The Scourge of Muirwood (Legends of Muirwood #3)

“Why did you betray the Aldermaston?” she asked.

His eyebrow quirked. “Is that how you see it? How little you know the ways of the world. The ways of men and kings. Very well, I betrayed him. But you must recognize that I had an allegiance prior to his, lass. I had my own oaths to fulfill.” He started raking again, more vigorously. “An Aldermaston cannot lie. They must speak the exact truth. The Queen Dowager knew this. So did the Earl of Dieyre. I did promise the Aldermaston to take them to a safe haven. There was not an Abbey safer in any kingdom than the one I took her to.” He paused a moment, using the edge of his boot to control an edge of the sludge. “You had the orb, child. You hunted us as I knew you would. You surprised me crossing the Myniths and the lair of the Fear Liath. Only mastons can cross that way unharmed.”

“I thought you were killed,” she whispered sorrowfully.

He snorted. “It would take a greater brute than that to kill me, child. By Cheshu. Am I your first visit in Dochte? Or have you found your way inside the lair of serpents yet?”

She looked at him in shock. “How did you…?”

He struck the rake hard against the ground, dislodging cakes of dung. The look he gave her was full of inner meanings. “I know where you are bound. My duty is to help you accomplish yours. That is why I am here. And to clean the stables. They are filthy, as you can see. Do you know where the garden lair is?”

Lia walked to his other side. “I have been to Colvin, that is all.”

“Pah! That is not why you are here. Forget the lad. Put him out of your mind.”

She glowered at him. “How can I put him out of my mind, Martin?”

His expression was full of angst and smoldering anger. “The same way that I must. There is a duty to be done here. The Medium has brought you to see it done.”

“To warn the city?”

“Yes!” he answered fiercely. “To warn them even though they will not listen. The Medium is just. There must be a warning before the scourging begins. Who better to give it than a wretched?”

Lia licked her lips. “Who must I warn?”

He snorted again. “Who do you think, lass? How can you ask such a question? Is your mind muddled? Who, you ask?”

“The Aldermaston of Dochte Abbey.”

“By Cheshu, I almost took you for a simpleton. Well done. Do you know where the garden lair is?”

“Yes, I believe so. It is behind the Abbey, hidden in the trees. There was a plum orchard there.”

Martin nodded and jabbed his finger at her. “The very one. I have seen it myself. I work in the morning, very hard, so that I might snoop and sneak while everyone gets drunk on the cider. How did you get through the wall?”

“There are Leerings guarding the portals. The orb opened them.”

Martin nodded again, looking triumphant. “Well done. I must climb the walls. There had to be an easier way. The Prince…he told me of the Queen Dowager and her ilk.” He looked surreptitiously then nudged closer to her. “We must speak cautiously. These walls can hear even whispers. I dare not forget that. There is more I must tell you. Judging by your haggard eyes, you have not slept all night. Do you see the ladder and the loft over there? That is where I sleep. There are some scraps of food and I will fetch you a meat pie from the market.” He started raking again. “I told the stablemaster that my granddaughter was coming to live with me. I will bark and rave at you. That is my disguise. When my chores are finished and you have slept, we will visit the Abbey again through the secret ways. Go rest, child. Clear your head. There is much to do before you face the Aldermaston.”

Lia swallowed and was about to turn away. She was so grateful to have him nearby. His presence filled her with determination to face the horrors ahead of her. The thought of descending into a pit of snakes made her soul cower with dread. But the look of iron in Martin’s eyes offered a bit of courage.

Lia gave him a fierce hug, ignoring the dirt and the smell that came from him. He trembled slightly, not soiling her with his hands. As she pulled away, she caught the glimpse of a tear in his hard blue eyes. He fought against his feelings, his bearded face jutting and scowling.

“Well met, lass. By Cheshu, well met.” His eyes turned deadly serious. “I will not forsake you. You know that, lass. Not for all the coin or all the glory in all the world. I am faithful to you. I am yours to command.”

“Then we understand one another, Martin Evnissyen. I would have you advise me how to free Colvin and…and…Ellowyn. I want them free from their prison before I face the Aldermaston.”

There was a half-smirk on Martin’s face. “A prison of velvet and gold. A prison of cider and dancing. But a prison, indeed. The Myriad Ones rule this place. The people are all under their thrall. They are blinded to the death that awaits them.”

Lia nodded. “It blinds them slowly.”

A wooden door banged somewhere nearby and Martin nodded for her to flee up the ladder while he began mucking another stall.