Death and Honor: Book 1 of 2 (12 page)

Amanda returned, raised her right hand, and put her left out to the side. “Shall we?”

Gabriel stepped beside her and her left hand went to his shoulder and their right hands came together, his left hand landed on her hip. The orchestra began and he forced himself to concentrate on the routine. It was harder than he expected since his hands weren’t making the appropriate sword cuts, but he settled in.

After a minute Amanda laughed, a warm, bright sound that made him smile for no reason he understood. “Did I do something wrong?”

“No, it’s just you have the most grim look on your face, like you expect me to pull a knife at any moment.”

“I’m sorry.” He explained how they used the dance in training. “That’s the only reason I know the steps.”

“Well try to relax, and for goodness sake smile, your father’s going to think I’ve taken you hostage.”

Gabriel did smile. Here he was, dancing with a beautiful woman, and he was too tense to enjoy it.

“That’s better,” Amanda said.

When the song ended, he felt more relaxed than he had in years. “Thank you. I needed that.”

“I enjoyed it. It’s nice to dance without someone proposing every five minutes.”

“Proposing?”

“Sure, didn’t you know, I’m the most sought after woman in the kingdom. Whoever marries me inherits Father’s land and title.”

“Is that why all the young men in the room are glaring daggers at me? I assumed it was because you were the most beautiful woman here.”

She blushed and Gabriel found the effect most fetching. “Would you like another dance?” she asked.

“I’d love to. Do you suppose we can do that same waltz? It’s the only dance I know.”

Before she could answer a fanfare of trumpets blared and he spotted Arthur and Mick in the crowd moving toward the little area that they’d set aside for the night’s ceremony. “I think that’s for me. I guess I’ll have to pass on that dance. The ceremony’s about to start.”

“How about I watch and we can talk more after?”

Gabriel nodded. “I’d like that.”

They made their way through the crowd. Arthur was standing with the rest of the team. He moved to join them. “Did you know about this?”

“They made us swear not to warn you,” Mick said.

“I saw you dancing with Amanda Cariden,” Arthur said, changing the subject. “Congratulations.”

“For what? We danced once.”

Arthur grinned. “You don’t understand, do you? Every single nobleman in the room wants you dead right now. If you weren’t the best swordsman I know I might worry for your safety.”

Gabriel was about to comment on the ridiculousness of that idea when drums sounded and the room fell silent. A gray haired man in a white robe carrying a staff of some wood so white it seemed to glow walked down the center of the ballroom, the only sound the tapping of his staff. He came to a stop in front of Gabriel and the others.

“I have come to bless these cadets in the Bright Shield’s name that they may have long lives and serve the people well.” he made a sweeping gesture with his staff that encompassed the whole team. “In His name I bless you.”

A strange energy filled Gabriel, familiar somehow, but he couldn’t remember from where.

“For many years,” the priest said. “The Bright Shield hasn’t seen fit to offer His blessing on the academy’s graduates, but for the first time in some years he has deemed some of you worthy. Gabriel, step forward.”

He hesitated and Arthur gave him a shove. He glared back at his friend who stood their innocent as a newborn.

“It is my understanding that you are responsible for this change in circumstances.”

Gabriel looked away, horribly embarrassed. “I didn’t do anything, really.”

“Humble as well.” He looked and found the priest smiling at him. The priest laid his hands of Gabriel’s shoulders. The energy he felt earlier flared even stronger. “The Bright Shield sees much potential in you.”

He stepped back beside the others, the power fading. “I wish you all the best of luck.” The priest said before retreating back the way he’d come.

Gabriel spotted Amanda talking with another girl and, not wanting to interrupt, made his way through the crowd and out on one of the terraces. He took a deep breath of the cool night air. He sighed and looked at the stars. “Well Father, soon my quest begins in earnest. I swear I’ll find whoever killed you and mother, and Xander. However long it takes.”

“Excuse me.” He turned to find Amanda standing in the doorway. “Am I disturbing you?”

“Not at all.” He gestured for her to join him by the railing. She carried two glasses of wine, one of which he accepted. He took a sip, grateful for the drink.

“You seemed a million miles away,” she said.

He smiled. “I was thinking about my family, wondering what they’d think if they could see me now.”

She frowned, eyebrows drawing together. “Duncan saw you perfectly well during the ceremony.”

“I don’t mean Uncle Duncan; he’s my adopted father. I mean my blood family.” Amanda was staring at him. “I’m sorry, I assumed you knew. Your father offered me his condolences before he introduced you. My father was a knight in Uncle Duncan’s service. He was killed, along with the rest of my family when bandits attacked Duncan’s country estate where we lived.”

She put her hand on his shoulder and the warmth soaked through his uniform. “I’m so sorry, Gabriel. That must have been difficult.”

Gabriel put his hand over hers. “It was, still is really. The first six months were the worst. The grief almost killed me. I threw myself into sword training and I’d work until I collapsed and when I dreamed it was of blood and fire. I wanted nothing so much as to find out who sent those men to the estate and cut their heart out. It took a while, but the pain faded a little and I could think clearly again. I decided to attend the academy then join the Watch, both to try to find whoever killed my family but also to help people in the meantime.” When he stopped Gabriel realized he’d poured his heart out to an almost complete stranger. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have told you all that.”

She didn’t say anything. She wrapped her arms around him, her warmth flowed into him. Gabriel hugged her back, resting his cheek on the top of her head. He’d started to relax when someone yelled in the distance.

His head snapped up. “Did you hear that?”

She stepped back and cocked her head. Another shout echoed through the night. “I heard that.”

“Stay here.” He jumped over the railing and landed lightly after a drop of a couple feet. He ran off in the direction of the shout.

Gabriel came around the side of the cathedral and found the priest fending off two thugs armed with short swords. They circled him, hoping to tire the old man before moving in for the kill.

He drew his crappy ceremonial blade and charged. “On guard,” he shouted just before he reached the nearest thug.

The thug turned to face him and dodged his first thrust. Gabriel continued his assault, slashing at the thug’s midsection, forcing him to jackknife out of the way. Before the thug got back on balance Gabriel’s back cut opened his throat

The second man, a rat-faced fellow not more than twenty backed away, eyes darting for an escape route. “Drop your weapon and surrender,” Gabriel said.

The thug hurled his sword like a dagger at the priest’s chest. Gabriel batted the crude missile away. The second he moved the thug turned and ran. Gabriel took one step after him then stopped. If more were watching he couldn’t leave the old man alone.

“Are you all right, sir?” Gabriel bent down and cleaned his sword on the dead thug’s shirt.

“I’m fine, thanks to you. You should know that anyone that saves my life gets to call me by my given name, I’m Solan.”

“Pleasure.” Gabriel kicked the body over on its back. “I don’t suppose you recognize him?”

“I’m afraid not,” Solan said. A crowd of curious nobles headed their way. Either Amanda had called for help or someone had heard the fight.

The crowd grew around them and Gabriel kept a careful eye out lest someone use the chaos to slip a dagger between the priest’s ribs. With much shouting and shoving Duncan forced his way to the front.

“What in the world is happening here?” Duncan asked.

Amanda appeared then and latched on to his arm. Though he enjoyed having Amanda pressed up against him he would have preferred to have his arm free in case he had to do some more fighting.

“That was the bravest thing I’ve ever seen,” she said.

“Indeed,” Solan said. “If not for Gabriel I might be dead.”

Duncan looked at Gabriel who explained what happened. “They were street thugs,” Duncan said. “I can’t imagine why they’d want to hurt Solan. The Church of the Bright Shield isn’t exactly a wealthy order. No offense.”

Solan smiled. “None taken.”

Gabriel spotted a couple guards in the crowd. “Perhaps these gentlemen would be good enough to escort you home?”

The guards bowed. “We’d be honored, sir.”

Solan nodded his thanks. “Gabriel if you have a moment tomorrow stop by the church so I can thank you properly.”

“I’d be honored, sir.”

“Amanda.” Duke Cariden made his way to the front of the crowd. “It’s time we were going.”

“Coming, Father,” Amanda said. “We’re staying at the Peaceful Arms. Why don’t you stop by and we can have lunch tomorrow.”

“It would be my pleasure,” Gabriel said, meaning every word.

Amanda smiled and kissed him on the cheek before running after her father. Gabriel watched until she was out of sight. A hand fell on his shoulder.

“It’s time we’re going as well,” Duncan said.

He followed Duncan back to the carriage, the battle rush fading and exhaustion taking its place.

“Aren’t you glad I talked you into coming?” Duncan climbed into the carriage beside Jolie followed by Gabriel.

He nodded. Not only had he met Amanda but if he’d stayed home those thugs might have killed Solan. All in all it was a good night. He smiled, thinking of Amanda, a very good night indeed. Tomorrow promised to be even better.

G
abriel woke early
, covered in sweat, after a fitful night’s sleep plagued by dreams and nightmares. The dream had started well enough, he’d been in the great cathedral dancing with Amanda when a messenger burst in, spoken with Amanda for a moment, then she screamed. Gabriel could do nothing for her, she just cried and cried. In an instant the scene changed and he was facing a figure shrouded in shadows, flames surrounded them. Shadows concealed most of the man, but half his face was clear. It was a mass of scar tissue. That figure scared Gabriel more than anything he’d experienced since he watched his father’s murder.

He shook his head, trying to free himself of the dream. The effort proved futile as his mind refused to let go of the final scene, the dark figure seemed seared into his mind. Gabriel climbed out of bed, eager to do something, anything, to distract himself from the dream. Gabriel dressed, belted on a proper sword, and went downstairs. Dawn’s light peaked through the windows, only the servants would be up this early which suited Gabriel as he had no interest in talking yet. He was interested in snitching some breakfast so he headed toward the kitchen.

He poked his head through the kitchen door and found Mika, the newest member of the kitchen staff kneading a loaf of bread.

“Mika.” Gabriel said. Mika jumped then turned and shot him a mock glare. She was a couple years older than him. Mika was an average cook with an above average figure which was why Uncle Duncan hired her. “I’m heading out early, any of the breakfast goodies ready yet?”

“After the fright you gave me I’ve a good mind to send you out hungry.”

Gabriel grinned. Mika always liked to give him a hard time. “Come on, there must be something.”

“Just a minute.” She went deeper into the kitchen. A minute later she reappeared with a sweet roll and a slice of cold ham. “This is the best I can do.”

Gabriel accepted the food and kissed Mika on the cheek. “Thank you, dear.”

She gave him a swat on the shoulder and he left the mansion in a better mood than when he woke. The Church of the Bright Shield was near the city center so he made his deeper into the city. Gabriel took a bite of his roll and the pastry crumbled in his mouth. He sighed; after three years of academy food the pastry tasted like heaven.

Gabriel covered half the distance to the church when he finished his breakfast. All around him the city buzzed with activity, merchants opening their shops, a group of four guardsmen making rounds, an enterprising beggar setup on a street corner. Living at the mansion it was easy to forget that most people woke up early to make a living.

The steeple of the church rose into the sky, marking its location before the rest of it was visible. Gabriel rounded a corner and there it was, a modest building constructed from fieldstone and mortar, the double doors shaped to resemble a shield. Gabriel climbed three steps and knocked on the door. It opened at his touch

Inside was a path between two rows of benches. At the end of the path sat a raised altar upon which rested a gleaming sword, chased with gold and inscribed with runes. Gabriel moved closer to the altar, wanting a better look at the sword.

“Gabriel, I thought I heard someone knock.” Solan stood in a doorway behind the altar. “You’re getting an early start, considering the excitement we had last night.”

“I had some unsettling dreams. When I woke I knew I wouldn’t be getting back to sleep.”

Solan nodded. “After an intense encounter sometimes our minds need an outlet, dreams are one.”

“Speaking of last night, I’d think you’d lock your doors in case the thug that got away comes back to finish the job.”

Solan chuckled though Gabriel saw nothing amusing in the situation. “Never fear. No one would dare try anything here. If they did the Bright Shield would smite them to ash.”

Gabriel raised an eyebrow at that but offered no comment.

“I just put on a pot of tea. Would you care to join me?”

“Sounds good.” Gabriel followed the priest into his living quarters behind the altar. A short stone hallway led to a simple kitchen comprising a small stove, a table and two chairs, and a cupboard. A tea kettle was on the stove.

“Have a seat,” Solan waved at the table.

Gabriel took the chair closest to the door. The priest’s faith not withstanding he preferred sitting between the old man and any danger that may come through the door. Solan bustled around setting cups and saucers out for them. When he finished he sat across from Gabriel. “It’ll be a few minutes.”

“That’s fine. What did you want to talk about?”

“Jeremiah as it happens.”

“Did you know my father?” Gabriel leaned forward in his chair.

“Not personally, but we a had an acquaintance in common. Do you remember a few days before the attack your father rode north to find someone he thought had information he needed?”

Gabriel nodded. He remembered those last few days well.

“The young woman he went to meet is a friend of mine. The caravan attack your father was investigating was precipitated by my friend asking them to carry an item here, to me. Jeremiah found her and a warlock in service to my enemies attacked them.” The kettle whistled and Solan got up and poured them each a cup of tea.

Gabriel took a sip; it was mint and quite tasty. “What do you mean warlock?”

“A warlock is the name we use to refer to anyone infused with demonic power. The two of them worked together to defeat the warlock. She warned your father the warlock’s allies would move against him. And you know what happened next.”

“I do.” Gabriel said in a hoarse whisper.

“Tell me,” Gabriel looked into Solan eyes and spoke. He told the old priest everything. He didn’t mean to but the words wouldn’t stop until he said everything, including talking about the strange feeling that came over him and how he hid like a coward while his family burned.

Tears streaked Gabriel’s face when he finished. He shook his head. “I didn’t mean…”

“To tell me?” Solan said. “I know, but you need to. The pain and tension in you was clear when I touched your shoulders last night. If you hadn’t told someone it would have eventually consumed you.”

“How could you have known?”

“Do you remember that feeling that came over you? That was the Bright Shield. He compelled you to hide. That’s how I learned what happened, He told me.”

“Why me? Why didn’t he save my parents or my brother?”

Solan shook his head. “He must be cautious how he acts in our world. If he is too direct he risks repercussions. You were away from the battle. It was a simple, subtle thing to guide you to a hiding place.”

“Why would he bother?”

“I believe you have a great destiny before you. There is a battle coming, a great battle in an ongoing war between the forces of light and darkness. If I’m right you have an important part to play.”

Gabriel took another sip of tea to cover his uneasiness. “I’ll do my best to be ready.”

Solan smiled, but he seemed sad. “If I’m right none of us will be ready. I hope we’re up to the challenge.”

“We?”

“The four of us, you, me, my friend, and one other who has yet to be revealed. I don’t understand why but the forces of light seem to come in groups of four.”

“Like the four paladins.” Gabriel said, the pattern clear at last. “They were legends. I’m nothing compared to them.”

Solan laughed. “The four paladins became legends. At the time they were men, scared men, who wanted to return to their families alive. That’s what they fought for, Gabriel. Not fame or wealth, only the chance that their children would grow up safe. They won their battle but not the war. They imprisoned the evil being they fought, and now it’s close to getting free.”

Gabriel frowned. “The legend says they destroyed the evil they fought.”

“Only in the story, it makes for a better ending after all. In reality they locked it away and like any prison this one has a key. The demons have recovered three of four pieces to the key. My friend stole the final piece from an overconfident warlock.”

“And she put it in the caravan to bring here. That’s why that monster attacked our home, it thought Father had it.”

Solan nodded. “They didn’t only think he had it, he did have it. Jeremiah told my friend he hid it before he went to try and find her. The key fragment is still somewhere on the grounds of the estate.”

“Shouldn’t someone go get it?” Gabriel asked.

“In time, perhaps, but for now it’s safe where it is. If I send someone after it the demon would appear to claim it and I have no one strong enough to fend off a demon that I can send. Any agent would be slaughtered and the demons would claim the final piece of the key.”

“I’ll go; I’ll kill that monster for what it did to my family.”

Solan shook his head. “Against such a beast you’d be torn limb from limb. No mere sword of steel can harm such a creature.”

“How can I get justice for my family if I can’t hurt the thing that killed them?”

Solan patted him on the shoulder. “Be patient. In time all things are possible. When my friend arrives I’ll introduce you. In the meantime remember this place will always be a sanctuary for you.”

Solan got to his feet and guided Gabriel to the front door. “Good day my young friend. I’ll see you again soon.”

Gabriel left the church and walked down the street, with no particular destination. His mind reeled with everything Solan told him. If he hadn’t seen the demon with his own eyes he would have thought most of it a fairytale. As it was the old priest’s word struck him as the absolute if incomplete truth.

Gabriel glanced up at the sun and decided it was late enough to head over to Amanda’s inn. The problem was he had no idea where it was. Only half a day had passed but Gabriel was eager to visit the girl. He found being with her both calming and exciting. He wouldn’t tell her about his conversation with Solan, both to spare her the burden of such knowledge and because he didn’t want her thinking he’d lost is mind.

Gabriel turned down a street lined with taverns, most of which looked closed. Halfway down the street he found one open, an uninspiring place named The Dancing Bull. Inside the common room was empty, a slim man with a goatee stood behind the bar.

“Can I help you?” He asked when he noticed Gabriel.

“Can you tell me how to find the Peaceful Arms Inn?”

“Going to meet a girl?”

Gabriel frowned but nodded. “How did you know?”

The bartender grinned and poured himself a shot of something. “You’ve got an anxious look about you. Only two things cause that on a regular basis and that’s women and gold. If you’re looking for the Peaceful Arms gold isn’t an issue, that leaves a woman.”

“Very perceptive,” Gabriel said, impressed. “So how do I get there?”

“Three blocks north take a right then go five blocks more, you can’t miss it.”

“Thanks.” Gabriel dug a silver coin out of his pocket and flipped it to the bartender.

It took ten minutes to reach the inn. The bartender was right, it was easy to spot, three stories tall made of carved timbers, and it had a covered entryway for carriage to unload their wealthy passengers without fear of rain or snow.

He took a deep breath, walked to the door and entered. Exotic hardwoods he couldn’t even begin to name decorated the entryway. A row of cushioned chairs lined one side of the hall. A pair of heavy double doors separated the rest of the inn from the entry hall. Beside the doors rested a desk behind which sat a whip thin man with an oiled mustache.

The thin man spotted Gabriel, got up, and came toward him. “Can I help you young man?” He had a soft, almost feminine voice.

“Yes, sir, my name is Gabriel St. Jaques Kane. Amanda Cariden said she was staying here and that should stop in and see her.”

“Yes, of course, mistress Cariden said you’d be stopping by and wished me to alert her as soon as you arrived. Please have a seat and I’ll let her know you’re here.”

“Thank you, sir.”

The innkeeper or so Gabriel assumed the man to be went back to his desk and tapped a silver bell several time. Two young men and a woman in black livery appeared from behind the doors an instant later. The innkeeper spoke to the young lady who glanced at Gabriel then disappeared behind the doors.

Gabriel adjusted his sword then sat down. The two young men kept a wary eye on him as though expecting him to grab a piece of furniture and run out with it. Gabriel sighed. He should have worn something fancier.

Five minutes later Amanda appeared through the doors. She wore a simple blue dress and black shoes that looked comfortable enough to allow her to walk around for a while. She’d tied her long blond hair back in a ponytail.

Amanda smiled when Gabriel caught her eye and hurried over to him. She held out a hand which he bowed over. “My lady.”

“Just Amanda, please. I didn’t expect you quite so early.”

“I woke up early, a habit from the academy.” He didn’t mention the nightmare. Gabriel offered his arm. “Shall we?”

Amanda linked arms with him and they left the inn. Outside Gabriel asked, “So where did you want to go?”

“I thought we might walk through the market then head over to the Golden Boar for lunch. How does that sound?”

“Sounds good. I’ve never been to the Golden Boar.”

They turned toward the market. “Oh it’s wonderful. Every day they roast a whole boar over an open pit. The meat is wonderfully juicy. It comes with spiced, fried potatoes and a small loaf of crusty bread. I stop by at least once whenever we come to Lord’s Way.”

The market was a short walk from the inn. In a large vacant lot the city had set aside for the purpose merchants had set up two score stalls. The market was strictly reserved for foreign merchants who came to the city to sell their wares but didn’t live here year round. A quick glance revealed a large variety of wares and few customers.

As they approached Gabriel asked, “Are you looking for anything specific?”

“No, I just wanted to browse, see if anything catches my eye.”

Hanging bunches of dried herbs filled the first stall and Amanda only paused for a moment before moving on. The next stall had many colorful bolts of fine silk and these held her attention a good deal longer. Gabriel kept his eyes moving, scanning for pickpockets or other threats. He expected no trouble; there wasn’t enough of a crowd for thieves to hide.