Bardess of Rhulon Read online

  “What the hell?” Albin sputtered. “Stay out of this, you bald shit”

  “Go to the river and wash off that muck, stinky” Jardo commanded. “You reek! Go now!”

  Rebec stormed in and even he recoiled when he saw Albin. “What the hell happened?”

  Borlon shrugged, scratching his armpits. “Bitches did it to him. Poor Albin just wanted some fun with the little dwarf. Wasn’t his fault.”

  “Albin, you idiot! I warned you! No soiling the merchandise!” Rebec said.

  Soiling was an ironic word choice, Rose winced.

  “Get to the river now!” Rebec commanded.

  Albin slunk away, leaving a vile trail of muck.

  Fendrel walked up, holding a torch. “That dwarf girl and the redhead are the troublemakers. Stupid sluts! That dwarf tempted him like a whore and led him on. He couldn’t help it.”

  It was a blatant lie, but it was useless to refute it among these barbarians. Rebec’s vicious eye turned on Rose. She backed away, fear knotting her gut.

  “You’re to blame for this, Dwarf!” he accused.

  She knew she would not talk her way out of this. Rebec was a monster. All she could do was shake her head and pray his punishment would not kill her.

  “Who tossed the bucket?” Rebec asked coldly.

  “I did,” Meg confessed proudly. “Albin was going to rape her. He got exactly what he deserved. Leave the child alone, Rebec. Punish me instead.”

  Rebec’s chilling grin as he unrolled his whip made Rose feel sick. “Shut up, bitch! I’ll punish who I want and this red whore needs the discipline of the lash.”

  “No!” Rose cried, fearing Meg would suffer because of her. Fendrel grabbed Rose and pulled her away, holding her tightly. The men cheered Rebec on, roused at the Rebec’s promise of savagery. Jardo pushed Meg closer to the fire. Rebec fingered his whip, its thin leather strips worn and blood-stained.

  “Yeah! Thrash the redhead first!’ Borlon begged. “That slut deserves a good thrashing for stinking up poor ole’ Albin. She’s got more fight in her anyway. That dwarf won’t last three strokes of the whip!”

  Jardo forced Meg to her knees before Rebec, her long red hair clutched in his thick hands. The men began to whoop it up and clustered together in a large circle around them.

  “Leave her alone!” Rose screamed, struggling against Fendrel’s grip.

  Rebec pointed his whip at her. “Silence, Dwarf. You’re next.”

  Rebec cracked his whip, the snap of it striking the ground made Rose jump. Meg did not even flinch. Rose sensed Rebec had moved past punishment to something more sinister now.

  “Got any last words, whore?” Rebec demanded, striking his whip again.

  Fearless, Meg stared up at her captor, smiling. “Yes, I doin the name of the Emperor, you’re all under arrest.”

  Chapter Six

  Meg’s bold announcement stunned Rosebut the daring lunacy of her declaration only elicited a bewildering burst of laughter from the circle of criminals.

  Even Rebec snickered, albeit briefly. “You’re funny, whore,” he grunted. His expression blackened again and he raised his whip to strike Meg. A crossbow bolt speared Rebec’s neck from high above. Rose gasped and her head jerked up, seeking the hidden saviors in the darkness. Rebec’s eyes bulged and blood curdled from his mouth; he dropped the whip and grasped at his neck with quivering hands until his knees buckled and he slumped to the ground.

  The laughing stopped.

  Rose stared at Rebec’s lifeless body. She had never seen anyone killed before. The brutal reality shook her hard. Death is often a theme in poems and tales, but its truth was harsher. She felt no pity for Rebec, but watching him die so violently unsettled her.

  Silence filled the cave.

  In the stunning turn of events, Jardo released his hold on Meg and now stood by her side, handing her a sword!

  Undaunted, Meg and Jardo faced down the gang of thugs with chilling calm. Jardo extended his long dagger and shouted, “Surrender! Or everyone one of you pigs will suffer the wrath of the rangers! If you want to follow Rebec into the Underworld, I’ll gladly to send you on your way.”

  Thunderstruck by the turn of fate, the outlaws hesitated in their attack, but soon curdled back into violence and unsheathed their blades. Meg flicked her hand and a shower of crossbow bolts struck the ground at their feet and forced them back.

  Rose held her breath, both terrified and impressed by the lethal accuracy of the mysterious bowmen hidden in the cave.

  Meg’s fierce expression brooked no mercy. “That’s your only warning. If Rebec’s death has already faded from your dull memory, look up, gentleman,” Meg commanded. “You’re surrounded by the full power of the rangersand their crossbows. Surrender or die. Your choice.”

  Shadowy figures appeared on the cave’s ridges high above, the torchlight forming an eerie nimbus around several cloaked men holding crossbows. They drove their victory home when they kicked to the ground six dead slavers from those ledges. The heavy thud of corpses striking the hard-packed earth crushed the outlaw’s fighting rage. They lost their battle spirit along with their vicious leader. One by one they relented, faces dark with repressed anger as they dropped their swords and knives and raised their hands in surrender.

  “All right, you mangy dogs,” Jardo barked, marching toward the sullen captives, “On your knees and keep those hands up where I can see them! Do it now!”

  The criminals obeyed Jardo’s commands. Suddenly, more than two dozen rangers in green cloaks swarmed the cavern with swords and crossbows in hand. They swiftly began to lock the prisoners in manacles and drag them away.

  In the disarray they had forgotten Fendrel, who had restrained Rose. He had dropped her in the chaotic turn of events for his comrade, Rebec. Motivated by panic, he grabbed Rose, holding her before him like a shield. Rose cried out briefly, but fell mute when he pressed a dagger to her neck. His hands were shaking and she prayed he would not cut her throat by accident. The rangers around them reacted swiftly. They aimed their crossbows at Fendrel, their expressions hard and alert. Rose sensed these rangers would not comply with this criminal’s demands.

  “Stay back! Stay back all of you, damn it!” Fendrel shouted. “I’m leaving here, see! I leave safe or the dwarf girl dies.”

  Meg’s flinty gaze was the only warning Fendrel received before she subtly flicked her hand. One of the rangers fired a crossbow bolt. It hissed over her head and Rose’s scalp tingled from its swift passing. Her heart seemed to burst in its wake. It pierced Fendrel between the eyes and his startled gasp was the last thing Rose perceived before it knocked him backward, taking Rose down with him. Rose lay shaking on top of the dead man, fighting down a surge of hysteria that threatened to explode.

  Jardo and Meg rushed over to Rose and detangled her from Fendrel’s limp arms. Jardo picked her up gently, as though she was a porcelain doll. Indeed, even in her shock, she felt like one in the massive arms of this giant man.

  “As I saidonly one warning,” Meg shouted, pointing to Fendrel’s body.

  “There now little one, Skullcap has you safe now.” He cradled her like a baby, which was very strange. She forced herself to calm down now that the danger was passed. She also hoped all tall folk did not think her a toy. He checked her neck for any marks with his large, callused hand, but was quite gentle. “See, not even a nick. You’re just fine. A ranger never misses.”

  “Good to know,” Rose whispered.

  Rose’s mind clicked with questions and she caught his change of name. She glanced up at him and asked, “Skullcap? But, you said your name was Jardo?”

  “Ah, that’s just a name I used to infiltrate these scum. My real name’s Skullcap Axton. I’m a ranger too, just like Red Meg there.”

  Meg looked her over too, like a mother hen inspecting her chick. “You sure you’re all right, Rose? Did that bastard cut you?”

  “No he didn’t. I’m fine. I think you can put me down now.”


  He gently set her down and she prayed her shaking knees would hold her up. He gave her a canteen and she swallowed several gulps of water.

  She nervously brushed off her trousers, trying to regain her calm. “You were very convincing as an outlaw. May I ask if Skullcap is your baptismal name or a sobriquet?”

  Skullcap titled his head, confused.

  Rose bit her lip and added, “SorryI mean, is it a nickname? Skullcap is a very strong and impressive name.”

  Skullcap grinned broadly and rubbed his bald head, shiny with elaborate blue tattoos, “Oddly fitting name, isn’t it? Now my real name is not so impressive. Only my mum calls me by my blessing name of Robert.”

  Rose laughed, but quickly apologized when she saw the confusion on his face. “Sorry, I don’t mean to insult your given name at all. It’s just that I used the name ‘Robert’ when I was traveling here. I thought it would be safer to pretend to be a boy since I was alone. Who knew it would not make a difference?”

  “That’s all right, Rose. Anyway, but I’ve been Skullcap ever since my first captain nicknamed me when I took the ranger vows over twenty years ago. But once I had a full head of dark wavy hair. Years ago, a comely witch I courted put a curse on me and I went bald overnight.”

  “Goodness, how dreadful! I’m so sorry about that,” Rose gasped.

  “Thank you, Miss Rose. That’s why I’ve had these runic symbols mystically tattooed on my head. A sorcerer wove spells into the tattoos to protect me in case she tried to curse me again.”

  “Clever and wise,” Rose nodded. She was tempted to inquire about what he did to anger a witch so, but hesitated despite his jovial attitude about it.

  Meg circled Rebec’s corpse and scowled. She even kicked the body as though to make sure he was truly dead.

  “Meg’s still vexed with Rebec, even though he’s dead,” Rose whispered.

  Skullcap shrugged. “That Rebec was very nasty piece of work. The foulest man you could ever meet. He specialized in murder and the slavery of women. He’s been eluding us for years. Now the bastard’s dead and can’t run no more,” Skullcap laughed darkly. “Now Rebec’s condemned to the dark underworld of Hel. No escaping that place when you’re a depraved soul like him.”

  The prisoners, who only moments ago were boastful of their cruelty, now bowed their heads in submission as Meg walked among them, fearful of her now. “I wish Rebec had lived long enough to pay the hangman. Merely robbing and murdering travelers must have gotten dull for Rebec. Still, death can have him,” Meg sighed with resignation.

  Skullcap bent down and whispered apologetically to Rose, “Sorry to scare you so much, Miss Rose. We wanted to warn the other women, but could not risk anyone knowing what we were up to. We had planned on raiding this operation tonight and everything was arranged.”

  “You were most believable,” Rose gulped, surveying the thugs being taken away and the drugged women tended to.

  “Thanks,” Skullcap grinned broadly. “I’d like you to meet someone special.” He whistled and a large black crow flew down from its hiding place high up in the cave and landed on his arm. “Miss Rose, meet Owena, my pet crow. She’s also a ranger.”

  “Really?” Rose exclaimed, curiosity soothing her frayed nerves. “She’s so pretty!” She longed to touch the sleek crow, but Owena gave her a wary glance, so she refrained from such familiar action until they were better acquainted. “Crows are very smart.”

  “Yes indeed, she’s an official ranger for the Crown! My little crow for the Crown” he cooed lovingly. “My Owena carried important messages to our rangers during this operation. That’s how we knew where to find this secret encampment.”

  “Very clever,” Rose agreed, her mind buzzing with a story idea of her own. “Owena must be very clever indeed. And you must tell me all about this plan. It would make an incredible tale. I’m a Bard.”

  “Well, Owena’s the best crow in the kingdom. Extra treats today for my little Owena, yes indeed.” He gently stroked the crow’s glossy black forehead and the bird obviously enjoyed his doting.

  “When you are done conversing with Owena, I think you should fetch Albin from his bath,” Meg suggested with a wicked smile. “We don’t want him to feel left out of the festivities.”

  “Damn, almost forgot about him. Right away, Commander,” Skullcap saluted and marched off with Owena settled contentedly on his muscular shoulder.

  In the strange chaos, Rose stared at the fire for a moment, trying to get her bearings. Meg put a blanket around her shoulders.

  Rose’s eyes lit up and she turned to Meg. “I never met a warrior woman before.”

  “Never?” Meg laughed.

  “Rhulon’s warrior women are banished to song and legend now, I’m afraid. May I write a poem or story about you?”

  “Ever the bard, I see,” Meg laughed.

  “I’m sorry. That must sound dreadful considering what’s just happened.”

  “No, it’s not. Artists and scholars are folk that see things differently. Same as a warrior does. Most women would still be weeping and wringing their hands, even after rescue. You’re strong, Rose. Don’t discount that.”

  “Thanks,” Rose replied, heartened by her words.

  Meg knelt before Rose until they were eye to eye. “Let’s make a fresh introduction. I’m Commander Meg Sparrow of the Imperial Rangersbut you can just call me Meg.”

  Rose was sure she had found a friend in this tall woman as they shook hands. “I’m Rose Greenleaf of Stone Haven from Rhulon. “I’ve read about the rangers of course, but never knew they accepted women in their ranks. We have rangers in Rhulon too, but in my homeland, they would never permit a woman take that path and carry a sword or bow like a man. I’ve read about brave women in stories, legends and histories all my life. You’re the first one I’ve met.”

  “Take a look in the mirror, Rose, and I think you will see a very brave warrior. You should tell a story about your adventures. Many would not have been as courageous as you have been this day.”

  Rose blushed at the unexpected compliment, but swayed on her feet and Meg reached out to steady her. “Dear me, that was embarrassing.”

  “Nonsense,” Meg replied. “Lack of food, noxious smells, death, and the shock of, well everything, just caught up with you. Let’s get you out of this damned cave.”

  Rose agreed and prayed she would not faint! She was never one of those frail girls who needed smelling salts.

  Meg led her away from the carnage. “You just need some fresh air.” They walked through the chaos of men busily rounding up the criminals and helping the drugged women from the cages. Outside, the cool night breeze revived her and now had a wonderful smell—freedom!

  “You’ve had quite an adventure,” Meg said. “You should tell your own story of your adventures coming to Tirangel. I know I would listen.”

  “Funny you should put it that way. It’s peculiar because I never thought to be the subject of one of my stories. What you did was amazing though! How did you know the rangers were even up there?”

  Meg answered, “Well, first off, I knew the rangers were in place because Skullcap and I had a secret code. When Skullcap grabbed me in the cell and refused me water, I knew the men were already in place. If he offered me water, I would know things were not yet ready. Spitting at him was just for show. We were just waiting until most of them were asleep before we attacked. We wanted to catch them when they were most vulnerable and minimize any threat to the captives. Sadly, Albin got other ideas.”

  “He and Fendrel captured me in the woods,” Rose recalled darkly. “The only reason they didn’t violate me was because Rebec wanted the women pure.”

  “Virgins sell for a higher price on the slave market,” Meg replied somberly. “Fortunately, everything worked out. The slavers are arrested and the women weren’t hurt.”

  Skullcap rode into the clearing on a light gray horse. Albin was dragged along behind, his arms bound to his sides by strong rope. He was half n
aked, soaking wet, and cursing. Another rope was used as a leash, which the rider kept a tight rein on.

  He laughed and shouted, “Commander Sparrow! I got Albin all nice and tied up for the ride home. He still stinks to high heaven though.”

  “Lock him up with the other scum,” Meg ordered.

  “Happy to oblige,” Skullcap replied. “Hangman’s gonna love this batch. Shame Rebec died so quick though.”

  “You took quite a risk, going undercover like a spy and letting yourself be abducted by these wicked men. That was very dangerous,” Rose commented.

  “It was just as dangerous as you traveling alone, all the way from Rhulon,” Meg added with her potent stare.

  “Point taken, but in my defense, I was fleeing my own brand of slaverymatrimony.”

  They both laughed. Meg accepted a green cloak from one of the rangers and put it on. Her bright red hair was a striking compliment to the rich color.

  “Will they all hang?” Rose had never been exposed to real criminals before and was still horrified that people could be so heartless.

  “Not all. There will be a trial. Some, depending on their criminal records, will trade the rope for prison or the mines, especially if they give up valuable information about the slave trade,” Meg replied. “I doubt if they will receive much mercy right now. The Emperor is in seclusion. His eldest son and heir, Prince Justin, died two weeks ago. They say it was a riding accident, which is strange. The Prince was a master horseman. All of Tirangel is in mourning.”

  “I’m so sorry to hear that. I will pray for his soul.”

  “Thank you. In the city, people are wearing black armbands in show their sorrow. I know you’re new to our land, but I will give you one to wear if you like.”

  “Thank you. I’ll wear it to honor your Emperor’s loss.”

  Hoping to change to a less grim subject, Rose said, “I heard Skullcap call you Red Meg. Does he call you ‘Red Meg,’ because of your hair or your reputation as a fighter?”

  “Both,” Meg replied, grinning.