Voyage Home

by icevuk2634

12 May 2017 747 readers Score 9.1 (44 votes) PDF Mobi ePub Txt


Callum rode silently. Dustin beside him as they continued on in the pursuit, not only of Lord Upton, but of the now freed Atch and Griffould. Dustin would give side glances toward Callum now and then as they continued on. The night was mostly gone now and the dawn was coming. Dustin was tired, getting sleepy. He knew that Callum must be feeling that way as well. Dustin blinked hard to try and stay focused. They had not seen anything as of yet, those that they were trying to catch, but he knew they were ahead of them, just how far remained yet to be seen.

“Could we stop for a minute? I am certain the horses require a break as well.” Dustin finally said. Callum looked over at him with narrowed eyes, “Fine.” Dustin said, “I am stopping even if you are not.” Dustin reined his horse to a stop on the side of the road. He swung his leg over and stepped down.

“We must continue on.” Callum said, “We should be getting close by now.”

“I have no doubt, Quintan. But if you don’t give your horse rest, you might be catching them on foot.” Dustin said. Callum let out a huff and turned his horse back, reining him to a stop. He stepped off as well.

“Alright, we’ll give it a few minutes.” Callum said.

“They are in the same position we are, Quintan, but far worse.” Dustin said.

“How do you mean?” Callum asked.

“The horses that they took from the block wagon, they had been pulling that heavy load all day. They were probably already tired, and then to set off carrying that giant of a man. They won’t get that far.” Dustin said.

“Very clever. I had not thought of that.” Callum said. He smiled for the first time. Dustin smiled as well, “I am lucky to have you with me in this.”

“You think so?” Dustin asked. Callum nodded, “Well, you might think differently by the end of the day.”

“What makes you say that?” Callum asked.

“Because I know you. I know that you will probably be thinking of a way to protect me when the time comes. But know this, I have come this far with you, and will be beside you to the end, Quintan. I need no protection.” Dustin said.

“Alright. If you feel that strongly about it, I won’t do what you think is the obvious when it comes to you.” Callum said.

“Thank you.” Dustin said.

“What shall we do now?” Callum asked.

“I was falling asleep in the saddle. Perhaps we should walk a bit so I can get the feeling back in my legs.” Dustin said.

“Alright, let us walk then.” Callum said, turning and leading his horse up the road. Dustin followed him. They fell silent for quite a while until the came to a small stream beside the road. Callum led his horse to it to allow it to drink. Dustin did the same.

“This should be sufficient time for them.” Dustin said. He looked to where the sun was, still low on the horizon with the early morning. He mounted his horse as did Callum. They set off up the road side by side.

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Some time had passed and it was now mid-morning. The road they were on had a marker that indicated they were approaching Sunderland. The sounds of the sea could be heard, gulls off in the distance giving their cries now and then. They both could smell it in the air and the horses sensed it as well, lifting their heads from their walking, smelling and snorting as they kept up their pace.

“Where do you think this estate is?” Dustin asked.

“I am not certain. I remember Atch telling me that he could hear the sound of waves crashing on the rocks below when there was bad weather.” Callum said.

“And when did he tell you that?” Dustin asked.

“When we were at school, as boys.” Callum said. The road was slowly rising up a knoll, the height blocked anything from being seen as of yet.

“Interesting.” Dustin muttered.

“Why is it interesting?” Callum asked without looking at him.

“I find it interesting that you would remember something like that. Considering everything else that has happened between the two of you.” Dustin said.

“I remember it clearly as it was the last time we had civil conversation between each other. Before he tried to kill me.” Callum said. Dustin shrank a bit, feeling bad about what he had said now, what he thought.

“I apologize.” Dustin said.

“Think nothing of it. As I do not.” Callum said. He looked over at Dustin as they walked along up the knoll, “He is gone from my mind as well as my heart, Dustin. I have told you that before.”

“Yes, you have, Quintan, and I believe you. But you had something with him, once, even though it was some time ago.” Dustin said.

“True. But as I said, it is in the past, and I am done with it,” Callum said and looked forward as they started to clear the top of the knoll, “and him.” They went on for a few more steps and Callum stopped his horse, “That must be Sunderland. I see the port.” Callum said. He started to slowly look along the coastline that could be seen from where they were. Dustin was looking as well, “A dark and dreary place he said.” Callum said as he turned slightly in his saddle, “He said also that it smelled old.”

“Perhaps we should ask someone in town.” Dustin said.

“Perhaps…” Callum said, he rose up in the saddle a bit and pointed, “there. That has to be it.” Callum turned his horse and headed directly east from the road out across a grassy area. Dustin followed him.

“What makes you say that?” Dustin asked.

“That place there, see how large it is? It’s old, looks medieval and it is on the sea. Waves crashing on the rocks during bad weather.” Callum said.

“It certainly fits.” Dustin said as they trotted the horses, “What are we going to do now, simply go up to the door and knock?” Callum pointed toward a group of trees.

“Let’s go there and have a look.” Callum said. They trotted the horses over into the trees. They stopped at a large ancient oak and swung off the saddles, climbing down. They tied the reins to a low branch and went to the trunk, looking across the grassy area toward the ancient place.

“I don’t see anybody.” Dustin said.

“Neither do I.” Callum said as he was kneeling beside the ancient oak.

The place was ancient looking, a castle keep as they were once known. It was large, yes, but not grand in appearance like the manor outside of London was. It was constructed of stone and mortar. Solidly built to defend against attack either from the sea or from where Callum and Dustin were at this moment. There was no outer wall that surrounded it, thankfully, but rather a large door in the center of the structure, the only way in it seemed. The structure rose up high, many levels, three it seemed to Callum, and there was a walk or battlement at the top, as one would think with such an ancient place. Callum wondered why Upton would have such an estate as this.

“There.” Dustin said softly at Callum’s shoulder. He pointed to the top of the structure, “I saw something move up there.” Callum shifted his eyes and looked as well. They waited and watched for a few moments and then Callum saw it as well. There was someone up there.

“I see movement as well, but can’t make out who or what it is.” Callum said. He rose to his feet. He could see something else now, “Do you see it?” Callum asked, Dustin straightened as well and looked.

“What are they doing?” Dustin asked.

“Signaling.”

“Signaling, signaling what?” Dustin asked.

“A boat, possibly a ship. They seem to be on the far side of the parapet.” Callum said.

“I think you’re right. What do we do now?” Dustin asked.

“Get closer.” Callum said.

“There doesn’t seem to be much in the way of cover except that group of brush over there near the north side.” Dustin said.

“I agree. We have to get closer, and that will have to do.” Callum said.

“Should we wait for Lt. Marston and the Regulars?” Dustin asked.

“Whoever they are signaling is there and may be coming. We have to act and act quickly.” Callum said.

“I agree, but it is just the two of us, Quintan. We have no idea how many there really are inside.” Dustin said, “More than likely, Upton is not alone.”

“Damn it.” Callum said under his breath.

“We should wait, wait and watch. He has no idea that we are here. We have the advantage.” Dustin said.

“What if he leaves? What if there is another way out on the other side that we cannot see from here?” Callum asked.

“I see your point. But if we charge in there, just the two of us, we will lose the element of surprise.” Dustin said. Callum turned his head and looked at him.

“When did you become such a tactician?” Callum asked.

“It’s from watching you.” Dustin said, returning the look. Callum smiled out of the corner of his mouth, then looked back at the ancient structure.

“Alright, we will wait and watch for a while. Hopefully Marston and his men will be here soon.”

“I hope so as well.” Dustin said. He looked back at the structure like Callum was doing.

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The waiting of it, the watching, was slowly getting to Callum. He wanted to act, to end this, to be able to return home. He was silently frustrated, and Dustin could tell, seeing Callum flex his fingers now and then, shake his head slightly, roll his shoulders a bit. Dustin did not say a word to him, just remained silent, and then the silence was broken. They both heard it, off in the distance, the sound of clanking, equipment being jostled a bit. It was behind them.

“That must be Marston.” Callum said as he turned on his haunches. Dustin was looking back the way they had come as well. They couldn’t see anything.

“It must be. He doesn’t know where to go, doesn’t know where we are. We should go to him, Quintan.” Dustin said.

“You go. I will stay here and keep watch. Bring them here, but keep them quiet. If we can hear them, they might be able to as well.” Callum said, “Go, quickly.” Dustin went over to his horse, taking the reins, turning the horse, climbed up and took off at a gallop. Callum watched him for a moment and then turned back to watch the structure. The large door creaked open a bit. A man stepped out. He was dwarfed by the size of the door, looking like a small child might against a regular sized door. The man looked about and then stepped in out of sight. Callum looked at the clump of brush that they had talked about earlier. He went around the ancient tree to the other side and looked toward the structure again. Nothing, no movement.

Callum went back to his horse, to the saddle, the bag that was tied to one side. He opened the flap, reaching in, he pulled the first pistol, tucked it in his belt. He reached in again and pulled a second pistol and kept it in his hand. The flap dropped closed as he walked to the side of the ancient tree trunk. He looked at the structure again, saw nothing, the door was still open slightly. He moved quickly across the grass, heading directly for the brush ahead, staying down low, about fifty yards from the ancient tree, more than double that to reach the ancient structure from the brush. He made it and knelt down. He crept slowly along and looked around the brush. No movement, not yet. Perhaps no one was watching. Perhaps it was like Dustin said, they had no idea that they were there. He still had the element of surprise, he thought. He looked back toward the ancient tree. He couldn’t see anyone there, not yet. He looked back around the brush and narrowed his eyes.

Atch stepped outside with two other men. They talked for a minute and Atch pointed toward the north end of the structure. The two men left him, starting to walk in the direction indicated. Callum watched, and then Atch went back inside, going out of sight. The two continued on, Callum shifted and went to the other side of the brush, watching them as they went around the corner of the structure. They kept going until they went out of sight as the ground obviously sloped down to the sea. Callum went back to the other side of the brush and looked toward the door of the structure. It was still slightly open. He looked back toward the tree, no one was in sight as of yet. He looked to the sky. He found the sun and realized it was about mid-day now, the tide was out he knew. If a boat was coming, it would take a bit to get it hauled up and secured. Now was the time to move, but he needed the others, Dustin was right in that, he knew, but he also thought that there might not be another chance like this. He looked toward the tree again, nothing as of yet. He growled softly in his throat. He moved.

He came to the wall, his back to it as he edged closer to the large door, pistol in hand. He stopped and looked around the corner quickly, then back. He saw nothing. He moved around to the frame opening of the door and stopped, quickly looking in. It was dark inside. He saw nothing and slipped inside. He looked about in the large open area he found himself in. He could hear talking, muffled voices off in the distance somewhere, echoing faintly. He wasn’t sure where to go from here.

A stone staircase went up through a stone wall on the far side of the large space, an entranceway to a corridor was to his left, another to his right. He listened. The voices were still muffled and echoed. It made it almost confusing to him. He narrowed his eyes and went left to the entranceway in the stone wall. He stopped, leaning against the stone, looked around the corner. It was dark. He could not see anything. The voices again. They were not coming from that direction. He looked about and went across the large open area, going to the other corridor entrance. He leaned against the stone, listening. The voices were there, still muffled, echoing a bit more. He looked around the corner. The voices were clearer down this corridor.

He went around the corner and into the corridor, creeping along the wall. The air was cool and had a smell of dampness to it. It was what Atch had described when they were boys at school. The voices were growing, still echoing. Callum crept along on the wall, going slow. There were a few doorways in the wall across from him. Another door was further on, open. That was where the voices were coming from. He crept closer but on the outer wall, staying in the shadows as much as he could. He reached the deeply recessed doorway. He could see one person inside the partially open door. The voice that was speaking was Atch’s. Callum recognized it. He went to the other side of the deep door opening and stayed still in the shadows, listening.

“The boat crew will take you to the ship first, as you have been told. My father and I will follow after you have secured the ship. Make no mistake, there will be no chance for treachery from the Dutch. Kill anyone that raises a hand or acts suspiciously, including the Captain.” Atch said.

“And if we have to kill them, who will sail the ship?” Callum recognized the deep accented voice as Griffould’s.

“I can handle the ship, do not worry about that, my giant friend.” Atch said. His voice was chilling to Callum, “Now, the boat should be here and ready. Go, now, all of you.” Callum slid down the wall further, staying in the shadows, pistol at the ready but not cocked.

The door opened. The men that were inside filed out, going away from Callum, heading toward the large door he came through. Callum counted four men, and then the giant of a man, Griffould came out. He took a few steps and stopped. Callum had not moved, staying absolutely still. Griffould turned his head a little, then continued walking toward the large doorway to the outside, following the others.

Hopefully Dustin was there at the tree with Marston and his men, Callum thought, he would see that they were leaving and now they could come and assist him in capturing Atch and Upton together. But where was Upton, Callum thought. He had not heard him speaking as of yet. Callum moved back toward the deep doorway. He stopped as he reached it. He looked around the corner and did not see anything moving or anyone inside. He let out a breath, cocked the pistol as he moved and leaped through the deep doorway. He swung side to side expecting to see Atch, but he was not there.

“I always hated this place.” Atch’s voice echoed throughout the large empty room. Callum could see that it round, probably forty to fifty paces across. Callum looked around but could not see him, “I am certain that you can see why I hate it so, Quintan.”

“Very amusing, Atch.” Callum said. His voice echoing as well. He lifted his eyes toward the ceiling. It was high and was stone as well.

“Welcome to Sunderland, Captain Callum.” Atch’s voice echoed loudly, “My father had suspected that you would not be far behind us. I told him that you weren’t all that bright, but you have proved me wrong.”

“Whatever I can do to make you look more pitiful in your father’s eyes.” Callum said, still looking around, “I have come to take you back to prison, Atch.”

“I hate to disappoint you, Quintan, but forgive me, I have other plans.” The voice echoed long and loud.

“Like catching the boat to take you to Stockholm perhaps?” Callum asked.

“Something like that.”

“That might be difficult, Atch. There is a squadron off the coast ready to take and board the Dutch ship as soon it sets sail. One way or another, you are coming with me.” Callum said.

“You are bluffing,…Captain. There is no squadron. There was not enough time to organize, as slow and as pitiful as the Admiralty is. No, Quintan, you are very much alone. I will prove it to you.” Atch’s voice echoed loudly. The sound of steel came from behind Callum, making him spin. A huge heavy grating came down in the deep doorway, crashing to the stone floor, blocking the entrance totally. Callum stepped to it, he tried to lift it, but it would not budge, “As I said, very much alone.” The voice echoed in the chamber. Callum backed up a few steps from it.

“Alright, you coward, show yourself, if you dare.” Callum said, his voice echoed. He heard the distinct clicks behind him and spun. Atch was there, a pistol pointing at Callum, cocked and ready. Callum scanned around and could not see a doorway or anything in the wall behind Atch, but he knew there had to be one.

“Poor pitiful Quintan. It looks as though I am not the coward that you think I am.” Atch said, still echoing but not as loud, “Now, I can finish what I started all those years ago, what I tried to do to you the other day at the docks as well. Time to die, Captain.” Atch echoed as he stiffened his pointed arm. Callum saw it and pulled his own trigger, the pistol he had in his hand but at waist height, Atch’s pistol fired at the same moment, the echo was deafening to them. Smoke filled the chamber, Callum had ducked to the floor as he fired. He waited a moment and slowly rose to his feet, waving a hand to clear the smoke from his face. He stepped to his right, watching for any sign in the smoke. It started to clear, rising toward the high ceiling. He saw something. He put his hand on his sword pommel.

“Quintan?! Quintan?!” Dustin’s voice echoed loud and long.

“Ah, would that be your young man that I fought at the docks, Quintan? He sounds rather concerned about you right at this moment.” Atch said in a low voice, with very little echo behind it.

“You would be correct in that assumption, Atch. Someone that cares, someone that is compassionate, which is far more than you could ever know. I have someone, you are correct, and you are the one that needs to be pitied, Atch. You will never know what it is to truly love, never.” Callum said in a low voice as well, his words biting into the very soul of the tall handsome man that stood before him across the chamber. A growl rose up and echoed through the round room. Atch threw the spent pistol at Callum, who ducked it. He dropped his own to the floor, pulling his sword. Atch pulled his.

They paced each other slowly around the round chamber, watched each other closely. Footsteps could be heard echoing outside the heavy steel grating. Voices were outside and then the sounds of shots could be heard but faintly.

“I seem to think that your men are putting up a bit of foolish resistance, Atch. I have a large company of Regulars that are here with me. I think it is time for you to surrender.” Callum said.

“Quintan!” Dustin called out from the steel grating. He was trying to lift it, but it did not budge at all.

“Only one of us is going to walk out of this room alive, Quintan, and that is going to be me.” Atch said, his voice echoing.

“Dustin, you and Marston, find Upton. Leave me, he is more important.” Callum said.

“Quintan, no.” Dustin said, his voice echoing as well in the chamber.

“Go, find him, end this.” Callum said, “It’s what we came for, what you have to do. Go.” The voice echoed throughout the chamber. Dustin was breathing hard. He was near the verge of tears seeing what was going to happen. He slammed his fists against the heavy grating and swallowed hard. He knew Callum was right. He turned away.

“Think of it this way, Quintan. You will not die alone. When I have finished you, I will go and find him. After I have killed him, I will place you both together here in this chamber before I seal it up…forever.” Atch said.

“I seem to recall that he bested you in the warehouse on the docks. Feel free to correct me if I am wrong, Atch.” Callum said.

“He will still die, Quintan, as will you.” Atch said.

“You know, I am rather tired of hearing you talk.” Callum said and cocked his head a bit, “All you can manage to say is the same meaningless prattle, much like your father.” Callum said and heard the growl deep and echoed. Atch swung and leaped in Callum’s direction. Callum raised his sword and the dance of steel began. The blades connecting echoed over and over in the chamber.

They moved against one another, swinging, countering, lunging, parrying. Callum was testing Atch for the pace, with Atch’s Spanish style that he was using. There was nothing new to it that Callum could see at this point. Callum moved carefully, he did not want to show or give any advantage to Atch. The pace was slow, slower than Callum had expected, but he thought that Atch was testing him as well. Atch blocked and then back swung quickly, Callum went to duck it, but the pistol in his belt was hit, pulling it out, sending it clattering to the floor and behind Callum.

“There you have it, Quintan, the advantage.” Atch said as he swung again, Callum blocked, then back swung himself, “Whoever reaches the pistol, gets to use it.”

“The cowardly way out, Atch.” Callumn said as he pressed his attack on Atch, driving him back across the chamber.

“No more fighting like gentlemen, Captain. I have a boat to catch.” Atch said and cut deep and low with a swing, slicing into Callum’s tall boot. Callum groaned as he was sliced, “I will hack you into pieces, you miserable bastard.” Atch’s voice echoed with the clang of steel again, and again, and again. Callum stayed with him, Atch making a change and going on the offensive. Callum backed up a few steps, trying to get some room and to get his breath. Atch was sweating profusely, more than Callum was, but now there was a wound and he could feel it, the bleeding of it. He needed to ignore it, to see this done. He touched tip to tip with Atch.

“Surrender, Atch. You have nowhere to go with the Regulars here. It is over.” Callum said, his voice echoed.

“Come, come, my dear Captain, are we feeling a bit of fear perhaps?” Atch asked and flashed his eyes, “You certainly have held your own up to now, but the now is over. As I said, I have a boat to catch.”

“I think not.” Callum said, “I do not want to kill you, Atch, I told you that at the warehouse. Don’t make me do this, please.”

“You will be the one begging for mercy shortly, Quintan. I like the sound of that ‘please’ that you make.” Atch said. He moved and stepped in, lunging, Callum blocked it and countered, Atch parried and then back swung, Callum ducked. Atch swung again, Callum blocked with a lift, then flicked his blade along Atch’s, catching Atch across his forehead over his right eye. He spun away from the cut.

“What were you saying, piece by piece?” Callum asked as Atch put his hand to his wound and pulled it back, blood pouring from it, running down his face. Atch growled again and leaped forward, swinging, Callum stood his ground, blocking it. Atch did it again, again it was blocked. Another deep growl echoed, another swing, another block, a different swing, another block. The blood was pouring from Atch’s wound, blinding his right eye. He turned his head to the right to see with his left eye and tried to move against Callum but could not as he was blocked yet again. The eye saw the pistol on the floor behind Callum. Atch pressed closer to Callum making him turn, Callum blocking the blade, Atch made a back swung, Callum ducked. Atch moved quickly, getting to the pistol, snatching it up, cocking it and went to lift it as Callum was on him, driving his blade into the lower arm that held it. Atch screamed and dropped the pistol, “Surrender.” Callum said, his voice echoing.

“Never.” Atch cried out. He spit blood in Callum’s direction but it didn’t reach him.

“I will ask again…please.” Callum said. He held his blade, rotating it and pointing it at Atch’s chest, “Do not make me kill you.” Callum said slowly.

“You will have to kill me. I’ll make you.” Atch growled, “It’s the only way to be rid of you.”

“Atch, we were friends once. If that meant anything to you at all, drop your sword.” Callum said. His voice echoed, his eyes did not move at all, staying focused on the man before him, this wounded man that was still very dangerous. Callum heard the sound, steel creaking and groaning and then saw movement out of the corner of his eye. He backed up a step away from Atch and looked to his right, toward the deep doorway and the steel grating. It was lifting, being pushed up and Callum’s eyes went wide. Griffould, the giant of a man, was lifting the heavy grating and pushed it up to where it had been, pinning it back by bending one of the bars at the bottom with one hand and catching the lip in the stone at the top of the deep doorway. Griffould came into the chamber through the deep doorway, lumbering toward Callum.

Callum backed up, holding his sword out, ready for what was coming, the attack with those giant hands. He saw them lifting and spreading the fingers as Griffould was about where Atch was. Callum set his stance to meet the charge but Griifould stopped.

“Kill him!” Atch called out, his voice echoing loudly, “Don’t wait! Kill him!” Atch screamed. Callum winced a bit from the echo. Griffould turned his head and looked at Atch, the blood everywhere on his face, the blood dripping from his fingertips of the left hand, running from the wound of the arm. Griffould saw the pistol, cocked and ready but lying on the stone floor, “Kill him!” Atch screamed again and lifted his bloodied finger to point at Callum. Griffould reached out and gripped Atch by the throat with his right hand and then looked at Callum.

“For honor,…tiny man.” The Germanic voice growled and echoed, “Run.” Callum went even wider eyed as Atch was choking and being lifted off the floor by the one hand. He struggled, kicking his feet, then rolled his head, taking his sword, angling it, putting the tip to Griffould’s massive chest. Callum went to move to block it, but it was too late. Atch pushed with everything he had left, driving the sword through the giant chest and into his heart. A distinct crunch was heard and Atch went limp in the giant hand, arms and legs stopped moving. Griffould dropped the body to the stone floor, coughed and staggered one step. Callum dropped his sword and stepped in to try and catch him. They both crumpled to the floor. Callum was pinned. Griffould rolled as best he could, Callum struggled and got out from under him. Griffould coughed and was gurgling blood, the sword still deep in his chest.

“Griffould, why?” Callum asked as he tried to support the massive head.

“He…father…left me…to die…” Griffould said with another gurgle, blood coming from the corner of his mouth. The eyes went glassy and Callum lowered the large head to the stone floor. He heard footsteps, many of them, coming quickly and looked at the deep doorway, Dustin, Marston, and one of the Regulars came in, looking around at what was going in the chamber. Dustin had his sword out and was at the ready. He lowered it and came over toward Callum slowly.

“What happened? Do you have Upton?” Callum asked as he slowly got to his feet, picking up his sword. Dustin shook his head, “What? He’s escaped?” Callum asked, his voice echoing, Dustin looked at him. Marston stepped forward.

“Captain, I am sorry, but there was a fierce battle. I have lost most of my men…” Marston said and Callum got in his face.

“You let that son-of-a-bitch escape?” Callum asked and it was not pleasant, “Is he on the ship?” Callum asked as he was going for the deep doorway as he was about to push past the Regular that was there. Dustin was standing over Atch’s body, silently looking down at it, sword in hand.

“Yes.” Dustin said sharply without looking, his voice echoing, making Callum stop. He turned and looked back at Dustin.

“As I was about to say, Captain,” Marston said, turning to face Callum, “it was a Dutch ship, Captain, a large man-of-war, but the odd thing was that the Captain was giving orders…in French.”

“In French?” Callum asked, stepping closer toward Marston, “You’re sure?”

“Yes, Captain, I speak French fluently.” Marston said. Callum smiled after a long moment of thinking, then he chuckled, then he started laughing. Marston just looked at him, and then at Dustin, who was looking very worried right at this moment seeing Callum laughing, bending over and putting his hands on his knees as he continued to laugh, “Do you think he’s gone mad, Mr. Perkins?” Marston asked as Dustin came beside Marston. Dustin could only shrug his shoulders.

“Quintan?” Dustin asked, putting his sword away, “Quintan, are you alright?” Dustin asked. He had never seen Callum like this before. He stepped forward and put a hand down on Callum’s shoulder. Callum slowly stopped laughing. He lifted his head and was smiling wide.

“Oh, this just gets better and better, doesn’t it?” Callum asked and coughed a couple of times, he held up a hand as his head was hanging down again, “Forgive me, gentlemen. If you could only see the humor in all of this. As I said,” Callum said, lifting his head again, shaking it once and then standing fully in front of Dustin, “if you could only see the humor in this.”

“Perhaps if you were to tell us, we might.” Dustin said.

“Lebeau, Arto Lebeau, Dustin.” Callum said. Dustin looked at him with a questioned look.

“Why does that sound familiar?” Dustin asked.

“I have spoken of him before. He obviously found a ship, a different one to command.” Callum said and looked at Dustin who still looked confused, “You will recall during the engagement at La Rochelle, the three French frigates that were coming up from the south. We cut them off, set one to flame, beached another, damaged the third.”

“Yes, I recall.” Dustin said.

“Arto Lebeau commanded the ship that was beached.” Callum said.

“How do you know that?” Dustin asked.

“Because during my mission to capture the Avion, we came across another frigate and captured it as well, LeBeau was its Captain.” Callum said and raised an eyebrow.

“That’s why he sounds familiar, Thomas was telling me of that, how unfortunate the man was.” Dustin said.

“Correct, and on the voyage home, I came across him yet again, this time on a merchant, headed for Stockholm.”

“Dear lord, you didn’t take him again, did you?” Dustin asked.

“No, but I set him to task. He had warned me about the danger at home to us there, but did not know it was the Guardsmen. We had become friends.” Callum said.

“What task did you give him?” Dustin asked.

“I asked him to get close to Rofton, to find out what was really going in. He obviously couldn’t send word to me, or come to Birmingham, not being French, he would have been taken.” Callum said.

“That makes sense, I suppose.” Dustin said, “So you think he got close to Rofton, found a way to be here to get Upton out of the country.”

“Yes, yes I do.” Callum said and looked at Marston, “Trust the French.” Callum said, “Lieutenant, I apologize for going off like that. I have no doubt that it was not your fault, nor the fault of your men that Upton escaped. He seems to always wear a very slippery coat.”

“No apologies necessary, Captain, I understand completely how you must have felt.”

“How many men did you lose?” Callum asked.

“Of the ten, I have lost seven, Captain.” Marston said. Callum looked at him and then at the Regular behind him, then back to Marston.

“I am so very sorry, Lieutenant.” Callum said.

“As am I, sir. They all volunteered for this detail, sir.” Marston said.

“We will see that they all get home, Lieutenant, I give you my word.” Callum said.

“Thank you, sir.” Marston said and nodded once.

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“What are we going to do now, Quintan?” Dustin asked as they stood at the waters’ edge, down on the rocks below the ancient structure.

“We will head back to London.” Callum said, his hands clasped behind his back as he stared out into The Channel.

“London? What about Upton and your friend?” Dustin asked. Callum smiled.

“Upton is alone now, his plans here in England have been stopped, Atch is dead, and I am certain that Upton knows that.” Callum said, “Did you say that you watched the ship sail off and go about two points to the north?”

“Yes, after that monster crashed through us all. The boat pulled away with Upton aboard, his men were all dead, shot by the Regulars. That’s when we heard the French Captain calling out orders. They were only about two hundred yards off or so. He could be heard very clearly even as we tried to stop that giant. I’m surprised that he killed Atch like he did.” Dustin said.

“I’m not.” Callum said.

“Why not?” Dustin asked.

“I think I got through to him when he was in the Crypt at the Admiralty. I gave him something to think about.” Callum said and lowered his head a bit, “And then Upton leaving him to face all of you. I think it finally hit home to him. I for one am sorry to have lost him in this. I have no doubt he would have made a powerful ally.”

“I have never seen anyone as strong as he. He took two musket balls from the Regular before killing them with his bare hands. He knocked me senseless with a backhand. Marston said he picked up a very large rock and hurled it at the boat.” Dustin said.

“Well, be thankful that it’s over.” Callum said, his head down and he leaned it a bit toward Dustin, “I’m looking forward to going home finally.” He said softly.

“I don’t think so.” Dustin said.

“What do you mean?” Callum asked as he lifted his eyes only.

“You, standing here, like this, next to the waters’ edge. You miss the sea, I know you do.” Dustin said.

“Don’t you?” Callum asked.

“Not as much as you. It’s a part of you, Quintan. It’s like when you’re aboard ship, you become a part of it, and it a part of you. You work well with it because you love it so. I understand that, I truly do. I think you said it best when we met Darin’s father that day at Parliament. You said that a sailor was married to the sea, and his ship was his mistress.” Dustin said, “I know you will find a way to go back to sea, and I will not stop you, not like the last time. That would be like taking a child from its mother. I love you too much to do that.” Dustin said, touching Callum’s sleeve of his shirt. He turned and looked at Callum’s lifted eyes. They smiled briefly at one another and Dustin walked away from him, leaving him to the sea. Callum lifted his head and looked out again across The Channel.

The ride back to London was long and tiring for Callum. He had not slept for three days now, constantly going. He had stayed awake the entire time that Dustin had been drugged when Upton had chosen to meet with him at the boarding house. It was difficult for him to stay awake, but he managed. They arrived at the stable behind the house of His Grace, the Duke of Wellington. Callum did not really want to deal with the boarding house and its possible continued intrigue.

He gave his thanks to Lt. Marston for his efforts and those of his men in all of this. He wanted to give his thanks to His Grace personally but was informed that he was with his staff in Whitehall at the current time. Marston said he would convey them for him, which Callum agreed to. The carriage was hitched and Dustin said he would drive and wished to know where they were going.

Callum had closed his eyes until they pulled up in front of the Admiralty. Dustin reined the horses to a stop and climbed down, opening the door for Callum. He smiled at Callum and bowed formally for him.

“Oh stop.” Callum said as he got out. Dustin closed the door and chuckled, “You’d best be careful,” Callum said quietly, “I may put you over my knee and give you a caning.”

“Ooooh, I might enjoy that,…sir.” Dustin said as they walked up the deep wide stone steps. Callum could only shake his head. The Sentries opened the doors for them, knowing exactly who they were. They came to the Registrar at the small desk in the grand foyer of the building.

“Good afternoon, Captain.” The Registrar said with a bow of his head.

“Good afternoon. I wish to visit the surgery and to see about our companions.” Callum said.

“Of course, Captain.” The Registrar said and handed him a quill, “If you would sign in please. His Lordship was asking to be informed when you returned, sir.”

“Do what you must.” Callum said, “We will be in the surgery.”

“As you say, Captain.” The Registrar said and bowed again, taking the quill. Callum and Dustin walked across the foyer to the doors of the surgery. They passed a few junior officers, all of them tipped their hands to Callum as they went by. Callum opened the door and went in. He smiled as he saw Thomas sitting there next to a table. His eyes lit up when he saw Callum and Dustin.

“There you are, finally.” Thomas stood, “Christian, they’re here at last.” Thomas was beaming as Callum and Dustin came to him, giving hugs all around, being careful of Thomas’ splinted arm. Dustin saw Christian was awake and was propping himself up on his elbows on the table he was lying on.

“You look well, Thomas.” Callum said with a warm smile.

“Well, you look like hell, Quintan, and you smell like it as well.” Thomas said wrinkled his nose, “Your clothes need to be burned. Where the devil have you been? No one is telling us anything.”

“Sunderland.” Callum said as he watched Dustin and Christian hug and kiss one another on the cheeks.

“I have certainly missed your smiling face, Dustin. Thomas has been an absolute pain the entire time I’ve been awake. He does nothing but complain.” Christian said. Callum looked at Thomas, who rolled his eyes and then bent down and hugged Christian and kissed him as well on the cheek, “And Quintan, dear Quintan, Thomas is right, you look like hell. Are you alright?”

“I am now that I am with you and the four of us are all together again. How are you feeling?” Callum asked Christian.

“Oh, a bit stiff, and not in a good way,” Christian winked, Dustin chuckled, “I’ll live.”

“You certainly will. That’s obvious since you have your sense of humor back.” Dustin said and chuckled again.

“So, tell us the news, what has happened?” Thomas asked.

“Much.” Callum said, “But first, what do they say about you, are you fit to travel?”

“To go home?” Christian asked, shaking his head, “Crawford has said no. He wants me in bed at least another week. But I need to get out here.” Christian said and looked around, “This place is simply dreadful, Quintan. At least get us to the boarding house. We can hole up there for a while if we must.”

“I’m afraid the boarding house is out of the question.” Callum said.

“Why?” Thomas asked.

“Because they tried to murder Dustin.” Callum said.

“What?” Thomas asked and looked at Dustin, “What did you do that would cause that?”

“Me? I did nothing.” Dustin said, looking hurt and defensive, “If you weren’t injured.”

“Oh, go on and slap him, he needs it.” Christian said.

“That will be enough out of you, mister.” Thomas said, looking around Dustin to Christian, “So what are we going to do?”

“I will secure rooms at the Boar’s Head for us.” Callum said.

“What?” Thomas asked, “You remember what happened last time there.”

“I know. But, it keeps us close to the Admiralty, so Christian can be near for a doctor’s care, and I’m sure that Arthur will only allow that, if that.” Callum said.

“I will only allow what?” Dr. Arthur Crawford stepped into the surgery and had heard his name being used.

“Arthur, you’re just in time.” Callum said.

“How are you feeling, Quintan? You look terrible.” Crawford said, taking Callum’s hand.

“That’s what we all keep saying.” Thomas said and rolled his eyes. Crawford looked at him and frowned.

“I’ve heard just about enough out of you, Thomas. Instead of your arm, they should have broken your neck, it might have kept you quiet.” Crawford said and Thomas shrunk back a little, “Now, what were you saying, Quintan?”

“I was wondering if you would let me take Christian and place him over at the Boar’s Head, once I secure rooms there.” Callum said.

“I don’t see why not, as long as it gets rid of Thomas. We might get some peace and quiet here for a while.” Crawford said and raised an eyebrow, “But, we will have to have him carried over there on a litter. I will only sanction this if he is carried.” Crawford said and then looked at Christian, “I have told you before that you need at least another week in bed. You need to let your lung mend even further, with no strain, and no movement.” Crawford said, and then looked at Callum, raising a finger, “And that means, no traveling, especially to Birmingham.”

“Of course, Arthur. Hence why I asked.” Callum said.

“And I will check on you every day, Christian Holt. You will not be able to escape me, young sir.” Crawford said.

“Of course, Doctor, perish the thought.” Christian said and smiled a cheesy fake smile.

“Do not be wise with me, young sir, I can put you in your place and you know I can.”

“Yes, sir.” Christian said. Crawford turned his head and Christian made a face behind his back. Dustin chuckled. Crawford looked at him over his shoulder. Dustin coughed.

“Sorry, Doctor.” Dustin said.

“Alright, go and secure your rooms then. Let me know. I will make arrangements to have him carried when you confirm it, Quintan.” Crawford said to Callum.

“Then I will return in short order, Doctor.” Callum said. Crawford went to move but Thomas was in his way.

“Thomas Tomlin, will you sit down and get out of my way or I will have you strung up from the ceiling.”

“Of course, Doctor.” Thomas said, sitting on a stool at the head of Christian’s table. Callum looked at him and when Crawford had his back turned, Thomas said silently mouthing, ’hurry’. Callum smiled and then chuckled as he walked to the doors of the surgery, Dustin right behind him. They walked across the foyer of the Admiralty, Callum nodding to junior officers as they tipped their hands. They made it to the doors and went out. Callum was secretly dreading running into Their Lordships Hood or Fitzwarren. He did not want to deal with them right now feeling the way he did. He just wanted sleep and in the worst way.

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“You know they might not let us stay here, especially after the last time.” Dustin said as they reached the door of the inn.

“You may be right, but I am far too tired to try and find something else right now. If they say no, then it will force me. But, for now, this is close and I really need to sleep.” Callum said, “And if one more person says I look like hell, I’m going to run them through.” They walked into the tavern portion of the inn. The proprietor was there behind the counter. He looked up and smiled wide, dropping the cloth he held and came around the counter, hands up high.

“Captain Callum! Master Perkins! Such a true pleasure to see you both again! You’ll be wanting rooms! Come, come, let me get you something.” The older man said and clasped his hands together. His face showed pure happiness all over it. His daughter was at his elbow, the girl that Dustin had saved from being killed in the clash of swords between Callum and Ezri Smythe. The older man pulled out chairs at the closest table to have them sit, “Fill two tankards of ale for these gentlemen, bring them quickly.” He said to his daughter. She curtsied and left them.

“I must say, I am quite surprised with your welcome. I was not certain you would even let us through the door.” Callum said as he sat down.

“Oh, Captain, how could I not have you in this house? Since you left, we have been so very, very busy because of what did happen here, my good sir. Please, you must stay with us again, please. If I did not have you stay here, my wife will never let me hear the end of it.”

“Well, if only to spare you from being tongue lashed by your wonderful wife, which by the way, I have missed her cooking, as has Mr. Perkins, isn’t that so, Dustin?” Callum asked raising an eyebrow.

“Oh yes, terribly, I must say. I have thought of nothing else but those wonderful turnovers that she made that one time for us. Do you think she would do it again?” Dustin asked the older man as the girl came to the table with tankards.

“Of course she will. I will speak to her about it right away. You shall have them tonight, if you like?” He asked as he clasped his hands together again.

“That would be wonderful.” Dustin said and smiled. The girl was looking at him and she curtsied for him and gave him a soft smile. Dustin swallowed hard. He watched her walk away, then looked at Callum.

“We will require two rooms, as before my good man, if that is alright?” Callum asked.

“Of course, of course, and you will not pay for a single thing, Captain, and you will have the best in the house, I assure you.” He said.

“That is very generous of you, but I cannot allow that. We will pay our own way, I insist, or I might find difficulty with it.” Callum said and smiled.

“As you wish, Captain, whatever you would like.” He said and looked Callum over, “I mean no offense, Captain, please, but are you alright? You look a bit…”

“Don’t say it.” Dustin said quickly and put his hand on Callum’s sword pommel as he stared at the older man across the table.

by icevuk2634

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Copyright 2024