Vengeance

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Fiction

Vengeance
fiction by nathan briscoe

'I crept silently down the corridor, my footsteps padding gently on the
layered woven rugs. I paused at a corner straightening my borrowed guard
uniform before   noiselessly creeping forward down the torch-lit hallway. I
saw the double doors guarded by two palace buffoons nodding their heads in a
slumber. I walked on a slow deadly smile spreading on my face. Two knives
flashed in a crescent moon ending two lives. I stepped back quickly not a
speck of blood marking my clothes. My gloved hand reached for the lavishly
carved oak doors. Easing them aside I stepped soundlessly onto the silk
carpets to finally take my revenge.'
I woke with a start sweat poring in rivulets down my back; the incessant
chirping of crickets and buzzing of flies greeted my newly awoken ears as
the sweaty smell of my large raven black stallion mingled with the soft
fragrant smell of a nearby lavender bush filled my nostrils. A yawn cracked
my unshaven jaw as I stretched laboriously moving cold saddle sore muscles.
Slowly rising I surveyed the musky interior of the large dilapidated barn
where I had taken shelter the night before. The thatched roof had fallen
through in many places revealing patches of picturesque blue sky. The floor
was littered with old damp hay and small blocky rocks. I scrambled over to
my saddlebags and delved inside fetching the last of my food; hard bread
with lumpy of cheese. It made my mouth water.
Washing the last of my food down with a mouthful of spring water I saddled
my horse and rode away with the rising sun at my back. I rode on through
fields of grass and hay, stirring up clouds of pollen and flies. Finally I
crested a hill, the salty wind buffeting my body, whipping my loose cloak
back out behind me as I descended towards the crystal-clear waters of the
Mediterranean, the waves crashing upon the rocks amidst the shower of spray
caught the fierce sun in a flash of colour.
I found a small dry goat trail and continued along the coast following its
path. I rode for a while contemplating the enormity of my task, killing the
king of Greece, the saviour of Athens would be a difficult task but I had
been preparing for weeks leading up to this day. The familiar knot of
tension tightening in my stomach oozed uncertainty, which seeped into the
horse beneath me, making him dance nervously. I calmed the horse and myself,
the certainty descending upon us again as we ploughed on.
The track veered inland clutching at the side of a barren hill before a
perilous ascent to the lofty heights of the sea cliff looking out over the
sea. Tiny islands dotted the perfect blue hues of the ocean, speckled with
tiny fishing boats on the morning tide. Again I set off along the tiny trail
until finally I rounded a corner of a hill and there lay Athens before me
spread out over a mile of countryside.
The elegantly carved walls of the city gleamed beautifully in the fierce
August sun and the spired towers flanking the only two gates into the city
were tipped with bronze sheeting making them glow magnificently.
I glanced at the sun high above me.
"Midday better get a move on" I muttered, giving my stallion a kick to start
it cantering down towards the city. Reigning in sharply before the
guardhouse, I showed my official papers of a nobleman before entering the
crowded recesses of the bazaar. I steered my horse towards the docks letting
the ebb of people carry me through the cold cobbled streets. The cries of
street vendors slowly drifted away as the sharp tangy smell of the docks
became stronger. As the ship masts came into view I turned to a nearby
sailor.
"Hey, do you know where the Maria Rose is? "
"Huh, the Maria Rose? On the south dock," he replied roughly giving me a
long sharp look.
"I think sir,"
He added noting not only my expensive clothes and bright gold chain but also
the hard muscled chest and thick sunken knuckles gripping the reigns.
Thanking him with a small silver coin I wheeled my horse and trotted him up
the docks until I finally came to a largish dark wooden ship with two tall
masts.
"Ahoy" I called "Can anyone direct me to Captain Simmons? ". I called again,
dismounting and leading my horse up the gangplank.
A large African came towards me his huge hands holding an equally thick
piece of rope.
" Simmons is below deck" he said in a thick Moroccan accent.
"Ah thanks, by the way his name is Shadow," I said gesturing to the horse
and tossing him the reigns. Striding quickly down the stairs I knocked once
paused and stepped inside.
"Duce you great lummox" a familiar voice called. Turning around I focused
my gaze on the short squat figure standing at the foot of his bed.
"Well Huck, you looking a bit square yourself" I replied smiling broadly.
"Take a seat Duce and relax, you look a little tense" he said grasping my
shoulder. Pointing to the low lavishly carved bed he poured a generous
amount of amber coloured whiskey into two expensive crystal glasses.
"So you are ready to leave tonight then, "I asked quietly.
"Yup, have been waiting for this day for about a fortnight "He said
grimacing. " The crew are becoming a little suspicious but I don't think
they're feeling too mutinous". Draining the last of my whisky I reached
under my bed for my package.
"AHA this is what I am looking for, "I said looking at the black leather bag
in front of me.
"I ain't touched it once, honest, so it should be all there "Huck said
placing his own glass on the built in oak table.
"So I shall be here tonight, midnight, ready for sail. But for the moment I
am off to the bathhouse for a wash. Then comes the bloody banquet, but it is
the only chance I will get and they will be expecting Senior Tengey "I said
sarcastically. Sighing loudly I extended my hand.
"Until tonight my friend."
"Until tonight "he said smiling broadly. "Duce, be careful though, your life
is what matters" he said, suddenly serious.
"I will. But Huck if I am not here by the break of dawn you must leave. No,
no arguments, you must go "I replied sombrely and with a last squeeze of the
hand I departed quickly, racing up the stairs and across the deck.
As I gathered the reigns of Shadow I took in the surrounding area noting the
two fishing vessels on either side of her, their thin short masts rising
into the dark blue sky, littered with small puffy white clouds. Checking I
had my saddlebags securely fastened I mounted and rode slowly down the docks
bustling with tradesmen, sailors and vagabonds. Picking up my speed I
cantered through dark shadow-strewn streets, splashing my way through
puddles of dirty wash water thrown out by the local peasants.
Every face I looked upon was filled with worry, their dirty beaten figures
shrunk back in fear of the large hooves as they thundered past. A woman
caught my eye, her face a grim mask as she struggled through the crowd
towing three wailing children in her wake. Why I don't know but. weaving my
way deftly through the pressing mass of people I gathered a handful of
coppers with the glint of silver amidst the other coins.
"For you seniorita," I said gently pressing the coins in to her trembling
hand.
Her face lit up, a smile spreading across her face even as the tears of
gratitude welled up in her deep hazel eyes.
"Thank you senior," she said quietly "But why."
I thought quickly, what reason had I, a lord, to possibly give her this
gift? Every noble around hated these peasants.
"Because. I thought a beauty such as yours should not be wasted," I said at
last kissing her fingertips softly before turning away.
Mounting again slowly I started moving down the heaving streets once more
carving myself a way through the jostling bodies.

*                                                          *
                                          *

I stopped finally after almost an hour of searching. Looking up slowly I saw
the sign.

'The fragrant waters'

Well it looked as good as any so whistling loudly I waited for the stable
boy. The scuffle of footsteps announced him as hurried towards me.
"Yes master," he asked politely his thin curly hair waving slightly in the
mid-afternoon breeze.
"Could you give him some oats and a rub down boy?" I asked before striding
up the wooden steps and into the building. A small wood paneled room
greeted me as I eased the door closed. My footsteps wrung on the cold slate
floor as I walked over to the small woman on the far side of the room.
"Yes sir, may I help you? A bath? Yes very good. What size? Certainly. would
u like anything extra?" She added with a smile.
"No, no just the bath today," I replied chuckling softly.
"That will be five copper pieces then please," she said turning away and
shouting loudly to her workforce.
"This way, your bath will be ready in just a minute."
I looked at her in admiration as she herded the small boys and girls into
action like a flock of sheep; Pumping bellows, hauling water and cleaning
baths. In no time at all there lay a churning mass of water billowing steam.
My skin pebbled slightly in the cool air as I stood watching the ripples
dance across the surface of the water sending a spray of colours across the
ceiling. Steam rose from the water wreathing itself around me, as it curled
upwards it brought the soft fragrant smell of summer fruits to my nose. I
stepped in, my body sighing with pleasure as the teaming waters massaged
sore aching muscles.
*                                         *
                *

I waded over to my bags and pulled out a small bundle containing a variety
of soaps, sponges, razors, scissors and combs. I shaved carefully making
sure I did a proper job of it. I had to look the part tonight. I proceeded
to trim my hair and sort through the instruments that I would need. I stood
up slowly towelling the last of the water off my body before dressing in my
black silk clothes. I packed again carefully leaving my weapons till last-
for easy access.
Slinging the bags over my shoulder I felt the cool parchment pressed
against my skin, the plan of the palace. I had spent over a week in getting
this piece of paper and wasn't about to let it get far away. Shifting
slightly I moved the tiny knife I had placed on the inside of my boot. Just
in case, who knows what will happen? But at least I will feel a little safer
with that.
I walked out of the building feeling cool and composed. The sun threw a
scattered light on the ground as it hit a maple tree. The harsh light of day
was now turning soft and yellow in the early evening air. I walked on
through the almost empty streets. Except for the drunks and tramps they were
quiet. I trotted up through the city. Tonight I would finally take my
revenge. Ever since that day a year ago when I came home to find a blazing
funeral pyre marking my village I had plotted and schemed to wreak havoc.
Why the king would suddenly decide to slaughter a whole village? It was
beyond me. Well. it was all to do with a few people in the village not
following the customs. The Christian customs of Easter or so they said. But
after tonight I would finally be able to live my life. I will take my
revenge and nothing will stop me.
I saw the palace in front of me raising into the skies its great dome
gleaming. My heart gave a leap of expectation. I rode closer to the walls.
10 foot high and straight as . well a wall. If the alarm went off I would
have to leave by the shortest route possible. And that meant leaving shadow
behind. Much that I hate that idea it was a likely possibility. So slinging
my bags onto the top of the wall I remembered the spot just in case I would
need a quick escape.
Making my slowly around the corner I made for the gates. Drawing myself up
before the guard.
"Senior Tengey," I said calmly as he checked the lists.
"Yes, yes you are here. No servants senior or saddlebags?" he asked with
raised
Eyebrows.
"They are at my inn; I have no need of them here."
"May I ask which inn?"
"Of course it's the 'Diamond rose'," I replied
"Good choice senior I have heard it has very good service."
Edging my horse forward I waited for a stable-hand to come and take my
horse. A large muscled man with a small moustache and beard came towards me.
He was dressed in the palace livery; red and green with snakes wrapping
themselves around the arms and climbing up the back. He took the reigns of
my horse carefully as I swung down from her back.
"Make sure he gets proper treatment," I said pressing a silver piece into
his hand.
"Yes senior, I will," he said leading him into the second box along the row.
I made my way through the crowd to the refreshment table. Pouring myself a
glass of fruit punch I opened the seam on my sleeve and poured a small
amount of greyish powder into all of the containers. It was a poison that
would kill. Not straight away. They would get a cough first which would
worsen until they were spitting blood. All the while the inside of their
throat and gut would be disintegrating. It would take about a month. Maybe
more maybe less depending on the strength of dosage but it would kill. I
looked up quickly, I thought I saw a movement at the corner of my eye but I
hadn't been seen thankfully.
Mingling back in with the crowd I set off around the gardens pausing every
now and again to exchange pleasantries with the other nobles. All of them
were surprised to hear of the name 'Tengey' which they obviously hadn't
heard before. A conversation with one elderly gentleman was very close to
blowing my cover.
"Hello I don't seem to have seen your face before," he said politely.
"No I am not from these parts"
"Really, where are you from?"
"Well I am originally from the southern parts of France I replied reeling
off the information I had learnt off by heart.
"Ah I see I spent a lot of my time in those parts. Where exactly do you come
from? I mean which region?" he enquired.
O dear I hadn't learnt this bit, I searched my mind. Come on southern
France, which regions are there? The. Aquitaine. He was looking at me with a
sort of triumphant expression. He opened his mouth to speak.
"I thi.."
"I was born in the region of the Aquitaine," I said quickly.
"O yes I know the place, which village or town?" he said smiling.
"O I was born on the outskirts of Agen but my family owns a large piece of
land some seventeen miles south of Bordeaux, "I smiled faintly.
"Ahhh I know the place is it the around the village of Bres?"
"Hmmm. I think it is, yes Bres is just a few miles away"
"Is it now because I always thought.?" He never finished his sentence
because a young dark skinned woman came bounding over.
"Hello Slim how are you," she said rapidly.
Her face was flushed as she held a large goblet half empty of wine.
Obviously she had been drinking heavily. I felt no remorse especially after
I heard what she said next.
"Do you know what? Slim a peasant touched my dress this morning. She was
begging for money and thought that I would give her some. It was disgusting.
I had my guards arrest her. These bloody peasants deserve nothing." She
spoke in tones of absolute revulsion.
"Yes I know dear but could."
I slipped away quietly as Slim began speaking. Phew that was close. But I
was prepared for it now. I would have to avoid Slim for the rest of the
evening. I entered the palace rooms quickly anxious Slim should not see me.
Loitering around I saw a door leading off to the left of the hall. Slowly I
slunk down the corridor. No one saw me surely. The nerves had begun to set
in but I crept on. I heard the shouts and rattle of dishes from down the
corridor. I smiled slowly; the kitchens. Edging noiselessly closer I saw
that there were only four cooks there. All were deeply engrossed in their
job. I looked around the kitchen for a suitable place to dispatch the
poison. A large pot of soup caught my eye. Perfect, it would be served to
everyone and between it and the wines not much people would survive.
Crouching down I navigated my way past pots and pans. I opened the second
vial of poison; deathstouch taken from the stems of a number of poisonous
mushrooms and fungi it was made to paralyse the recipient. It was one of the
most deadly poisons known to man, but again it works over a longer period of
time. In about a week it would work. Slowly I reached up and poured the
contents in. OK slowly does it now. I stood up.

CLANG

The cutlery rattled to the floor creating an explosion of noise. I leapt
down the dark hall before they had time to react.
"What the hell was that?" one of the chefs asked in an irritated voice.
"Dunno could have been a rat."
"Hmm I don't know," another said as he peered down the hall.
"Must have been. because there's no one there," The first chef said
dubiously.
Down the corridor I sighed quietly. I had hidden behind a fold in the wall.
Quickly I moved out of the passageway and walked unnoticed back into the
dining room. Trying to pass unnoticed I moved around quickly and slipped
into the ballroom. The room was stuffed full with people. Every chair and
corner held pompous gits and prejudice woman. It was suffocating but I
smiled to myself. By the end of the month none of these people would be
alive. Then who'll be the one laughing. Making my way to the door I suddenly
thought. What about all the servants? They would eat and drink the
leftovers. I would try to stop them but it may not be possible.
I stepped from the ballroom and into the gardens thronged with people. I
passed brightly dressed nobles; scented and adorned with a multitude of
glittering trinkets. Silver-chased snuffboxes held by golden chains dangled
from pockets and their clothes sewn with gold and silver thread glittered in
the lamplight. They were all dressed like kings yet none were fit to lead a
circus. That was another reason why I was here. Greece was in trouble; big
trouble, the old fools in the council had no intelligence. They were leading
the country in to a civil war that would surely rip the land apart. I for
one wasn't about to let that happen so by liberating the poor of their
retarded lords and ladies it might just save the country.
DING, DING, DING
The bell sounded for dinner. Draining the last of my punch I made my way
with the rest of the nobles to the dining room now filled with large holly
tables; carved with snakes, dragons and birds twining up the legs and across
the tabletop. I scanned the tables choosing a seat that wouldn't put me in
the limelight too much. I saw an empty chair towards the far end of the
table; it put me between a thin bland Turkish girl and a large rather beefy
Greek man. I felt time dragging on, the endless courses of fish, soups and
steamed vegetables; the list goes on and on.

* * *

Wiping my mouth I finished a small slice of baklava pastry; the layer of
silky smooth cream covered a pastry so divine it made the mouth water and
the stomach grumble for more, the walnuts and honey were just pure genius.
The king was a bad man but he definitely pulled out all the stops. I saw the
last of the plates being cleared away as the king stood up slowly.
"Now my friends. and enemies," he said chuckling softly at his own joke.
"Now that we are full we may sit back, relax and have a drop of the hard
stuff."
He stepped down from the table and set off further into the palace. This is
my chance; he'll be in his rooms for no more than twenty minutes. I checked
the clock on the wall. Eleven o'clock. I had better get a move on.
I launched myself from my seat briskly striding down the gardens. I needed
my equipment. I saw three figures stumbling along down the path in front of
me. Laughing and joking as they drunk themselves into a stupor. God I hate
those people, with no care what so ever to any one or anything around them.
They're so isolated it's sickening. Yet just to prove me wrong one of them
cries out suddenly.
"Hey what's that on the wall?"
"I dunno but. (hiccup) .lets go and see," he said slurring his words and
lurching forward.
"Looks like a bag to me," the girl piped.
S**T, they cannot see what's in that bag. Reaching down into my boot I found
the little knife I had luckily brought with me. Straightening I looked
slowly around; no one was near enough to see so speeding up I delivered a
little present. I cultivated a plan just as I stepped behind them.
Grapping the girl around the mouth with my left hand I flung a handful of
crushed glass into the eyes of one of the men as he turned around. Kicking
him to the ground I turned on the second man who had not yet worked out what
was happening. Unfortunately for him it was to late; with a sharp thrust I
put the knife through his windpipe. What about the girl? I threw her
sideways against the wall knocking her out cold; it was better than killing
her yet it still felt bad. I looked down on the third man who was sobbing
quietly on the floor. He blinked again moaning in pain; the little crystals
of glass had ripped up his retinas up badly. There would be no point in
living any longer he was as good as dead. I knelt down slowly and raised his
head then with one sharp jab to the back of his neck I broke the spinal cord
and ended his life.
Picking myself up I grabbed the bag and sprinted across the lawn and up into
the palace. Darting down the first side passage I came across I took out the
scrap of parchment. Ok, so its left at the toilets, that'll be just down
here, then a right at the hunting tapestry. Speeding down the corridors now
I barely saw the magnificent tapestries whizzing past. Slowing down I turned
right and made my way down the sloping ramp and further into the palace. The
passage forked suddenly in front of me a large hunting scene spread out on
the wall. Gilded gold and silver the frame stood out as the lamplight
bounced off it. The picture was even more glamorous the rich reds and browns
blooming across the painting with the greens and blues giving soft colour to
the dark woodland. I flitted down the corridor to my right. It was
noticeably grander; wide passageways with silver chandeliers and gold wall
brackets even the torches smelled nicer. Careful now this is dangerous
territory. I thought as I darted down an unused dark dank passage. Ah a
short cut.
I crept stealthily down the murky corridor my footsteps echoing softly off
the bare stonewalls. I could just see the faint glimmer of torchlight
glinting off the moist stone as I carefully edged round the corner praying
no one was there. If I were caught the outcome would not be pleasant.
However I had a job to do and thirst to quench so I ducked quickly out of
the small side passage my heart hammering.no one was there. I breathed again
and wiped the cold sweat from my brow forcing myself to be calm. Looking
around I recognized the plain carpets and lack of wall hangings to be of the
servants' quarters. A lord walking amongst the servants would rouse
suspicions. I drew back into the shadows and consulted the small map; left,
right then right again up the stairs.
Voices drifted down the corridor to me. I froze standing there with the map
still in my hands.
".an idiot Carlos, you never should have eaten that pigs liver," a small
haired man said accusingly as he helped his friend around the corner.
"I'm sorry Pierre but I.I," the thin curly haired man answered before
retching painfully over the shoes of Pierre.
They carried on walking with Pierre grumbling under his breath about how
unfair it was and Carlos moaning loudly. I can't escape they're going to see
me and blow my chance. Thoughts raced through my head and I reached a
conclusion there was no other way. I leapt from behind the corner my first
punch connecting with soft tissue in throat with crunching sound that I knew
meant death. Turning sharply I kicked Carlos in the back of his knees
driving him to the floor. My knife was out and across his throat in an
instant. He fell; his last breath gurgling out of him as his blood gushed
out across the carpet. I turned to Pierre his breath wheezing out of him as
he twitched painfully on the floor. Looking down on them a wave of pity and
guilt washed over me. Why? All in the name of revenge? I shook my head and
turned to the bodies. Carlos was making a rather large puddle of blood on
the floor so I dragged him down the corridor I had just come from.
Depositing his body on the floor I grabbed Pierre and flung him down the
corridor to land sprawled over the other body. I mopped some of the blood up
with one of their shirts but it was no use.
I sprinted down the hallway my breaths fast and shallow, the servants here
would be serving the king. Taking the stairs three at a time I looked out at
the hallways beyond. The huge sweeping passageway took my breath away; every
few feet there were glorious tapestries, oil paintings and statues. Massive
chandeliers drooped from the patterned ceiling holding up to fifty candles
each casting a bright light down the passage. Surely this must be the king's
quarters. The doors were all oak and bound with gold. Two guards would be
guarding the doors to the king's chambers I peeked further down the corridor
and sure enough two palace guards stood attentively outside a door bearing
the Greek national coat of arms and the Terwas family crest. How do I
distract them. a scream sounded far below, it looked like Pierre and Carlos
had been found. A smile lit my face as I saw the guards hurrying down the
corridor. Fools, never leave the king.
I drew my sword in wait. The first guard came running through the doorway
falling to the ground as I savagely kicked his legs. The second guard
couldn't stop himself in time as I stepped out from behind the doorway and
slashed down wickedly with my sharp sword. He stopped suddenly; shocked at
seeing his blood weeping from a large gash that travelled from his shoulder
to his pelvis. Giving him no time to react I raised my blade and drew it
quickly over his bulging throat. He gasped and I heard him fall to the floor
as I turned upon the other man who was on his hands and knees shaking his
large head from side to side. Kicking him vehemently over on to his belly I
drove down with point of my sword into his heart. He was still.
With a flourish I returned my blade to its sheath and ran to the elegant
golden oak doors. Ever so delicately I turned the silver chastened handle
the blood pounding in my ears. At last after one year of nightmares and
grief I would be able to forget.
I stepped in to the dark room; the only light flooding in through the door
that I stood against. I was briefly silhouetted before the door closed as
the light failed to get past me. The door closed behind me with a click,
plunging the room into darkness. I heard the small chattering sounds of the
king's manservant from the room next door as he fussed around him.
"Now, now don't move I've nearly finished your hair."
"Ok, ok but will you hurry up, I am the host you know. God some people just
don't know the duties of the host," the king said pompously.
           The door creaked; I stood stock still the pounding of my heart
roaring in my ears as the two men stood still listening.
"What was that?"
"I do not know my lord probably nothing," the manservant replied.
            I breathed again and eased the door open more and entered the
king's bedchamber. Noiselessly creeping forward I took a thin pipe out of my
bag and placed a dart in it aimed and fired it at the back of the man's
head.
"Owww, what the hell was." he said dropping dead to the floor.
            I stepped in to view; blood had spattered down the front of my
shirt and small blotches marred my smiling face, the knife and sword stuck
through my belt were covered in blood. He saw me in the mirror his face
turning white. I flashed him a deadly smile.
"What who are you?" he demanded angrily leaping to his feet.
"Remember that village," I whispered.
             He looked around nervously his eyes darting around worriedly.
"Village? What village are you talking about?" he said calmly.
              He was lying; I could tell by the sweat that trickled down his
face, the twitchy eyebrows and shifty feet and the eyes. The eyes never
lied. They were full of fear; a feeling so primal it was shockingly strong
and very, very evident. I stepped closer.
"The village of people which you slaughtered last year," I said trembling
with anger.
"Oh" he said the reality of the situation dawning on him.
"Yes Gabriel Terwas this really is happening," I said stepping nearer.
"But. but who are you," he said a real note of panic entering his voice now.
"I am the sole survivor of that village, the last in the line of the Gadsen
family. Brother to murdered siblings, husband to a murdered wife, son of a
murdered father and father to a murdered son. So tell me Gabriel," I spat
the name in disgust. "Do you think I have a point to make? DO YOU!!" I said
my body shaking with a rage beyond anything I had felt before. He trembled
before my wrath like a candle before the wind. He cowered down before me his
body trembling with fright. He opened his mouth to shout perhaps scream. I
cut across him.
"Your body guards are dead and you are next. I have come to avenge all the
innocent people you have murdered. Time to die."
"GUARDS!!! GUARDS!!! SOMEBODY HELP ME!" He bellowed.
"Time to die," I repeated raising my sword.
            The door burst open amidst a shower of splinters and in stepped
a tall thin dark haired man. He carried a broad sword whirling in his hands.
"Looks like you chose the wrong party to crash," he said his French accent
slurring the words as he stepped over the wreckage towards me.
"GET HIM! GET HIM! "The king cried.
            With a wordless cry of fury I swivelled bringing my sword up in
a savage arc that would have gutted a less skilled swords man yet he turned
my sword easily and I stepped back as he began to attack forcing me back
with every blow. That was his weakness he attacked to wholly never giving a
thought for the counter attack. I let him come then suddenly I altered the
path of my body ducking low as his blade whistled past my head slicing deep
into my shoulder but I felt no pain; the opening was there. I drove my blade
home slicing up through the soft tissue of the gut and into his bony lower
ribs. He dropped his sword in shock his hands clutching at his stomach where
his guts were bulging out, moaning softly he fell to his knees. I drew my
sword across a throat for the fourth time that evening.
           With a snarl I turned around. It was like a furious beast was
letting off some steam inside my body. I looked down at his body. He wasn't
such a bad fighter but.he was young and foolish. The sword on the blood
soaked rugs caught my eye as I kicked the French man from where he was
kneeling to the floor with my heel as I strode back down the room towards
the worthless scum that was cowering in the far corner of the room. I
towered over him my sword dripping blood and my shoulder oozing blood.
"Please.p p pl please spare me I didn't know it was going to happen. I
thought they were just going to beat some people up," he whimpered.
            I looked down on him with a mixture of disgust and pity. How
could any body be such a lying conniving yellow-bellied bastard? My stomach
writhed in disgust as he cringed from my gaze.
"No I don't think so. You are going to pay for what you have done. So do you
want to take it like a man or a snivelling pathetic rat lying o the floor?"
           He looked up and suddenly from far away came the shouts of angry
people. It came drifting up the stairs and into my ears. His eyes had a
steely glint in them as they looked into mine.
"Looks like it's been decided for you," I said raising my sword.
"Your father and brothers were cowards, your son squealed like a pig when I
spitted him and your mother and wife moaned like whores when I let the men
have a little pleasure with them."
           With a cry of wordless rage I swung both swords with all my
might. The sharp steel blades cut through his neck like a hot knife through
butter. Blood spurted from his stump as his head toppled from his body
creating an increasingly large pool of blood as the eyes twitched for the
last time.
"Never, ever insult my family."
            I jumped out of the room my eyes darting every way for an escape
route. I heard the THUMP, THUMP, of footsteps as they pounded up the stairs.
My gaze rested on a large single paned window at the far end of the hall
just as the first man gained the landing. Spotting me he cried and took a
step towards me. I don't think so sonny Jim. I threw my sword with such
force that it passed clean through him and pinned him to the man behind.
They toppled backwards down the stairs into the men behind. I didn't look
twice as I sprinted down the corridor. I saw a large apple tree illuminated
against the night sky just as I leapt through the thick whorled glass.
           I crashed headlong out of the window and flung my arms wide in a
desperate attempt to catch something. My hand connected sharply with a
branch and my fingers snapped quickly around it. I swung on the bough my
feet dangling 10 feet from the ground. My shoulder was going numb with the
strain of holding my body weight. Dropping the French man's sword to the
ground below I swung up onto the branch and shimmying to the trunk, I slid
down to the ground with a soft thump as I landed on my shoulder. Gritting my
teeth against the pain I grabbed the sword and tore down the King's garden
the angry shouts spurring me on as I headed towards the stables.
            The huge building loomed up in front of me; its sharp peaked
roof rising into the dark cloud laden sky. The departure of the ball's
guests had stirred the stable to activity. Most of the hands on duty were
probably around in front of the mansion, holding horses. The doors were
opened wide to the soft night air, and lanterns were lit within creating
little halos of light amidst the darkness. I charged in nearly bowling over
a stable-hand. She could not have been more than ten; a skinny, freckled
girl, she staggered back shrieking at the sight of my weapons plastered in
blood.
"I'm just taking a horse," I told her reassuringly. "I won't hurt you," I
said sheathing my sword and raising my hands in the air. But she was backing
away slowly and suddenly she spun and raced off calling.
"Hands, Hands." I assumed this was the name of the head groom I had no time
to waste.
            Three stalls down I saw my own black, regarding me expectantly
over his manger. I approached him calmly, reached up to pat his nose and get
him used to the odd smell on me.
"Come on shadow we're just going for some night exercise," I said easing his
stall open and slinging a saddle quickly over his back.
He took three steps then halted at the man blocking his way. I looked down
upon hands' incredulous face. It had been over a year ago when I last saw
him, the day of massacre. I grinned at his shocked expression.
"I thought you were dead," he blurted out.
"I thought you were dead," I answered slyly meeting his eyes.
"Why are you here Duce? What are you doing?"
"I have come to avenge our families Hands."
"O all this trouble is about you is it? Well you had better go quickly then.
Leave by the back exit there will be less people around and once you're out
go through the hedge to your right I'll lead them astray for a while but
don't linger. Goodbye Duce," he said grasping my hand.
"Thanks Hands, I won't forget this. By the way do not touch any of tonight's
food or drink."
            I watched him walk out of the stables before turning and
cantering out of the back door. Crashing through the undergrowth I made
straight for the gate trailing leaves and branches behind me. The gate was
closed and had a small group of men standing idly in front of it. Shadow
leapt the gate scattering men as he clattered to the floor. Once I was
beyond the gate I convinced him to push through the hedge and we emerged on
to a small side street. Cantering down it I followed the salty smell that
would surely lead me to the docks. Late as it was the streets were empty and
silent except for the ringing of the horse hooves and the faint whisper of
wind as it drifted down the street.
            I felt odd; there was something niggling in the back of my mind
like I had forgotten something. It had been there all evening. a faint
nagging. I searched my brain frantically, searching for the source of this
feeling. Something tugged at my brain, earlier today I had done something.
on the street. then I remembered the woman struggling through the crowd and
my heart gave a small lurch. I stopped suddenly and looked around me. There
is still time I thought wheeling my horse around and galloping down the
street.
            Hmmm this street seems familiar. The small brick house that I
had seen earlier today leapt into view as I swung round the corner and
jumped hurriedly to the cobbles below. I ran towards the thin crumbling
wooden door and knocked loudly. After a few moments I heard a quick scuffle
of footsteps hurrying towards the door, it opened and that same angelic face
peered at me curiously from behind the door. Suddenly her eyes widened in
surprise as she recognized me.
"Hello, umm, how can I help you senior," she asked politely.
"Forget about that I'm no more a lord than you," I replied smoothly. "I was
posing as a lord to carry out some business that needed doing but that is
beside the point. What would you say if I told you that you could leave this
place?"
"When can we leave?"
"We could leave tonight. Now," I replied looking her in the eye.
"N... n... now but how?" she asked gulping.
"I have a boat waiting for me at the harbour, ready to sail on my word."
"Lets do it," there was note of determination in her voice and a steely
glint in her eyes as she gave the reply.
"What's your name by the way," I asked suddenly.
"My name is Divara, It means cherry blossom in Latin. What is your name?"
"My name is Duce Gadsen, from Porobell in southern Greece."
            Within minutes she had all three children out on the street and
I was swinging them one by one up onto Shadow's back before finally
clambering awkwardly up there myself. Half way down the street I heard cries
drifting on the night air, coming from the palace and getting nearer.
"Hang on, we're going for a gallop," I said digging my boots into his ribs.
            He gave a lurch and leapt forward, his long legs eating up the
ground beneath him. The salty smell grew stronger and stronger until we were
racing past the quayside taverns. Their golden light spilled onto the sea
and illuminated the dark ghostly ships that creaked and groaned in the
whispery wind. Yet the raucous sounds of sailors getting drunk filled the
night air.
            My eyes scanned the surrounding area searching for the 'Maria
rose'. I saw her sitting quietly in the water with the ships crew standing
at ease along the railings. There was the figure of a short man standing
tensely on the quarterdeck looking out across the water. A sailor ran up to
him and whispered in his ear and with that he breathed a sigh of relief and
turning he saw me striding quickly up the gangplank.
"My man informs me you have company. Do you?" he asked curiously.
"Well, umm, ye he is kind of right," I said uncomfortably.
"Well, well, well Duce you are a fool," he said chuckling softly "I hope
they don't mind sleeping with you or outside on the deck though," he added.
I walked slowly back over to Divara; thanking god that he had let me get
through this.
"We're ok, you're allowed on board," I said quietly to her.
"Thank you, thank you," she said jumping up and clapping her hands in joy.
Then she leant over and kissed me lightly on the cheek.
           The boat pulled out of the harbour smoothly and easily the oar
blades propelling the boat out into open sea. The boat sailed off towards
the moon on the horizon its white light glinting off the crests of the waves
and flashing off the backs of porpoises and dolphins before they dipped
below the surface. The splish splash of the oars thrust me on towards a new
life, free from all the cares and worries. I closed my eyes and listened to
the sound of the waves and I felt the warmth and comfort of the person
beside me as a new dawn and a new life beckoned.

Nathan Briscoe, Age 16, contact: crazedlordofchaos@hotmail.com
Copyright 2004 Nathan Briscoe
Reviews and comments requested
Posted 03/29/2004