The Free Company - Book VI: For Whom the Bells Toll

[unmerged(10397)]

June 1st - Near the Moravia - Late Evening

It was getting late as Captain's messengers arrived at O'Floinn's camp. O'Floinn came across them talking to his sentries.

"I am looking for acting Lieutenant O'Floinn" One of them said blandly.

I stepped forward and nodded to him.

"Ye've found 'im, now tell me, what news from the East?"

"Nissa is taken, when I left the garrison was nearly spent, and the gate had long been opened."

O'Floinn's took the news dully, having expected this. The messenger continued.

"Captain wants you back with the Company, he's sent other messengers to find Lochlan and his men."

"It is time we 'eaded back. E'en with foraging, we're runin' low on supplies. Ride swiftly back to Captain, tell him we will be there soon. I shall gather my men and follow straightaway, my rangers will find the other sargeants and bring them to Nissa. Oh, and tell him the man I put in charge of Jean's jaghun, William Horne, is dead."
"Yes, sir" The messenger nodded and walked away, toward his horse. The others followed him.

Several hours later

It was very dark when O'Floinn and his men left their camp. While preparing to leave, they had seen smoke rising up the river. To most of his men, it looked like a mere fire letting off smoke, but O'Floinn could make out the signal.

"The 'eavy cavalry is at the bridge, they want us to meet them straightaway." O'Floinn commented idly to Jan Polak, who rode beside him.

"I wonder why they have come" Polak said.

"So do I"

The two jaghuns rode on a while longer, until they finally came to the bridge, around which the heavy cavalry was camped. Guards let the light cavalrymen in, and O'Floinn walked over to the bridge. Of all the shocking things that had happened in his life, seeing Chen Hui throwing dice several meters in front of him was probably the greatest. He stumbled forward, until he was an arm's length behind his friend. He sat down next to Chen and smiled,

"So I guess I'm going to be a sargeant again" He said idly.

 

[Amric]

May 31 1442, Nissa-- Late Evening

Amric sat on the ground with a piece of wood across his lap. A torch spat sparks above him and to the right, shedding just enough light for him to work with, what with the paper and pen and a small ink bottle on his makeshift desk. A frown appeared on his face as he continued to write his letter.

Edward,

I trust this letter finds you well. I'm in Hungary right now. Still with the Free Company, of course. You received my last missive in August of last year abouat my adventures with them. I can't tell you what I am doing here, but I can tell you that I am alive and well.

As per my instructions, I wish you to release another 200 ducats for the use of Alaric and Alyssa. Again, none of my family or Jessica and her family is to know that I am alive. As before I trust your judgement on how to disburse the money to them. They are sixteen now, and Alaric should be starting his journeyman's stage of his life by now, I would expect.

The 100 ducats for Alyssa should help if she wishes to marry. I know you can't possibly reply to the letters I send you. But you are my solicitor in these matters, and I wanted you to be sure that I am alive and that my last will and testament does not have to be put into effect.

I have to tell you, that I am feeling my age. Oh, not that I am feeling old, mind you. Just that the death I have dealt and the deaths of the men I am with affect me keenly. I have one fellow who has gotten some responsibility lately and feels responsible for actions he could not control.

I tried to speak to him about it. I don't think I really reached him, however. I fear for his mind, and for his physical safety. He is in the same sort of mood I was in when I was in Poland those years ago, right after the time in Muscowy.

I presume the investments from the money I originally gave you are panning out? I would hope so. If in the event you truly do need to reach me, send a letter to the Ragusa Inn in Ragusa. Some old timers from the Company retired there. I am sure they would be able to keep it for me until I return to the area.

I know what you are thinking, old friend. I have not returned to the drink. Nor to gambling. I have given them up, just as I promised when I gave you the money all those years ago. At least the gambling anyway. The drinking took longer, of course.

As usual, I also authorize you to disburse 100 ducats to Jessica. She deserves better than that lout she married, but she chose to follow the wishes of her father, so I suppose I will have to deal with, just as I have for sixteen years.

By the by, southern Italy has some tremendous chestnuts. I saw them while I was there with Falcon Company. I recommend that we invest in importing them to England. I think they will be a hit, especially around Christmas time. They are quite excellent roasted over a fire. Try it, and see if I am not right.

In closing, be safe and I hope your wife and children are all healthy and happy.

Your friend,

Amric Al'Aeshir


With a small sigh he folded the page into thirds and sealed it with some wax he had ready and slightly melted. With his signet ring he sealed the letter. With a handmade envelope he addressed the envelope and put the letter inside. Again he sealed the envelope.

He motioned over a young man who had been waiting patiently. Handing the letter to him, he also handed over a small pouch that jingled quite pleasantly.

"Take this to Pest," Amric ordered," To a solicitor named Smythe. He will be on the street of angels. He's an Englishman. He'll know what to do with it after that."

"Yes, sir," The young man smiled, pocketing the letter and the pouch," I won't let you down."

"Glad to hear it," Amric smiled wanly," Now there is the horse for you to use. I want it back, so don't run off with my letter or my money."

"I wouldn't do that, sir."

"Good," Amric leaned forward," For I'd hate to hunt you down."

The young man looked into the eyes of the sergeant and swallowed hard. The eyes were like chips of ice.

"You can depend on me."

"Good," Amric leaned back, his eyes warming again," Go on, lad."

The young man clambered onto the horse and cantored out of the city, heading back into the interior of Hungary. Amric put away his writing implements, wax, and paper into a nearby saddlebag. Cyril stopped by with a bowl of stew and some fresh baked bread.

"Here," Cyril handed the food to him," I'm willing to bet you haven't eaten yet. You need to eat to keep up your strength."

Amric chuckled," I suppose you have a point, Cyril. Sit down, if you'd like."

"Thank you," Cyril squatted down for a moment," You know Gerd is having some issues with the battle at the gate this morning?"

"I'm aware of it," Amric took a bite of the stew," I've spoken to him. It's too raw right now. I don't think any of us can reach him right now. Give it some time, and I'll try again."

"You seem to be on top of things even sitting over here doing nothing," Cyril smiled.

"A sergeant never does nothing," Amric smiled, taking another bite," Even when we are motionless, we are thinking. Planning. Plotting. Working on ways to make the lads better. More able to stay alive."

Cyril nodded absently," I hadn't thought of it that way. So what have you been thinking about this evening?"

"I doubt you'd be interested, Cyril," Amric finished the stew and used the bread to sop of the last of it.

"Why not?" Cyril inquired," Knowledge. Information is always useful."

Amric raised his brows," You really want to know?"

"Certainly."

"I was thinking of my children," Amric sighed.

"I didn't know you had children," Cyril looked mildly surprised.

"I've never seen them," Amric continued," They were born after I left England."

"So you are married and haven't been home since," Cyril began," How could you not have seen at least one of them?"

"Twins," Amric frowned," I had to leave England....due to some...personal issues."

"I see," Cyril didn't press him on it," So how come you haven't gone back to see them?"

"They don't know I exist," Amric explained," Their mother got married and the man knows they aren't his, but claims them as his own. He apparently can't have children of his own. As far as they know he is their father."

Cyril nodded in sympathy," I can understand the difficulty."

"I doubt it," Amric chuckled weakly," For you see, the girl's father wanted me dead. I had deflowered his daughter, and he had already arranged a marriage to a prominent nobleman. My father was furious, as the man could cause my family great discomfort."

"So you left England," Cyril commented.

"After the girl's father tried to have me killed," Amric grimaced," I had to kill the men he sent after me. I faked my death, and left England to join Falcon Company. My father knows I am still alive, or did when I left England. He arranged for me to join the Falcon Company."

"I see," Cyril frowned," You've never tried to contact him?"

"Once," Amric replied," When I was in Muscowy. After I escaped the mongols of the Horde I returned to Muscowy and received a letter in response to one I had sent him."

"And?"

"In essence, he was pretending I was dead and that I was never to try to contact him ever again," Amric snorted," So I have respected his wishes. Therefore I make sure my children periodically receive money from me, as does the girl, or should I say woman now....that bore them."

"Gentlemanly of you," Cyril noted.

"My father is a baron," Amric sniffed in mock severity," I grew up learning all the trappings of nobility and manners, and grace. All that rot which is completely useless in the real world."

"It's not entirely useless," Cyril remonstrated him.

"For a mercenary it is," Amric replied with a wan smile," I learned to restrain my 'noble' bearing and manners. I hardly even remember the upper crust accent I once had."

"Master William has been learning much the same, in his own way," Cyril mused to himself.

"So I have heard," Amric smiled," With some limited success, I have also heard."

"How did you manage it so successfully?" Cyril asked," I wouldn't have guessed you were nobility if you hadn't told me."

"Getting tortured got my complete and undivided attention," Amric frowned at the memory.

"I suppose it would," Cyril agreed," I need to go now and check on the men."

"I understand," Amric handed Cyril the bowl back," Thanks for the food, Cyril. And the talk."

"My pleasure," Cyril nodded and melted back into the shadows.

 

[unmerged(6528)]

June 1st, Nissa - Noon

The air was cold and damp, not surprising given the fact that it had been raining on and off for the whole morning. But the real problem, was the mud. They were covered in it. Almost every single ranger had been in the field for a week with inadequate food and little or no sleep. As a result, everyone was tired, and was more than a little quick to take offense or irritation.

It was this irritation in fact, which was the cause of the argument that had occupied the whole last hour of the march.

"Shut the hell up." Lochlan said, his voice loud enough to carry to the back of the ranger column. "I'm sick of listening to your shit. If I here another word about how you almost got each other killed out there, I'll kill you right here and now."

"Finally." Landen murmured. The pair of top rangers were walking at the head of a loose double column, occasionally chatting or mentioning something if it came to mind. For the most part though, everyone was simply too tired to talk.

Lochlan's irritation came back in full swing though, when the gate guard, obviously a faily new recruit, challenged the rangers at the gates.

Lochlan stopped, and squinted at the gate. "Landen." His voice was mild. "Is it my imagination, or is that gate not opening for us." It was not a question. Landen shrugged, and before the former aristocrat could answer, there was a call down from the gatehouse.

Hold there! You the dirty lot caked in filth!" The voice was high, and a bit shrill.

Lochlan looked up, not really in the mood for this sort of nonesense. "Who the hell are you?" He asked, his tired voice sounding like steel grating against stone.

"I'll be the one asking the questions." Whoever it was yelled down. "The Free Company control's this city and were not just going to let anyone in here."

Lochlan exchanged a glance with his second, and then took another look down the column. He had to agree, his men looked like shit. But that didn't mean he wasn't going to teach this child a thing or two about the reailties of the world that was the Free Company.

"If you don't open this gate before I finish threatening you, I'm going to climb up there, tears out your entrails, wrap them around your neck and hang you with them." Lochlan heard his men chuckling behind him. "After that, I'm going to slowly roast you on a spit, before tossing you to the hungriest, meanest dogs that I can..." Not to Lochlan's surprise, the gate began to slowly open.

Luckily for the new Free Company man, John Brandon had been near the gatehouse, and when he heard Lochlan's tirade he came running. Realizing from Lochlan's tone that the foolish guard at the gate was actually in mortal danger he had set the mechanism for opening just as he heard the head rangers angry words reaching the point where he would have to put them into action.

"Sorry to spoil your fun Lieutenant, welcome to Nissa." Captain's son waved to his friend and mentor.

"Lieutenant!" Lochlan heard the idiot squeak.

"Your about to be in more trouble than you can imagine..." Was the last thing Lochlan heard as he passed out of earshot.

 

[redwolf]

June 1, Late Evening, Moravia River

"So I guess I'm going to be a sargeant again"

Chen turned around at the voice. "O'Floinn! Good to see you well and alive. I trust you have taken care of my boys during my absence."

O'Floinn nodded," Don't worry Chen. We did good. Them Turks got one hell of a bloody nose from us. Sir, however we lost Jean to the Turks. We have no idea whether he's still alive or not."

Chen chuckled," I guess you've already got a surprise when you saw me alive. Well, I think you are in for an even bigger surprise. Jean's alive as well and he's over there."

"What?! He's here too?!" O'Floinn burst out. Chen nodded, grinning at O'Floinn's look of surprise. "That's right. In fact why don't you go over there and greet him first and then come back to look for me and Kent. I need to know the situation here and whether if the Saphis are still operating the area. Captain wants them eliminated."

O'Floinn nodded," I will be right back Sir."

Chen chuckled again," Go, scoot." He watched O'Floinn walking off for a moment more before returning his attention back to the gambling table.

 

[Valdemar]

June 1st, somewhere along the Adriatic coast

The man was sitting in the back, halfway concealed in the shadows. He looked like a minor merchant, and the Tavern owner wondered to himself what he could be selling to come through here, it was not the season for anything, and he hadn’t tried to sell anything.

But then again, the man looked a bit worn, perhaps he was down on his luck, still he had paid in silver for the room and the meal and he did no harm. He sent his daughter to serve him, hoping her chatter would provide the guest with some idle entertainment.

Then man accepted the meal with a gracious nod, and closed his ears to the senseless banter of the serving maid,

“Its been a while since we had a visitor,” she placed the plate in front of him, “though business have been good the last couple of years,” the man nodded noncommittally, “ever since that new lord took over the manor house you know,” she turned to get the bread, “he has been really kind, though off course we didn’t really believe he could be the owner, more like his assistant, don’t you know?” Without awaiting reply, she turned away to fill another customer’s tankard.

The man grateful for the respite dug into the food, pleasantly surprised to find venison in the stew. The maid returned with his wine,

“You know the type, he is to calm, not like the old lord, no harassments, he leaves the villagers alone.”

She turned away again and the man ate for a while in silence, the maid having found a willing audience returned swiftly,

“He’s been awfully kind, lend the miller so he could build a better wheel on the creek, got all the other villages grain too, now, the miller that is, he doesn’t tax us so hard, seems to know just what everyone can afford,” the man nodded again, seemingly lost in his thoughts, only his eyes showed life, a strange kind of fire, darting all over her, but the maid was pretty and used to that, “he helped the smith get a new anvil, all the way from the big city,” she gestured vaguely north, “all the farmers come here now for their ploughs.”

She left again on an errand and the man finished his meal in peace, and leaned bag to enjoy his wine.

“You know what the best thing is?”

The man almost spilled his wine, she had returned from the outside, and caught him unawares,

“I think the best thing is his men,” she batted her eyes theatrically, “He hired these men to take care of his house, though I must say it was an awful lot of men just to look after it,” She looked searchingly at his empty clay mug and he nodded affirmatively, he had to spend the night here, so..

“See when e came he brought these men, and I was a little bit scared, they where rough to look at you see,” She placed the filled mug in front of him, “They were old and scarred and never went anywhere alone,” she giggled, “well almost nowhere,” The man’s head perked up at that, and the maid suddenly found she had his full attention, she looked into his strangely hypnotic eyes and perched on the edge of a seat, “you see, they were all armed, and we thought he had set up a robbers nest or something,” she giggled again to hide a sudden discomfort, she had no idea where it came from, he was just a merchant, “but they didn’t do anything, actually they were very polite, they still go about in pairs, but I aint scared no more, turns out they were mercenaries or so,” she looked more thrilled than scared at the thought, “and they cleared the forests out in no time, now we can safely go to the city and all,” she fidget a bit and began to rise, “they still go in there once in a while and are away for days, though I know not what they do, but they sell us their huntings.”

She took his plate, and began to turn, “we still don’t see the master very often, he only drops by from time to time, though he was just here, with his small strange boat and that big ship, we don’t see ships that big before he got here with that lady sailor,” The maid suddenly felt a steely grip on her arm,

“Lady sailor? Where? Here?”

She winced, “you are hurting me sir,” she shot a glance at her father who reached under his bar.

The man shook his head and released her arm, “Sorry, I forgot myself,” he rummaged through his clothes and dropped a coin into her hand, “tell me more of this Master of yours and his lady?”

She took the coin and massaged her wrist, “I don’t know sir, the Master is none of my business, and I’ve never seen the lady before, they left days ago.”

Drakken looked deep into her eyes, so much like Maria, or was it just the dark hair, and his imagination that played tricks on him? “I think I may know your master very well, just want to pay my respect.”

The girl frantically looked the other way, “Well he is gone, and they will not receive you at the house when he is not there, only his guards and the two young men they have taken in can go there.”

Drakken nodded and sat down, “So they sailed away?”

The girl grateful for being released from the eyes picked up his plate again, “No the left on horse some days ago,” she turned and fled to the kitchens and Drakken sat very still in his dark corner, until everybody else had turned away from the small display,

So this is where they hid? Smart move, a harbour, and the Lord of this Land? You’ve done well Hviid, very well.

He briefly contemplated entering the house on the cliff, he could do it, most likely, But those guards? Free Company men by the description, and not green recruits, patrolling in pairs, and I doubt Hviid would leave anything there for me to find.

He nursed his wine until far into the night relishing in his dreams and lust for Maria.

 

[Amric]

June 1 1442,

"Lieutenant!" Lochlan heard the idiot squeak.

"Your about to be in more trouble than you can imagine..." Was the last thing Lochlan heard as he passed out of earshot.

"I didn't know!" the man squeeked.

"You don't recognize the senior lieutenant of the Free Company?" John inquired mildly," Or the death's head emblem on some of the tabards? I think you need to have a chat with senior sergeant Amric. I'm sure he is around here somewhere. Let me see..."

The man quaked in terror. He'd heard stories about Amric, and he was NOT looking forward to having a private chat with him. He looked around wildly for a moment before settling down. He'd also heard the man had been wounded. How bad could it be, after all?

John motioned another man to take the gate while he frogmarched the moron toward the wall. A shadow began to resolve itself, limping along in the rain. Back and forth, like a caged tiger.

"Sergeant!" John called out," I think you might want to speak to his fellow."

"What the hell for?" Amric inquired.

"He didn't recognize Lochlan and the rangers coming back into town," John explained.

"What?!" Amric exclaimed," And Lochlan let him live?"

"I saved his sorry ass," John shrugged," But I thought you might wish to speak to him. Since you haven't had a chance to do much the last few hours."

Amric rubbed his hands together," Very well. Stay here. You might as well learn how to do a right good dressing down while I'm doing it."

The man stood straight, he'd seen the sergeant limping. Even in the rain, he could see the sergeant wasn't moving like his normal self. The red wound on his head looked rather painful, and hopefully the sergeant wouldn't really have the energy to kill him. If he was lucky.

"How could you not recognize Lochlan?" Amric inquired mildly.

"Well it's raining," the man said," Plus they were all covered in mud. For all I knew they were Turks trying to sneak into the city."

"There is a reason we have torches down there," Amric commented softly," Plus everyone in the company knows what Lochlan looks like. Didn't you notice the company insignia?"

"Well," the man replied," I didn't really look for it. I didn't know the rangers were coming back...."

Amric seemed to grow larger and more terrifying," You have GOT to be KIDDING!? You didn't bother to NOTICE who they might have been? You didn't bother to look for insignia? Did you go to school to learn how to be stupid, or did you just come by it naturally?!"

The man shivered," Well, but...I mean..."

"SILENCE!" Amric roared," It is your JOB to be observant while tending the gate. You aren't BLIND, are you? Even coated in mud there had to have been some signs of the company insignia. Yet you managed to piss off Lochlan, which is NOT one of the smartest things in the world to do!"

John spoke up," Well, sergeant...what should we do with him?"

"Can I say something?"

"NO!" both John and Amric roared, causing the man to shrink back into himself.

"Well," Amric thought for a moment," I believe some work on latrines might be in order."

"We do need a new one dug," John nodded.

"We also need the old one covered," Amric smiled a little," Have him cover the old one. I already have someone digging out new ones."

"Very good," John agreed," I'll have him taken to his new post. Then I will return to report."

"Good," Amric grunted," I've been waiting for some time for that report."

John took the man to Oskar, who gleefully took him in hand. John returned to Amric. The two men walked back and forth in the rain while the younger man reported.

"Well," John said," After you left things were pretty simple. Even the trap the Turks tried to spring in the southern square was handled with some ease...."

The report went on, with Amric asking some questions, and John responding with answers and sometimes elaborating on the action when necessary.

 

[Valdemar]

June 1st Outside Buda

Frederik sat astride a very nice hunting horse he had purchased along the way, only slightly more comfortable than when they left, but to his satisfaction also slightly more at ease than Maria.

He smiled at her, despite their haste they had made the journey into a pleasant one, stopping at Taverns as often as possible and dismissing their guards about halfway, figuring that once they got on the well travelled highways to Buda the chance of a situation they couldn’t handle would be slim.

Up ahead they could see the looming walls of Buda, sitting on the high escarpment overlooking the mighty river and its valuable trade. To Frederik’s trained eye however it was obvious that the Turk had hurt the city, even if it was far away from the war. Too many of the small river crafts lay still along the quays, and too little activity could be discerned along the docks and wharfs of those ships still showing signs of trade.

The agent allowed his eyes to train up river until they reached a small village, there still, some activity could be seen, and that was another sign.

“I’d have thought there would be more activity, this is a major trading centre,” Maria followed his glance, “What’s up there?”

Frederik shrugged, “smugglers, river pirates, dealers in diverse goods and services, a sure sign of the Turk’s strangle on the trade.”

She nodded, “that explains the lack of trade.”

Frederik nudged his horse forward, “let’s see if we can get under a roof before nightfall.”

Maria smiled and chased after him towards the city gates.

*****
Soon they were well settled in one of the finer Inns near the palace square and as Maria had gone of on some errand, Frederik decided to rummage through a number of messages waiting for him.

He was still scribbling something when Maria returned,

“No word on the Company, though it is said that Hunyadi is down south of Belgrade in his pursuit of Ishak Pasha.”

Frederik looked up, “Yes, my messages here say the same, though I think we need to get more reliable information soon, have you made plans for tonight?”

She shook her head puzzled, “no?”

“Apparently some minor noble just decided to throw a small party for whatever is left of the court, and we happen to be invited.” He winked at her,

“Oh, Mister Hviid, you sure know how to treat a lady,” she grinned, then turned sombre, “I have brought nothing of the stuff from Florence.”

Frederik grinned, “I know, I’ve arranged a little something for you,” he grabbed her hand and led her out of the room and along the corridor to another room.

Inside the room was dress upon dress, and Maria was speechless for a moment, then as she looked closely she noticed two demure women over to the side waiting for her to enter the room properly, she turned towards Frederik,

“How?”

He grinned, “Money talks my dear, now I assume this will be enough to get you ready for tonight? I have ordered a carriage at eight.”

*****

The large town house near the palace looked all ablaze from all the lamps and lanterns on the outside, and candlelight shone through every window, some even with imported glass. Frederik smiled, Maria looked almost regal as she descended from the carriage in her new dress, a magnificent piece in light blue silk, that had cost him more than he had ever imagined a dress could ever cost.

Frederik was comfortable by standing in her shadow as he escorted her into the house, dressed as usually in his expensive but discreet black dress. The host graciously greeted them as if they had been friends for years and Frederik only had been out of town for a few months, and if Maria was curious about it, she kept it to herself.

She allowed the host to lead her off towards a grand buffet, doing introductions left and right, presenting her, truthfully as a Florentine Noble. Frederik allowed himself to be lost in the throng and it was only moments later when a servant appeared by his elbow,

“Excuse me sir, his Excellency wants to know if you’d care to join him in the study?”

Frederik nodded and followed the waiter, loosening his knife slightly in its hidden scabbard on his arm.

The man led him to a small room at the back of the house, overlooking a delightful small garden. He left Frederik there, closing the door behind him and Frederik explored the room casually with his eyes, noting the open window to the summer evening and the small fire giving of a pleasant wooden smell on the fireplace. Frederik’s eyes scanned the wooden panels for the obvious hidden door, then walked to the table and helped himself to some wine.

“Its an excellent wine, our host have exquisite taste.”

Frederik was not surprised, though he hadn’t heard a thing, he finish pouring the wine and turned offering the goblet to the man that had suddenly appeared by the fireplace. He graciously accepted and Frederik filled a second cup, as the man seated himself,

“Jaromir was very gracious to extend his invitation to your and the lovely lady, even at such short notice.”

Frederik nodded and sat down with his back on the opposite wall, “a most gracious host, does he know who I am?”

The man shook his head, “No, only that your are a minor noble, German, with some influence west of here.”

Frederik nodded and sipped the wine.

“So who is that lovely lady? You haven’t married since last time have you?”

The Agent smiled, “Nah, she is Italian, a Medici, don’t underestimate her.”

The older man nodded, “So what news do you bring?”

“Not much, it was your news on Hunyadi, and the Cardinal, Cesarini, that brought me here.”

The man looked up in surprise, “Oh, really? Well I take it you know him then?”

Frederik shook his head, “no, I know of him, but I haven’t met him, something your messenger said made me think I would like to meet him.”

The older man shrugged, “His grace left with the Regent, they are in the south on this new, hmm crusade.”

“Against your wishes, and advice I gather?”

“Very much so, but I’m old and even though I pull a lot of weight in the council I am not regent, nor do I wish to be.”

Frederik grinned, “Chancellor at most, I wager?”

The old man smiled, “That would be sufficient yes, if ever the council could convene long enough to make that decision, in the mean time I will act as Chancellor, even if I do not hold the title, or the title do not exist in Hungary.”

Frederik nodded, “So what now? Can I communicate with you? I need to see Cesarini, but I also need to find out if and when the Free Company have met up with him.”

The man nodded, “Obviously, last I heard they had passed through the pass of the mountains onto the plains of Serbia, but it is unconfirmed, merely a rumour of a western army passing by.”

Frederik nodded, drained his cup and rose, “until next time then my friend.”

The old man stood and looked curiously at Frederik, “Friend? Well yes, perhaps, in a way, Guilaume was a friend, I hope you will not take offence if I bide my time before I respond in kind?”

Frederik smiled and shook his head, “By all means take your time.” He turned and left the old man standing by the fireplace and went to join Maria.

He found the lady of his heart centre of a group of young nobles all trying to catch her attention. Not wanting to spoil her fun he circled the room until he came upon a stunning beauty, a gorgeous blonde young woman, looking at the spectacle in the centre with a mixture of mirth and jealousy.

“Milady,” he bowed briefly, “Can I get you a refreshment?”

She looked surprised at him seeing the smile in his eyes, “Are you not the man that came...,” she gestured at the centre of the room. Frederik merely smiled, and she grinned devilishly back, “In that case good sir, I’d be honoured, perhaps you’d care to join me on the terrace?”

 

[Amric]

June 1 1442, Merrye Olde England

The funeral of James Smythewick had been well attended. The normal weather of England for the year had made itself known. A light drizzle had poured down from the skies for the past two days. The digging of the grave had taken quite a bit of time, as the wet ground kept trying to collapse into the hole. But he was finally laid to rest.

Lady Jessica, and her two children Alaric and Alyssa, sat in the carriage as it wended it's way back to the manor house where they lived. Lady Jessica fidgeted in her seat, obviously something was on her mind. The twins looked at each other and frowned. Alaric leaned forward and looked at his mother straight in the eye.

"Mother," he said," We know."

Jessica started violently," Know what, my dears?"

"Our real father," Alyssa stated baldly.

"Your father is dead," Jessica cried softly, tears slipping down her still beautiful cheeks.

"Not that mean spirited oaf we buried today," Alaric snapped," Our REAL father."

"I told you," Jessica sobbed," He's dead. Your grandfather had him killed before you were born."

"No, mother," Alaric smiled gently," He failed."

"We saw the body," Jessica snapped," What was left of it. He was badly burned. The body was so charred it only due to the necklace I had given him that we identified the body."

"A trick," Alyssa stated," He faked his death, mother. To keep from being run to ground like a rabid dog by our dearly despised grandfather."

"How do you know?" Jessica inquired.

"His solicitor died two months ago," Alaric smiled," His partner took over his affairs. The man didn't realize we weren't to be told about our father. He only found those papers after he informed us."

"How?" Jessica repeated herself.

"Remember when I had to take a sudden trip to London a few weeks ago?" Alaric inquired.

"Yeeesss," Jessica drawled," I believe you said a school chum of yours needed your assistance."

"A lie," Alaric explained," I went to meet the solicitor. He told me everything. Those mysterious monetary gifts we receive periodically? From our father. Even your gifts are from him, mother."

"I....I had no idea," Jessica stammered,"He's alive? Really and truly?"

"Yes, mother," Alyssa wiped a tear from her mother's face," he is very much alive. The last communication from him was from a place called Ancona."

"That's in Italy!" Jessica exclaimed," What is he doing in Italy?"

"He's a mercenary, mother," Alyssa answered," With a band called the Free Company."

"A," Jessica put her hand to her mouth," MERCENARY? He could get killed doing that kind of work! What ever possessed him to do such a thing!? Mercenaries are a dirty, unruly lot."

"Perhaps so, mother," Alaric chuckled," But it beats the life of a gambler on step ahead of those wanting your head."

"He was a gambler as well?" Jessica looked faint, clearly shocked at this turn of events.

"A very GOOD gambler it seems," Alyssa smiled," All of our gifts are from his winnings as a gambler. Along with the investments he had his solicitor make on our behalf."

"Investments?" Jessica sighed," A trader as well, it appears. A jack of all trades..."

"And master of none," both of her children chorused," Yes, mother. We know what our grandfather thinks of such things."

"It is beneath those of our station," Jessica intoned as if by rote.

"What station does our father have?" Alyssa snapped," He is dead, as far as everyone else knows. He is no longer nobility, as you well know. He has to make a living somehow. Besides, with his gambling winnings and the investments he has made my brother and I VERY wealthy."

"Wealthy?"

"Beyond that of our grandfather," Alaric stated," Beyond all of our grandfathers. Combined!"

Jessica's mouth opened in shock," You don't say? So I will be able to keep the house, and the lands. In spite of your father's gambling debts?"

"That man was NOT our father!" Alyssa snarled.

"Yes, mother," Alaric said softly," You will be able to keep the house, and the lands. Amric made sure you were to be taken care of as well. With our 'father' dead, you will be able to access the funds directly."

"That is wonderful," Jessica smiled for the first time in days," Truly wonderful. Your father would be so pleased that I will be able to keep the house."

Alaric whispered to his sister," She's not really here anymore, y'know."

"I know," she whispered back," She's lost in her memories. Our true father is lost in the mists of time for her. She hasn't been right for the last few years."

"I know," Alaric said," Are you still determined to do this?"

"More so than ever," Alyssa grimaced," I can't live with her any more. The servants will care for her. She doesn't really need us."

"Agreed," Alaric nodded," Mother, we're home now."

They helped their mother into the house, out of the rain and into the care of the servants. Saddlebags had already been packed and were waiting for the two at the stables, along with saddled horses. As one, they swung into the saddles and trotted off, toward London and the wharfs. They had every intention of traveling to see their father in Ancona. To speak to him. The learn the why's and where for's of his actions.

 

[unmerged(10971)]

1 June, Evening: Moravia River

"Now," said Jean, as he poured out a few glasses of wine and smiled, "where was I?".

Charles took a sip. "You've still got the d'Auxonne grin. I don't think you've stopped since you met that Lin Mee or whatever his name was. As to where you were, your horse had just been hit by a crossbow bolt."

"That's right. Now, of course, the horse didn't react well to this and I was thrown off. I landed with a broken arm and leg. Now, the next thing I see is a big Venetian standing right over me. All of a sudden he's killed by a sword and I'm thrown into the saddle behind Chen."

"Chen? You mean the Mongol?"

"He's Chinese."

"Same thing."

"Try telling that to him. He won't like it one bit. Now, I was brought back to Company lines with two broken limbs. I know this next part doesn't sound very heroic, but I just sat out the rest of the battle. That's it. After that, the next two years aren't anything special. I healed, got my wife pregnant--I now have a son--and went to Burgundy earlier this year for business."

"What sort of business?"

"Not important. I returned to find the Company ready to go again and my wife having just given birth. I've already told you what happened after that. Now, your story?"

"Ah, yes." Charles took another sip of wine. "Shorter than yours. After our... unpleasant meeting in Rhodes, I went to Hungary to join the service of the King--I figured the Company would make it there eventually, what with the threat of the Turks. I'm good at acting, something I picked up from your brother, so I became a spy. During lulls I decided to do some research into your father, to see why he was so vehemently opposed to the Free Company. Now, what was his story?"

"That he was a poor farmer, and was attacked along with another group by a Knight Templar in the Company's service."

"Sounds a bit suspicious, now doesn't it? Knights, even Templars, don't usually fall into banditry, at least when they have some other source of income. Now, the true story was--"

Before Charles could finish, someone pushed away Jean's tent flap. Jean turned to find O'Floinn standing there.

"Daniel O'Floinn. Thank God! I am so glad to see you! Just one thing."

"What?"

"Never, ever, give William Horn command of my jaghun. Now, that aside, I would like you to meet Charles, an old friend of my brother Maurice. Charles, this is Sergeant Daniel O'Floinn, who joined the Company about the same time I did. He used to be under me, now I have to get used to the idea of not ordering him around."

"Not that you did much of that."

Charles chuckled. "Not that he does much of anything!"

Jean grew red in fake anger, but still smiled. "Oh, quiet! Now, tell me what you've been doing while I was gone."

 

[stnylan]

May 31 - Evening

"NEXT!"

There was a silence, another body did not appear.

"NEXT!!"

"Sir, it appears we have finished," Ricardo said, after checking the 'waiting room'.

Jan blinked. The floor was slippy and treacherous, the air stank. His eyes stung from the smoke of lanterns and from the brazier. His hearing was numbed by screams and cries for mercy.

He blinked again. "Bring water. We need to wash." That was a command Ricardo and the other ordelies were all to ready to obey.

It had been something of a learning experience to Ricardo. It was not as if he had not spent enough time around battlefields. Now though he thought he knew why the Doctor drank - though now he too wondered about the name 'Shaky'. He knew it - anyone who saw the Doctor knew he drank like seven sailors, could see the small tremours. But in that tent ...

In that tent 'Shaky' had looked more like a ghoul from tales used to scare children than a human being. Pale, gaunt, spattered in blood and gore. Quick hands moving precisely to a purpose, a voice in command. Jan had worked quickly and efficiently, dividing the wounded into those whom he could help, and those whom he discharged to the priests for Divine Mercy. The previous day he had rooted out a priest to minister to those.

Now Jan methodically washed that blood and gore off, and he washed down the table. "We might need it tomorrow," Jan commented. "At least some of those wounds will suppurate. Tomorrow, and the next day, we'll start amputating."

It was one of a soldier's worst fears. Today they had carried out only one. Ricardo had held the man down, who screamed and thrashed about in terror at losing his right arm - and arm that was crushed and splintered beyond hope. Jan had sawn methodically, cursing in rough Flemish when the patient had jerked so suddenly that his blade had nearly slipped.

And Jan had called this light! To be sure they had treated more than just Free Company men - though they had always had priority. Ricardo did not know if he wanted to stand in this hell again though.

After they had finished Jan stumbled outside, weary to his very bones. A light rain had begun to fall. It was refreshing, and he took a small sip from his bottle. He needed to find the Captain, to report. He made a face. "Twelve," he murmered. Twelve men had died today under his knife. More had been saved, but those twelve would live with him forever. Like the others.

 

[stnylan]

June 1st - Nissa

John took the hapless man in hand. Oskar, fortuitously, was nearby, though he seemed a little more subdued today than normal. He stood up, and made a passing salute.

"Oskar, Amric put this lad on latrine duty. A solo assignment. Covering the old trench and making a new one. Think you can handle that."

"Course I can sir. You just leave him with me, and I'll have him digging in a jiffy."

After John had left Oskar turned to the man. "It's Markus right? So, what have you done to earn this?" Alberto mumbled something. "Yes yes, I'm sure your chin already knows what happened. However, your chin is not asking. Wounds! You remind me of ol Pigdeon."

"I did not recognise Lieutenant Lochlan at the gate."

Oskar looked at the lad, and then burst out laughing. "Boy, that's the best thing that's happened to me since yesterday. Now, why don't we go along to those lovely latrines. I know you're only a young lad, but just a word of advice - keep in mind who the officers are. It might prove helpful. Come to think of it, I thought Gerd had already tried to teach you that lesson."

Markus blushed.

"Well, you know the routine. If you keep on at this rate you could join me an Gerd in making it your 'professional occupation'. Fine work, digging latrines. Know where you are, with latrines. Gerd an me, been doing latrines for ten .. ten years? Gerd..."

"Oskar?" Markus asked, perplexed.

"What? Oh never mind me. Tired, plus I might add a little hungover - and perhaps that contributed a little to your own troubles. Well, if get these latrines dug before John comes back then we can get drunk together."

It was, after a fashion, an education.

 

[unmerged(10397)]

June 1st - Late Evening - The Moravia

"Well, you'll never have to worry about me placing Horn in command again, he died last night during a Turkish ambush."

"I thought you were supposed to be the one planning ambushes." Jean grinned.

"Well, I was, and then I sent Horn to the river to stop the Turks from crossing. After a while, I came to join him, and we sent a messenger to Captain to get new orders. He never arrived, but Captain realized something was wrong and sent a messenger to us. We were on our way to Nissa when we saw the smoke signals."

"But what about that Turkish ambush?"

"That was a few days ago. We were camped along the river when a sentry found a few horses running wildy towards our camp. Horn and some others were trying to calm them down when Turks hiding nearby started shooting at them. Will and two others fell, but we got the Turks."

"Real shame about Horn, but if this ever happens again put someone more competent in charge."

"You know, if ye 'adn't gotten captured, I wouldn't 'ave 'ad to put anyone in charge. Speaking of which, how did you get captured?"

 

[unmerged(6528)]

June 2nd, Nissa - Evening

Lochlan swore mildly as he scrubbed the muck of his gear, the worst of it was the mud that had managed to encrust his baldric and get into the holes where the buckle would tighten it.

"Stupid bloody piece of..." He was interrupted by a tap on his doorframe. "Come in Captain." He told his commander without looking up.

"How do you always know its me old man." Captain asked, smiling when Lochlan raised his grey eyes welcome his friend.

"Your wearing riding boots, your tread isn't as heavy as Kent's is, nor as light as Chen's. And, you take long steps with a certain flare ponderance to them, you walk like your about to give one of those apocalyptic sermons like the local priest in the chruch across the street." Lochlan grinned without looking up from his cleaning.

Captain chuckled, and Lochlan heard the dull thuds of his heels on the table next to his bed as Robert put his feet up, leaning back in his chair. "We've gotten ourselves in it this time Lochlan. We have yet to make contact with Hunyadi, we've already engaged the turk, were saddled with this city now, and." Captain paused.

"And?" Lochlan prompted, setting his baldric aside and grabbing one of his boots. There were a few servants paid by the Free Company to do this, but the ranger was not the kind of man to ask a servant to do anything. His scarred hands moved slowly along the treated leather of the boots, running along the curves. "My boys did alright, even after I got myself bloody lost out there. We lost some, but I suppose all in all we did more than I could have hoped."

"You did, those Spahi would have pinned us up against the walls of Nissa if the rangers and the light cavalry hadn't kept them out of the fight. That would have been unpleasant." Captain nodded, understating what might have happened considerably.

"I heard Amric got himself wounded." Lochlan mentioned.

"Well he's been damn near invincible so far, but he takes the same kinds of risks you do, so I'm not surprised. He's a devil with those blades of his as well." Captain's eyes mocked his subordinate gently.

Lochlan just rolled his eyes. "I have better things to do than play king stag."

His commander nodded, but instead of replying fixed his eyes on the stars that could be seen through the window. He sighed, and Lochlan flicked his eyes up to see an expression of mild melencholy.

"Spit it out Captain, I'm too old for this, and your far too old."

"I wonder if bringing Constance was the right thing to do." Captain's voice was low, it barely carried beyond his lips.

Lochlan though, had sharp ears. He set the boot down, satisfied, and picked up the other. "Like you had a choice. You know if you'd have tried to leave her in Ancona she'd have followed."

"Are you certain?" This was Robert now, a man deeply in love with his wife and adoring of his children. Captain, the symbol and leader of the Free Company was gone, if only for a moment.

"Dead in the black Robert. Allessandra would have followed me for certain, and I know Constance just a little after all these years, I'm certain she'd have done the same." Lochlan chuckled, it was a low, evil sound. "Hell, she and Allessandra would probably have done it together."

"I suppose. Still, I worry. In Constantinple if we had failed she would have..." He trailed off.

"And in Italy there was at least somewhere for her to go if it got too bad. I know, I know." Lochlan sighed, and tossed the boot he had to the floor. He sighed, and stretched, hearing a disgustingly large amount of cracking noises as he did so. "Here, we don't entirely know who's side everyone is on."

Robert nodded, but said nothing, his eyes were gazing out the window. His hands were clasped on his lap, his expression was still now, but Lochlan knew the man better than almost anyone. He was worried.

"Your better with her here Robert, and you know it." Lochlan said finally, reaching over to the table where his friends booted feet were crossed. He grabbed a thick glass bottle, and a pair of mugs. He opened the bottle and sniffed, his stomach tried to run away in fear, but his pride held it still. "Here." He gave one of the mugs to Robert, and poured it half full, then did the same for himself.

Robert took a sip, than gagged and coughed for a minute. "What the hell is this stuff, hoof scrapings?"

"I didn't ask, I don't think I'd be drinking it if I knew." Lochlan countered, taking a hefty gulp.

Robert looked into his mug a moment, his eyes narrowed, then he took a long pull from it. "This really does taste like shit."

"Oh I know, I can feel my stomach being eaten away." Lochlan cracked. "Want another?" Robert smiled, and the Captain of the Free Company was back in his eyes, both were present now, and that made Lochlan feel a bit better. His friend was a balance of several distinct people, and occasionally he lost control of where he was.

"Definately." Captain said.

 

[The_Hawk]

Over the River and Through the Woods

June 2nd, evening -- far south of Nissa

Across the Moravia and through the forests of southern Serbia, Hunyadi had pursued Ishak Pasha's troops as far as he could, exhorting his men, setting a pace barely tolerable. Now, as the enemy wound its way out of sight into the mountains of Bulgaria to the east, the army of Hungary abandoned its chase and rested on its laurels.

The pursuit had been fruitful, the reward of a battle well-fought. As Ishak's army had sounded the retreat, Hunyadi had sent his cavalry wide around the enemy. It was when they attempted to cross the river that he struck, turning an organized retreat into a chaotic bloodbath. More bodies disappeared down the Moravia than lay on the field where the two armies had first met. It was a great day as Hungary, and Hunyadi in particular, regained some of that honor lost at Zlatica Pass.

Now the Hungarian general sent riders across the land, both to monitor the movement of his enemy's armies, and to determine what had so distracted the spahis who were sent to sever his supply lines...

 

[Amric]

June 1 1442, Late Evening-- Inside Lancaster

The ride had been long and wearying. Alyssa wasn't a great horsewoman, and she was sure she'd pay for the hard ride in the morning. Alaric was in his element, riding easily in his saddle, nearly as perky and rested as when they had first set out.

"Alyssa," Alaric said," We need to find an inn for the night."

"You think so?" she replied waspishly.

"Now, now," Alaric chided her," You don't have to come on this journey, you know."

"I want to meet him too," she softened her tone slightly," I want to see what kind of man he has become and whether he is the man we wish to associate with in the future."

"I know," Alaric sighed," I do, as well. Just remember, he's a mercenary now. They aren't known for having wives and children."

"How would you know?" Alyssa inquired.

"Well," Alaric hedged," When would they have time? They're always at war, somewhere or other. Look at our father as an example. Muscowy, Poland, Hungary, Naples with Falcon Company. Then northern Italy with the Free Company. As far as we know he has never married or had other children."

"That is just it," Alyssa replied," You are basing all this on incomplete information. Just what you were told by that solicitor fellow. It is HIGHLY doubtful he knows everything there is to know about mercenaries."

Alaric rubbed his chin thoughtfully," You may have a point. I shall consider it. Ah, there's an inn now."

"Thank God," Alyssa moaned softly," I think my bum and legs are about to fall off and run screaming for home!"

"Such language!" Alaric laughed," What would mother think if she heard you speak like that?"

"She is not here," Alyssa said with some asperity," So I shan't worry about her having the vapors if she heard me say that."

The two walked there horses to the stable nearby and paid for a night for them and fed them some grain and gave them water as they rubbed down the weary beasts. Afterwards they paid for a room and enjoyed an evening repast before retiring for the night.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nissa, late evening

Amric had managed to climb up to the roof of the main gatehouse and looked out into the night outside the city before turning and facing the interior of the city. There were a few fires scattered in the city, but the rain seemed to be helping to put them out. Few buildings showed illumination. It was like a city under siege.

As if the city was holding its collective breath to see what would happen next. The taking of the city happened so fast that the citizens would have had hardly a moment to realize that the Turks were now gone and they were free once more.

Then again, how would they know for sure they hadn't exchanged a Turkish master for one that was worse? Something would have to be done to show the people that the Free Company wasn't interested in raping the women and taking all the valuables of the city folk. With a curse, Amric stumbled down the stairs and went to find John.

He found him having a late dinner not too far away. Amric motioned him to join him at a nearby wall. John walked over, a little concerned with the arrival of the senior sergeant.

"What's wrong?" John asked," You've got that look again."

"I want it known that the Free Company has certain standards," Amric growled," And if I find out anyone has been looting or accosting women, other wise known as rape I will have them strung up so quick they won't know what happened."

John looked shocked," You don't think....?"

"I doubt it," Amric agreed," But I want it known. We haven't had to hang anyone for such in a while...but we DO have new men we took on just before we left Ancona."

"Still..." John frowned.

"I want to let the citizens realize that we aren't ogres," Amric explained," If the men, and even more importantly the CITIZENS know that we are men who will uphold law and order, not viscious conquerors who wish to dispoil their women and homes."

"Makes sense when you say it like that," John nodded," It WOULD help the people of Nissa feel easier with us here. I'll take care of it."

"Thanks, John," Amric clapped the young man on the back," I'll leave you to your supper, then."

Amric limped away into the night, with John looking at him until he vanished into the twilight. He turned back to implement the orders as well as finish his food before it congealed into an unappetizing mess.

Amric continued on, trying to work the leg that was injured so that he wouldn't lose the flexiblity in it. He touched the scar on his head. He idly wondered if his hair would grow back, or if he would be left with the red scar on his head. It wouldn't matter, one way or another, to him as he wasn't in the habit of wooing women or worrying about his appearance. Only his ability to fight and lead men without losing too many of them.

He paced back and forth in the salley bailey. He had no idea where his tent was, to be honest. It could very well still be packed in the baggage train for all he knew. But he didn't feel like setting it up. His thoughts haunted him, especially on nights like this.

But he would soldier on, and he would continue to train and lead men into battle. Hoping that the training paid off and more of them would live, rather than dying on the blades of an enemy. It was his life work. It was all he had left. And he would do it until one day he wasn't fast enough, or skilled enough to turn that last blade and his own life leaked onto some scarred battleground. Surrounded by his mates and hopefully a great many enemies that had fallen to his blade and those of his men.

When his time came, and hopefully it would be MANY years in the future, those who remained would remember him kindly. Even though they had been put into the grinder of training under him. Perhaps they would appreciate the skills imparted to them. Mayhap some would continue his work. He had high hopes for those he had asked to take on more responsibility.

He had even higher hopes for John Branden. It was his job and duty, along with the awesome responsibility to help train him as a leader of men. He liked the lad, even though he had much to learn. He was a likeable chap, and willing to get his hands dirty. Willing to listen, capable of arguing when required. All the talents necessary for a good leader. John would prove himself a great leader, given time and experience, Amric was sure of it.

His thoughts whirling in his head he continued to pace. And think. And plan for the future as much as any sergeant truly could...

 

[unmerged(18239)]

may 31-June 1st Nissa

Mosby's body had ebeMosby's body had been torn apart by the violence of the battle. His wound where numerous but most of them where small, only two of them where severe the shoulder wound, could be life threatening. But luckily for Singleton a very able physician of the Free company helped him as soon as he passed trough the gate where Mosby was still seated against the wall.

The young soldier drifted in and out of consciousness before the doctor finally gave him some opium to enlighten the pain. Then he slept and did not awoke for the remainder of the day and night. He slept for some 22 hours and when he finally felt the first rays of light creeping over his face Mosby awakened, tired and painless, but still strong as ever.

“It will take you a few days to be able to ride and fare more time to recover sufficiently but I am sure you are going to make it my boy. You have had a major hit to the shoulder, the sword tore right to your armour, clothing, skin and meat and was lodged in the bone for some time until someone apparently pulled it free. This act might have saved you life.
The sword is here friend, just bedides you it is a beautifull scimitair. The owner must have been of some real class. But I am talking tome much, you need some more rest, and I got some more work to do. “

And with those words the doctor left leaving Mosby on some straw in a corner of a small building used as a hospital. Only now Singleton caught the severance of the battle which had taken place in Nissa, the building was full of wounded and dead Free Company members.

That evening Mosby stood up for the first time since he was wounded, he felt well and strong but his bandage remained bloodied. The soldier struggled trough the streets of a dark city filled with death and dying people, filled with agony and sorrow. But before long Singleton was on his return to the shack for a little more rest, he really needed it, but was determent to return to the company on June the second.

On his way back Mosby encountered a fit and unwounded soldier from the Free Company.
“Soldier, where can I find Chen’s jaghun.”
“They are near the Moravia river, at least when I left them three hours ago, tomorrow they will march on but you may find them easily. But be carefull along the way, there are still many roaming Ottomans.”
“Thanks a lot, nice day.”
And Mosby went back for a little more rest.

 

[Valdemar]

June 1st, near the gate

Nikolai was too tired to care about the banter with the guard; all he wanted was a warm fire and a bed. He had never felt this tired before, it was as if the release of weeks tension finally had allowed his body to remind how old he was, and how much older than most of the others he was.

Perhaps it was a sign that he was too old for his work that he should quit while he was still alive?

He shook his head sending rain down his neck. It had seemed a good idea to come out of retirement when the call came, nothing foreign, no large sieges, a small Italian campaign in familiar terrain, almost within sight of the old academy. The trip here had been agreeable too, not so different from the forests of Poland and elsewhere. Then came the harassing of the Turk, for more than a week now, they had trampled around in the woods, without the benefits of a base, without a way out and without clear orders, severed as they were from the Company proper.

He trampled through the relative shelter of the gatehouse ignoring the stares and the debacle of Captain’s young son.

He had heard that some of the other veterans had found a cosy job working for some strange merchant, an acquaintance of both Captain and Lochlan, they acted as guards of his far of house somewhere and if the rumours where true, as messengers. It sounded dull, but the pay would be nice, and better than returning to the small farm.

He followed doggedly after the other rangers until they stopped at a few abandoned houses in a quiet quarter. Nikolai stepped under the edge of a roof and allowed the downpour to drench him, but also flush the mud and grime out of his hair and face, shivering he joined the others in a the main room of a townhouse and began peeling of the wet equipment.

 

[Lord Durham]

June 15, 1442 – Nissa – Noon

Captain and Constance with Lochlan and Allessandra strolled along the revived marketplace located in the centre of Nissa. Enthusiastic merchants and timid farmers hawked their wares and produce to townspeople and mercenaries alike, confident now in the knowledge that their new masters were no Turks. Slowly, Nissa was returning to normal.

Constance pulled on Robert’s arm, forcing him to stop. She looked at him, her dark eyes flashing in mischievous merriment. “A moment, Rob. Allie and I just have to look at this jewellery.”

She pulled free and advanced on the stall with Allessandra. Lochlan stepped beside Captain, mumbling, “Get your money pouch ready.”

Captain chuckled quietly. In the distance he saw Amric and Otto standing near the ancient Roman aqueduct, both rubbing their heads while deep in discussion. Chen, O’Floinn, and D’Auxanne appeared at the opposite end of the square; then just as quickly disappeared into the crowd.

Elsewhere, Company men freely mingled with the townsfolk as a begrudging trust was established between the two groups. Some of the younger men had even been seen wooing widowed wives and fatherless daughters.

Lochlan spoke again, “So I hear Johan has snagged a wlak.”

Robert nodded. “Rumour has it. We are close to Carpathia, after all.”

“I still prefer English wlak.”

“It’s a tough choice, for sure.”

The ranger grew serious. “How long will Hunyadi remain south of us?”

Captain shrugged. “He’s waiting on reinforcements. He wants the waterways opened up and cleared of Turks. I think that’s a good idea. Moving troops along the Danube will certainly help.”

“And us?”

The two women beckoned the men over. Captain sighed, “For now we stay in Nissa, and shop.”


June 15, 1442 – Adrianople – Noon

Sulyman stood on the southern wall of Adrianople, his head still safely attached to his shoulders. Beside him, Ishak Pasha leaned on the crenulated battlement in silence. The minor vizier glanced at his old friend; saw the deep furrowed brow and baggy eyes from days of exhaustion brought about by defeat and constant retreat.

As for Sulyman, he had come across the abandoned battlefield, the crows in their thousands feasting on rotting carcasses – carcasses stripped clean by the country peasantry. The stench had been horrific, stifling with the late spring rains and abnormal heat.

It hadn’t been long before he found who the victor was, and the next week was spent avoiding roving bands of men-at-arms and bloodthirsty soldiers. A wide looping path finally brought Sulyman and his men safely into Macedonia, where he joined the remnants of Ishak’s army.

The young Sultan Mehmet had been furious at the loss of Nissa, as had been expected, and Sulyman was as close to death as he had ever been. However, Ishak Pasha had calmly intervened, explaining to the petulant youth that Nissa was no longer strategically important, and Sulyman was much too important to waste.

For that gesture Sulyman was eternally grateful, as Ishak Pasha had assumed the burden of total responsibility for the disaster.

And soon the aging Pasha would learn his fate, for in the distance appeared the banners of a Turkish advance guard, hundreds of smartly dressed Spahis nobles pouring into the valley.

At their head was the man who had made the Ottoman Empire strong, the man who had taken Constantinople and the man who had extinguished the Byzantine Empire.

Roused in anger from retirement, Murad was back.

 

[Valdemar]

June 15, Nissa

Johan trotted through the gate, oblivious to the sun that had finally replaced the light drizzle that had been pouring down steadily ever since they took the city. He had been on yet another extended patrol in force and behind him snaked a force of fifty tired and dirty men and horses.

Somewhere out there the light cavalry were still running around, but he was sure they would be back soon too.

He steered Hannibal through the grey streets to the stables, but as he crossed the town square he almost stumbled the horse into a familiar figure,

“Senior Sergeant Amric what are you doing out here.”

Amric turned and looked surly up until he saw who it was, “Well sergeant Johan, shouldn’t you get that armour tended to before you rust?”

Johan smiled, “I managed to secure a nice fat piglet, perhaps you’d care to join me while I care for Hannibal, and the help me prepare and eat it.”

As if signalled, Johan’s cape wiggled in his arms, letting out a small squeal.

“Secured?”

“Bought, I grew up in the country, I know how to behave.” Johan grinned, the whole camp had heard and understood the Senior Sergeants’ warning on behaviour, and the knight was no exception.

Johan shivered as a raw piece of his armour scraped against his skin, “Meet me at the stables, I should be done with this in an hour or so, else, I’ll find somebody else to share my find,” he nudged his horse forward and Amric almost thought he heard something sloshing in a wooden container, but that could have been the nearby aqueduct.

“Is that really all you found?”

Johan smiled and didn’t respond, then he turned and called back over his shoulder,

“Oh, and I found something else, if we can get the cooks to prepare it I think we can guarantee a small feast.”

 

[unmerged(6528)]

Captain shrugged. “He’s waiting on reinforcements. He wants the waterways opened up and cleared of Turks. I think that’s a good idea. Moving troops along the Danube will certainly help.”

The two Free Company officers watched as Johan nearly ran down Amric and Otto. “And us?” Lochlan asked.

The two women beckoned the men over. Captain sighed, “For now we stay in Nissa, and shop.”

"I was afraid you were going to say that." Lochlan muttered, trying his best to put on a cheerful smile when Allessandra glanced back at him.

"It's better than some things we could be doing." Captain murmered back, also being very careful to be cheerful."

"Aye, there is that." Lochlan agreed, out of the corner of his eye he saw Johan finishing up his conversation with Amric and Otto, then the heavy cavalryman began to push that truly giant horse of his through the crowd in the direction of the compound the Company was using as stables.

"Look what I found Lochlan." Allessandra said, loudly enough to recapture his attention. She held out a bolt of cloth, it was...bright.

"It's very, err, bright." Lochlan managed, trying not to look away, but unsure if saving his vision was worth losing his life.

Allessandra chuckled evilly. "I told you he wouldn't like it Constance. Don't worry dear, I was just having some fun at your expense." She captured his hand a moment, and smiled one of those smiles that made him go weak in the knee's, then she spun and returned to the cloth merchants stall, handing him back the fabric.

"If you laugh, one of us won't make it out of here alive." Lochlan muttered under his breath to Captain, who looked like he was going to injure something from trying not too laugh.

"Lieutenant! Captain!" Lochlan turned, hearing Chen's voice. "How are you this morning?" The Chin lieutenant was with O'Floinn and Jean.

"Oh, were surviving." Captain said, and exchanged a glance with Lochlan. "More or less."

Chen smiled toothily, and saluted. "I'll be right back sir." The Chin dissapeared into the crowd again.

Lochlan caught the eye of O'Floinn who just shrugged, Jean caught the exchange and chuckled. "We gave up trying to predict or understand that man's movements month's ago. It makes him an amazing skirmish commander, but a pain in the ass to go anywhere with.

"We better go see what he's doing, before he get's in trouble." O'Floinn said, and the two sergeants dissapeared, following their lieutenant.

"Think they'll actually be back?" Captain asked, his voice low.

"Depends on what Chen thought he saw, or finds." Lochlan shrugged, then he waved to a passing squad of rangers, with Nikolai at their head. "Nikolai is going out to change shifts, Kincaid and Laszlo should be coming back in any time."

Captain nodded. "I think Amric and Otto are heading in this direction. Lochlan was going to reply, but he was beat to the punch.

"Robert!" Constance came over. "Look what I found."