sir Danie" 6e )i"" not !ear/en to t!i# )o"f7 Hi# '"oo* *a%%er ree/# !i& t!e "ie into !i# face+6 6Na '(t #(ffer &e %oo* /ni%!t6 ret(rne* t!e ta"" #tran%er. 6o(r o)n ,e!e&ence *ot! #o&e)!at te"" a%ain#t o(r#e"f+6 An* !ere t!e 'ri*e )!o !a* co&e to !er#e"f #o&e &in(te# $a#t an* "oo/e* )i"*" on ($on t!i# #cene 'ro/e "oo#e fro& t!o#e t!at !e"* !er an* fe"" ($on !er /nee# 'efore t!e "a#t #$ea/er+ 6M Lor* of Ri#in%!a&6 #!e crie* 6!ear &e in 5(#tice+ 1 a& !ere in t!i# &an4# c(#to* ' &ere force reft fro& &ine o)n $eo$"e+ Since t!at *a 1 !a* ne,er $it co(ntenance nor co&fort fro& t!e face of &an - '(t fro& !i& on" - Ric!ar* S!e"ton - )!o& t!e no) acc(#e an* "a'o(r to (n*o+ M "or* if !e )a# e#terni%!t in Sir Danie"4# &an#ion it )a# 1 t!at 'ro(%!t !i& t!ere. !e ca&e '(t at & $raer an* t!o(%!t to *o no !(rt+ W!i"e et Sir Danie" )a# a %oo* "or* to !i& !e fo(%!t )it! t!e& of t!e B"ac/ Arro) "oa"".
'(t )!en !i# fo(" %(ar*ian #o(%!t !i# "ife ' $ractice# an* !e f"e* ' ni%!t for !i# #o("4# #a/e o(t of t!at '"oo* !o(#e )!it!er )a# !e to t(rn - !e !e"$"e## an* $enni"e##7 Or if !e 'e fa""en a&on% i"" co&$an )!o& #!o("* e '"a&e - t!e "a* t!at )a# (n5(#t" !an*"e* or t!e %(ar*ian t!at *i* a'(#e !i# tr(#t76 An* t!en t!e #!ort o(n% "a* fe"" on !er /nee# ' Joanna4# #i*e+ 6An* 1 & %oo* "or* an* nat(ra" (nc"e6 #!e a**e* 61 can 'ear te#ti&on on & con#cience an* 'efore t!e face of a"" t!at )!at t!i# #ait! i# tr(e+ o(n% &ai*en &an in+6
1t )a# 1 (n)ort! t!at *i* "ea* t!e
Ear" Ri#in%!a& !a* !ear* in #i"ence an* )!en t!e ,oice# cea#e* !e #ti"" #too* #i"ent for a #$ace+ T!en !e %a,e Joanna !i# !an* to ari#e t!o(%! it )a# to 'e o'#er,e* t!at !e *i* not offer t!e "i/e co(rte# to !er )!o !a* ca""e* !er#e"f !i# niece+ 6Sir Danie"6 !e #ai* 6!ere i# a ri%!t intricate affair t!e )!ic! )it! o(r %oo* "ea,e it #!a"" 'e &ine to e3a&ine an* a*5(#t+ Content e t!en. o(r '(#ine## i# in caref(" !an*#. 5(#tice #!a"" 'e *one o(. an* in t!e &ean)!i"e %et e incontinent" !o&e an* !a,e o(r !(rt# atten*e*+ T!e air i# #!re)* an* 1 )o("* not e too/ co"* ($on t!e#e #cratc!e#+6 He &a*e a #i%n )it! !i# !an*. it )a# $a##e* *o)n t!e na,e ' o'#e;(io(# #er,ant# )!o )aite* t!ere ($on !i# #&a""e#t %e#t(re+ 1n#tant" )it!o(t t!e c!(rc! a t(c/et #o(n*e* #!ri"" an* t!ro(%! t!e o$en $orta" arc!er# an* &en-at-ar&# (nifor&" arrae* in t!e co"o(r# an* )earin% t!e 'a*%e of Lor* Ri#in%!a& 'e%an to fi"e into t!e c!(rc! too/ Dic/ an* La)"e## fro& t!o#e )!o #ti"" *etaine* t!e& an* c"o#in% t!eir fi"e# a'o(t t!e $ri#oner# &arc!e* fort! a%ain an* *i#a$$eare*+ A# t!e )ere $a##in% Joanna !e"* 'ot! !er !an*# to Dic/ an* crie* !i& !er fare)e"". an* t!e 'ri*e#&ai* not!in% *o)nca#t ' !er (nc"e4# e,i*ent *i#$"ea#(re '"e) !i& a /i## )it! a 6Kee$ o(r !eart ($ "ion-*ri,er86 t!at for t!e fir#t ti&e #ince t!e acci*ent ca""e* ($ a #&i"e to t!e face# of t!e cro)*+
CHAPTER 0 - EARL R1S1NGHAM
Ear" Ri#in%!a& a"t!o(%! ' far t!e &o#t i&$ortant $er#on t!en in S!ore' )a# $oor" "o*%e* in t!e !o(#e of a $ri,ate %ent"e&an ($on t!e e3tre&e o(t#/irt# of t!e to)n+ Not!in% '(t t!e ar&e* &en at t!e *oor# an* t!e &o(nte* &e##en%er# t!at /e$t arri,in% an* *e$artin% anno(nce* t!e te&$orar re#i*ence of a %reat "or*+ T!(# it )a# t!at fro& "ac/ of #$ace Dic/ an* La)"e## )ere c"a$$e* into t!e #a&e a$art&ent+ 6We"" #$o/en Ma#ter Ric!ar*6 #ai* t!e o(t"a). 6it )a# e3ce""ent" )e"" #$o/en an* for & $art 1 t!an/ o( cor*ia""+ Here )e are in %oo* !an*#. )e #!a"" 'e 5(#t" trie* an* #o&e ti&e t!i# e,enin% *ecent" !an%e* on t!e #a&e tree+6
61n*ee* & $oor frien* 1 *o 'e"ie,e it6 an#)ere* Dic/+ 69et !a,e )e a #trin% to o(r 'o)6 ret(rne* La)"e##+ 6E""i# D(c/)ort! i# a &an o(t of ten t!o(#an*. !e !o"*et! o( ri%!t near !i# !eart 'ot! for o(r o)n an* for o(r fat!er4# #a/e. an* /no)in% o( %(i"t"e## of t!i# fact !e )i"" #tir eart! an* !ea,en to 'ear o( c"ear+6 61t &a not 'e6 #ai* Dic/+
6W!at can !e *o7
He !at! '(t a
!an*f("+ A"ac/ if it'efore )ere '(t to-&orro) - co("* 1 '(t 1 /ee$ a certain tr#t an !o(r noon to-&orro) a"" )ere t!in/ ot!er)i#e+ B(t no) t!ere i# no !e"$+6 6We""6 conc"(*e* La)"e## 6an e )i"" #tan* to it for & innocence 1 )i"" #tan* to it for o(r# an* t!at #to(t"+ 1t #!a"" na(%!t a,ai" (#. '(t an 1 'e to !an% it #!a"" not 'e for "ac/ of #)earin%+6 An* t!en )!i"e Dic/ %a,e !i&#e"f o,er to !i# ref"ection# t!e o"* ro%(e c(r"e* !i&#e"f *o)n into a corner $(""e* !i# &on/i#! !oo* a'o(t !i# face an* co&$o#e* !i&#e"f to #"ee$+ Soon !e )a# "o(*" #norin% #o (tter" !a* !i# "on% "ife of !ar*#!i$ an* a*,ent(re '"(nte* t!e #en#e of a$$re!en#ion+ 1t )a# "on% after noon an* t!e *a )a# a"rea* fai"in% 'efore t!e *oor )a# o$ene* an* Dic/ ta/en fort! an* "e* ($-#tair# to )!ere in a )ar& ca'inet Ear" Ri#in%!a& #at &(#in% o,er t!e fire+ On !i# ca$ti,e4# entrance !e "oo/e* ($+ 6Sir6 !e #ai* 61 /ne) o(r fat!er )!o )a# a &an of !ono(r an* t!i# inc"inet! &e to 'e t!e &ore "enient. '(t 1 &a not !i*e fro& o( t!at !ea, c!ar%e# "ie a%ain#t o(r c!aracter+ 9e *o con#ort )it! &(r*erer# an* ro''er#. ($on a c"ear $ro'ation e !a,e carrie* )ar a%ain#t t!e /in%4# $eace. e are #(#$ecte* to !a,e $iratica"" #ei2e* ($on a #!i$. e are fo(n* #/("/in% )it! a co(nterfeit $re#ent&ent in o(r ene&4# !o(#e. a &an i# #"ain t!at ,er e,enin% - 6 6An it "i/e o( & "or*6 Dic/ inter$o#e* 61 )i"" at once a,o) & %(i"t #(c! a# it i#+ 1 #"e) t!i# fe""o) R(tter. an* to t!e $roof6 - #earc!in% in !i# 'o#o& - 6!ere i# a "etter fro& !i# )a""et+6 Lor* Ri#in%!a& too/ t!e "etter an* o$ene* an* rea* it t)ice+ 69e !a,e rea* t!i#76 !e in;(ire*+ 61 !a,e rea* it6 an#)ere* Dic/+ 6Are e for 9or/ or Lanca#ter76 t!e ear" *e&an*e*+ 6M "or* it )a# '(t a "itt"e )!i"e 'ac/ t!at 1 )a# a#/e* t!at ;(e#tion an* /ne) not !o) to an#)er it6 #ai* Dic/. 6'(t !a,in% an#)ere* once 1 )i"" not ,ar+ M "or* 1 a& for 9or/+6 T!e ear" no**e* a$$ro,in%"+ 6Hone#t" re$"ie*6 !e #ai*+
6B(t )!erefore t!en *e"i,er &e t!i#
"etter76 6Na '(t a%ain#t traitor# & "or* are not a"" #i*e# arrae*76 crie* Dic/+ 61 )o("* t!e )ere o(n% %ent"e&an6 ret(rne* t!e ear". 6an* 1 *o at "ea#t a$$ro,e o(r #ain%+ T!ere i# &ore o(t! t!an %(i"e in o( 1 *o $ercei,e. an* )ere not Sir Danie" a &i%!t &an ($on o(r #i*e 1 )ere !a"f-te&$te* to e#$o(#e o(r ;(arre"+ For 1 !a,e in;(ire* an* it a$$ear# e !a,e 'een !ar*" *ea"t )it! an* !a,e &(c! e3c(#e+intere#t. B(t "oo/an* et!o(%! #ir 1' a& 'efore a"" e"#e a "ea*er in t!e ;(een4# nat(re a 5(#t &an a# 1 'e"ie,e an* "eanin% e,en to t!e e3ce## of &erc et &(#t 1 or*er & %oin%# for & $art4# intere#t an* to /ee$ Sir Danie" 1 )o("* %o far a'o(t+6 6M "or*6 ret(rne* Dic/ 6e )i"" t!in/ &e ,er 'o"* to co(n#e" o(. '(t *o e co(nt ($on Sir Danie"4# fait!7 Met!o(%!t !e !a* c!an%e* #i*e# into"era'" often+6 6Na it i# t!e )a of En%"an*+ W!at )o("* e !a,e76 t!e ear" *e&an*e*+ 6B(t e are (n5(#t to t!e /ni%!t of T(n#ta"". an* a# fait! %oe# in t!i# (nfait!f(" %eneration !e !at! of "ate 'een !ono(ra'" tr(e to (# of Lanca#ter+ E,en in o(r "a#t re,er#e# !e #too* fir&+6 6An it $"ea#e* o( t!en6 #ai* Dic/ 6to ca#t o(r ee ($on t!i# "etter e &i%!t #o&e)!at c!an%e o(r t!o(%!t of !i&.6 an* !e !an*e* to t!e ear" Sir Danie"4# "etter to Lor* Wen#"e*a"e+ T!e effect ($on t!e ear"4# co(ntenance )a# in#tant. !e "o)ere* "i/e an an%r "ion an* !i# !an* )it! a #(**en &o,e&ent c"(tc!e* at !i# *a%%er+ 69e !a,e rea* t!i# a"#o76 !e a#/e*+ 6E,en #o6 #ai* Dic/+ to Lor* Wen#"e*a"e76
61t i# o(r "or*#!i$4# o)n e#tate !e offer#
61t i# & o)n e#tate e,en a# e #a86 ret(rne* t!e ear"+ 61 a& o(r 'e*e#&an for t!i# "etter+ 1t !at! #!o)n &e a fo34# !o"e+ Co&&an* &e Ma#ter S!e"ton. 1 )i"" not 'e 'ac/)ar* in %ratit(*e an* to 'e%in )it! 9or/ or Lanca#ter tr(e &an or t!ief 1 *o no) #et o( at free*o&+ Go a Mar4# na&e8 B(t 5(*%e it ri%!t t!at 1 retain an* !an% o(r fe""o) La)"e##+ T!e cri&e !at! 'een &o#t o$en an* it )ere fittin% t!at #o&e o$en $(ni#!&ent #!o("* fo""o)+6 6M "or* 1 &a/e it & fir#t #(it to o( to #$are !i& a"#o6 $"ea*e* Dic/+ 61t i# an o"* con*e&ne* ro%(e t!ief an* ,a%a'on* Ma#ter S!e"ton6 #ai* t!e ear"+ 6He !at! 'een %a""o)#-ri$e t!i# #core of ear#+ An* )!et!er for one t!in% or anot!er )!et!er to-&orro) or t!e *a after )!ere i# t!e %reat c!oice76 69et & "or* it )a# t!ro(%! "o,e to &e t!at !e ca&e !it!er6 an#)ere* Dic/ 6an* 1 )ere c!(r"i#! an* t!an/"e## to *e#ert !i&+6 6Ma#ter S!e"ton e are tro('"e#o&e6 re$"ie* t!e ear" #e,ere"+
61t i# an e,i" )a to $ro#$er in t!i# )or"*+ Ho)'eit an* to 'e ;(it of o(r i&$ort(nit 1 )i"" once &ore !(&o(r o(+ Go t!en to%et!er. '(t %o )ari" an* %et #)ift" o(t of S!ore' to)n+ For t!i# Sir Danie" =)!o& &a t!e #aint# confo(n*8> t!ir#tet! &o#t %ree*i" to !a,e o(r '"oo*+6 6M "or* 1 *o no) offer o( in )or*# & %ratit(*e tr(#tin% at #o&e 'rief *ate to $a o( #o&e of it in #er,ice6 re$"ie* Dic/ a# !e t(rne* fro& t!e a$art&ent+
CHAPTER 01 - ARBLASTER AGA1N
W!en Dic/ an* La)"e## )ere #(ffere* to #tea" ' a 'ac/ )a o(t of t!e !o(#e )!ere Lor* Ri#in%!a& !e"* !i# %arri#on t!e e,enin% !a* a"rea* co&e+ T!e $a(#e* in #!e"ter of t!e %ar*en )a"" to con#("t on t!eir 'e#t co(r#e+ T!e *an%er )a# e3tre&e+ 1f one of Sir Danie"4# &en ca(%!t #i%!t of t!e& an* rai#e* t!e ,ie)-!a""o t!e )o("* 'e r(n *o)n an* '(tc!ere* in#tant"+ An* not on" )a# t!e to)n of S!ore' a &ere net of $eri" for t!eir "i,e# '(t to &a/e for t!e o$en co(ntr )a# to r(n t!e ri#/ of t!e $atro"#+ A "itt"e )a off ($on #o&e o$en %ro(n* t!e #$ie* a )in*&i"" #tan*in%. an* !ar* ' t!at a ,er "ar%e %ranar )it! o$en *oor#+ 6Ho) if )e "a t!ere (nti" t!e ni%!t fa""76 Dic/ $ro$o#e*+ An* La)"e## !a,in% no 'etter #(%%e#tion to offer t!e &a*e a #trai%!t $(#! for t!e %ranar at a r(n an* concea"e* t!e&#e",e# 'e!in* t!e *oor a&on% #o&e #tra)+ T!e *a"i%!t ra$i*" *e$arte*. an* $re#ent" t!e &oon )a# #i",erin% t!e fro2en #no)+ No) or ne,er )a# t!eir o$$ort(nit to %ain t!e Goat an* Ba%$i$e# (no'#er,e* an* c!an%e t!eir te""-ta"e %ar&ent#+ 9et e,en t!en it )a# a*,i#a'"e to %o ro(n* ' t!e o(t#/irt# an* not r(n t!e %a(nt"et of t!e &ar/et$"ace )!ere in t!e conco(r#e of $eo$"e t!e #too* t!e &ore i&&inent $eri" to 'e reco%ni#e* an* #"ain+ T!i# co(r#e )a# a "on% one+ 1t too/ t!e& not far fro& t!e !o(#e ' t!e 'eac! no) "in% *ar/ an* #i"ent an* 'ro(%!t t!e& fort! at "a#t ' t!e &ar%in of t!e !ar'o(r+ Man of t!e #!i$# a# t!e co("* #ee ' t!e c"ear &oon#!ine !a* )ei%!e* anc!or an* $rofitin% ' t!e ca"& #/ $rocee*e* for &ore *i#tant $art#. an#)era'" to t!i# t!e r(*e a"e!o(#e# a"on% t!e 'eac! =a"t!o(%! in *efiance of t!e c(rfe) "a) t!e #ti"" #!one )it! fire an* can*"e> )ere no "on%er t!ron%e* )it! c(#to&er# an* no "on%er ec!oe* to t!e c!or(# of #ea-#on%#+ Ha#ti" !a"f-r(nnin% )it! t!eir &on/i#! rai&ent /i"te* to t!e /nee t!e $"(n%e* t!ro(%! t!e *ee$ #no) an* t!rea*e* t!e "a'rint! of &arine "(&'er. an* t!e )ere a"rea* &ore t!an !a"f )a ro(n* t!e !ar'o(r )!en a# t!e )ere $a##in% c"o#e 'efore an a"e!o(#e t!e *oor #(**en" o$ene* an* "et o(t a %(#! of "i%!t ($on t!eir f"eetin% fi%(re#+
1n#tant" t!e #to$$e* an* &a*e 'e"ie,e to 'e en%a%e* in earne#t con,er#ation+ T!ree &en one after anot!er ca&e o(t of t!e a"e-!o(#e an* t!e "a#t c"o#e* t!e *oor 'e!in* !i&+ A"" t!ree )ere (n#tea* ($on t!eir feet a# if t!e !a* $a##e* t!e *a in *ee$ $otation# an* t!e no) #too* )a,erin% in t!e &oon"i%!t "i/e &en )!o /ne) not )!at t!e )o("* 'e after+ T!e ta""e#t of t!e t!ree )a# ta"/in% in a "o(* "a&enta'"e ,oice+ 6Se,en $iece# of a# %oo* Ga#con e,er a ta$#ter 'roac!e*6 !e )a# #ain% 6t!e 'e#t #!i$ o(t o4a# t!e $ort o4 Dart&o(t! a 0ir%in Mar $arce"-%i"t t!irteen $o(n*# of %oo* %o"* &one - 6 61 !a,e 'a* "o##e# too6 interr($te* one of t!e ot!er#+ 61 !a,e !a* "o##e# of &ine o)n %o##i$ Ar'"a#ter+ 1 )a# ro''e* at Martin&a# of fi,e #!i""in%# an* a "eat!er )a""et )e"" )ort! nine$ence fart!in%+6 Dic/4# !eart #&ote !i& at )!at !e !ear*+ Unti" t!at &o&ent !e !a* not $er!a$# t!o(%!t t)ice of t!e $oor #/i$$er )!o !a* 'een r(ine* ' t!e "o## of t!e Goo* Ho$e. #o care"e## in t!o#e *a# )ere &en )!o )ore ar&# of t!e %oo*# an* intere#t# of t!eir inferior#+ B(t t!i# #(**en enco(nter re&in*e* !i& #!ar$" of t!e !i%!-!an*e* &anner an* i""-en*in% of !i# enter$ri#e. an* 'ot! !e an* La)"e## t(rne* t!eir !ea*# t!e ot!er )a to a,oi* t!e c!ance of reco%nition+ T!e #!i$4# *o% !a* !o)e,er &a*e !i# e#ca$e fro& t!e )rec/ an* fo(n* !i# )a 'ac/ a%ain to S!ore'+ He )a# no) at Ar'"a#ter4# !ee"# an* #(**en" #niffin% an* $ric/in% !i# ear# !e *arte* for)ar* an* 'e%an to 'ar/ f(rio(#" at t!e t)o #!a& friar#+ Hi# &a#ter (n#tea*i" fo""o)e* !i&+ 6He #!i$&ate#86 !e crie*+ 6Ha,e e e,er a $enn $ie for a $oor o"* #!i$&an c"ean *e#troe* ' $irate#7 1 a& a &an t!at )o("* !a,e $ai* for o( 'ot! o4 T!(r#*a &ornin%. an* no) !ere 1 'e o4 Sat(r*a ni%!t 'e%%in% for a f"a%on of a"e8 A#/ & &an To& if e &i#*o('t &e+ Se,en $iece# of %oo* Ga#con )ine a #!i$ t!at )a# &ine o)n an* )a# & fat!er4# 'efore &e a B"e##e* Mar of $"anetree )oo* an* $arce"-%i"t an* t!irteen $o(n*# in %o"* an* #i",er+ He8 )!at #a e7 A &an t!at fo(%!t t!e Frenc! too. for 1 !a,e fo(%!t t!e Frenc!. 1 !a,e c(t &ore Frenc! t!roat# ($on t!e !i%! #ea# t!an e,er a &an t!at #ai"# o(t of Dart&o(t!+ Co&e a $enn $iece+6 Neit!er Dic/ nor La)"e## *(r#t an#)er !i& a )or* "e#t !e #!o("* reco%ni#e t!eir ,oice#. an* t!e #too* t!ere a# !e"$"e## a# a #!i$ a#!ore not /no)in% )!ere to t(rn nor )!at to !o$e+ 6Are e *(&' 'o76 in;(ire* t!e #/i$$er+ 6Mate#6 !e a**e* )it! a !icc($ 6t!e 'e *(&'+ 1 "i/e not t!i# &anner of *i#co(rte#. for an a &an 'e *(&' #o 'e a# !e4# co(rteo(# !e )i"" #ti"" #$ea/ )!en !e )a# #$o/en to &et!in/#+6 B t!i# ti&e t!e #ai"or To& )!o )a# a &an of %reat $er#ona" #tren%t! #ee&e* to !a,e concei,e* #o&e #(#$icion of t!e#e t)o #$eec!"e## fi%(re#. an* 'ein% #o'erer t!an !i# ca$tain #te$$e*
#(**en" 'efore !i& too/ La)"e## ro(%!" ' t!e #!o("*er an* a#/e* !i& )it! an oat! )!at ai"e* !i& t!at !e !e"* !i# ton%(e+ To t!i# t!e o(t"a) t!in/in% a"" )a# o,er &a*e an#)er ' a )re#t"in% feint t!at #tretc!e* t!e #ai"or on t!e #an* an* ca""in% ($on Dic/ to fo""o) !i& too/ to !i# !ee"# a&on% t!e "(&'er+ T!e affair $a##e* Ar'"a#ter !a* !i& ca(%!t !i& ' one 'ran*i#!in% a'o,e
in a #econ*+ Before Dic/ co("* r(n at a"" in !i# ar&#. To& cra)"in% on !i# face !a* foot an* t!e t!ir* &an !a* a *ra)n c(t"a## !i# !ea*+
1t )a# not #o &(c! t!e *an%er it )a# not #o &(c! t!e annoance t!at no) 'o)e* *o)n t!e #$irit# of o(n% S!e"ton. it )a# t!e $rofo(n* !(&i"iation to !a,e e#ca$e* Sir Danie" con,ince* Lor* Ri#in%!a& an* no) fa"" !e"$"e## in t!e !an*# of t!i# o"* *r(n/en #ai"or. an* not &ere" !e"$"e## '(t a# !i# con#cience "o(*" to"* !i& )!en it )a# too "ate act(a"" %(i"t - act(a"" t!e 'an/r($t *e'tor of t!e &an )!o#e #!i$ !e !a* #to"en an* "o#t+ 6Brin% &e !i& 'ac/ into t!e a"e!o(#e ti"" 1 #ee !i# face6 #ai* Ar'"a#ter+ 6Na na6 ret(rne* To&. 6'(t "et (# fir#t (n"oa* !i# )a""et "e#t t!e ot!er "a*# cr #!are+6 B(t t!o(%! !e )a# #earc!e* fro& !ea* to foot not a $enn )a# fo(n* ($on !i&. not!in% '(t Lor* Fo3!a&4# #i%net )!ic! t!e $"(c/e* #a,a%e" fro& !i# fin%er+ 6T(rn &e !i& to t!e &oon6 #ai* t!e #/i$$er. an* ta/in% Dic/ ' t!e c!in !e cr(e"" 5er/e* !i# !ea* into t!e air+ 6B"e##e* 0ir%in86 !e crie* 6it i# t!e $irate86 6He86 crie* To&+ 6B t!e 0ir%in of Bor*ea(3 it i# t!e &an !i&#e"f86 re$eate* Ar'"a#ter+ 6W!at #ea-t!ief *o 1 !o"* o(76 !e crie*+ 6W!ere i# & #!i$7 W!ere i# & )ine7 He8 !a,e 1 o( in & !an*#7 To& %i,e &e one en* of a cor* !ere. 1 )i"" #o tr(## &e t!i# #ea-t!ief !an* an* foot to%et!er "i/e a 'a#tin% t(r/e - &arr 1 )i"" #o 'in* !i& ($ - an* t!ereafter 1 )i"" #o 'eat - #o 'eat !i&86 An* #o !e ran on )in*in% t!e cor* &ean)!i"e a'o(t Dic/4# "i&'# )it! t!e *e3terit $ec("iar to #ea&en an* at e,er t(rn an* cro## #ec(rin% it )it! a /not an* ti%!tenin% t!e )!o"e fa'ric )it! a #a,a%e $(""+ W!en !e !a* *one t!e "a* )a# a &ere $ac/a%e in !i# !an*# - a# !e"$"e## a# t!e *ea*+ T!e #/i$$er !e"* !i& at ar&4# "en%t! an* "a(%!e* a"o(*+ T!en !e fetc!e* !i& a #t(nnin% '(ffet on t!e ear. an* t!en t(rne* !i& a'o(t an* f(rio(#" /ic/e* an* /ic/e* !i&+ An%er ro#e ($ in Dic/4# 'o#o& "i/e a #tor&. an%er #tran%"e* !i& an* !e t!o(%!t to !a,e *ie*. '(t )!en t!e #ai"or tire* of t!i# cr(e" $"a *ro$$e* !i& a"" !i# "en%t! ($on t!e #an* an* t(rne* to con#("t )it! !i# co&$anion# !e in#tant" re%aine* co&&an* of !i# te&$er+ Here )a# a &o&entar re#$ite. ere t!e 'e%an a%ain to tort(re !i& !e &i%!t !a,e fo(n* #o&e &et!o* to e#ca$e fro& t!i# *e%ra*in% an* fata" &i#a*,ent(re+
Pre#ent" #(re eno(%! an* )!i"e !i# ca$tor# )ere #ti"" *i#c(##in% )!at to *o )it! !i& !e too/ !eart of %race an* )it! a $rett #tea* ,oice a**re##e* t!e&+ 6M &a#ter#6 !e 'e%an 6are e %one c"ean foo"i#!7 Here !at! Hea,en $(t into o(r !an*# a# $rett an occa#ion to %ro) ric! a# e,er #!i$&an !a* - #(c! a# e &i%!t &a/e t!irt o,er-#ea a*,ent(re# an* not fin* a%ain - an* ' t!e &a## 1 )!at *o e7 Beat &e7 na. #o )o("* an an%r c!i"*8 B(t for "on%-!ea*e* tarr-Jo!n# t!at fear not fire nor )ater an* t!at "o,e %o"* a# t!e "o,e 'eef &et!in/# e are not )i#e+6 6A6 #ai* To& 6no) 4 are tr(##e* e )o("* co2en (#+6 6Co2en o(86 re$eate* Dic/+ 6Na if e 'e foo"# it )o("* 'e ea#+ B(t if e 'e #!re)* fe""o)# a# 1 tro) e are e can #ee $"ain" )!ere o(r intere#t "ie#+ W!en 1 too/ o(r #!i$ fro& o( )e )ere &an )e )ere )e"" c"a* an* ar&e*. '(t no) 'et!in/ o( a "itt"e )!o &(#tere* t!at arra7 One inconte#ta'" t!at !at! &(c! %o"*+ An* if !e 'ein% a"rea* ric! contin(et! to !(nt after &ore e,en in t!e face of #tor&# - 'et!in/ o( once &ore - #!a"" t!ere not 'e a trea#(re #o&e)!ere !i**en76 6W!at &eanet! !e76 a#/e* one of t!e &en+ 6W! if e !a,e "o#t an o"* #/iff an* a fe) 5(%# of ,ine%ar )ine6 contin(e* Dic/ 6for%et t!e& for t!e tra#! t!e are. an* *o e rat!er '(c/"e to an a*,ent(re )ort! t!e na&e t!at #!a"" in t)e",e !o(r# &a/e or &ar o( for e,er+ B(t ta/e &e ($ fro& )!ere 1 "ie an* "et (# %o #o&e)!ere near at !an* an* ta"/ acro## a f"a%on for 1 a& #ore an* fro2en an* & &o(t! i# !a"f a&on% t!e #no)+6 6He #ee/# '(t to co2en (#6 #ai* To& conte&$t(o(#"+ 6Co2en8 co2en86 crie* t!e t!ir* &an+ 61 )o("* 1 co("* #ee t!e &an t!at co("* co2en &e8 He )ere a co2ener in*ee*8 Na 1 )a# not 'orn e#ter*a+ 1 can #ee a c!(rc! )!en it !at! a #tee$"e on it. an* for & $art %o##i$ Ar'"a#ter &et!in/# t!ere i# #o&e #en#e in t!i# o(n% &an+ S!a"" )e %o !ear !i& in*ee*7 Sa #!a"" )e %o !ear !i&76 61 )o("* "oo/ %"a*" on a $ott"e of #tron% a"e %oo* Ma#ter Pirret6 ret(rne* Ar'"a#ter+ 6Ho) #a e To&7 B(t t!en t!e )a""et i# e&$t+6 61 )i"" $a6 #ai* t!e ot!er - 61 )i"" $a+ 1 )o("* fain #ee t!i# &atter o(t. 1 *o 'e"ie,e ($on & con#cience t!ere i# %o"* in it+6 6Na if e %et a%ain to *rin/in% a"" i# "o#t86 crie* To&+ 6Go##i$ Ar'"a#ter e #(ffer o(r fe""o) to !a,e too &(c! "i'ert6 ret(rne* Ma#ter Pirret+ 6Wo("* e 'e "e* ' a !ire* &an7 F f86 6Peace fe""o)86 #ai* Ar'"a#ter a**re##in% To&+ 6Wi"" e $(t o(r oar in7 Tr(" a fine $a## )!en t!e cre) i# to correct t!e #/i$$er86 6We"" t!en %o o(r )a6 #ai* To&. 61 )a#! & !an*# of o(+6
6Set !i& t!en ($on !i# feet6 #ai* Ma#ter Pirret+ $ri, $"ace )!ere )e &a *rin/ an* *i#co(r#e+6
61 /no) a
61f 1 a& to )a"/ & frien*# e &(#t #et & feet at "i'ert6 #ai* Dic/ )!en !e !a* 'een once &ore $"ante* ($ri%!t "i/e a $o#t+ 6He #ait! tr(e6 "a(%!e* Pirret+ 6Tr(" !e co("* not )a"/ acco(tre* a# !e i#+ Gi,e it a #"it - o(t )it! o(r /nife an* #"it it %o##i$+6 E,en Ar'"a#ter $a(#e* at t!i# $ro$o#a". '(t a# !i# co&$anion contin(e* to in#i#t an* Dic/ !a* t!e #en#e to /ee$ t!e &ere#t )oo*en in*ifference of e3$re##ion an* on" #!r(%%e* !i# #!o("*er# o,er t!e *e"a t!e #/i$$er con#ente* at "a#t an* c(t t!e cor*# )!ic! tie* !i# $ri#oner4# feet an* "e%#+ Not on" *i* t!i# ena'"e Dic/ to )a"/. '(t t!e )!o"e net)or/ of !i# 'on*# 'ein% $ro$ortionate" "oo#ene* !e fe"t t!e ar& 'e!in* !i# 'ac/ 'e%in to &o,e &ore free" an* co("* !o$e )it! ti&e an* tro('"e to entire" *i#en%a%e it+ So &(c! !e o)e* a"rea* to t!e o)"i#! #i""ine## an* %ree* of Ma#ter Pirret+ T!at )ort! no) a##(&e* t!e "ea* an* con*(cte* t!e& to t!e ,er #a&e r(*e a"e!o(#e )!ere La)"e## !a* ta/en Ar'"a#ter on t!e *a of t!e %a"e+ 1t )a# no) ;(ite *e#erte*. t!e fire )a# a $i"e of re* e&'er# ra*iatin% t!e &o#t ar*ent !eat. an* )!en t!e !a* c!o#en t!eir $"ace# an* t!e "an*"or* !a* #et 'efore t!e& a &ea#(re of &(""e* a"e 'ot! Pirret an* Ar'"a#ter #tretc!e* fort! t!eir "e%# an* #;(are* t!eir e"'o)# "i/e &en 'ent ($on a $"ea#ant !o(r+ T!e ta'"e at )!ic! t!e #at "i/e a"" t!e ot!er# in t!e a"e!o(#e con#i#te* of a !ea, #;(are 'oar* #et on a $air of 'arre"#. an* eac! of t!e fo(r c(rio(#"-a##orte* cronie# #at at one #i*e of t!e #;(are Pirret facin% Ar'"a#ter an* Dic/ o$$o#ite to t!e co&&on #ai"or+ 6An* no) o(n% &an6 #ai* Pirret 6to o(r ta"e+ 1t *ot! a$$ear in*ee* t!at e !a,e #o&e)!at a'(#e* o(r %o##i$ Ar'"a#ter. '(t )!at t!en7 Ma/e it ($ to !i& - #!o) !i& '(t t!i# c!ance to 'eco&e )ea"t! - an* 1 )i"" %o $"e*%e !e )i"" for%i,e o(+6 So far Dic/ !a* #$o/en $rett &(c! at ran*o&. '(t it )a# no) nece##ar (n*er t!e #($er,i#ion of #i3 ee# to in,ent an* te"" #o&e &ar,e""o(# #tor an* if it )ere $o##i'"e %et 'ac/ into !i# !an*# t!e a""-i&$ortant #i%net+ To #;(an*er ti&e )a# t!e fir#t nece##it+ T!e "on%er !i# #ta "a#te* t!e &ore )o("* !i# ca$tor# *rin/ an* t!e #(rer #!o("* !e 'e )!en !e atte&$te* !i# e#ca$e+ We"" Dic/ )a# not &(c! of an in,entor an* )!at !e to"* )a# $rett &(c! t!e ta"e of A"i Ba'a )it! S!ore' an* T(n#ta"" Fore#t #('#tit(te* for t!e Ea#t an* t!e trea#(re# of t!e ca,ern rat!er e3a%%erate* t!an *i&ini#!e*+ A# t!e rea*er i# a)are it i# an e3ce""ent #tor an* !a# '(t one *ra)'ac/ - t!at it i# not tr(e. an* #o a# t!e#e t!ree #i&$"e #!i$&en no) !ear* it for t!e fir#t ti&e t!eir ee# #too* o(t of t!eir face# an* t!eir &o(t!# %a$e* "i/e co*fi#! at a fi#!&on%er4#+ Prett #oon a #econ* &ea#(re of &(""e* a"e )a# ca""e* for. an* )!i"e Dic/ )a# #ti"" artf("" #$innin% o(t t!e inci*ent# a t!ir*
fo""o)e* t!e #econ*+ Here )a# t!e $o#ition of t!e $artie# to)ar*# t!e en*: Ar'"a#ter t!ree-$art# *r(n/ an* one-!a"f a#"ee$ !(n% !e"$"e## on !i# #too"+ E,en To& !a* 'een &(c! *e"i%!te* )it! t!e ta"e an* !i# ,i%i"ance !a* a'ate* in $ro$ortion+ Mean)!i"e Dic/ !a* %ra*(a"" )or&e* !i# ri%!t ar& c"ear of it# 'on*# an* )a# rea* to ri#/ a""+ 6An* #o6 #ai* Pirret 64 are one of t!e#e76 61 &a*eor #o6 6a%ain#t & )i"". '(t 'e an a1 foo" co("* '(t %et)a# a #ac/ t)o re$"ie* of %o"* Dic/ coin to & #!are 1 #!o("* in*ee* to contin(e *)e""in% in a fi"t! ca,e an* #tan*in% #!ot an* '(ffet "i/e a #o"*ier+ Here 'e )e fo(r. %oo*8 Let (# t!en %o fort! into t!e fore#t to-&orro) ere t!e #(n 'e ($+ Co("* )e co&e !one#t" ' a *on/e it )ere 'etter. '(t an )e cannot )e !a,e o(r fo(r #tron% 'ac/# an* 1 )arrant &e )e #!a"" co&e !o&e #ta%%erin%+6 Pirret "ic/e* !i# "i$#+ 6An* t!i# &a%ic6 !e #ai* - 6t!i# $a##)or* )!ere' t!e ca,e i# o$ene* - !o) ca"" e it frien*76 6Na none /no) t!e )or* '(t t!e t!ree c!ief#6 ret(rne* Dic/. 6'(t !ere i# o(r %reat %oo* fort(ne t!at on t!i# ,er e,enin% 1 #!o("* 'e t!e 'earer of a #$e"" to o$en it+ 1t i# a t!in% not tr(#te* t)ice a ear 'eon* t!e ca$tain4# )a""et+6 6A #$e""86 #ai* Ar'"a#ter !a"f a)a/enin% an* #;(intin% ($on Dic/ )it! one ee+ 6Aroint t!ee8 no #$e""#8 1 'e a %oo* C!ri#tian+ A#/ & &an To& e"#e+6 6Na '(t t!i# i# )!ite &a%ic6 #ai* Dic/+ 61t *ot! na(%!t )it! t!e *e,i". on" t!e $o)er# of n(&'er# !er'# an* $"anet#+6 6A a6 #ai* Pirret. 64ti# '(t )!ite &a%ic %o##i$+ T!ere i# no #in t!erein 1 *o a##(re o(+ B(t $rocee* %oo* o(t!+ T!i# #$e"" - in )!at #!o("* it con#i#t76 6Na t!at 1 )i"" incontinent" #!o) o(6 an#)ere* Dic/+ 6Ha,e e t!ere t!e rin% e too/ fro& & fin%er7 Goo*8 No) !o"* it fort! 'efore o( ' t!e e3tre&e fin%er-en*# at t!e ar&4#-"en%t! an* o,er a%ain#t t!e #!inin% of t!e#e e&'er#+ t!en i# t!e #$e""+6
4Ti# #o e3act"+
T!(#
Wit! a !a%%ar* %"ance Dic/ #a) t!e coa#t )a# c"ear 'et)een !i& an* t!e *oor+ He $(t ($ an interna" $raer+ T!en )!i$$in% fort! !i# ar& !e &a*e '(t one #natc! of t!e rin% an* at t!e #a&e in#tant "e,erin% ($ t!e ta'"e !e #ent it 'o*i" o,er ($on t!e #ea&an To&+ He $oor #o(" )ent *o)n 'a)"in% (n*er t!e r(in#. an* 'efore Ar'"a#ter (n*er#too* t!at ant!in% )a# )ron% or Pirret co("* co""ect !i# *a22"e* )it# Dic/ !a* r(n to t!e *oor an* e#ca$e* into t!e &oon"it ni%!t+ T!e &oon )!ic! no) ro*e in t!e &i*-!ea,en# an* t!e e3tre&e )!itene## of t!e #no) &a*e t!e o$en %ro(n* a'o(t t!e !ar'o(r 'ri%!t a# *a. an* o(n% S!e"ton "ea$in% )it! /i"te* ro'e a&on% t!e "(&'er )a# a con#$ic(o(# fi%(re fro& afar+
To& an* Pirret fo""o)e* !i& )it! #!o(t#. fro& e,er *rin/in%-#!o$ t!e )ere 5oine* ' ot!er# )!o& t!eir crie# aro(#e*. an* $re#ent" a )!o"e f"eet of #ai"or# )a# in f("" $(r#(it+ B(t Jac/ a#!ore )a# a 'a* r(nner e,en in t!e fifteent! cent(r an* Dic/ 'e#i*e# !a* a #tart )!ic! !e ra$i*" i&$ro,e* (nti" a# !e *re) near t!e entrance of a narro) "ane !e e,en $a(#e* an* "oo/e* "a(%!in%" 'e!in* !i&+ U$on t!e )!ite f"oor of #no) a"" t!e #!i$&en of S!ore' ca&e c"(#terin% in an in/ &a## an* tai"in% o(t rear)ar* in i#o"ate* c"(&$#+ E,er)it! &an 'ot! )a# #!o(tin% or #crea&in%. e,er &an )a# %e#tic("atin% ar&# in air. #o&e one )a# contin(a"" fa""in%. an* to co&$"ete t!e $ict(re )!en one fe"" a *o2en )o("* fa"" ($on t!e to$ of !i&+ T!e conf(#e* &a## of #o(n* )!ic! t!e ro""e* ($ a# !i%! a# to t!e &oon )a# $art" co&ica" an* $art" terrifin% to t!e f(%iti,e )!o& t!e )ere !(ntin%+ 1n it#e"f it )a# i&$otent for !e &a*e #(re no #ea&an in t!e $ort co("* r(n !i& *o)n+ B(t t!e &ere ,o"(&e of noi#e in #o far a# it &(#t a)a/e a"" t!e #"ee$er# in S!ore' an* 'rin% a"" t!e #/("/in% #entrie# to t!e #treet *i* rea"" t!reaten !i& )it! *an%er in t!e front+ So #$in% a *ar/ *oor)a at a corner !e )!i$$e* 'ri#/" into it an* "et t!e (nco(t! !(nt %o ' !i& #ti"" #!o(tin% an* %e#tic("atin% an* a"" re* )it! !(rr an* )!ite )it! t(&'"e# in t!e #no)+ 1t )a# a "on% )!i"e in*ee* 'efore t!i# %reat in,a#ion of t!e to)n ' t!e !ar'o(r ca&e to an en* an* it )a# "on% 'efore #i"ence )a# re#tore*+ For "on% "o#t #ai"or# )ere #ti"" to 'e !ear* $o(n*in% an* #!o(tin% t!ro(%! t!e #treet# in a"" *irection# an* in e,er ;(arter of t!e to)n+ <(arre"# fo""o)e* #o&eti&e# a&on% t!e&#e",e# #o&eti&e# )it! t!e &en of t!e $atro"#. /ni,e# )ere *ra)n '"o)# %i,en an* recei,e* an* &ore t!an one *ea* 'o* re&aine* 'e!in* ($on t!e #no)+ W!en a f("" !o(r "ater t!e "a#t #ea&an ret(rne* %r(&'"in%" to t!e !ar'o(r #i*e an* !i# $artic("ar ta,ern it &a fair" 'e ;(e#tione* if !e !a* e,er /no)n )!at &anner of &an !e )a# $(r#(in% '(t it )a# a'#o"(te" #(re t!at !e !a* no) for%otten+ B ne3t &ornin% t!ere )ere &an #tran%e #torie# f"in%. an* a "itt"e )!i"e after t!e "e%en* of t!e *e,i"4# noct(rna" ,i#it )a# an artic"e of fait! )it! a"" t!e "a*# of S!ore'+ B(t t!e ret(rn of t!e "a#t #ea&an *i* not e,en et #et free o(n% S!e"ton fro& !i# co"* i&$ri#on&ent in t!e *oor)a+ For #o&e ti&e after t!ere )a# a %reat acti,it of $atro"#. an* #$ecia" $artie# ca&e fort! to &a/e t!e ro(n* of t!e $"ace an* re$ort to one or ot!er of t!e %reat "or*# )!o#e #"(&'er# !a* 'een t!(# (n(#(a"" 'ro/en+ T!e ni%!t )a# a"rea* )e"" #$ent 'efore Dic/ ,ent(re* fro& !i# !i*in%-$"ace an* ca&e #afe an* #o(n* '(t ac!in% )it! co"* an* 'r(i#e# to t!e *oor of t!e Goat an* Ba%$i$e#+ A# t!e "a) re;(ire* t!ere )a# neit!er fire nor can*"e in t!e !o(#e. '(t !e %ro$e* !i# )a into a corner of t!e ic %(e#t-roo& fo(n* an en* of a '"an/et )!ic! !e !itc!e* aro(n* !i# #!o("*er# an* cree$in% c"o#e to t!e neare#t #"ee$er )a# #oon "o#t in #"(&'er+
BOOK 0 - CROOKBACK
CHAPTER 1 - THE SHR1LL TRUMPET
0er ear" t!e ne3t &ornin% 'efore t!e fir#t $ee$ of t!e *a Dic/ aro#e c!an%e* !i# %ar&ent# ar&e* !i&#e"f once &ore "i/e a %ent"e&an an* #et fort! for La)"e##4# *en in t!e fore#t+ T!ere it )i"" 'e re&e&'ere* !e !a* "eft Lor* Fo3!a&4# $a$er#. an* to %et t!e#e an* 'e 'ac/ in ti&e for t!e tr#t )it! t!e o(n% D(/e of G"o(ce#ter co("* on" 'e &ana%e* ' an ear" #tart an* t!e &o#t ,i%oro(# )a"/in%+ T!e fro#t )a# &ore ri%oro(# t!an e,er. t!e air )in*"e## an* *r an* #tin%in% to t!e no#tri"+ T!e &oon !a* %one *o)n '(t t!e #tar# )ere #ti"" 'ri%!t an* n(&ero(# an* t!e ref"ection fro& t!e #no) )a# c"ear an* c!eerf("+ T!ere )a# no nee* for a "a&$ to )a"/ '. nor in t!at #ti"" '(t rin%in% air t!e "ea#t te&$tation to *e"a+ Dic/ !a* cro##e* t!e %reater $art of t!e o$en %ro(n* 'et)een S!ore' an* t!e fore#t an* !a* reac!e* t!e 'otto& of t!e "itt"e !i"" #o&e !(n*re* ar*# 'e"o) t!e Cro## of St+ Bri*e )!en t!ro(%! t!e #ti""ne## of t!e '"ac/ &orn t!ere ran% fort! t!e note of a tr(&$et #o #!ri"" c"ear an* $iercin% t!at !e t!o(%!t !e !a* ne,er !ear* t!e &atc! of it for a(*i'i"it+ 1t )a# '"o)n once an* t!en !(rrie*" a #econ* ti&e. an* t!en t!e c"a#! of #tee" #(ccee*e*+ At t!i# o(n% S!e"ton $ric/e* !i# ear# an* *ra)in% !i# #)or* ran for)ar* ($ t!e !i""+ Pre#ent" !e ca&e in #i%!t of t!e cro## an* )a# a)are of a &o#t fierce enco(nter ra%in% on t!e roa* 'efore it+ T!ere )ere #e,en or ei%!t a##ai"ant# an* '(t one to /ee$ !ea* a%ain#t t!e&. '(t #o acti,e an* *e3tero(# )a# t!i# one #o *e#$erate" *i* !e c!ar%e an* #catter !i# o$$onent# #o *eft" /ee$ !i# footin% on t!e ice t!at a"rea* 'efore Dic/ co("* inter,ene !e !a* #"ain one )o(n*e* anot!er an* /e$t t!e )!o"e in c!ec/+ Sti"" it )a# ' a &irac"e t!at !e contin(e* !i# *efence an* at an &o&ent an acci*ent t!e "ea#t #"i$ of foot or error of !an* !i# "ife )o("* 'e a forfeit+ 6Ho"* e )e"" #ir8 Here i# !e"$86 crie* Ric!ar*. an* for%ettin% t!at !e )a# a"one an* t!at t!e cr )a# #o&e)!at irre%("ar 6To t!e Arro)8 to t!e Arro)86 !e #!o(te* a# !e fe"" ($on t!e rear of t!e a##ai"ant#+ T!e#e )ere #to(t fe""o)# a"#o for t!e %a,e not an inc! at t!i# #(r$ri#e '(t face* a'o(t an* fe"" )it! a#toni#!in% f(r ($on Dic/+ Fo(r a%ain#t one t!e #tee" f"a#!e* a'o(t !i& in t!e #tar"i%!t. t!e #$ar/# f"e) fierce". one of t!e &en o$$o#e* to !i&
fe"" - in t!e #tir of t!e fi%!t !e !ar*" /ne) )!. t!en !e !i&#e"f )a# #tr(c/ acro## t!e !ea* an* t!o(%! t!e #tee" ca$ 'e"o) !i# !oo* $rotecte* !i& t!e '"o) 'eat !i& *o)n ($on one /nee )it! a 'rain )!ir"in% "i/e a )in*&i"" #ai"+ Mean)!i"e t!e &an )!o& !e !a* co&e to re#c(e in#tea* of 5oinin% in t!e conf"ict !a* on t!e fir#t #i%n of inter,ention "ea$e* a'ac/ an* '"o)n a%ain an* et &ore (r%ent" an* "o(*" on t!at #a&e #!ri""-,oice* tr(&$et t!at 'e%an t!e a"ar&+ Ne3t &o&ent in*ee* !i# foe# )ere on !i& an* !e )a# once &ore c!ar%in% an* f"eein% "ea$in% *ro$$in% to !i# /nee (#in% in*ifferent" #)or* an*#ta''in% *a%%er foot an* !an* )it! t!ean* #a&e (n#!a/en co(ra%e an* fe,eri#! ener% an* #$ee*+ B(t t!at ear-$iercin% #(&&on# !a* 'een !ear* at "a#t+ T!ere )a# a &(ff"e* r(#!in% in t!e #no). an* in a %oo* !o(r for Dic/ )!o #a) t!e #)or*-$oint# %"itter a"rea* at !i# t!roat t!ere $o(re* fort! o(t of t!e )oo* ($on 'ot! #i*e# a *i#or*er" torrent of &o(nte* &en-at-ar&# eac! ca#e* in iron an* )it! ,i#or "o)ere* eac! 'earin% !i# "ance in re#t or !i# #)or* 'are* an* rai#e* an* eac! carrin% #o to #$ea/ a $a##en%er in t!e #!a$e of an arc!er or $a%e )!o "ea$e* one after anot!er fro& t!eir $erc!e# an* !a* $re#ent" *o('"e* t!e arra+ T!e ori%ina" a##ai"ant#. #eein% t!e&#e",e# o(tn(&'ere* an* #(rro(n*e* t!re) *o)n t!eir ar&# )it!o(t a )or*+ 6Sei2e &e t!e#e fe""o)#86 #ai* t!e !ero of t!e tr(&$et. an* )!en !i# or*er !a* 'een o'ee* !e *re) near to Dic/ an* "oo/e* !i& in t!e face+ Dic/ ret(rnin% t!i# #cr(tin )a# #(r$ri#e* to fin* in one )!o !a* *i#$"ae* #(c! #tren%t! #/i"" an* ener% a "a* no o"*er t!an !i&#e"f - #"i%!t" *efor&e* )it! one #!o("*er !i%!er t!an t!e ot!er an* of a $a"e $ainf(" an* *i#torte* co(ntenance+ => T!e ee# !o)e,er )ere ,er c"ear an* 'o"*+ 6Sir6 #ai* t!i# "a* 6e ca&e in %oo* ti&e for &e an* none too ear"+6 6M "or*6 ret(rne* Dic/ )it! a faint #en#e t!at !e )a# in t!e $re#ence of a %reat $er#ona%e 6e are o(r#e"f #o &ar,e""o(# a %oo* #)or*#&an t!at 1 'e"ie,e e !a* &ana%e* t!e& #in%"e-!an*e*+ Ho)'eit it )a# certain" )e"" for &e t!at o(r &en *e"ae* no "on%er t!an t!e *i*+6 6Ho) /ne) e )!o 1 )a#76 *e&an*e* t!e #tran%er+ 6E,en no) & "or*6 Dic/ an#)ere* 61 a& i%norant of )!o& 1 #$ea/ )it!+6 61# it #o76 a#/e* t!e ot!er+ into t!i# (ne;(a" 'att"e+6
6An* et e t!re) o(r#e"f !ea* fir#t
61 #a) one &an ,a"iant" conten*in% a%ain#t &an6 re$"ie* Dic/ 6an* 1 !a* t!o(%!t &#e"f *i#!ono(re* not to 'ear !i& ai*+6 A #in%("ar #neer $"ae* a'o(t t!e o(n% no'"e&an4# &o(t! a# !e &a*e an#)er:
6T!e#e are ,er 'ra,e )or*#+ Lanca#ter or 9or/76
B(t to t!e &ore e##entia" - are e
6M "or* 1 &a/e no #ecret. 1 a& c"ear for 9or/6 Dic/ an#)ere*+ 6B t!e &a##86 re$"ie* t!e ot!er 6it i# )e"" for o(+6 An* #o #ain% !e t(rne* to)ar*# one of !i# fo""o)er#+ 6Let contin(e* in t!e #a&e %ent"e&en+ #neerin% an* cr(e" 6"et &e &e #ee6 #ee a !e c"ean en* of t!e#e 'ra,e Tr(## &etone# t!e& ($+6 T!ere )ere '(t fi,e #(r,i,or# of t!e attac/in% $art+ Arc!er# #ei2e* t!e& ' t!e ar&#. t!e )ere !(rrie* to t!e 'or*er# of t!e )oo* an* eac! $"ace* 'e"o) a tree of #(ita'"e *i&en#ion. t!e ro$e )a# a*5(#te*. an arc!er carrin% t!e en* of it !a#ti" c"a&'ere* o,er!ea*. an* 'efore a &in(te )a# o,er an* )it!o(t a )or* $a##in% ($on eit!er !an* t!e fi,e &en )ere #)in%in% ' t!e nec/+ 6An* no)6 crie* t!e *efor&e* "ea*er 6'ac/ to o(r $o#t# an* )!en 1 #(&&on o( ne3t 'e rea*ier to atten*+6 6M "or* *(/e6 #ai* one &an 6'e#eec! o( tarr not !ere a"one+ Kee$ '(t a !an*f(" of "ance# at o(r !an*+6 6Fe""o)6 #ai* t!e *(/e 61 !a,e for'orne to c!i*e o( for o(r #"o)ne##+ Cro## &e not t!erefore+ 1 tr(#t & !an* an* ar& for a"" t!at 1 'e croo/e*+ 9e )ere 'ac/)ar* )!en t!e tr(&$et #o(n*e*. an* e are no) too for)ar* )it! o(r co(n#e"#+ B(t it i# e,er #o. "a#t )it! t!e "ance an* fir#t )it! ton%(e+ Let it 'e re,er#e*+6 An* )it! a %e#t(re t!at )a# not )it!o(t a #ort of *an%ero(# no'i"it !e )a,e* t!e& off+ T!e foot&en c"i&'e* a%ain to t!eir #eat# 'e!in* t!e &en-at-ar&# an* t!e )!o"e $art &o,e* #"o)" a)a an* *i#a$$eare* in t)ent *ifferent *irection# (n*er t!e co,er of t!e fore#t+ T!e *a )a# ' t!i# ti&e 'e%innin% to 'rea/ an* t!e #tar# to fa*e+ T!e fir#t %re %"i&&er of *a)n #!one ($on t!e co(ntenance# of t!e t)o o(n% &en )!o no) t(rne* once &ore to face eac! ot!er+ 6Here6 #ai* t!e *(/e 6e !a,e #een & ,en%eance )!ic! i# "i/e & '"a*e 'ot! #!ar$ an* rea*+ B(t 1 )o("* not !a,e o( for a"" C!ri#ten*o& #($$o#e &e t!an/"e##+ 9o( t!at ca&e to & ai* )it! a %oo* #)or* an* a 'etter co(ra%e - (n"e## t!at e recoi" fro& & &i##!a$enne## - co&e to & !eart+6 An* #o #ain% t!e o(n% "ea*er !e"* o(t !i# ar&# for an e&'race+ 1n t!e 'otto& of !i# !eart Dic/ a"rea* entertaine* a %reat terror an* #o&e !atre* for t!e &an )!o& !e !a* re#c(e*. '(t t!e in,itation )a# #o )or*e* t!at it )o("* not !a,e 'een &ere" *i#co(rteo(# '(t cr(e" to ref(#e or !e#itate. an* !e !a#tene* to co&$"+ 6An* no) & "or* *(/e6 !e #ai* )!en !e !a* re%aine* !i# free*o& 6*o 1 #($$o#e ari%!t7 Are e & Lor* D(/e of G"o(ce#ter76
61 a& Ric!ar* of G"o(ce#ter6 ret(rne* t!e ot!er+ ca"" t!e o(76
6An* o( - !o)
Dic/ to"* !i& !i# na&e an* $re#ente* Lor* Fo3!a&4# #i%net )!ic! t!e *(/e i&&e*iate" reco%ni#e*+ 69e co&e too #oon6 !e #ai*. 6'(t )! #!o("* 1 co&$"ain7 9e are "i/e &e t!at )a# !ere at )atc! t)o !o(r# 'efore t!e *a+ B(t t!i# i# t!e fir#t #a"" of &ine ar&#. ($on t!i# a*,ent(re Ma#ter S!e"ton #!a""(n*er 1 &a/e oro"* &ar #/i""e* t!e ;(a"it of &- reno)n+ T!ere &ine ene&ie# t)o ca$tain# Ri#in%!a& an* "ie Brac/"e - )e"" $o#te* for #tren%t! 1 *o 'e"ie,e '(t et ($on t)o #i*e# )it!o(t retreat enc"o#e* 'et)i3t t!e #ea t!e !ar'o(r an* t!e ri,er+ Met!in/# S!e"ton !ere )ere a %reat '"o) to 'e #tric/en an )e co("* #tri/e it #i"ent" an* #(**en"+6 61 *o t!in/ #o in*ee*6 crie* Dic/ )ar&in%+ 6Ha,e e & Lor* Fo3!a&4# note#76 in;(ire* t!e *(/e+ An* t!en Dic/ !a,in% e3$"aine* !o) !e )a# )it!o(t t!e& for t!e &o&ent &a*e !i&#e"f 'o"* to offer infor&ation e,er 5ot a# %oo* of !i# o)n /no)"e*%e+ 6An* for &ine o)n $art & "or* *(/e6 !e a**e* 6an e !a* &en eno(%! 1 )o("* fa"" on e,en at t!i# $re#ent+ For "oo/ e at t!e $ee$ of *a t!e )atc!e# of t!e ni%!t are o,er. '(t ' *a t!e /ee$ neit!er )atc! nor )ar* - on" #co(r t!e o(t#/irt# )it! !or#e&en+ No) t!en )!en t!e ni%!t )atc! i# a"rea* (nar&e* an* t!e re#t are at t!eir &ornin% c($ - no) )ere t!e ti&e to 'rea/ t!e&+6 6Ho) &an *o e co(nt76 a#/e* G"o(ce#ter+ 6T!e n(&'er not t)o t!o(#an*6 Dic/ re$"ie*+ 61 !a,e #e,en !(n*re* in t!e )oo*# 'e!in* (#6 #ai* t!e *(/e. 6#e,en !(n*re* fo""o) fro& Kett"e an* )i"" 'e !ere anon. 'e!in* t!e#e an* f(rt!er are fo(r !(n*re* &ore. an* & Lor* Fo3!a& !at! fi,e !(n*re* !a"f a *a fro& !ere at Ho")oo*+ S!a"" )e atten* t!eir co&in% or fa"" on76 6M "or*6 #ai* Dic/ 6)!en e !an%e* t!e#e fi,e $oor ro%(e# e *i* *eci*e t!e ;(e#tion+ C!(r"# a"t!o(%! t!e )ere in t!e#e (nea# ti&e# t!e )i"" 'e "ac/e* an* "oo/e* for an* t!e a"ar& 'e %i,en+ T!erefore & "or* if e *o co(nt ($on t!e a*,anta%e of a #(r$ri#e e !a,e not in & $oor o$inion one )!o"e !o(r in front of o(+6 61 *o t!in/ #o in*ee*6 ret(rne* Croo/'ac/+ 6We"" 'efore an !o(r e #!a"" 'e in t!e t!ic/ on4t )innin% #$(r#+ A #)ift &an to Ho")oo* carrin% Lor* Fo3!a&4# #i%net. anot!er a"on% t!e roa* to #$ee* & "a%%ar*#8 Na S!e"ton ' t!e roo* it &a 'e *one86 T!ere)it! !e once &ore #et !i# tr(&$et to !i# "i$# an* '"e)+ T!i# ti&e !e )a# not "on% /e$t )aitin%+ 1n a &o&ent t!e a'o(t t!e cro## )a# fi""e* )it! !or#e an* foot+ Ric!ar* G"o(ce#ter too/ !i# $"ace ($on t!e #te$# an* *e#$atc!e* after &e##en%er to !a#ten t!e concentration of t!e #e,en
o$en #$ace of &e##en%er !(n*re*
&en t!at "a !i**en in t!e i&&e*iate nei%!'o(r!oo* a&on% t!e )oo*#. an* 'efore a ;(arter of an !o(r !a* $a##e* a"" !i# *i#$o#ition# 'ein% ta/en !e $(t !i&#e"f at t!eir !ea* an* 'e%an to &o,e *o)n t!e !i"" to)ar*# S!ore'+ Hi# $"an )a# #i&$"e+ He )a# to #ei2e a ;(arter of t!e to)n of S!ore' "in% on t!e ri%!t !an* of t!e !i%! roa* an* &a/e !i# $o#ition %oo* t!ere in t!e narro) "ane# (nti" !i# reinforce&ent# fo""o)e*+ 1f Lor* Ri#in%!a& to retreat Ric!ar* fo""o) ($on !i# rear an* ta/e !i&c!o#e 'et)een t)o fire#. or if)o("* !e $referre* to !o"* t!e to)n !e )o("* 'e #!(t in a tra$ t!ere to 'e %ra*(a"" o,er)!e"&e* ' force of n(&'er#+ T!ere )a# '(t one *an%er '(t t!at )a# i&&inent an* %reat G"o(ce#ter4# #e,en !(n*re* &i%!t 'e ro""e* ($ an* c(t to $iece# in t!e fir#t enco(nter an* to a,oi* t!i# it )a# nee*f(" to &a/e t!e #(r$ri#e of t!eir arri,a" a# co&$"ete a# $o##i'"e+ T!e foot&en t!erefore )ere a"" once &ore ta/en ($ 'e!in* t!e ri*er# an* Dic/ !a* t!e #i%na" !ono(r &ete* o(t to !i& of &o(ntin% 'e!in* G"o(ce#ter !i&#e"f+ For a# far a# t!ere )a# an co,er t!e troo$# &o,e* #"o)" an* )!en t!e ca&e near t!e en* of t!e tree# t!at "ine* t!e !i%!)a #to$$e* to 'reat!e an* reconnoitre+ T!e #(n )a# no) )e"" ($ #!inin% )it! a fro#t 'ri%!tne## o(t of a e""o) !a"o an* ri%!t o,er a%ain#t t!e "(&inar S!ore' a fie"* of #no) roof# an* r(** %a'"e# )a# ro""in% ($ it# co"(&n# of &ornin% #&o/e+ G"o(ce#ter t(rne* ro(n* to Dic/+ 61n t!at $oor $"ace6 !e #ai* 6)!ere $eo$"e are coo/in% 'rea/fa#t eit!er o( #!a"" %ain o(r #$(r# an* 1 'e%in a "ife of &i%!t !ono(r an* %"or in t!e )or"*4# ee or 'ot! of (# a# 1 concei,e it #!a"" fa"" *ea* an* 'e (n!ear* of+ T)o Ric!ar*# are )e+ We"" t!en Ric!ar* S!e"ton t!e #!a"" 'e !ear* a'o(t t!e#e t)o8 T!eir #)or*# #!a"" not rin% &ore "o(*" on &en4# !e"&et# t!an t!eir na&e# #!a"" rin% in $eo$"e4# ear#+6 Dic/ )a# a#toni#!e* at #o %reat a !(n%er after fa&e e3$re##e* )it! #o %reat ,e!e&ence of ,oice an* "an%(a%e an* !e an#)ere* ,er #en#i'" an* ;(iet" t!at for !i# $art !e $ro&i#e* !e )o("* *o !i# *(t an* *o('te* not of ,ictor if e,erone *i* t!e "i/e+ B t!i# ti&e t!e !or#e# )ere )e"" 'reat!e* an* t!e "ea*er !o"*in% ($ !i# #)or* an* %i,in% rein t!e )!o"e troo$ of c!ar%er# 'ro/e into t!e %a""o$ an* t!(n*ere* )it! t!eir *o('"e "oa* of fi%!tin% &en *o)n t!e re&ain*er of t!e !i"" an* acro## t!e #no)-co,ere* $"ain t!at #ti"" *i,i*e* t!e& fro& S!ore'+
CHAPTER 11 - THE BATTLE OF SHOREB9
T!e )!o"e *i#tance to 'e cro##e* )a# not a'o,e a ;(arter of a &i"e+ B(t t!e !a* no #ooner *e'a(c!e* 'eon* t!e co,er of t!e tree# t!an t!e )ere a)are of $eo$"e f"eein% an* #crea&in% in t!e #no)
&ea*o)# ($on eit!er !an*+ A"&o#t at t!e #a&e &o&ent a %reat r(&o(r 'e%an to ari#e an* #$rea* an* %ro) contin(a"" "o(*er in t!e to)n. an* t!e )ere not et !a"f)a to t!e neare#t !o(#e 'efore t!e 'e""# 'e%an to rin% 'ac/)ar* fro& t!e #tee$"e+ T!e o(n% *(/e %ro(n* !i# teet! to%et!er+ B t!e#e #o ear" #i%na"# of a"ar& !e feare* to fin* !i# ene&ie# $re$are*. an* if !e fai"e* to %ain a footin% in t!e to)n !e /ne) t!at !i# #&a"" $art )o("* #oon 'e 'ro/en an* e3ter&inate* in t!e o$en+ 1n t!e !o)e,er t!e )ere T!e far ni%!t-%(ar* fro& 'ein% in %oo* a to)n $o#t(re+ 1t )a# a#Lanca#trian# Dic/ !a* #ai*+ !a*#o a"rea* *offe* t!eir !arne##. t!e re#t )ere #ti"" !an%in% (n"atc!e* (n'race* a"" (n$re$are* for 'att"e - a'o(t t!eir ;(arter#. an* in t!e )!o"e of S!ore' t!ere )ere not $er!a$# fift &en f("" ar&e* or fift c!ar%er# rea* to 'e &o(nte*+ T!e 'eatin% of t!e 'e""# t!e terrifin% #(&&on# of &en )!o ran a'o(t t!e #treet# crin% an* 'eatin% ($on t!e *oor# aro(#e* in an incre*i'" #!ort #$ace at "ea#t t)o #core o(t of t!at !a"f !(n*re*+ T!e#e %ot #$ee*i" to !or#e an* t!e a"ar& #ti"" f"in% )i"* an* contrar %a""o$e* in *ifferent *irection#+ T!(# it 'efe"" t!at )!en Ric!ar* of G"o(ce#ter reac!e* t!e fir#t !o(#e of S!ore' !e )a# &et in t!e &o(t! of t!e #treet ' a &ere !an*f(" of "ance# )!o& !e #)e$t 'efore !i# on#et a# t!e #tor& c!a#e# t!e 'ar/+ A !(n*re* $ace# into t!e to)n Dic/ S!e"ton to(c!e* t!e *(/e4# ar&. t!e *(/e in an#)er %at!ere* !i# rein# $(t t!e #!ri"" tr(&$et to !i# &o(t! an* '"o)in% a concerte* $oint t(rne* to t!e ri%!t !an* o(t of t!e *irect a*,ance+ S)er,in% "i/e a #in%"e ri*er !i# )!o"e co&&an* t(rne* after !i& an* #ti"" at t!e f("" %a""o$ of t!e c!ar%er# #)e$t ($ t!e narro) 'e-#treet+ On" t!e "a#t #core of ri*er# *re) rein an* face* a'o(t in t!e entrance. t!e foot&en )!o& t!e carrie* 'e!in* t!e& "ea$t at t!e #a&e in#tant to t!e eart! an* 'e%an #o&e to 'en* t!eir 'o)# an* ot!er# to 'rea/ into an* #ec(re t!e !o(#e# ($on eit!er !an*+ S(r$ri#e* at t!i# #(**en c!an%e of *irection an* *a(nte* ' t!e fir& front of t!e rear-%(ar* t!e fe) Lanca#trian# after a &o&entar con#("tation t(rne* an* ro*e fart!er into to)n to #ee/ for reinforce&ent#+ T!e ;(arter of t!e to)n ($on )!ic! ' t!e a*,ice of Dic/ Ric!ar* of G"o(ce#ter !a* no) #ei2e* con#i#te* of fi,e #&a"" #treet# of $oor an* i""-in!a'ite* !o(#e# occ($in% a ,er %ent"e e&inence an* "in% o$en to)ar*# t!e 'ac/+ T!e fi,e #treet# 'ein% eac! #ec(re* ' a %oo* %(ar* t!e re#er,e )o("* t!(# occ($ t!e centre o(t of #!ot an* et rea* to carr ai* )!ere,er it )a# nee*e*+ S(c! )a# t!e $oorne## of t!e nei%!'o(r!oo* t!at none of t!e Lanca#trian "or*# an* '(t fe) of t!eir retainer# !a* 'een "o*%e* t!erein. an* t!e in!a'itant# )it! one accor* *e#erte* t!eir !o(#e# an* f"e* #;(a""in% a"on% t!e #treet# or o,er %ar*en )a""#+ 1n t!e centre )!ere t!e fi,e )a# a"" &et a #o&e)!at i""-fa,o(re*
a"e!o(#e *i#$"ae* t!e #i%n of t!e C!e;(er#. an* !ere t!e D(/e of G"o(ce#ter c!o#e !i# !ea*;(arter# for t!e *a+ To Dic/ !e a##i%ne* t!e %(ar* of one of t!e fi,e #treet#+ 6Go6 !e #ai* 6)in o(r #$(r#+ Win %"or for &e: one Ric!ar* for anot!er+ 1 te"" o( if 1 ri#e e #!a"" ri#e ' t!e #a&e "a**er+ Go6 !e a**e* #!a/in% !i& ' t!e !an*+ B(t a# #oon a# Dic/ )a# %one !e t(rne* to a "itt"e #!a'' arc!er at !i# e"'o)+ 6Go D(tton an* t!at ri%!t #$ee*i"6 !e a**e*+ 6Fo""o) t!at "a*+ 1f e fin* !i& fait!f(" e an#)er for !i# #afet a !ea* for a !ea*+ Woe (nto o( if e ret(rn )it!o(t !i&8 B(t if !e 'e fait!"e## - or for one in#tant e &i#*o('t !i& - #ta' !i& fro& 'e!in*+6 1n t!e &ean)!i"e Dic/ !a#tene* to #ec(re !i# $o#t+ T!e #treet !e !a* to %(ar* )a# ,er narro) an* c"o#e" "ine* )it! !o(#e# )!ic! $ro5ecte* an* o,er!(n% t!e roa*)a. '(t narro) an* *ar/ a# it )a# #ince it o$ene* ($on t!e &ar/et-$"ace of t!e to)n t!e &ain i##(e of t!e 'att"e )o("* $ro'a'" fa"" to 'e *eci*e* on t!at #$ot+ T!e &ar/et-$"ace )a# f("" of to)n#$eo$"e f"eein% in *i#or*er. '(t t!ere )a# a# et no #i%n of an foe&an rea* to attac/ an* Dic/ 5(*%e* !e !a* #o&e ti&e 'efore !i& to &a/e rea* !i# *efence+ T!e t)o !o(#e# at t!e en* #too* *e#erte* )it! o$en *oor# a# t!e in!a'itant# !a* "eft t!e& in t!eir f"i%!t an* fro& t!e#e !e !a* t!e f(rnit(re !a#ti" to##e* fort! an* $i"e* into a 'arrier in t!e entr of t!e "ane+ A !(n*re* &en )ere $"ace* at !i# *i#$o#a" an* of t!e#e !e t!re) t!e &ore $art into t!e !o(#e# )!ere t!e &i%!t "ie in #!e"ter an* *e"i,er t!eir arro)# fro& t!e )in*o)#+ Wit! t!e re#t (n*er !i# o)n i&&e*iate ee !e "ine* t!e 'arrica*e+ Mean)!i"e t!e (t&o#t ($roar an* conf(#ion !a* contin(e* to $re,ai" t!ro(%!o(t t!e to)n. an* )!at )it! t!e !(rrie* c"a#!in% of 'e""# t!e #o(n*in% of tr(&$et# t!e #)ift &o,e&ent of 'o*ie# of !or#e t!e crie# of t!e co&&an*er# an* t!e #!rie/# of )o&en t!e noi#e )a# a"&o#t *eafenin% to t!e ear+ Pre#ent" "itt"e ' "itt"e t!e t(&("t 'e%an to #('#i*e. an* #oon after fi"e# of &en in ar&o(r an* 'o*ie# of arc!er# 'e%an to a##e&'"e an* for& in "ine of 'att"e in t!e &ar/et-$"ace+ A "ar%e $ortion of t!i# 'o* )ere in &(rre an* '"(e an* in t!e &o(nte* /ni%!t )!o or*ere* t!eir arra Dic/ reco%ni#e* Sir Danie" Brac/"e+ T!en t!ere 'efe"" a "on% $a(#e )!ic! )a# fo""o)e* ' t!e a"&o#t #i&("taneo(# #o(n*in% of fo(r tr(&$et# fro& fo(r *ifferent ;(arter# of t!e to)n+ A fift! ran% in an#)er fro& t!e &ar/et-$"ace an* at t!e #a&e &o&ent t!e fi"e# 'e%an to &o,e an* a #!o)er of arro)# ratt"e* a'o(t t!e 'arrica*e an* #o(n*e* "i/e '"o)# ($on t!e )a""# of t!e t)o f"an/in% !o(#e#+ T!e attac/ !a* 'e%(n ' a co&&on #i%na" on a"" t!e fi,e i##(e# of t!e ;(arter+ G"o(ce#ter )a# 'e"ea%(ere* ($on e,er #i*e. an* Dic/ 5(*%e* if !e )o("* &a/e %oo* !i# $o#t !e &(#t re" entire" on
t!e !(n*re* &en of !i# co&&an*+ Se,en ,o""e# of arro)# fo""o)e* one ($on t!e ot!er an* in t!e ,er t!ic/ of t!e *i#c!ar%e# Dic/ )a# to(c!e* fro& 'e!in* ($on t!e ar& an* fo(n* a $a%e !o"*in% o(t to !i& a "eat!ern 5ac/ #tren%t!ene* )it! 'ri%!t $"ate# of &ai"+ 61t i# fro& & Lor* of G"o(ce#ter6 #ai* t!e $a%e+ o'#er,e* Sir Ric!ar* t!at e )ent (nar&e*+6
6He !at!
Dic/ )it!)it! a %"o) !i# !eartof att!e 'ein% #o *onne* a**re##e* %ot to !i# feet an* t!eat a##i#tance $a%e t!e *efen#i,e coat+ E,en a# !e *i* #o t)o arro)# ratt"e* !ar&"e##" ($on t!e $"ate# an* a t!ir* #tr(c/ *o)n t!e $a%e &orta"" )o(n*e* at !i# feet+ Meanti&e t!e )!o"e 'o* of t!e ene& !a* 'een #tea*i" *ra)in% nearer acro## t!e &ar/et-$"ace. an* ' t!i# ti&e )ere #o c"o#e at !an* t!at Dic/ %a,e t!e or*er to ret(rn t!eir #!ot+ 1&&e*iate" fro& 'e!in* t!e 'arrier an* fro& t!e )in*o)# of t!e !o(#e# a co(nter'"a#t of arro)# #$e* carrin% *eat!+ B(t t!e Lanca#trian# a# if t!e !a* '(t )aite* for a #i%na" #!o(te* "o(*" in an#)er. an* 'e%an to c"o#e at a r(n ($on t!e 'arrier t!e !or#e&en #ti"" !an%in% 'ac/ )it! ,i#or# "o)ere*+ T!en fo""o)e* an o'#tinate an* *ea*" #tr(%%"e !an* to !an*+
T!e
a##ai"ant# )ie"*in% t!eir fa"c!ion# )it! one !an* #tro,e )it! t!e ot!er to *ra% *o)n t!e #tr(ct(re of t!e 'arrica*e+ On t!e ot!er #i*e t!e $art# )ere re,er#e*. an* t!e *efen*er# e3$o#e* t!e&#e",e# "i/e &a*&en to $rotect t!eir ra&$art+ So for #o&e &in(te# t!e conte#t ra%e* a"&o#t in #i"ence frien* an* foe fa""in% one ($on anot!er+ B(t it i# a")a# t!e ea#ier to *e#tro. an* )!en a #in%"e note ($on t!e t(c/et reca""e* t!e attac/in% $art fro& t!i# *e#$erate #er,ice &(c! of t!e 'arrica*e !a* 'een re&o,e* $iece&ea" an* t!e )!o"e fa'ric !a* #(n/ to !a"f it# !ei%!t an* tottere* to a %enera" fa""+ An* no) t!e foot&en in t!e &ar/et-$"ace fe"" 'ac/ at a r(n on e,er #i*e+ T!e !or#e&en )!o !a* 'een #tan*in% in a "ine t)o *ee$ )!ee"e* #(**en" an* &a*e t!eir f"an/ into t!eir front. an* a# #)ift a# a #tri/in% a**er t!e "on% #tee"-c"a* co"(&n )a# "a(nc!e* ($on t!e r(ino(# 'arrica*e+ Of t!e fir#t t)o !or#e&en one fe"" ri*er an* #tee* an* )a# ri**en *o)n ' !i# co&$anion#+ T!e #econ* "ea$e* c"ean ($on t!e #(&&it of t!e ra&$art tran#$iercin% an arc!er )it! !i# "ance+ A"&o#t in t!e #a&e in#tant !e )a# *ra%%e* fro& t!e #a**"e an* !i# !or#e *e#$atc!e*+ An* t!en t!e f("" )ei%!t an* i&$et(# of t!e c!ar%e '(r#t ($on an* #cattere* t!e *efen*er#+ T!e &en-at-ar&# #(r&o(ntin% t!eir fa""en co&ra*e# an* carrie* on)ar* ' t!e f(r of t!eir on#"a(%!t *a#!e* t!ro(%! Dic/4# 'ro/en "ine an* $o(re* t!(n*erin% ($ t!e "ane 'eon* a# a #trea& 'e#tri*e# an* $o(r# acro## a 'ro/en *a&+ 9et )a# t!e fi%!t not o,er+ Sti"" in t!e narro) 5a)# of t!e entrance Dic/ an* a fe) #(r,i,or# $"ie* t!eir 'i""# "i/e )oo*&en. an* a"rea* acro## t!e )i*t! of t!e $a##a%e t!ere !a* 'een for&e* a #econ* a !i%!er an* a &ore effect(a" ra&$art of fa""en &en an*
*i#e&'o)e""e* !or#e# "a#!in% in t!e a%onie# of *eat!+ Baff"e* ' t!i# fre#! o'#tac"e t!e re&ain*er of t!e ca,a"r fe"" 'ac/. an* a# at t!e #i%!t of t!i# &o,e&ent t!e f"i%!t of arro)# re*o('"e* fro& t!e ca#e&ent# of t!e !o(#e# t!eir retreat !a* for a &o&ent a"&o#t *e%enerate* into f"i%!t+ A"&o#t at t!e #a&e ti&e t!o#e )!o !a* cro##e* t!e 'arrica*e an* c!ar%e* fart!er ($ t!e #treet 'ein% &et 'efore t!e *oor of t!e C!e;(er# ' t!e for&i*a'"e !(nc!'ac/ an* t!e )!o"e re#er,e of t!e 9or/i#t# 'e%an to co&e #catterin% 'ac/)ar* in t!e e3ce## of *i#arra an* terror+ Dic/ an* !i# fe""o)# face* a'o(t fre#! &en $o(re* o(t of t!e !o(#e#. a cr(e" '"a#t of arro)# &et t!e f(%iti,e# f("" in t!e face )!i"e G"o(ce#ter )a# a"rea* ri*in% *o)n t!eir rear. in t!e in#i*e of a &in(te an* a !a"f t!ere )a# no "i,in% Lanca#trian in t!e #treet+ T!en an* not ti"" t!en *i* Dic/ !o"* ($ !i# ree/in% '"a*e an* %i,e t!e )or* to c!eer+ Mean)!i"e G"o(ce#ter *i#&o(nte* fro& !i# !or#e an* ca&e for)ar* to in#$ect t!e $o#t+ Hi# face )a# a# $a"e a# "inen. '(t !i# ee# #!one in !i# !ea* "i/e #o&e #tran%e 5e)e" an* !i# ,oice )!en !e #$o/e )a# !oar#e an* 'ro/en )it! t!e e3("tation of 'att"e an* #(cce##+ He "oo/e* at t!e ra&$art )!ic! neit!er frien* nor foe co("* no) a$$roac! )it!o(t $reca(tion #o fierce" *i* t!e !or#e# #tr(%%"e in t!e t!roe# of *eat! an* at t!e #i%!t of t!at %reat carna%e !e #&i"e* ($on one #i*e+ 6De#$atc! t!e#e !or#e#6 !e #ai*. 6t!e /ee$ o( fro& o(r ,anta%e+ Ric!ar* S!e"ton6 !e a**e* 6e !a,e $"ea#e* &e+ Knee"+6 T!e Lanca#trian# !a* a"rea* re#(&e* t!eir arc!er an* t!e #!aft# fe"" t!ic/ in t!e &o(t! of t!e #treet. '(t t!e *(/e &in*in% t!e& not at a"" *e"i'erate" *re) !i# #)or* an* *(''e* Ric!ar* a /ni%!t ($on t!e #$ot+ 6An* no) Sir Ric!ar*6 !e contin(e* 6if t!at e #ee Lor* Ri#in%!a& #en* &e an e3$re## ($on t!e in#tant+ Were it o(r "a#t &an "et &e !ear of it incontinent"+ 1 !a* rat!er ,ent(re t!e $o#t t!an "o#e & #tro/e at !i&+ For &ar/ &e a"" of e6 !e a**e* rai#in% !i# ,oice 6if Ear" Ri#in%!a& fa"" ' anot!er !an* t!an &ine 1 #!a"" co(nt t!i# ,ictor a *efeat+6 6M "or* *(/e6 #ai* one of !i# atten*ant# 6i# o(r %race not )ear of e3$o#in% !i# *ear "ife (nnee*f(""7 W! tarr )e !ere76 6Cate#'6 ret(rne* t!e *(/e 6!ere i# t!e 'att"e not e"#e)!ere+ T!e re#t are '(t fei%ne* on#"a(%!t#+ Here &(#t )e ,an;(i#!+ An* for t!e e3$o#(re - if e )ere an (%" !(nc!'ac/ an* t!e c!i"*ren %ec/e* at o( ($on t!e #treet e )o("* co(nt o(r 'o* c!ea$er an* an !o(r of %"or )ort! a "ife+ Ho)'eit if e )i"" "et (# ri*e on an* ,i#it t!e ot!er $o#t#+ Sir Ric!ar* !ere & na&e#a/e !e #!a"" #ti"" !o"* t!i# entr )!ere !e )a*et! to t!e an/"e# in !ot '"oo*+ Hi& can )e tr(#t+ B(t &ar/ it Sir Ric!ar* e are not et *one+ T!e )or#t i# et to )ar*+ S"ee$ not+6
He ca&e ri%!t ($ to o(n% S!e"ton "oo/in% !i& !ar* in t!e ee# an* ta/in% !i# !an* in 'ot! of !i# %a,e it #o e3tre&e a #;(ee2e t!at t!e '"oo* !a* near" #$(rte*+ Dic/ ;(ai"e* 'efore !i# ee#+ T!e in#ane e3cite&ent t!e co(ra%e an* t!e cr(e"t t!at !e rea* t!erein fi""e* !i& )it! *i#&a a'o(t t!e f(t(re+ T!i# o(n% *(/e4# )a# in*ee* a %a""ant #$irit to ri*e fore&o#t in t!e ran/# of )ar. '(t after t!e 'att"e in t!e *a# of $eace an* in t!e circ"e of !i# tr(#te* frien*# t!at &in* it )a# to 'e *rea*e* )o("* contin(e to 'rin% fort! t!e fr(it# of *eat!+
CHAPTER 111 - THE BATTLE OF SHOREB9 =Conc"(*e*>
Dic/ once &ore "eft to !i# o)n co(n#e"# 'e%an to "oo/ a'o(t !i&+ T!e arro)-#!ot !a* #o&e)!at #"ac/ene*+ On a"" #i*e# t!e ene& )ere fa""in% 'ac/. an* t!e %reater $art of t!e &ar/et-$"ace )a# no) "eft e&$t t!e #no) !ere tra&$"e* into oran%e &(* t!ere #$"a#!e* )it! %ore #cattere* a"" o,er )it! *ea* &en an* !or#e# an* 'ri#t"in% t!ic/ )it! feat!ere* arro)#+ On !i# o)n #i*e t!e "o## !a* 'een cr(e"+ T!e 5a)# of t!e "itt"e #treet an* t!e r(in# of t!e 'arrica*e )ere !ea$e* )it! t!e *ea* an* *in%. an* o(t of t!e !(n*re* &en )it! )!o& !e !a* 'e%(n t!e 'att"e t!ere )ere not #e,ent "eft )!o co("* #ti"" #tan* to ar&#+ At t!e #a&e ti&e t!e *a )a# $a##in%+ T!e fir#t reinforce&ent# &i%!t 'e "oo/e* for to arri,e at an &o&ent. an* t!e Lanca#trian# a"rea* #!a/en ' t!e re#("t of t!eir *e#$erate '(t (n#(cce##f(" on#"a(%!t )ere in an i"" te&$er to #($$ort a fre#! in,a*er+ T!ere )a# a *ia" in t!e )a"" of one of t!e t)o f"an/in% !o(#e#. an* t!i# in t!e fro#t )inter #(n#!ine in*icate* ten of t!e forenoon+ Dic/ t(rne* to t!e &an )!o )a# at !i# e"'o) a "itt"e in#i%nificant arc!er 'in*in% a c(t in !i# ar&+ 61t )a# )e"" fo(%!t6 !e #ai* 6an* ' & #oot! t!e )i"" not c!ar%e (# t)ice+6 6Sir6 #ai* t!e "itt"e arc!er 6e !a,e fo(%!t ri%!t )e"" for 9or/ an* 'etter for o(r#e"f+ Ne,er !at! &an in #o 'rief #$ace $re,ai"e* #o %reat" on t!e *(/e4# affection#+ T!at !e #!o("* !a,e entr(#te* #(c! a $o#t to one !e /ne) not i# a &ar,e"+ B(t "oo/ to o(r !ea* Sir Ric!ar*8 1f e 'e ,an;(i#!e* - a if e %i,e )a one foot4# 'rea*t! - a3e or cor* #!a"" $(ni#! it. an* 1 a& #et if e *o a(%!t *o('tf(" 1 )i"" te"" o( !one#t" !ere to #ta' o( fro& 'e!in*+6 Dic/ "oo/e* at t!e "itt"e &an in a&a2e+ 69o(86
!e crie*+
6An* fro& 'e!in*86
61t i# ri%!t #o6 ret(rne* t!e arc!er. 6an* 'eca(#e 1 "i/e not t!e affair 1 te"" it o(+ 9e &(#t &a/e t!e $o#t %oo* Sir Ric!ar* at o(r $eri"+ O o(r Croo/'ac/ i# a 'o"* '"a*e an* a %oo* )arrior. '(t )!et!er in co"* '"oo* or in !ot !e )i"" !a,e a"" t!in%# *one
e3act to !i# co&&an*&ent+ t!e *eat!+6
1f an fai" or !in*er t!e #!a"" *ie
6No) ' t!e #aint#86 crie* Ric!ar* 6i# t!i# #o7 fo""o) #(c! a "ea*er76
An* )i"" &en
6Na t!e fo""o) !i& %"eef(""6 re$"ie* t!e ot!er. 6for if !e 'e e3act to $(ni#! !e i# &o#t o$en-!an*e* to re)ar*+ An* if !e #$are not t!e '"oo* an* #)eat of ot!er# !e i# e,er "i'era" of !i# o)n #ti"" in t!e fir#t front of 'att"e #ti"" t!e "a#t to #"ee$+ He )i"" %o far )i"" Croo/'ac/ Dic/ o4 G"o(ce#ter86 T!e o(n% /ni%!t if !e !a* 'efore 'een 'ra,e an* ,i%i"ant )a# no) a"" t!e &ore inc"ine* to )atc!f("ne## an* co(ra%e+ Hi# #(**en fa,o(r !e 'e%an to $ercei,e !a* 'ro(%!t $eri"# in it# train+ An* !e t(rne* fro& t!e arc!er an* once &ore #canne* an3io(#" t!e &ar/et-$"ace+ 1t "a e&$t a# 'efore+ 61 "i/e not t!i# ;(iet(*e6 !e #ai*+ #o&e #(r$ri#e+6
6Do('t"e## t!e $re$are (#
An* a# if in an#)er to !i# re&ar/ t!e arc!er# 'e%an once &ore to a*,ance a%ain#t t!e 'arrica*e an* t!e arro)# to fa"" t!ic/+ B(t t!ere )a# #o&et!in% !e#itatin% in t!e attac/+ T!e ca&e not on ro(n*" '(t #ee&e* rat!er to a)ait a f(rt!er #i%na"+ Dic/ "oo/e* (nea#i" a'o(t !i& #$in% for a !i**en *an%er+ An* #(re eno(%! a'o(t !a"f )a ($ t!e "itt"e #treet a *oor )a# #(**en" o$ene* fro& )it!in an* t!e !o(#e contin(e* for #o&e #econ*# an* 'ot! ' *oor an* )in*o) to *i#%or%e a torrent of Lanca#trian arc!er#+ T!e#e a# t!e "ea$e* *o)n !(rrie*" #too* to t!eir ran/# 'ent t!eir 'o)# an* $rocee*e* to $o(r ($on Dic/4# rear a f"i%!t of arro)#+ At t!e #a&e ti&e t!e a##ai"ant# in t!e &ar/et-$"ace re*o('"e* t!eir #!ot an* 'e%an to c"o#e in #to(t" ($on t!e 'arrica*e+ Dic/ ca""e* *o)n !i# )!o"e co&&an* o(t of t!e !o(#e# an* facin% t!e& 'ot! )a# an* enco(ra%in% t!eir ,a"o(r 'ot! ' )or* an* %e#t(re ret(rne* a# 'e#t !e co("* t!e *o('"e #!o)er of #!aft# t!at fe"" a'o(t !i# $o#t+ Mean)!i"e !o(#e after !o(#e )a# o$ene* in t!e #treet an* t!e Lanca#trian# contin(e* to $o(r o(t of t!e *oor# an* "ea$ *o)n fro& t!e )in*o)# #!o(tin% ,ictor (nti" t!e n(&'er of ene&ie# ($on Dic/4# rear )a# a"&o#t e;(a" to t!e n(&'er in !i# face+ 1t )a# $"ain t!at !e co("* !o"* t!e $o#t no "on%er. )!at )a# )or#e e,en if !e co("* !a,e !e"* it it !a* no) 'eco&e (#e"e##. an* t!e )!o"e 9or/i#t ar& "a in a $o#t(re of !e"$"e##ne## ($on t!e 'rin/ of a co&$"ete *i#a#ter+ T!e &en 'e!in* !i& for&e* t!e ,ita" f"a) in t!e %enera" *efence. an* it )a# ($on t!e#e t!at Dic/ t(rne* c!ar%in% at t!e !ea* of !i# &en+ So ,i%oro(# )a# t!e attac/ t!at t!e Lanca#trian arc!er# %a,e %ro(n* an* #ta%%ere* an* at "a#t 'rea/in% t!eir ran/# 'e%an to cro)* 'ac/ into t!e !o(#e# fro& )!ic! t!e !a* #o recent" an* #o ,ain%"orio(#" #a""ie*+ Mean)!i"e t!e &en fro& t!e &ar/et-$"ace !a* #)ar&e* acro## t!e
(n*efen*e* 'arrica*e an* fe"" on !ot" ($on t!e ot!er #i*e. an* Dic/ &(#t once a%ain face a'o(t an* $rocee* to *ri,e t!e& 'ac/+ Once a%ain t!e #$irit of !i# &en $re,ai"e*. t!e c"eare* t!e #treet in a tri(&$!ant #t"e '(t e,en a# t!e *i* #o t!e ot!er# i##(e* a%ain o(t of t!e !o(#e# an* too/ t!e& a t!ir* ti&e ($on t!e rear+ T!e 9or/i#t# 'e%an to 'e #cattere*. #e,era" ti&e# Dic/ fo(n* !i&#e"f a"one a&on% !i# foe# an* $"in% !i# 'ri%!t #)or* for "ife. #e,era" ti&e# !e )a# con#cio(# of a !(rt+ An* &ean)!i"e t!e fi%!t #)ae* to an* fro in t!e #treet )it!o(t *eter&inate re#("t+ S(**en" Dic/ )a# a)are of a %reat tr(&$etin% a'o(t t!e o(t#/irt# of t!e to)n+ T!e )ar-cr of 9or/ 'e%an to 'e ro""e* ($ to !ea,en a# ' &an an* tri(&$!ant ,oice#+ An* at t!e #a&e ti&e t!e &en in front of !i& 'e%an to %i,e %ro(n* ra$i*" #trea&in% o(t of t!e #treet an* 'ac/ ($on t!e &ar/et-$"ace+ So&e one %a,e t!e )or* to f"+ Tr(&$et# )ere '"o)n *i#tracte*" #o&e for a ra"" #o&e to c!ar%e+ 1t )a# $"ain t!at a %reat '"o) !a* 'een #tr(c/ an* t!e Lanca#trian# )ere t!ro)n at "ea#t for t!e &o&ent into f("" *i#or*er an* #o&e *e%ree of $anic+ An* t!en "i/e a t!eatre tric/ t!ere fo""o)e* t!e "a#t act of S!ore' Batt"e+ T!e &en in front of Ric!ar* t(rne* tai" "i/e a *o% t!at !a# 'een )!i#t"e* !o&e an* f"e* "i/e t!e )in*+ At t!e #a&e &o&ent t!ere ca&e t!ro(%! t!e &ar/et-$"ace a #tor& of !or#e&en f"eein% an* $(r#(in% t!e Lanca#trian# t(rnin% 'ac/ to #tri/e )it! t!e #)or* t!e 9or/i#t# ri*in% t!e& *o)n at t!e $oint of t!e "ance+ Con#$ic(o(# in t!e &e""a Dic/ 'e!e"* t!e Croo/'ac/+ He )a# a"rea* %i,in% a foreta#te of t!at f(rio(# ,a"o(r an* #/i"" to c(t !i# )a acro## t!e ran/# of )ar )!ic! ear# after)ar*# ($on t!e fie"* of Bo#)ort! an* )!en !e )a# #taine* )it! cri&e# a"&o#t #(ffice* to c!an%e t!e fort(ne# of t!e *a an* t!e *e#tin of t!e En%"i#! t!rone+ E,a*in% #tri/in% ri*in% *o)n !e #o force* an* #o &anoe(,re* !i# #tron% !or#e #o a$t" *efen*e* !i&#e"f an* #o "i'era"" #cattere* *eat! to !i# o$$onent# t!at !e )a# no) far a!ea* of t!e fore&o#t of !i# /ni%!t# !e)in% !i# )a )it! t!e tr(nc!eon of a '"oo* #)or* to )!ere Lor* Ri#in%!a& )a# ra""in% t!e 'ra,e#t+ A &o&ent &ore an* t!e !a* &et. t!e ta"" #$"en*i* an* fa&o(# )arrior a%ain#t t!e *efor&e* an* #ic/" 'o+ 9et S!e"ton !a* ne,er a *o('t of t!e re#("t. an* )!en t!e fi%!t ne3t o$ene* for a &o&ent t!e fi%(re of t!e ear" !a* *i#a$$eare*. '(t #ti"" in t!e fir#t of t!e *an%er Croo/'ac/ Dic/ )a# "a(nc!in% !i# 'i% !or#e an* $"in% t!e tr(nc!eon of !i# #)or*+ T!(# ' S!e"ton4# co(ra%e in !o"*in% t!e &o(t! of t!e #treet a%ain#t t!e fir#t attac/ an* ' t!e o$$ort(ne arri,a" of !i# #e,en !(n*re* reinforce&ent# t!e "a* )!o )a# after)ar*# to 'e !an*e* *o)n to t!e e3ecration of $o#terit (n*er t!e na&e of Ric!ar* 111+ !a* )on !i# fir#t con#i*era'"e fi%!t+
CHAPTER 10 - THE SACK OF SHOREB9
T!ere )a# not a foe "eft )it!in #tri/in% *i#tance. an* Dic/ a# !e "oo/e* r(ef("" a'o(t !i& on t!e re&ain*er of !i# %a""ant force 'e%an to co(nt t!e co#t of ,ictor+ He )a# !i&#e"f no) t!at t!e *an%er )a# en*e* #o #tiff an* #ore #o 'r(i#e* an* c(t an* 'ro/en an* a'o,e a"" #o (tter" e3!a(#te* ' !i# *e#$erate an* (nre&ittin% "a'o(r# in t!e fi%!t t!at !e #ee&e* inca$a'"e of an fre#! e3ertion+ B(t t!i# )a# not et t!e !o(r for re$o#e+
S!ore' !a* 'een ta/en
' a##a("t. an o$en an* not int!e#e an &anner to 'e c!ar%e* )it!an* t!et!o(%! re#i#tance itto)n )a# $"ain t!at ro(%! fi%!ter# )o("* 'e not "e## ro(%! no) t!at t!e fi%!t )a# o,er an* t!at t!e &ore !orri* $art of )ar )o("* fa"" to 'e enacte*+ Ric!ar* of G"o(ce#ter )a# not t!e ca$tain to $rotect t!e citi2en# fro& !i# inf(riate* #o"*ier. an* e,en if !e !a* t!e )i"" it &i%!t 'e ;(e#tione* if !e !a* t!e $o)er+ 1t )a# t!erefore Dic/4# '(#ine## to fin* an* to $rotect Joanna. an* )it! t!at en* !e "oo/e* a'o(t !i& at t!e face# of !i# &en+ T!e t!ree or fo(r )!o #ee&e* "i/e"ie#t to 'e o'e*ient an* to /ee$ #o'er !e *re) a#i*e. an* $ro&i#in% t!e& a ric! re)ar* an* a #$ecia" reco&&en*ation to t!e *(/e "e* t!e& acro## t!e &ar/et-$"ace no) e&$t of !or#e&en an* into t!e #treet# ($on t!e f(rt!er #i*e+ E,er !ere an* t!ere #&a"" co&'at# of fro& t)o to a *o2en #ti"" ra%e* ($on t!e o$en #treet. !ere an* t!ere a !o(#e )a# 'ein% 'e#ie%e* t!e *efen*er# t!ro)in% o(t #too"# an* ta'"e# on t!e !ea*# of t!e a##ai"ant#+ T!e #no) )a# #tre)n )it! ar&# an* cor$#e#. '(t e3ce$t for t!e#e $artia" co&'at# t!e #treet# )ere *e#erte* an* t!e !o(#e# #o&e #tan*in% o$en an* #o&e #!(ttere* an* 'arrica*e* !a* for t!e &o#t $art cea#e* to %i,e o(t #&o/e+ Dic/ t!rea*in% t!e #/irt# of t!e#e #/ir&i#!er# "e* !i# fo""o)er# 'ri#/" in t!e *irection of t!e a''e c!(rc!. '(t )!en !e ca&e t!e "en%t! of t!e &ain #treet a cr of !orror 'ro/e fro& !i# "i$#+ Sir Danie"4# %reat !o(#e !a* 'een carrie* ' a##a("t+ T!e %ate# !(n% in #$"inter# fro& t!e !in%e# an* a *o('"e t!ron% /e$t $o(rin% in an* o(t t!ro(%! t!e entrance #ee/in% an* carrin% 'oot+ Mean)!i"e in t!e ($$er #tore# #o&e re#i#tance )a# #ti"" 'ein% offere* to t!e $i""a%er#. for 5(#t a# Dic/ ca&e )it!in ee#!ot of t!e '(i"*in% a ca#e&ent )a# '(r#t o$en fro& )it!in an* a $oor )retc! in &(rre an* '"(e #crea&in% an* re#i#tin% )a# force* t!ro(%! t!e e&'ra#(re an* to##e* into t!e #treet 'e"o)+ T!e &o#t #ic/enin% a$$re!en#ion fe"" ($on Dic/+ He ran for)ar* "i/e one $o##e##e* force* !i# )a into t!e !o(#e a&on% t!e fore&o#t an* &o(nte* )it!o(t $a(#e to t!e c!a&'er on t!e t!ir* f"oor )!ere !e !a* "a#t $arte* fro& Joanna+ 1t )a# a &ere )rec/. t!e f(rnit(re !a* 'een o,ert!ro)n t!e c($'oar*# 'ro/en o$en an* in one $"ace a trai"in% corner of t!e arra# "a #&o("*erin% on t!e e&'er# of t!e fire+ Dic/ a"&o#t )it!o(t t!in/in% tro* o(t t!e inci$ient conf"a%ration an* t!en #too* 'e)i"*ere*+ Sir Danie" Sir O"i,er Joanna a"" )ere %one. '(t )!et!er '(tc!ere* in t!e ro(t or #afe e#ca$e* fro& S!ore' )!o #!o("* #a7 He ca(%!t a $a##in% arc!er ' t!e ta'ar*+
6Fe""o)6 !e a#/e* 6)ere e !ere )!en t!i# !o(#e )a# ta/en76 6Let 'e6 #ai* t!e arc!er+
6A &(rrain8 "et 'e or 1 #tri/e+6
6Har/ e6 ret(rne* Ric!ar* 6t)o can $"a at t!at+ $"ain+6
Stan* an* 'e
B(t t!e &an f"(#!e* )it! *rin/ an* 'att"e #tr(c/ Dic/ ($on t!e #!o("*er )it! one !an* )!i"e )it! t!e ot!er !e t)itc!e* a)a !i# %ar&ent+ T!ere($on t!e f("" )rat! of '(r#t !i# contro"+ He #ei2e* t!e fe""o) in t!e !i# o(n% #tron% "ea*er e&'race an* fro& cr(#!e* !i& on t!e $"ate# of !i# &ai"e* 'o#o& "i/e a c!i"*. t!en !o"*in% !i& at ar&4# "en%t! !e 'i* !i& #$ea/ a# !e ,a"(e* "ife+ 61 $ra o( &erc86 %a#$e* t!e arc!er+ 6An 1 !a* t!o(%!t e )ere #o an%r 1 )o("* 4a4 'een c!arier of cro##in% o(+ 1 )a# !ere in*ee*+6 6Kno) e Sir Danie"76 $(r#(e* Dic/+ 6We"" *o 1 /no) !i&6 ret(rne* t!e &an+ 6Wa# !e in t!e &an#ion76 6A #ir !e )a#6 an#)ere* t!e arc!er. 6'(t e,en a# )e entere* ' t!e ar* %ate !e ro*e fort! ' t!e %ar*en+6 6A"one76 crie* Dic/+ 6He &a 4a4 !a* a #core of "ance# )it! !i&6 #ai* t!e &an+ 6Lance#8
No )o&en t!en76 a#/e* S!e"ton+
6Trot! 1 #a) not6 #ai* t!e arc!er+ !o(#e if t!at 'e o(r ;(e#t+6
6B(t t!ere )ere none in t!e
61 t!an/ o(6 #ai* Dic/+ 6Here i# a $iece for o(r $ain#+6 B(t %ro$in% in !i# )a""et Dic/ fo(n* not!in%+ 61n;(ire for &e to&orro)6 !e a**e* - 6Ric!ar* S!e"t - Sir Ric!ar* S!e"ton6 !e correcte* 6an* 1 )i"" #ee o( !an*#o&e" re)ar*e*+6 An* t!en an i*ea #tr(c/ Dic/+ He !a#ti" *e#cen*e* to t!e co(rtar* ran )it! a"" !i# &i%!t acro## t!e %ar*en an* ca&e to t!e %reat *oor of t!e c!(rc!+ 1t #too* )i*e o$en. )it!in e,er corner of t!e $a,e&ent )a# cro)*e* )it! f(%iti,e '(r%!er# #(rro(n*e* ' t!eir fa&i"ie# an* "a*en )it! t!e &o#t $recio(# of t!eir $o##e##ion# )!i"e at t!e !i%! a"tar $rie#t# in f("" canonica"# )ere i&$"orin% t!e &erc of Go*+ E,en a# Dic/ entere* t!e "o(* c!or(# 'e%an to t!(n*er in t!e ,a("te* roof#+ He !(rrie* t!ro(%! t!e %ro($# of ref(%ee# an* ca&e to t!e *oor of t!e #tair t!at "e* into t!e #tee$"e+ An* !ere a ta"" c!(rc!&an #te$$e* 'efore !i& an* arre#te* !i# a*,ance+ 6W!it!er & #on76 !e a#/e* #e,ere"+ 6M fat!er6 an#)ere* Dic/ 61 a& !ere ($on an erran* of e3$e*ition+ Sta &e not+ 1 co&&an* !ere for & Lor* of
G"o(ce#ter+6 6For & Lor* of G"o(ce#ter76 re$eate* t!e $rie#t+ 'att"e %one #o #ore76
6Hat! t!en t!e
6T!e 'att"e fat!er i# at an en* Lanca#ter c"ean #$e* & Lor* of Ri#in%!a& - Hea,en re#t !i&8 - "eft ($on t!e fie"*+ An* no) )it! o(r %oo* "ea,e 1 fo""o) &ine affair#+6 An* t!r(#tin% on one #i*e t!e $rie#t )!o #ee&e* #t($efie* at t!e ne)# Dic/ $(#!e* o$en t!e *oor an* ratt"e* ($ t!e #tair# fo(r at a 'o(n* an* )it!o(t $a(#e or #t(&'"e ti"" !e #te$$e* ($on t!e o$en $"atfor& at t!e to$+ S!ore' C!(rc! to)er not on" co&&an*e* t!e to)n a# in a &a$ '(t "oo/e* far on 'ot! #i*e# o,er #ea an* "an*+ 1t )a# no) near ($on noon. t!e *a e3cee*in% 'ri%!t t!e #no) *a22"in%+ An* a# Dic/ "oo/e* aro(n* !i& !e co("* &ea#(re t!e con#e;(ence# of t!e 'att"e+ A conf(#e* %ro)"in% ($roar reac!e* !i& fro& t!e #treet# an* no) an* t!en '(t ,er rare" t!e c"a#! of #tee"+ Not a #!i$ not #o &(c! a# a #/iff re&aine* in !ar'o(r. '(t t!e #ea )a# *otte* )it! #ai"# an* ro)-'oat# "a*en )it! f(%iti,e#+ On #!ore too t!e #(rface of t!e #no) &ea*o)# )a# 'ro/en ($ )it! 'an*# of !or#e&en #o&e c(ttin% t!eir )a to)ar*# t!e 'or*er# of t!e fore#t ot!er# )!o )ere *o('t"e## of t!e 9or/i#t #i*e #to(t" inter$o#in% an* 'eatin% t!e& 'ac/ ($on t!e to)n+ O,er a"" t!e o$en %ro(n* t!ere "a a $ro*i%io(# ;(antit of fa""en &en an* !or#e# c"ear" *efine* ($on t!e #no)+ To co&$"ete t!e $ict(re t!o#e of t!e foot #o"*ier# a# !a* not fo(n* $"ace ($on a #!i$ #ti"" /e$t ($ an arc!er co&'at on t!e 'or*er# of t!e $ort an* fro& t!e co,er of t!e #!ore#i*e ta,ern#+ 1n t!at ;(arter a"#o one or t)o !o(#e# !a* 'een fire* an* t!e #&o/e to)ere* !i%! in t!e fro#t #(n"i%!t an* '"e) off to #ea in ,o"(&ino(# fo"*#+ A"rea* c"o#e ($on t!e &ar%in of t!e )oo*# an* #o&e)!at in t!e "ine of Ho")oo* one $artic("ar c"(&$ of f"eein% !or#e&en ri,ete* t!e attention of t!e o(n% )atc!er on t!e to)er+ 1t )a# fair" n(&ero(#. in no ot!er ;(arter of t!e fie"* *i* #o &an Lanca#trian# #ti"" !o"* to%et!er. t!(# t!e !a* "eft a )i*e *i#co"o(re* )a/e ($on t!e #no) an* Dic/ )a# a'"e to trace t!e& #te$ ' #te$ fro& )!ere t!e !a* "eft t!e to)n+ W!i"e Dic/ #too* )atc!in% t!e& t!e !a* %aine* (no$$o#e* t!e fir#t frin%e of t!e "eaf"e## fore#t an* t(rnin% a "itt"e fro& t!eir *irection t!e #(n fe"" for a &o&ent f("" on t!eir arra a# it )a# re"ie,e* a%ain#t t!e *(#/ )oo*+ 6M(rre an* '"(e86 crie* Dic/+
61 #)ear it - &(rre an* '"(e86
T!e ne3t &o&ent !e )a# *e#cen*in% t!e #tair)a+ 1t )a# no) !i# '(#ine## to #ee/ o(t t!e D(/e of G"o(ce#ter )!o a"one in t!e *i#or*er of t!e force# &i%!t 'e a'"e to #($$" !i& )it! a #(fficienc of &en+ T!e fi%!tin% in t!e &ain to)n )a# no) $ractica"" at an en*. an* a# Dic/ ran !it!er an* t!it!er #ee/in% t!e co&&an*er t!e #treet# )ere t!ic/ )it! )an*erin% #o"*ier# #o&e "a*en )it! &ore 'oot t!an t!e co("* )e"" #ta%%er (n*er ot!er# #!o(tin% *r(n/+ None of t!e& )!en ;(e#tione* !a* t!e "ea#t
notion of t!e *(/e4# )!erea'o(t#. an* at "a#t it )a# ' #!eer %oo* fort(ne t!at Dic/ fo(n* !i& )!ere !e #at in t!e #a**"e *irectin% o$eration# to *i#"o*%e t!e arc!er# fro& t!e !ar'o(r #i*e+ 6Sir Ric!ar* S!e"ton e are )e"" fo(n*6 !e #ai*+ 61 o)e o( one t!in% t!at 1 ,a"(e "itt"e & "ife. an* one t!at 1 can ne,er $a o( for t!i# ,ictor+ Cate#' if 1 !a* ten #(c! ca$tain# a# Sir Ric!ar* 1 )o("* &arc! fort!ri%!t on Lon*on+ B(t no) #ir c"ai& o(r re)ar*+6 6Free" "or*6 #ai* Dic/ 6free" e#ca$e* to )!o& 1 & o)e #o&e %r(*%e# an* ta/en an* )it! "o(*"+ !i& one One )!o& !at! 1 o)e "o,e an* #er,ice+ Gi,e &e t!en fift "ance# t!at 1 &a $(r#(e. an* for an o'"i%ation t!at o(r %racio(#ne## i# $"ea#e* to a""o) it #!a"" 'e c"ean *i#c!ar%e*+6 6Ho) ca"" e !i&76 in;(ire* t!e *(/e+ 6Sir Danie" Brac/"e6 an#)ere* Ric!ar*+ 6O(t ($on !i& *o('"e-face86 crie* G"o(ce#ter+ 6Here i# no re)ar* Sir Ric!ar*. !ere i# fre#! #er,ice offere* an* if t!at e 'rin% !i# !ea* to &e a fre#! *e't ($on & con#cience+ Cate#' %et !i& t!e#e "ance#. an* o( #ir 'et!in/ e in t!e &ean)!i"e )!at $"ea#(re !ono(r or $rofit it #!a"" 'e &ine to %i,e o(+6 J(#t t!en t!e 9or/i#t #/ir&i#!er# carrie* one of t!e #!ore#i*e ta,ern# #)ar&in% in ($on it on t!ree #i*e# an* *ri,in% o(t or ta/in% it# *efen*er#+ Croo/'ac/ Dic/ )a# $"ea#e* to c!eer t!e e3$"oit an* $(#!in% !i# !or#e a "itt"e nearer ca""e* to #ee t!e $ri#oner#+ T!ere )ere fo(r or fi,e of t!e& - t)o &en of & Lor* S!ore'4# an* one of Lor* Ri#in%!a&4# a&on% t!e n(&'er an* "a#t '(t in Dic/4# ee# not "ea#t a ta"" #!a&'"in% %ri22"e* o"* #!i$&an 'et)een *r(n/ an* #o'er an* )it! a *o% )!i&$erin% an* 5(&$in% at !i# !ee"#+ T!e o(n% *(/e $a##e* t!e& for a &o&ent (n*er a #e,ere re,ie)+ 6Goo*6 !e #ai*+
6Han% t!e&+6
An* !e t(rne* t!e ot!er )a to )atc! t!e $ro%re## of t!e fi%!t+ 6M "or*6 #ai* Dic/ 6#o $"ea#e o( 1 !a,e fo(n* & re)ar*+ Grant &e t!e "ife an* "i'ert of on o"* #!i$&an+6 G"o(ce#ter t(rne* an* "oo/e* t!e #$ea/er in t!e face+ 6Sir Ric!ar*6 !e #ai* 61 &a/e not )ar )it! $eacoc/4# feat!er# '(t #tee" #!aft#+ T!o#e t!at are &ine ene&ie# 1 #"a an* t!at )it!o(t e3c(#e or fa,o(r+ For 'et!in/ e in t!i# rea"& of En%"an* t!at i# #o torn in $iece# t!ere i# not a &an of &ine '(t !at! a 'rot!er or a frien* ($on t!e ot!er $art+ 1f t!en 1 *i* 'e%in to %rant t!e#e $ar*on# 1 &i%!t #!eat!e & #)or*+6 61t &a 'e #o & "or*. an* et 1 )i"" 'e o,er'o"* an* at t!e ri#/ of o(r *i#fa,o(r reca"" o(r "or*#!i$4# $ro&i#e6 re$"ie* Dic/+
Ric!ar* of G"o(ce#ter f"(#!e*+ 6Mar/ it ri%!t )e""6 !e #ai* !ar#!"+ 61 "o,e not &erc nor et &erc&on%er#+ 9e !a,e t!i# *a "ai* t!e fo(n*ation# of !i%! fort(ne+ 1f e o$$o#e to &e & )or* )!ic! 1 !a,e $"i%!te* 1 )i"" ie"*+ B(t ' t!e %"or of !ea,en t!ere o(r fa,o(r *ie#8 6Mine i# t!e "o##6 #ai* Dic/+ 6Gi,e !i& !i# #ai"or6 #ai* t!e *(/e. an* )!ee"in% !i# !or#e !e t(rne* !i# 'ac/ ($on o(n% S!e"ton+ Dic/ )a# nor %"a* nor #orr+ He !a* #een too &(c! of t!e o(n% *(/e to #et %reat #tore on !i# affection. an* t!e ori%in an* %ro)t! of !i# o)n fa,o(r !a* 'een too f"i&# an* too ra$i* to in#$ire &(c! confi*ence+ One t!in% a"one !e feare* - t!at t!e ,in*icti,e "ea*er &i%!t re,o/e t!e offer of t!e "ance#+ B(t !ere !e *i* 5(#tice neit!er to G"o(ce#ter4# !ono(r =#(c! a# it )a#> nor a'o,e a"" to !i# *eci#ion+ 1f !e !a* once 5(*%e* Dic/ to 'e t!e ri%!t &an to $(r#(e Sir Danie" !e )a# not one to c!an%e. an* !e #oon $ro,e* it ' #!o(tin% after Cate#' to 'e #$ee* for t!e $a"a*in )a# )aitin%+ 1n t!e &ean)!i"e Dic/ t(rne* to t!e o"* #!i$&an )!o !a* #ee&e* e;(a"" in*ifferent to !i# con*e&nation an* to !i# #('#e;(ent re"ea#e+ 6Ar'"a#ter6 #ai* Dic/ 61 !a,e *one o( i"". '(t no) ' t!e roo* 1 t!in/ 1 !a,e c"eare* t!e #core+6 B(t t!e o"* #/i$$er on" "oo/e* ($on !i& *("" an* !e"* !i# $eace+ 6Co&e6 contin(e* Dic/ 6a "ife i# a "ife o"* #!re) an* it i# &ore t!an #!i$# or "i;(or+ Sa e for%i,e &e. for if o(r "ife 'e )ort! not!in% to o( it !at! co#t &e t!e 'e%innin%# of & fort(ne+ Co&e 1 !a,e $ai* for it *ear". 'e not #o c!(r"i#!+6 6An 1 !a* !a* & #!i$6 #ai* Ar'"a#ter 61 )o("* 4a4 'een fort! an* #afe on t!e !i%! #ea# - 1 an* & &an To&+ B(t e too/ & #!i$ %o##i$ an* 14& a 'e%%ar. an* for & &an To& a /na,e fe""o) in r(##et #!ot !i& *o)n+ 4M(rrain84 ;(ot! !e an* #$a/e ne,er a%ain+ 4M(rrain4 )a# t!e "a#t of !i# )or*# an* t!e $oor #$irit of !i& $a##e*+
4A )i"" ne,er #ai" no &ore )i"" & To&+46
Dic/ )a# #ei2e* )it! (na,ai"in% $enitence an* $it. !e #o(%!t to ta/e t!e #/i$$er4# !an* '(t Ar'"a#ter a,oi*e* !i# to(c!+ 6Na6 #ai* !e 6"et 'e+ t!at content o(+6
94 !a,e $"ae* t!e *e,i" )it! &e an* "et
T!e )or*# *ie* in Ric!ar*4# t!roat+ He #a) t!ro(%! tear# t!e $oor o"* &an 'e&(#e* )it! "i;(or an* #orro) %o #!a&'"in% a)a )it! 'o)e* !ea* acro## t!e #no) an* t!e (nnotice* *o% )!i&$erin% at !i# !ee"# an* for t!e fir#t ti&e 'e%an to (n*er#tan* t!e *e#$erate %a&e t!at )e $"a in "ife. an* !o) a t!in% once *one i# not to 'e c!an%e* or re&e*ie* ' an $enitence+ B(t t!ere )a# no ti&e "eft to !i& for ,ain re%ret+
Cate#' !a* no) co""ecte* t!e !or#e&en an* ri*in% ($ to Dic/ !e *i#&o(nte* an* offere* !i& !i# o)n !or#e+ 6T!i# &ornin%6 !e #ai* 61 )a# #o&e)!at 5ea"o(# of o(r fa,o(r. it !at! not 'een of a "on% %ro)t!. an* no) Sir Ric!ar* it i# )it! a ,er %oo* !eart t!at 1 offer o( t!i# !or#e - to ri*e a)a )it!+6 6S(ffer &e et a &o&ent6 re$"ie* Dic/+ )!ere($on )a# it fo(n*e*76
6T!i# fa,o(r of &ine -
6U$on o(r na&e6 an#)ere* i# &'e "or*4# c!ief #($er#tition+ Were & na&eCate#'+ Ric!ar* 61t 1 #!o("* an ear" to&orro)+6 6We"" #ir 1 t!an/ o(6 ret(rne* Dic/. 6an* #ince 1 a& "itt"e "i/e" to fo""o) t!e#e %reat fort(ne# 1 )i"" e,en #a fare)e""+ 1 )i"" not $reten* 1 )a# *i#$"ea#e* to t!in/ &#e"f ($on t!e roa* to fort(ne. '(t 1 )i"" not $reten* neit!er t!at 1 a& o,er-#orr to 'e *one )it! it+ Co&&an* an* ric!e# t!e are 'ra,e t!in%# to 'e #(re. '(t a )or* in o(r ear - on *(/e of o(r# !e i# a fear#o&e "a*+6 Cate#' "a(%!e*+ 6Na6 #ai* !e 6of a ,erit !e t!at ri*e# )it! Croo/e* Dic/ )i"" ri*e *ee$+ We"" Go* /ee$ (# a"" fro& e,i"8 S$ee* e )e""+6 T!ere($on Dic/ $(t !i&#e"f at t!e !ea* of !i# &en an* %i,in% t!e )or* of co&&an* ro*e off+ He &a*e #trai%!t acro## t!e to)n fo""o)in% )!at !e #($$o#e* to 'e t!e ro(te of Sir Danie" an* #$in% aro(n* for an #i%n# t!at &i%!t *eci*e if !e )ere ri%!t+ T!e #treet# )ere #tre)n )it! t!e *ea* an* t!e )o(n*e* )!o#e fate in t!e 'itter fro#t )a# far t!e &ore $itia'"e+ Gan%# of t!e ,ictor# )ent fro& !o(#e to !o(#e $i""a%in% an* #ta''in% an* #o&eti&e# #in%in% to%et!er a# t!e )ent+ Fro& *ifferent ;(arter# a# !e ro*e on t!e #o(n*# of ,io"ence an* o(tra%e ca&e to o(n% S!e"ton4# ear#. no) t!e '"o)# of t!e #"e*%e!a&&er on #o&e 'arrica*e* *oor an* no) t!e &i#era'"e #!rie/# of )o&en+ Dic/4# !eart !a* 5(#t 'een a)a/ene*+ He !a* 5(#t #een t!e cr(e" con#e;(ence# of !i# o)n 'e!a,io(r. an* t!e t!o(%!t of t!e #(& of &i#er t!at )a# no) actin% in t!e )!o"e of S!ore' fi""e* !i& )it! *e#$air+ At "en%t! !e reac!e* t!e o(t#/irt# an* t!ere #(re eno(%! !e #a) #trai%!t 'efore !i& t!e #a&e 'roa* 'eaten trac/ acro## t!e #no) t!at !e !a* &ar/e* fro& t!e #(&&it of t!e c!(rc!+ Here t!en !e )ent t!e fa#ter on. '(t #ti"" a# !e ro*e !e /e$t a 'ri%!t ee ($on t!e fa""en &en an* !or#e# t!at "a 'e#i*e t!e trac/+ Man of t!e#e !e )a# re"ie,e* to #ee )ore Sir Danie"4# co"o(r# an* t!e face# of #o&e )!o "a ($on t!eir 'ac/ !e e,en reco%ni#e*+ A'o(t !a"f-)a 'et)een t!e to)n an* t!e fore#t t!o#e )!o& !e )a# fo""o)in% !a* $"ain" 'een a##ai"e* ' arc!er#. for t!e cor$#e# "a
$rett c"o#e" #cattere* eac! $ierce* ' an arro)+ An* !ere Dic/ #$ie* a&on% t!e re#t t!e 'o* of a ,er o(n% "a* )!o#e face )a# #o&e!o) !a(ntin%" fa&i"iar to !i&+ He !a"te* !i# troo$ *i#&o(nte* an* rai#e* t!e "a*4# !ea*+ A# !e *i* #o t!e !oo* fe"" 'ac/ an* a $rof(#ion of "on% 'ro)n !air (nro""e* it#e"f+ At t!e #a&e ti&e t!e ee# o$ene*+ 6A!8 "ion *ri,er86 #ai* a fee'"e ,oice+ - ri*e fa#t86
6S!e i# fart!er on+
Ri*e
An* t!en t!e $oor o(n% "a* fainte* once a%ain+ One of Dic/4# &en carrie* a f"a#/ of #o&e #tron% cor*ia" an* )it! t!i# Dic/ #(ccee*e* in re,i,in% con#cio(#ne##+ T!en !e too/ Joanna4# frien* ($on !i# #a**"e'o) an* once &ore $(#!e* to)ar* t!e fore#t+ 6W! *o e ta/e &e76 #ai* t!e %ir"+
69e '(t *e"a o(r #$ee*+6
6Na Mi#tre## Ri#in%!a&6 re$"ie* Dic/+ 6S!ore' i# f("" of '"oo* an* *r(n/enne## an* riot+ Here e are #afe. content e+6 61 )i"" not 'e 'e!o"*en to an of o(r faction6 #!e crie*. 6#et &e *o)n+6 6Ma*a& e /no) not )!at e #a6 ret(rne* Dic/+ 61 a& not6 #!e #ai*+
694 are !(rt6 -
61t )a# & !or#e )a# #"ain+6
61t &atter# not one 5ot6 re$"ie* Ric!ar*+ 69e are !ere in t!e &i*#t of o$en #no) an* co&$a##e* a'o(t )it! ene&ie#+ W!et!er e )i"" or not 1 carr o( )it! &e+ G"a* a& 1 to !a,e t!e occa#ion. for t!(# #!a"" 1 re$a #o&e $ortion of o(r *e't+6 For a "itt"e )!i"e #!e )a# #i"ent+
T!en ,er #(**en" #!e a#/e*:
6M (nc"e76 6M Lor* Ri#in%!a&76 ret(rne* Dic/+ 61 )o("* 1 !a* %oo* ne)# to %i,e o( &a*a&. '(t 1 !a,e none+ 1 #a) !i& once in t!e 'att"e an* once on"+ Let (# !o$e t!e 'e#t+6
CHAPTER 0 - N1GHT 1N THE WOODS:
AL1C1A R1S1NGHAM
1t )a# a"&o#t certain t!at Sir Danie" !a* &a*e for t!e Moat Ho(#e. '(t con#i*erin% t!e !ea, #no) t!e "atene## of t!e !o(r an* t!e nece##it (n*er )!ic! !e )o("* "ie of a,oi*in% t!e fe) roa*# an* #tri/in% acro## t!e )oo* it )a# e;(a"" certain t!at !e co("* not !o$e to reac! it ere t!e &orro)+ T!ere )ere t)o co(r#e# o$en to Dic/. eit!er to contin(e to fo""o) in t!e /ni%!t4# trai" an* if !e )ere a'"e to fa"" ($on !i& t!at ,er ni%!t in ca&$ or to #tri/e o(t a $at! of !i# o)n an* #ee/ to $"ace !i&#e"f 'et)een Sir Danie" an* !i# *e#tination+
Eit!er #c!e&e )a# o$en to #erio(# o'5ection an* Dic/ )!o feare* to e3$o#e Joanna to t!e !a2ar*# of a fi%!t !a* not et *eci*e* 'et)een t!e& )!en !e reac!e* t!e 'or*er# of t!e )oo*+ At t!i# $oint Sir Danie" !a* t(rne* a "itt"e to !i# "eft an* t!en $"(n%e* #trai%!t (n*er a %ro,e of ,er "oft ti&'er+ Hi# $art !a* t!en for&e* to a narro)er front in or*er to $a## 'et)een t!e tree# an* t!e trac/ )a# tro* $ro$ortiona"" *ee$er in t!e #no)+ T!e ee fo""o)e* it (n*er t!e "eaf"e## tracer of t!e oa/# r(nnin% *irect an* narro). tree# it t!ere )it! /nott t!e %reat ($"ifte*t!e fore#t of#too* t!eiro,er 'o(%!#. )a# no5oint# #o(n*an* )!et!er of &an or 'ea#t - not #o &(c! a# t!e #tirrin% of a ro'in. an* o,er t!e fie"* of #no) t!e )inter #(n "a %o"*en a&on% nette* #!a*o)#+ 6Ho) #a e6 a#/e* Dic/ of one of t!e &en 6to fo""o) #trai%!t on or #tri/e acro## for T(n#ta""76 6Sir Ric!ar*6 re$"ie* t!e &an-at-ar&# 61 )o("* fo""o) t!e "ine (nti" t!e #catter+6 69e are *o('t"e## ri%!t6 ret(rne* Dic/. 6'(t )e ca&e ri%!t !a#ti" ($on t!e erran* e,en a# t!e ti&e co&&an*e*+ Here are no !o(#e# neit!er for foo* nor #!e"ter an* ' t!e &orro)4# *a)n )e #!a"" /no) 'ot! co"* fin%er# an* an e&$t 'e""+ Ho) #a e "a*#7 Wi"" e #tan* a $inc! for e3$e*ition4# #a/e or #!a"" )e t(rn ' Ho")oo* an* #($ )it! Mot!er C!(rc!7 T!e ca#e 'ein% #o&e)!at *o('tf(" 1 )i"" *ri,e no &an. et if e )o("* #(ffer &e to "ea* o( e )o("* c!oo#e t!e fir#t+6 T!e &en an#)ere* a"&o#t )it! one ,oice t!at t!e )o("* fo""o) Sir Ric!ar* )!ere !e )o("*+ An* Dic/ #ettin% #$(r to !i# !or#e 'e%an once &ore to %o for)ar*+ T!e #no) in t!e trai" !a* 'een tro**en ,er !ar* an* t!e $(r#(er# !a* t!(# a %reat a*,anta%e o,er t!e $(r#(e*+ T!e $(#!e* on in*ee* at a ro(n* trot t)o !(n*re* !oof# 'eatin% a"ternate" on t!e *("" $a,e&ent of t!e #no) an* t!e 5in%"e of )ea$on# an* t!e #nortin% of !or#e# rai#in% a )ar"i/e noi#e a"on% t!e arc!e# of t!e #i"ent )oo*+ Pre#ent" t!e )i*e #"ot of t!e $(r#(e* ca&e o(t ($on t!e !i%! roa* fro& Ho")oo*. it )a# t!ere for a &o&ent in*i#tin%(i#!a'"e. an* )!ere it once &ore $"(n%e* into t!e (n'eaten #no) ($on t!e fart!er #i*e Dic/ )a# #(r$ri#e* to #ee it narro)er an* "i%!ter tro*+ P"ain" $rofitin% ' t!e roa* Sir Danie" !a* 'e%(n a"rea* to #catter !i# co&&an*+ At a"" !a2ar*# one c!ance 'ein% e;(a" to anot!er Dic/ contin(e* to $(r#(e t!e #trai%!t trai". an* t!at after an !o(r4# ri*in% in )!ic! it "e* into t!e ,er *e$t!# of t!e fore#t #(**en" #$"it "i/e a '(r#tin% #!e"" into t)o *o2en ot!er# "ea*in% to e,er $oint of t!e co&$a##+ Dic/ *re) 'ri*"e in *e#$air+ T!e #!ort )inter4# *a )a# near an en*. t!e #(n a *("" re* oran%e #!orn of ra# #)a& "o) a&on% t!e "eaf"e## t!ic/et#. t!e #!a*o)# )ere a &i"e "on% ($on t!e #no). t!e
fro#t 'it cr(e"" at t!e fin%er-nai"#. an* t!e 'reat! an* #tea& of t!e !or#e# &o(nte* in a c"o(*+ 6We"" )e are o(t)itte*6 Dic/ confe##e*+ 6Stri/e )e for Ho")oo* after a""+ 1t i# #ti"" nearer (# t!an T(n#ta"" - or #!o("* 'e ' t!e #tation of t!e #(n+6 So t!e )!ee"e* to t!eir "eft t(rnin% t!eir 'ac/# on t!e re* #!ie"* of #(n an* &a*e acro## co(ntr for t!e a''e+ B(t no) ti&e# )ere c!an%e* )it! t!e&. t!e co("* no "on%er #$an/ fort! 'ri#/" on )!ic! a $at! 'eaten ' t!e $a##a%e of t!eir an* for a %oa" to t!at $at!fir& it#e"f con*(cte* t!e&+ No) foe# t!e &(#t $"o(%! at a *("" $ace t!ro(%! t!e enc(&'erin% #no) contin(a"" $a(#in% to *eci*e t!eir co(r#e contin(a"" f"o(n*erin% in *rift#+ T!e #(n #oon "eft t!e&. t!e %"o) of t!e )e#t *ecae*. an* $re#ent" t!e )ere )an*erin% in a #!a*o) of '"ac/ne## (n*er fro#t #tar#+ Pre#ent" in*ee* t!e &oon )o("* c"ear t!e !i""to$# an* t!e &i%!t re#(&e t!eir &arc!+ B(t ti"" t!en e,er ran*o& #te$ &i%!t carr t!e& )i*er of t!eir &arc!+ T!ere )a# not!in% for it '(t to ca&$ an* )ait+ Sentrie# )ere $o#te*. a #$ot of %ro(n* )a# c"eare* of #no) an* after #o&e fai"(re# a %oo* fire '"a2e* in t!e &i*#t+ T!e &en-atar&# #at c"o#e a'o(t t!i# fore#t !eart! #!arin% #(c! $ro,i#ion# a# t!e !a* an* $a##in% a'o(t t!e f"a#/. an* Dic/ !a,in% co""ecte* t!e &o#t *e"icate of t!e ro(%! an* #cant fare 'ro(%!t it to Lor* Ri#in%!a&4# niece )!ere #!e #at a$art fro& t!e #o"*ier a%ain#t a tree+ S!e #at ($on one !or#e-c"ot! )ra$$e* in anot!er an* #tare* #trai%!t 'efore !er at t!e fire"it #cene+ At t!e offer of foo* #!e #tarte* "i/e one )a/ene* fro& a *rea& an* t!en #i"ent" ref(#e*+ 6Ma*a&6 #ai* Dic/ 6"et &e 'e#eec! o( $(ni#! &e not #o cr(e""+ W!erein 1 !a,e offen*e* o( 1 /no) not. 1 !a,e in*ee* carrie* o( a)a '(t )it! a frien*" ,io"ence. 1 !a,e in*ee* e3$o#e* o( to t!e inc"e&enc of ni%!t '(t t!e !(rr t!at "ie# ($on &e !at! for it# en* t!e $re#er,ation of anot!er )!o i# no "e## frai" an* no "e## (nfrien*e* t!an o(r#e"f+ At "ea#t &a*a& $(ni#! not o(r#e"f. an* eat if not for !(n%er t!en for #tren%t!+6 61 )i"" eat not!in% at t!e !an*# t!at #"e) & /in#&an6 #!e re$"ie*+ 6Dear &a*a&6 Dic/ crie* 61 #)ear to o( ($on t!e roo* 1 to(c!e* !i& not+6 6S)ear to &e t!at !e #ti"" "i,e#6 #!e ret(rne*+ 61 )i"" not $a"ter )it! o(6 an#)ere* Dic/+ 6Pit 'i*# &e to )o(n* o(+ 1n & !eart 1 *o 'e"ie,e !i& *ea*+6 6An* e a#/ &e to eat86 #!e crie*+ 6A an* t!e ca"" o( 4#ir84 94 !a,e )on o(r #$(r# ' & %oo* /in#&an4# &(r*er+ An* !a* 1 not 'een foo" an* traitor 'ot! an* #a,e* o( in o(r ene&4# !o(#e e #!o("* !a,e *ie* t!e *eat! an* !e - !e t!at )a# )ort! t)e",e of o( - )ere "i,in%+6
61 *i* '(t & &an4# 'e#t e,en a# o(r /in#&an *i* ($on t!e ot!er $art6 an#)ere* Dic/+ 6Were !e #ti"" "i,in% - a# 1 ,o) to Hea,en 1 )i#! it8 - !e )o("* $rai#e not '"a&e &e+6 6Sir Danie" !at! to"* &e6 #!e re$"ie*+ 6He &ar/e* o( at t!e 'arrica*e+ U$on o( !e #ait! t!eir $art fo(n*ere*. it )a# o( t!at )on t!e 'att"e+ We"" t!en it )a# o( t!at /i""e* & %oo* Lor* Ri#in%!a& a# #(re a# t!o(%! e !a* #tran%"e* !i&+ An* e )o("* !a,e &e eat )it! o( - an* o(r !an*# not )a#!e* fro& /i""in%7 B(t Sir Danie" !at! #)orn o(r *o)nfa""+ He 4ti# t!at )i"" a,en%e &e86 T!e (nfort(nate Dic/ )a# $"(n%e* in %"oo&+ ($on !i# &in* an* !e %roane* a"o(*+
O"* Ar'"a#ter ret(rne*
6Do e !o"* &e #o %(i"t76 !e #ai*. 6o( t!at *efen*e* &e - o( t!at are Joanna4# frien*76 6W!at &a*e e in t!e 'att"e76 #!e retorte*+ 694 are of no $art. 4 are '(t a "a* - '(t "e%# an* 'o* )it!o(t %o,ern&ent of )it or co(n#e"8 W!erefore *i* e fi%!t7 For t!e "o,e of !(rt $ar*86 6Na6 crie* Dic/ 61 /no) not+ B(t a# t!e rea"& of En%"an* %oe# if t!at a $oor %ent"e&an fi%!t not ($on t!e one #i*e $erforce !e &(#t fi%!t ($on t!e ot!er+ He &a not #tan* a"one. 4ti# not in nat(re+6 6T!e t!at !a,e no 5(*%&ent #!o("* not *ra) t!e #)or*6 re$"ie* t!e o(n% "a*+ 69e t!at fi%!t '(t for a !a2ar* )!at are e '(t a '(tc!er7 War i# '(t no'"e ' t!e ca(#e an* 4 !a,e *i#%race* it+6 6Ma*a&6 #ai* t!e &i#era'"e Dic/ 61 *o $art" #ee &ine error+ 1 !a,e &a*e too &(c! !a#te. 1 !a,e 'een '(# 'efore & ti&e+ A"rea* 1 #to"e a #!i$ - t!in/in% 1 *o #)ear it to *o )e"" - an* t!ere' 'ro(%!t a'o(t t!e *eat! of &an innocent an* t!e %rief an* r(in of a $oor o"* &an )!o#e face t!i# ,er *a !at! #ta''e* &e "i/e a *a%%er+ An* for t!i# &ornin% 1 *i* '(t *e#i%n to *o &#e"f cre*it an* %et fa&e to &arr )it! an* 'e!o"*8 1 !a,e 'ro(%!t a'o(t t!e *eat! of o(r *ear /in#&an t!at )a# %oo* to &e+ An* )!at 'e#i*e# 1 /no) not+ For a"a#8 1 &a !a,e #et 9or/ ($on t!e t!rone an* t!at &a 'e t!e )or#er ca(#e an* &a *o !(rt to En%"an*+ O &a*a& 1 *o #ee & #in+ 1 a& (nfit for "ife+ 1 )i"" for $enance #a/e an* to a,oi* )or#e e,i" once 1 !a,e fini#!e* t!i# a*,ent(re %et &e to a c"oi#ter+ 1 )i"" for#)ear Joanna an* t!e tra*e of ar&#+ 1 )i"" 'e a friar an* $ra for o(r %oo* /in#&an4# #$irit a"" & *a#+6 1t a$$eare* to Dic/ in t!i# e3tre&it of !i# !(&i"iation an* re$entance t!at t!e o(n% "a* !a* "a(%!e*+ Rai#in% !i# co(ntenance !e fo(n* !er "oo/in% *o)n ($on !i& in t!e fire-"i%!t )it! a #o&e)!at $ec("iar '(t not (n/in* e3$re##ion+ 6Ma*a&6 !e crie* t!in/in% t!e "a(%!ter to !a,e 'een an i""(#ion of !i# !earin% '(t #ti"" fro& !er c!an%e* "oo/# !o$in% to !a,e to(c!e* !er !eart 6&a*a& )i"" not t!i# content o(7 1 %i,e ($ a"" to (n*o )!at 1 !a,e *one a&i##. 1 &a/e !ea,en certain for Lor* Ri#in%!a&+ An* a"" t!i# ($on t!e ,er *a t!at 1 !a,e )on & #$(r# an* t!o(%!t &#e"f t!e !a$$ie#t o(n% %ent"e&an on %ro(n*+6
6O 'o6 #!e #ai* - 6%oo* 'o86 An* t!en to t!e e3tre&e #(r$ri#e of Dic/ #!e fir#t ,er ten*er" )i$e* t!e tear# a)a fro& !i# c!ee/# an* t!en a# if ie"*in% to a #(**en i&$("#e t!re) 'ot! !er ar&# a'o(t !i# nec/ *re) ($ !i# face an* /i##e* !i&+ A $itif(" 'e)i"*er&ent ca&e o,er #i&$"e&in*e* Dic/+ 6B(t co&e6 #!e #ai* )it! %reat c!eerf("ne## 6o( t!at are a ca$tain e &(#t eat+
W! #($ e not76
6Dear Mi#tre## Ri#in%!a&6 re$"ie* Dic/ 61 *i* '(t )ait fir#t ($on & $ri#oner. '(t to #a tr(t! $enitence )i"" no "on%er #(ffer &e to en*(re t!e #i%!t of foo*+ 1 )ere 'etter to fa#t *ear "a* an* to $ra+6 6Ca"" &e A"icia6 #!e #ai*. 6are )e not o"* frien*#7 An* no) co&e 1 )i"" eat )it! o( 'it for 'it an* #($ for #($. #o if e eat not neit!er )i"" 1. '(t if e eat !eart 1 )i"" *ine "i/e a $"o(%!&an+6 So t!ere an* t!en #!e fe"" to. an* Dic/ )!o !a* an e3ce""ent #to&ac! $rocee*e* to 'ear !er co&$an at fir#t )it! %reat re"(ctance '(t %ra*(a"" a# !e entere* into t!e #$irit )it! &ore an* &ore ,i%o(r an* *e,otion: (nti" at "a#t !e for%ot e,en to )atc! !i# &o*e" an* &o#t !earti" re$aire* t!e e3$en#e# of !i# *a of "a'o(r an* e3cite&ent+ 6Lion-*ri,er6 #!e #ai* at "en%t! 6e *o not a*&ire a &ai* in a &an4# 5er/in76 T!e &oon )a# no) ($. an* t!e )ere on" )aitin% to re$o#e t!e )earie* !or#e#+ B t!e &oon4# "i%!t t!e #ti"" $enitent '(t no) )e""-fe* Ric!ar* 'e!e"* !er "oo/in% #o&e)!at co;(etti#!" *o)n ($on !i&+ 6Ma*a&6 - !e #ta&&ere* #(r$ri#e* at t!i# ne) t(rn in !er &anner#+ 6Na6 #!e interr($te* 6it #/i""# not to *en. Joanna !at! to"* &e '(t co&e Sir Lion-*ri,er "oo/ at &e - a& 1 #o !o&e" - co&e86 An* #!e &a*e 'ri%!t ee# at !i&+ 69e are #o&et!in% #&a""i#! in*ee*6 - 'e%an Dic/+ An* !ere a%ain #!e interr($te* !i& t!i# ti&e )it! a rin%in% $ea" of "a(%!ter t!at co&$"ete* !i# conf(#ion an* #(r$ri#e+ 6S&a""i#!86 #!e crie*+ 6Na no) 'e !one#t a# e are 'o"*. 1 a& a *)arf or "itt"e 'etter. '(t for a"" t!at - co&e te"" &e8 - for a"" t!at $a##a'" fair to "oo/ ($on. i#4t not #o76 6Na &a*a& e3cee*in%" fair6 #ai* t!e *i#tre##e* /ni%!t $itif("" trin% to #ee& ea#+ 6An* a &an )o("* 'e ri%!t %"a* to )e* &e76 #!e $(r#(e*+ 6O &a*a& ri%!t %"a*86 a%ree* Dic/+
6Ca"" &e A"icia6 #ai* #!e+ 6A"icia6 ;(ot! Sir Ric!ar*+ 6We"" t!en "ion-*ri,er6 #!e contin(e* 6#it! t!at e #"e) & /in#&an an* "eft &e )it!o(t #ta e o)e &e in !ono(r e,er re$aration. *o e not76 61 *o &a*a&6 #ai* Dic/+
6A"t!o(%! ($on & !eart 1 *o !o"* &e
'(t $artia"" %(i"t of t!at 'ra,e /ni%!t4# '"oo*+6 6Wo("* e e,a*e &e76 #!e crie*+ 6Ma*a& not #o+ 1 !a,e to"* o(. at o(r 'i**in% 1 )i"" e,en t(rn &e a &on/6 #ai* Ric!ar*+ 6T!en in !ono(r e 'e"on% to &e76 #!e conc"(*e*+ 61n !ono(r &a*a& 1 #($$o#e6 - 'e%an t!e o(n% &an+ 6Go to86 #!e interr($te*. 6e are too f("" of catc!e#+ *o e 'e"on% to &e ti"" e !a,e $ai* t!e e,i"76
1n !ono(r
61n !ono(r 1 *o6 #ai* Dic/+ 6Hear t!en6 #!e contin(e*. 69e )o("* &a/e '(t a #a* friar &et!in/#. an* #ince 1 a& to *i#$o#e of o( at $"ea#(re 1 )i"" e,en ta/e o( for & !(#'an*+ Na no) no )or*#86 crie* #!e+ 6T!e )i"" a,ai" o( not!in%+ For #ee !o) 5(#t it i# t!at o( )!o *e$ri,e* &e of one !o&e #!o("* #($$" &e )it! anot!er+ An* a# for Joanna #!e )i"" 'e t!e fir#t 'e"ie,e &e to co&&en* t!e c!an%e. for after a"" a# )e 'e *ear frien*# )!at &atter# it )it! )!ic! of (# e )e*7 Not one )!it86 6Ma*a&6 #ai* Dic/ 61 )i"" %o into a c"oi#ter an e $"ea#e to 'i* &e. '(t to )e* )it! anone in t!i# 'i% )or"* 'e#i*e# Joanna Se*"e i# )!at 1 )i"" con#ent to neit!er for &an4# force nor et for "a*4# $"ea#(re+ Par*on &e if 1 #$ea/ & $"ain t!o(%!t# $"ain". '(t )!ere a &ai* i# ,er 'o"* a $oor &an &(#t e,en 'e t!e 'o"*er+6 6Dic/6 #!e #ai* 6e #)eet 'o e &(#t co&e an* /i## &e for t!at )or*+ Na fear not e #!a"" /i## &e for Joanna. an* )!en )e &eet 1 #!a"" %i,e it 'ac/ to !er an* #a 1 #to"e it+ An* a# for )!at e o)e &e )! *ear #i&$"eton &et!in/# e )ere not a"one in t!at %reat 'att"e. an* e,en if 9or/ 'e on t!e t!rone it )a# not o( t!at #et !i& t!ere+ B(t for a %oo* #)eet !one#t !eart Dic/ 4 are a"" t!at. an* if 1 co("* fin* it in & #o(" to en, o(r Joanna ant!in% 1 )o("* e,en en, !er o(r "o,e+6
CHAPTER 01 - N1GHT 1N THE WOODS =conc"(*e*>:
D1CK AND JOAN
T!e !or#e# !a* ' t!i# ti&e fini#!e* t!e #&a"" #tore of $ro,en*er an* f("" 'reat!e* fro& t!eir fati%(e#+ At Dic/4# co&&an* t!e fire )a# #&ot!ere* in #no). an* )!i"e !i# &en %ot once &ore )eari"
to #a**"e !e !i&#e"f re&e&'erin% #o&e)!at "ate tr(e )oo*"an* ca(tion c!o#e a ta"" oa/ an* ni&'" c"a&'ere* to t!e to$&o#t for/+ Hence !e co("* "oo/ far a'roa* on t!e &oon"it an* #no)-$a,en fore#t+ On t!e #o(t!-)e#t *ar/ a%ain#t t!e !ori2on #too* t!o#e ($"an* !eat! ;(arter# )!ere !e an* Joanna !a* &et )it! t!e terrifin% &i#a*,ent(re of t!e "e$er+ An* t!ere !i# ee )a# ca(%!t ' a #$ot of r(** 'ri%!tne## no 'i%%er t!an a nee*"e4# ee+ He '"a&e* !i&#e"f #!ar$" for !i# $re,io(# ne%"ect+ Were t!at a# it a$$eare* to 'e t!e #!inin% of Sir Danie"4# ca&$-fire !e #!o("* "on% a%o !a,e #een &arc!e*!i# fornei%!'o(r!oo* it. a'o,e a"" #!o("*a for no con#i*eration !a,e an* anno(nce* ' !e "i%!tin% fire of !i# o)n+ B(t no) !e &(#t no "on%er #;(an*er ,a"(a'"e !o(r#+ T!e *irect )a to t!e ($"an*# )a# a'o(t t)o &i"e# in "en%t!. '(t it )a# cro##e* ' a ,er *ee$ $reci$ito(# *in%"e i&$a##a'"e to &o(nte* &en. an* for t!e #a/e of #$ee* it #ee&e* to Dic/ a*,i#a'"e to *e#ert t!e !or#e# an* atte&$t t!e a*,ent(re on foot+ Ten &en )ere "eft to %(ar* t!e !or#e#. #i%na"# )ere a%ree* ($on ' )!ic! t!e co("* co&&(nicate in ca#e of nee*. an* Dic/ #et fort! at t!e !ea* of t!e re&ain*er A"icia Ri#in%!a& )a"/in% #to(t" ' !i# #i*e+ T!e &en !a* free* t!e&#e",e# of !ea, ar&o(r an* "eft 'e!in* t!eir "ance#. an* t!e no) &arc!e* )it! a ,er %oo* #$irit in t!e fro2en #no) an* (n*er t!e e3!i"aratin% "(#tre of t!e &oon+ T!e *e#cent into t!e *in%"e )!ere a #trea& #traine* #o''in% t!ro(%! t!e #no) an* ice )a# effecte* )it! #i"ence an* or*er. an* on t!e f(rt!er #i*e 'ein% t!en )it!in a #!ort !a"f &i"e of )!ere Dic/ !a* #een t!e %"i&&er of t!e fire t!e $art !a"te* to 'reat!e 'efore t!e attac/+ 1n t!e ,a#t #i"ence of t!e )oo* t!e "i%!te#t #o(n*# )ere a(*i'"e fro& far. an* A"icia )!o )a# /een of !earin% !e"* ($ !er fin%er )arnin%" an* #too$e* to "i#ten+ A"" fo""o)e* !er e3a&$"e. '(t 'e#i*e# t!e %roan# of t!e c!o/e* 'roo/ in t!e *in%"e c"o#e 'e!in* an* t!e 'ar/in% of a fo3 at a *i#tance of &an &i"e# a&on% t!e fore#t to Dic/4# ac(te#t !ear/enin% not a 'reat! )a# a(*i'"e+ 6B(t et for #(re 1 !ear* t!e c"a#! of !arne##6 )!i#$ere* A"icia+ 6Ma*a&6 ret(rne* Dic/ )!o )a# &ore afrai* of t!at o(n% "a* t!an of ten #to(t )arrior# 61 )o("* not !int e )ere &i#ta/en. '(t it &i%!t )e"" !a,e co&e fro& eit!er of t!e ca&$#+6 61t ca&e not t!ence+
1t ca&e fro& )e#t)ar*6 #!e *ec"are*+
61t &a 'e )!at it )i""6 ret(rne* Dic/. 6an* it &(#t 'e a# !ea,en $"ea#e+ Rec/ )e not a 5ot '(t $(#! on t!e "i,e"ier an* $(t it to t!e to(c!+ U$ frien*# - eno(%! 'reat!e*+6 A# t!e a*,ance* t!e #no) 'eca&e &ore an* &ore tra&$"e* )it! !oof&ar/# an* it )a# $"ain t!at t!e )ere *ra)in% near to t!e enca&$&ent of a con#i*era'"e force of &o(nte* &en+ Pre#ent" t!e co("* #ee t!e #&o/e $o(rin% fro& a&on% t!e tree# r(**i" co"o(re* on it# "o)er e*%e an* #catterin% 'ri%!t #$ar/#+ An* !ere $(r#(ant to Dic/4# or*er# !i# &en 'e%an to o$en o(t
cree$in% #tea"t!i" in t!e co,ert to #(rro(n* on e,er #i*e t!e ca&$ of t!eir o$$onent#+ He !i&#e"f $"acin% A"icia in t!e #!e"ter of a '("/ oa/ #to"e #trai%!t fort! in t!e *irection of t!e fire+ At "a#t t!ro(%! an o$enin% of t!e )oo* !i# ee e&'race* t!e #cene of t!e enca&$&ent+ T!e fire !a* 'een '(i"t ($on a !eat! !(&&oc/ of t!e %ro(n* #(rro(n*e* on t!ree #i*e# ' t!ic/et an* it no) '(rne* ,er #tron% roarin% a"o(* an* 'ran*i#!in% f"a&e#+ Aro(n* it t!ere #at not ;(ite a *o2en $eo$"e )ar&" c"oa/e*. '(t t!o(%! t!e nei%!'o(rin% #no) )a# tra&$"e* *o)n a# ' a re%i&ent Dic/ "oo/e* in ,ain for)a# ano(t-&anoe(,re*+ !or#e+ He 'e%anAt to t!e !a,e a terri'"e &i#%i,in% t!at !e #a&e ti&e in a ta"" &an )it! a #tee" #a"et )!o )a# #$rea*in% !i# !an*# 'efore t!e '"a2e !e reco%ni#e* !i# o"* frien* an* #ti"" /in*" ene& Bennet Hatc!. an* in t)o ot!er# #ittin% a "itt"e 'ac/ !e &a*e o(t e,en in t!eir &a"e *i#%(i#e Joanna Se*"e an* Sir Danie"4# )ife+ 6We""6 t!o(%!t !e to !i&#e"f 6e,en if 1 "o#e & !or#e# "et &e %et & Joanna an* )! #!o("* 1 co&$"ain76 An* t!en fro& t!e f(rt!er #i*e of t!e enca&$&ent t!ere ca&e a "itt"e )!i#t"e anno(ncin% t!at !i# &en !a* 5oine* an* t!e in,e#t&ent )a# co&$"ete+ Bennet at t!e #o(n* #tarte* to !i# feet. '(t ere !e !a* ti&e to #$rin% ($on !i# ar&# Dic/ !ai"e* !i&+ 6Bennet6 !e #ai* - 6Bennet o"* frien* ie"* e+ #$i"" &en4# "i,e# in ,ain if e re#i#t+6 64Ti# Ma#ter S!e"ton ' St+ Bar'ar86 crie* Hatc!+ a#/ &(c!+ W!at force !a,e e76
9e )i"" '(t
69ie"* &e7
9e
61 te"" o( Bennet e are 'ot! o(tn(&'ere* an* 'e%irt6 #ai* Dic/+ 6Cae#ar an* C!ar"e&a%ne )o("* cr for ;(arter+ 1 !a,e t)o #core &en at & )!i#t"e an* )it! one #!oot of arro)# 1 co("* an#)er for o( a""+6 6Ma#ter Dic/6 #ai* Bennet 6it %oe# a%ain#t & !eart. '(t 1 &(#t *o & *(t+ T!e #aint# !e"$ o(86 An* t!ere)it! !e rai#e* a "itt"e t(c/et to !i# &o(t! an* )o(n* a ro(#in% ca""+ T!en fo""o)e* a &o&ent of conf(#ion. for )!i"e Dic/ fearin% for t!e "a*ie# #ti"" !e#itate* to %i,e t!e )or* to #!oot Hatc!4# "itt"e 'an* #$ran% to t!eir )ea$on# an* for&e* 'ac/ to 'ac/ a# for a fierce re#i#tance+ 1n t!e !(rr of t!eir c!an%e of $"ace Joanna #$ran% fro& !er #eat an* ran "i/e an arro) to !er "o,er4# #i*e+ 6Here Dic/86 #!e crie* a# #!e c"a#$e* !i# !an* in !er#+ B(t Dic/ #ti"" #too* irre#o"(te. !e )a# et o(n% to t!e &ore *e$"ora'"e nece##itie# of )ar an* t!e t!o(%!t of o"* La* Brac/"e c!ec/e* t!e co&&an* ($on !i# ton%(e+ Hi# o)n &en 'eca&e re#ti,e+ So&e of t!e& crie* on !i& ' na&e. ot!er# of t!eir o)n accor* 'e%an to #!oot. an* at t!e fir#t *i#c!ar%e $oor Bennet 'it t!e *(#t+ T!en Dic/ a)o/e+ 6On86 !e crie*+ 9or/86
6S!oot 'o# an* /ee$ to co,er+
En%"an* an*
B(t 5(#t t!en t!e *("" 'eat of &an !or#e# on t!e #no) #(**en" aro#e in t!e !o""o) ear of t!e ni%!t an* )it! incre*i'"e #)iftne## *re) nearer an* #)e""e* "o(*er+ At t!e #a&e ti&e an#)erin% t(c/et# re$eate* an* re$eate* Hatc!4# ca""+ 6Ra"" ra""86 crie* Dic/+ "i,e#86
6Ra"" ($on &e8
Ra"" for o(r
B(t !i# &en - afoot #cattere* ta/en in t!e !o(r )!en t!e !a* co(nte* on an* an ea# tri(&$! 'e%an in#tea* to %i,einto %ro(n* #e,era"" eit!er #too*-)a,erin% or *i#$er#e* t!e t!ic/et#+ An* )!en t!e fir#t of t!e !or#e&en ca&e c!ar%in% t!ro(%! t!e o$en a,en(e# an* fierce" ri*in% t!eir #tee*# into t!e (n*er)oo* a fe) #tra%%"er# )ere o,ert!ro)n or #$eare* a&on% t!e 'r(#! '(t t!e '("/ of Dic/4# co&&an* !a* #i&$" &e"te* at t!e r(&o(r of t!eir co&in%+ Dic/ #too* for a &o&ent 'itter" reco%ni#in% t!e fr(it# of !i# $reci$itate an* (n)i#e ,a"o(r+ Sir Danie" !a* #een t!e fire. !e !a* &o,e* o(t )it! !i# &ain force )!et!er to attac/ !i# $(r#(er# or to ta/e t!e& in t!e rear if t!e #!o("* ,ent(re t!e a##a("t+ Hi# !a* 'een t!ro(%!o(t t!e $art of a #a%acio(# ca$tain. Dic/4# t!e con*(ct of an ea%er 'o+ An* !ere )a# t!e o(n% /ni%!t !i# #)eet!eart in*ee* !o"*in% !i& ti%!t" ' t!e !an* '(t ot!er)i#e a"one !i# )!o"e co&&an* of &en an* !or#e# *i#$er#e* in t!e ni%!t an* t!e )i*e fore#t "i/e a $a$er of $in# in a 'a 'arn+ 6T!e #aint# en"i%!ten &e86 !e t!o(%!t+ 61t i# )e"" 1 )a# /ni%!te* for t!i# &ornin%4# &atter. t!i# *ot! &e "itt"e !ono(r+6 An* t!ere($on #ti"" !o"*in% Joanna !e 'e%an to r(n+ T!e #i"ence of t!e ni%!t )a# no) #!attere* ' t!e #!o(t# of t!e &en of T(n#ta"" a# t!e %a""o$e* !it!er an* t!it!er !(ntin% f(%iti,e#. an* Dic/ 'ro/e 'o"*" t!ro(%! t!e (n*er)oo* an* ran #trai%!t 'efore !i& "i/e a *eer+ T!e #i",er c"earne## of t!e &oon ($on t!e o$en #no) increa#e* ' contra#t t!e o'#c(rit of t!e t!ic/et#. an* t!e e3tre&e *i#$er#ion of t!e ,an;(i#!e* "e* t!e $(r#(er# into )i"*" *i,er%ent $at!#+ Hence in '(t a "itt"e )!i"e Dic/ an* Joanna $a(#e* in a c"o#e co,ert an* !ear* t!e #o(n*# of t!e $(r#(it #catterin% a'roa* in*ee* in a"" *irection# '(t et faintin% a"rea* in t!e *i#tance+ 6An 1 !a* '(t /e$t a re#er,e of t!e& to%et!er6 Dic/ crie* 'itter" 61 co("* !a,e t(rne* t!e ta'"e# et8 We"" )e "i,e an* "earn. ne3t ti&e it #!a"" %o 'etter ' t!e roo*+6 6Na Dic/6 #ai* Joanna 6)!at &atter# it7 once a%ain+6
Here )e are to%et!er
He "oo/e* at !er an* t!ere #!e )a# - Jo!n Matc!a& a# of ore in !o#e an* *o('"et+ B(t no) !e /ne) !er. no) e,en in t!at (n%ain" *re## #!e #&i"e* ($on !i& 'ri%!t )it! "o,e. an* !i# !eart )a# tran#$orte* )it! 5o+ 6S)eet!eart6 !e #ai* 6if e for%i,e t!i# '"(n*erer )!at care 17 Ma/e )e *irect for Ho")oo*. t!ere "iet! o(r %oo* %(ar*ian an* & 'etter frien* Lor* Fo3!a&+ T!ere #!a"" )e 'e )e*. an* )!et!er
$oor or )ea"t! fa&o(# or (n/no)n )!at &atter# it7 T!i# *a *ear "o,e 1 )on & #$(r#. 1 )a# co&&en*e* ' %reat &en for & ,a"o(r. 1 t!o(%!t &#e"f t!e %oo*"ie#t &an of )ar in a"" 'roa* En%"an*+ T!en fir#t 1 fe"" o(t of & fa,o(r )it! t!e %reat. an* no) !a,e 1 'een )e"" t!ra#!e* an* c"ean "o#t & #o"*ier#+ T!ere )a# a *o)nfa"" for conceit8 B(t *ear 1 care not - *ear if e #ti"" "o,e &e an* )i"" )e* 1 )o("* !a,e & /ni%!t!oo* *one a)a an* &in* it not a 5ot+6 6M Dic/86 #!e crie*+
6An* *i* t!e /ni%!t o(76
6A *ear e are & "a* no)6 !e an#)ere* fon*". 6or e #!a"" ere noon to-&orro) - )i"" e not76 6T!at )i"" 1 Dic/ )it! a %"a* !eart6 #!e an#)ere*+ 6A #ir7 ear#+
Met!o(%!t e )ere to 'e a &on/86 #ai* a ,oice in t!eir
6A"icia86 crie* Joanna+ 6E,en #o6 re$"ie* t!e o(n% "a* co&in% for)ar*+ 6A"icia )!o& e "eft for *ea* an* )!o& o(r "ion-*ri,er fo(n* an* 'ro(%!t to "ife a%ain an* ' & #oot! &a*e "o,e to if e )ant to /no)86 614"" not 'e"ie,e it6 crie* Joanna+
6Dic/86
6Dic/86 &i&ic/e* A"icia+ 6Dic/ in*ee*8 A fair #ir an* e *e#ert $oor *a&#e"# in *i#tre##6 #!e contin(e* t(rnin% to t!e o(n% /ni%!t+ 69e "ea,e t!e& $"ante* 'e!in* oa/#+ B(t t!e #a tr(e - t!e a%e of c!i,a"r i# *ea*+6 6Ma*a&6 crie* Dic/ in *e#$air 6($on & #o(" 1 !a* for%otten o( o(tri%!t+ Ma*a& e &(#t tr to $ar*on &e+ 9e #ee 1 !a* ne) fo(n* Joanna86 61 *i* not #($$o#e t!at e !a* *one it o4 $(r$o#e6 #!e retorte*+ 6B(t 1 )i"" 'e cr(e"" a,en%e*+ 1 )i"" te"" a #ecret to & La* S!e"ton - #!e t!at i# to 'e6 #!e a**e* c(rt#ein%+ 6Joanna6 #!e contin(e* 61 'e"ie,e ($on & #o(" o(r #)eet!eart i# a 'o"* fe""o) in a fi%!t '(t !e i# "et &e te"" o( $"ain" t!e #ofte#t!earte* #i&$"eton in En%"an*+ Go to - e &a *o o(r $"ea#(re )it! !i&8 An* no) foo" c!i"*ren fir#t /i## &e eit!er one of o( for "(c/ an* /in*ne##. an* t!en /i## eac! ot!er 5(#t one &in(te ' t!e %"a## an* not one #econ* "on%er. an* t!en "et (# a"" t!ree #et fort! for Ho")oo* a# fa#t a# )e can #tir. for t!e#e )oo*# &et!in/# are f("" of $eri" an* e3cee*in% co"*+6 6B(t *i* & Dic/ &a/e "o,e to o(76 a#/e* Joanna c"in%in% to !er #)eet!eart4# #i*e+ 6Na foo" %ir"6 ret(rne* A"icia. 6it )a# 1 &a*e "o,e to !i&+ 1 offere* to &arr !i& in*ee*. '(t !e 'a*e &e %o &arr )it! & "i/e#+ T!e#e )ere !i# )or*#+ Na t!at 1 )i"" #a: !e i# &ore $"ain t!an $"ea#ant+ B(t no) c!i"*ren for t!e #a/e of #en#e #et for)ar*+ S!a"" )e %o once &ore o,er t!e *in%"e or $(#! #trai%!t for Ho")oo*76 6W!6 #ai* Dic/ 61 )o("* "i/e *ear" to %et ($on a !or#e. for 1
!a,e 'een #ore &a("e* an* 'eaten one )a an* anot!er t!e#e "a#t *a# an* & $oor 'o* i# one 'r(i#e+ B(t !o) t!in/ e7 1f t!e &en ($on t!e a"ar& of t!e fi%!tin% !a* f"e* a)a )e #!o("* !a,e %one a'o(t for not!in%+ 4Ti# '(t #o&e t!ree #!ort &i"e# to Ho")oo* *irect. t!e 'e"" !at! not 'eat nine. t!e #no) i# $rett fir& to )a"/ ($on t!e &oon c"ear. !o) if )e )ent e,en a# )e are76 6A%ree*6 crie* A"icia. '(t Joanna on" $re##e* ($on Dic/4# ar&+ Fort! t!en t!e )ent t!ro(%! o$en "eaf"e## %ro,e# an* *o)n #no)c"a* a""e# (n*er face )inter &oon. Dic/ an* Joanna )a"/in% !an*t!e in )!ite !an* an* inof a t!e !ea,en of $"ea#(re. an* t!eir "i%!t-&in*e* co&$anion !er o)n 'erea,e&ent# !earti" for%otten fo""o)e* a $ace or t)o 'e!in* no) ra""in% t!e& ($on t!eir #i"ence an* no) *ra)in% !a$$ $ict(re# of t!eir f(t(re an* (nite* "i,e#+ Sti"" in*ee* in t!e *i#tance of t!e )oo* t!e ri*er# of T(n#ta"" &i%!t 'e !ear* (r%in% t!eir $(r#(it. an* fro& ti&e to ti&e crie# or t!e c"a#! of #tee" anno(nce* t!e #!oc/ of ene&ie#+ B(t in t!e#e o(n% fo"/ 're* a&on% t!e a"ar&# of )ar an* fre#! fro& #(c! a &("ti$"icit of *an%er# neit!er fear nor $it co("* 'e "i%!t" )a/ene*+ Content to fin* t!e #o(n*# #ti"" *ra)in% fart!er an* fart!er a)a t!e %a,e ($ t!eir !eart# to t!e en5o&ent of t!e !o(r )a"/in% a"rea* a# A"icia $(t it in a )e**in% $roce##ion. an* neit!er t!e r(*e #o"it(*e of t!e fore#t nor t!e co"* of t!e free2in% ni%!t !a* an force to #!a*o) or *i#tract t!eir !a$$ine##+ At "en%t! fro& a ri#in% !i"" t!e "oo/e* 'e"o) t!e& on t!e *e"" of Ho")oo*+ T!e %reat )in*o)# of t!e fore#t a''e #!one )it! torc! an* can*"e. it# !i%! $innac"e# an* #$ire# aro#e ,er c"ear an* #i"ent an* t!e %o"* roo* ($on t!e to$&o#t #(&&it %"ittere* 'ri%!t" in t!e &oon+ A"" a'o(t it in t!e o$en %"a*e ca&$-fire# )ere '(rnin% an* t!e %ro(n* )a# t!ic/ )it! !(t#. an* acro## t!e &i*#t of t!e $ict(re t!e fro2en ri,er c(r,e*+ 6B t!e &a##6 #ai* Ric!ar* 6t!ere are Lor* Fo3!a&4# fe""o)# #ti"" enca&$e*+ T!e &e##en%er !at! certain" &i#carrie*+ We"" t!en #o 'etter+ We !a,e $o)er at !an* to face Sir Danie"+6 B(t if Lor* Fo3!a&4# &en #ti"" "a enca&$e* in t!e "on% !o"& at Ho")oo* it )a# fro& a *ifferent rea#on fro& t!e one #($$o#e* ' Dic/+ T!e !a* &arc!e* in*ee* for S!ore'. '(t ere t!e )ere !a"f )a t!it!er a #econ* &e##en%er &et t!e& an* 'a*e t!e& ret(rn to t!eir &ornin%4# ca&$ to 'ar t!e roa* a%ain#t Lanca#trian f(%iti,e# an* to 'e #o &(c! nearer to t!e &ain ar& of 9or/+ For Ric!ar* of G"o(ce#ter !a,in% fini#!e* t!e 'att"e an* #ta&$e* o(t !i# foe# in t!at *i#trict )a# a"rea* on t!e &arc! to re5oin !i# 'rot!er. an* not "on% after t!e ret(rn of & Lor* Fo3!a&4# retainer# Croo/'ac/ !i&#e"f *re) rein 'efore t!e a''e *oor+ 1t )a# in !ono(r of t!i# a(%(#t ,i#itor t!at t!e )in*o)# #!one )it! "i%!t#. an* at t!e !o(r of Dic/4# arri,a" )it! !i# #)eet!eart an* !er frien* t!e )!o"e *(ca" $art )a# 'ein% entertaine* in t!e refector )it! t!e #$"en*o(r of t!at $o)erf(" an* "(3(rio(# &ona#ter+ Dic/ not ;(ite )it! !i# %oo* )i"" )a# 'ro(%!t 'efore t!e&+ G"o(ce#ter #ic/ )it! fati%(e #at "eanin% ($on one !an* !i# )!ite
an* terrifin% co(ntenance. Lor* Fo3!a& !a"f reco,ere* fro& !i# )o(n* )a# in a $"ace of !ono(r on !i# "eft+ 6Ho) #ir76 a#/e* Ric!ar*+
6Ha,e e 'ro(%!t &e Sir Danie"4# !ea*76
6M "or* *(/e6 re$"ie* Dic/ #to(t" eno(%! '(t )it! a ;(a"& at !eart 61 !a,e not e,en t!e %oo* fort(ne to ret(rn )it! & co&&an*+ 1 !a,e 'een #o $"ea#e o(r %race )e"" 'eaten+6 G"o(ce#ter "oo/e* ($on !i& )it! a for&i*a'"e fro)n+ 61 %a,e o( fift "ance# => #ir6 !e #ai*+ 6M "or* *(/e 1 !a* '(t fift &en-at-ar re$"ie* t!e o(n% /ni%!t+ 6Ho) i# t!i#76 #ai* G"o(ce#ter+
6He *i* a#/ &e fift "ance#+6
6Ma it $"ea#e o(r %race6 re$"ie* Cate#' #&oot!" 6for a $(r#(it )e %a,e !i& '(t t!e !or#e&en+6 61t i# )e""6 re$"ie* Ric!ar* a**in% 6S!e"ton e &a %o+6 6Sta86 #ai* Lor* Fo3!a&+ 6T!i# o(n% &an "i/e)i#e !a* a c!ar%e fro& &e+ 1t &a 'e !e !at! 'etter #$e*+ Sa Ma#ter S!e"ton !a,e e fo(n* t!e &ai*76 61 $rai#e t!e #aint# & "or*6 #ai* Dic/ 6#!e i# in t!i# !o(#e+6 61# it e,en #o7 We"" t!en & "or* t!e *(/e6 re#(&e* Lor* Fo3!a& 6)it! o(r %oo* )i"" to-&orro) 'efore t!e ar& &arc! 1 *o $ro$o#e a &arria%e+ T!i# o(n% #;(ire - 6 69o(n% /ni%!t6 interr($te* Cate#'+ 6Sa e #o Sir Wi""ia&76 crie* Lor* Fo3!a&+ 61 *i* &#e"f an* for %oo* #er,ice *(' !i& /ni%!t6 #ai* G"o(ce#ter+ 6He !at! t)ice &anf("" #er,e* &e+ 1t i# not ,a"o(r of !an*# it i# a &an4# &in* of iron t!at !e "ac/#+ He )i"" not ri#e Lor* Fo3!a&+ 4Ti# a fe""o) t!at )i"" fi%!t in*ee* 'ra,e" in a &e""a '(t !at! a ca$on4# !eart+ Ho)'eit if !e i# to &arr &arr !i& in t!e na&e of Mar an* 'e *one86 6Na !e i# a 'ra,e "a* - 1 /no) it6 #ai* Lor* Fo3!a&+ 6Content e t!en Sir Ric!ar*+ 1 !a,e co&$o(n*e* t!i# affair )it! Ma#ter Ha&"e an* to-&orro) e #!a"" )e*+6 W!ere($on Dic/ 5(*%e* it $r(*ent to )it!*ra). '(t !e )a# not et c"ear of t!e refector )!en a &an '(t ne)" a"i%!te* at t!e %ate ca&e r(nnin% fo(r #tair# at a 'o(n* an* 'r(#!in% t!ro(%! t!e a''e #er,ant# t!re) !i&#e"f on one /nee 'efore t!e *(/e+ 60ictor & "or*6 !e crie*+ An* 'efore Dic/ !a* %ot to t!e c!a&'er #et a$art for !i& a# Lor* Fo3!a&4# %(e#t t!e troo$# in t!e !o"& )ere c!eerin% aro(n* t!eir fire#. for ($on t!at #a&e *a not t)ent &i"e# a)a a #econ* cr(#!in% '"o) !a* 'een *ea"t to t!e $o)er of Lanca#ter+
CHAPTER 011 - D1CK4S RE0ENGE
T!e ne3t &ornin% Dic/ )a# afoot 'efore t!e #(n an* !a,in% *re##e* !i&#e"f to t!e 'e#t a*,anta%e )it! t!e ai* of t!e Lor* Fo3!a&4# 'a%%a%e an* %ot %oo* re$ort# of Joan !e #et fort! on foot to )a"/ a)a !i# i&$atience+ For #o&e )!i"e !e &a*e ro(n*# a&on% t!e #o"*ier )!o )ere %ettin% to ar&# in t!e )intr t)i"i%!t of t!e *a)n an* ' t!e re* %"o) of torc!e#. '(t %ra*(a"" !e #tro""e* f(rt!er afie"* an* at "en%t! $a##e* c"ean 'eon* t!e o(t$o#t# an* )a"/e* a"one in t!e fro2en fore#t )aitin% for t!e #(n+ Hi# t!o(%!t# )ere 'ot! ;(iet an* !a$$+ Hi# 'rief fa,o(r )it! t!e D(/e !e co("* not fin* it in !i# !eart to &o(rn. )it! Joan to )ife an* & Lor* Fo3!a& for a fait!f(" $atron !e "oo/e* &o#t !a$$i" ($on t!e f(t(re. an* in t!e $a#t !e fo(n* '(t "itt"e to re%ret+ A# !e t!(# #tro""e* an* $on*ere* t!e #o"e&n "i%!t of t!e &ornin% %re) &ore c"ear t!e ea#t )a# a"rea* co"o(re* ' t!e #(n an* a "itt"e #cat!in% )in* '"e) ($ t!e fro2en #no)+ He t(rne* to %o !o&e. '(t e,en a# !e t(rne* !i# ee "it ($on a fi%(re 'e!in* a tree+ 6Stan*86 !e crie*+
6W!o %oe#76
T!e fi%(re #te$$e* fort! an* )a,e* it# !an* "i/e a *(&' $er#on+ )a# arrae* "i/e a $i"%ri& t!e !oo* "o)ere* o,er t!e face '(t Dic/ in an in#tant reco%ni#e* Sir Danie"+
1t
He #tro*e ($ to !i& *ra)in% !i# #)or*. an* t!e /ni%!t $(ttin% !i# !an* in !i# 'o#o& a# if to #ei2e a !i**en )ea$on #tea*fa#t" a)aite* !i# a$$roac!+ 6We"" Dic/on6 #ai* Sir Danie" 6!o) i# it to 'e7 ($on t!e fa""en76
Do e &a/e )ar
61 &a*e no )ar ($on o(r "ife6 re$"ie* t!e "a*. 61 )a# o(r tr(e frien* (nti" e #o(%!t for &ine. '(t e !a,e #o(%!t for it %ree*i"+6 6Na - #e"f-*efence6 re$"ie* t!e /ni%!t+ 6An* no) 'o t!e ne)# of t!i# 'att"e an* t!e $re#ence of on croo/e* *e,i" !ere in &ine o)n )oo* !a,e 'ro/en &e 'eon* a"" !e"$+ 1 %o to Ho")oo* for #anct(ar. t!ence o,er#ea# )it! )!at 1 can carr an* to 'e%in "ife a%ain in B(r%(n* or France+6 69e &a not %o to Ho")oo*6 #ai* Dic/+ 6Ho)8
Ma not76 a#/e* t!e /ni%!t+
6Loo/ e Sir Danie" t!i# i# & &arria%e &orn6 #ai* Dic/. 6an* on #(n t!at i# to ri#e )i"" &a/e t!e 'ri%!te#t *a t!at e,er #!one for &e+ 9o(r "ife i# forfeit - *o('" forfeit for & fat!er4#
*eat! an* o(r o)n $ractice# to &e)ar*+ B(t 1 &#e"f !a,e *one a&i##. 1 !a,e 'ro(%!t a'o(t &en4# *eat!#. an* ($on t!i# %"a* *a 1 )i"" 'e neit!er 5(*%e nor !an%&an+ An e )ere t!e *e,i" 1 )o("* not "a a !an* on o(+ An e )ere t!e *e,i" e &i%!t %o )!ere e )i"" for &e+ See/ Go*4# for%i,ene##. &ine e !a,e free"+ B(t to %o on to Ho")oo* i# *ifferent+ 1 carr ar&# for 9or/ an* 1 )i"" #(ffer no #$ )it!in t!eir "ine#+ Ho"* it t!en for certain if e #et one foot 'efore anot!er 1 )i"" ($"ift & ,oice an* ca"" t!e neare#t $o#t to #ei2e o(+6 69e &oc/ &e6 #ai* Sir Danie"+
61 !a,e no #afet o(t of Ho")oo*+6
61 care no &ore6 ret(rne* Ric!ar*+ 61 "et o( %o ea#t )e#t or #o(t!. nort! 1 )i"" not+ Ho")oo* i# #!(t a%ain#t o(+ Go an* #ee/ not to ret(rn+ For once e are %one 1 )i"" )arn e,er $o#t a'o(t t!i# ar& an* t!ere )i"" 'e #o #!re)* a )atc! ($on a"" $i"%ri&# t!at once a%ain )ere e t!e ,er *e,i" e )o("* fin* it r(in to &a/e t!e e##a+6 69e *oo& &e6 #ai* Sir Danie" %"oo&i"+ 61 *oo& o( not6 ret(rne* Ric!ar*+ 61f it #o $"ea#e o( to #et o(r ,a"o(r a%ain#t &ine co&e on. an* t!o(%! 1 fear it 'e *i#"oa" to & $art 1 )i"" ta/e t!e c!a""en%e o$en" an* f("" fi%!t o( )it! &ine o)n #in%"e #tren%t! an* ca"" for none to !e"$ &e+ So #!a"" 1 a,en%e & fat!er )it! a $erfect con#cience+6 6A6 #ai* Sir Danie" 64 !a,e a "on% #)or* a%ain#t & *a%%er+6 61 re" ($on Hea,en on"6 an#)ere* Dic/ ca#tin% !i# #)or* #o&e )a 'e!in* !i& on t!e #no)+ 6No) if o(r i""-fate 'i*# o( co&e. an* (n*er t!e $"ea#(re of t!e A"&i%!t 1 &a/e &#e"f 'o"* to fee* o(r 'one# to fo3e#+6 61 *i* '(t tr o( Dic/on6 ret(rne* t!e /ni%!t )it! an (nea# #e&'"ance of a "a(%!+ 61 )o("* not #$i"" o(r '"oo*+6 6Go t!en ere it 'e too "ate6 re$"ie* S!e"ton+ 61n fi,e &in(te# 1 )i"" ca"" t!e $o#t+ 1 *o $ercei,e t!at 1 a& too "on%-#(fferin%+ Ha* '(t o(r $"ace# 'een re,er#e* 1 #!o("* !a,e 'een 'o(n* !an* an* foot #o&e &in(te# $a#t+6 6We"" Dic/on 1 )i"" %o6 re$"ie* Sir Danie"+ it #!a"" re$ent o( t!at e )ere #o !ar#!+6
6W!en )e ne3t &eet
An* )it! t!e#e )or*# t!e /ni%!t t(rne* an* 'e%an to &o,e off (n*er t!e tree#+ Dic/ )atc!e* !i& )it! #tran%e"-&in%"e* fee"in%# a# !e )ent #)ift" an* )ari" an* e,er an* a%ain t(rnin% a )ic/e* ee ($on t!e "a* )!o !a* #$are* !i& an* )!o& !e #ti"" #(#$ecte*+ T!ere )a# ($on one #i*e of )!ere !e )ent a t!ic/et #tron%" &atte* )it! %reen i, an* e,en in it# )inter #tate i&$er,io(# to t!e ee+ Herein a"" of a #(**en a 'o) #o(n*e* "i/e a note of &(#ic+ An arro) f"e) an* )it! a %reat c!o/e* cr of a%on an* an%er t!e Kni%!t of T(n#ta"" t!re) ($ !i# !an*# an* fe"" for)ar* in t!e #no)+ Dic/ 'o(n*e* to !i# #i*e an* rai#e* !i&+ Hi# face *e#$erate" )or/e*. !i# )!o"e 'o* )a# #!a/en ' contortin% #$a#&#+
61# t!e arro) '"ac/76 !e %a#$e*+ 61t i# '"ac/6 re$"ie* Dic/ %ra,e"+ An* t!en 'efore !e co("* a** one )or* a *e#$erate #ei2(re of $ain #!oo/ t!e )o(n*e* &an fro& !ea* to foot #o t!at !i# 'o* "ea$e* in Dic/4# #($$ortin% ar&# an* )it! t!e e3tre&it of t!at $an% !i# #$irit f"e* in #i"ence+ T!e o(n% &an "ai* !i& 'ac/ %ent" on t!e #no) an* $rae* for t!at (n$re$are* an* a# !e t!e #(n ca&e ($ at a 'o(n* an* an* t!e %(i"t ro'in# #$irit 'e%an c!ir$in% in $rae* t!e i,+ W!en !e ro#e to !i# feet !e fo(n* anot!er &an ($on !i# /nee# '(t a fe) #te$# 'e!in* !i& an* #ti"" )it! (nco,ere* !ea* !e )aite* (nti" t!at $raer a"#o #!o("* 'e o,er+ 1t too/ "on%. t!e &an )it! !i# !ea* 'o)e* an* !i# face co,ere* )it! !i# !an*# $rae* "i/e one in a %reat *i#or*er or *i#tre## of &in*. an* ' t!e 'o) t!at "a 'e#i*e !i& Dic/ 5(*%e* t!at !e )a# no ot!er t!an t!e arc!er )!o !a* "ai* Sir Danie" "o)+ At "en%t! !e a"#o ro#e an* #!o)e* t!e co(ntenance of E""i# D(c/)ort!+ 6Ric!ar*6 !e #ai* ,er %ra,e" 61 !ear* o(+ 9e too/ t!e 'etter $art an* $ar*one*. 1 too/ t!e )or#e an* t!ere "ie# t!e c"a of &ine ene&+
Pra for &e+6
An* !e )r(n% !i& ' t!e !an*+ 6Sir6 #ai* Ric!ar* 61 )i"" $ra for o( in*ee*. t!o(%! !o) 1 &a $re,ai" 1 )ot not+ B(t if e !a,e #o "on% $(r#(e* re,en%e an* fin* it no) of #(c! a #orr f"a,o(r 'et!in/ e )ere it not )e"" to $ar*on ot!er#7 Hatc! - !e i# *ea* $oor #!re)8 1 )o("* !a,e #$are* a 'etter. an* for Sir Danie" !ere "ie# !i# 'o*+ B(t for t!e $rie#t if 1 &i%!t an)i#e $re,ai" 1 )o("* !a,e o( "et !i& %o+6 A f"a#! ca&e into t!e ee# of E""i# D(c/)ort!+ 6Na6 !e #ai* 6t!e *e,i" i# #ti"" #tron% )it!in &e+ B(t 'e at re#t. t!e B"ac/ Arro) f"iet! ne,er&ore - t!e fe""o)#!i$ i# 'ro/en+ T!e t!at #ti"" "i,e #!a"" co&e to t!eir ;(iet an* ri$e en* in Hea,en4# %oo* ti&e for &e. an* for o(r#e"f %o )!ere o(r 'etter fort(ne ca""# o( an* t!in/ no &ore of E""i#+6
CHAPTER 0111 - CONCLUS1ON
A'o(t nine in t!e &ornin% Lor* Fo3!a& )a# "ea*in% !i# )ar* once &ore *re##e* a# 'efitte* !er #e3 an* fo""o)e* ' A"icia Ri#in%!a& to t!e c!(rc! of Ho")oo* )!en Ric!ar* Croo/'ac/ !i# 'ro) a"rea* !ea, )it! care# cro##e* t!eir $at! an* $a(#e*+ 61# t!i# t!e &ai*76 !e a#/e*. an* )!en Lor* Fo3!a& !a* re$"ie* in t!e affir&ati,e 6Minion6 !e a**e* 6!o"* ($ o(r face (nti" 1 #ee
it# fa,o(r+6 He "oo/e* ($on !er #o(r" for a "itt"e+ 69e are fair6 !e #ai* at "a#t 6an* a# t!e te"" &e *o)ere*+ Ho) if 1 offere* o( a 'ra,e &arria%e a# 'eca&e o(r face an* $arenta%e76 6M "or* *(/e6 re$"ie* Joanna 6&a it $"ea#e o(r %race 1 !a* rat!er )e* )it! Sir Ric!ar*+6 6Ho) #o76 !e a#/e* !ar#!"+ 6Marr '(t t!e &an 1 na&e to o( an* !e #!a"" 'e & "or* an* o( & "a* 'efore ni%!t+ For Sir Ric!ar* "et &e te"" o( $"ain" !e )i"" *ie Sir Ric!ar*+6 61 a#/ no &ore of Hea,en & "or* t!an '(t to *ie Sir Ric!ar*4# )ife6 ret(rne* Joanna+ 6Loo/ e at t!at & "or*6 #ai* G"o(ce#ter t(rnin% to Lor* Fo3!a&+ 6Here 'e a $air for o(+ T!e "a* )!en for %oo* #er,ice# 1 %a,e !i& !i# c!oice of & fa,o(r c!o#e '(t t!e %race of an o"* *r(n/en #!i$&an+ 1 *i* )arn !i& free" '(t !e )a# #to(t in !i# 'e#otte*ne##+ 4Here *iet! o(r fa,o(r4 #ai* 1. an* !e & "or* )it! a &o#t a##(re* i&$ertinence 4Mine 'e t!e "o##4 ;(ot! !e+ 1t #!a"" 'e #o ' t!e roo*86 6Sai* !e #o76 crie* A"icia+
6T!en )e"" #ai* "ion-*ri,er86
6W!o i# t!i#76 a#/e* t!e *(/e+ 6A $ri#oner of Sir Ric!ar*4#6 an#)ere* Lor* Fo3!a&. 6Mi#tre## A"icia Ri#in%!a&+6 6See t!at #!e 'e &arrie* to a #(re &an6 #ai* t!e *(/e+ 61 !a* t!o(%!t of & /in#&an Ha&"e an it "i/e o(r %race6 ret(rne* Lor* Fo3!a&+ 6He !at! )e"" #er,e* t!e ca(#e+6 61t "i/e# &e )e""6 #ai* Ric!ar*+ Sa fair &ai* )i"" o( )e*76
6Let t!e& 'e )e**e* #$ee*i"+
6M "or* *(/e6 #ai* A"icia 6#o a# t!e &an i# #trai%!t6 - An* t!ere in a $erfect con#ternation t!e ,oice *ie* on !er ton%(e+ 6He i# #trai%!t & &i#tre##6 re$"ie* Ric!ar* ca"&"+ 61 a& t!e on" croo/'ac/ of & $art. )e are e"#e $a##a'" )e"" #!a$en+ La*ie# an* o( & "or*6 !e a**e* )it! a #(**en c!an%e to %ra,e co(rte# 65(*%e &e not too c!(r"i#! if 1 "ea,e o(+ A ca$tain in t!e ti&e of )ar !at! not t!e or*erin% of !i# !o(r#+6 An* )it! a ,er !an*#o&e #a"(tation !e $a##e* on fo""o)e* ' !i# officer#+ 6A"ac/6 crie* A"icia 61 a& #!ent86 69e /no) !i& not6 re$"ie* Lor* Fo3!a&+ !at! a"rea* c"ean for%ot o(r )or*#+6
61t i# '(t a trif"e. !e
6He i# t!en t!e ,er f"o)er of /ni%!t!oo*6 #ai* A"icia+
6Na !e '(t &in*et! ot!er t!in%#6 ret(rne* Lor* Fo3!a&+ )e no &ore+6
6Tarr
1n t!e c!ance" t!e fo(n* Dic/ )aitin% atten*e* ' a fe) o(n% &en. an* t!ere )ere !e an* Joan (nite*+ W!en t!e ca&e fort! a%ain !a$$ an* et #erio(# into t!e fro#t air an* #(n"i%!t t!e "on% fi"e# of t!e ar& )ere a"rea* )in*in% for)ar* ($ t!e roa*. a"rea* t!e D(/e of G"o(ce#ter4# 'anner )a# (nfo"*e* an* 'e%an to &o,e fro& 'efore t!e a''e in a c"(&$ of #$ear#. an* 'e!in* it %irt ' #tee"-c"a* t!e'rief 'o"*/in%*o& '"ac/-!earte* a&'itio(# !(nc!'ac/ &o,e* on /ni%!t# to)ar*# !i# an* !i# an* "a#tin% infa&+ B(t t!e )e**in% $art t(rne* ($on t!e ot!er #i*e an* #at *o)n )it! #o'er &erri&ent to 'rea/fa#t+ T!e fat!er ce""arer atten*e* on t!eir )ant# an* #at )it! t!e& at ta'"e+ Ha&"e a"" 5ea"o(# for%otten 'e%an to $" t!e no)i#e "ot! A"icia )it! co(rt#!i$+ An* t!ere a&i* t!e #o(n*in% of t(c/et# an* t!e c"a#! of ar&o(re* #o"*ier an* !or#e# contin(a"" &o,in% fort! Dic/ an* Joan #at #i*e ' #i*e ten*er" !e"* !an*# an* "oo/e* )it! e,er %ro)in% affection in eac! ot!er4# ee#+ T!encefort! t!e *(#t an* '"oo* of t!at (nr(" e$oc! $a##e* t!e& '+ T!e *)e"t a$art fro& a"ar&# in t!e %reen fore#t )!ere t!eir "o,e 'e%an+ T)o o"* &en in t!e &ean)!i"e en5oe* $en#ion# in %reat $ro#$erit an* $eace an* )it! $er!a$# a #($erf"(it of a"e an* )ine in T(n#ta"" !a&"et+ One !a* 'een a"" !i# "ife a #!i$&an an* contin(e* to t!e "a#t to "a&ent !i# &an To&+ T!e ot!er )!o !a* 'een a 'it of e,ert!in% t(rne* in t!e en* to)ar*# $iet an* &a*e a &o#t re"i%io(# *eat! (n*er t!e na&e of Brot!er Hone#t(# in t!e nei%!'o(rin% a''e+ So La)"e## !a* !i# )i"" an* *ie* a friar+
Footnote#:
=@> At t!e *ate of t!i# #tor Ric!ar* Croo/'ac/ co("* not !a,e 'een create* D(/e of G"o(ce#ter. '(t for c"earne## )it! t!e rea*er4# "ea,e !e #!a"" #o 'e ca""e*+ => Ric!ar* Croo/'ac/ )o("* !a,e 'een rea"" far o(n%er at t!i# *ate+ => Tec!nica"" t!e ter& 6"ance6 inc"(*e* a not ;(ite certain n(&'er of foot #o"*ier# attac!e* to t!e &an-at-ar&#+
