Poul Anderson by A Midsummer Tempest

Author:A Midsummer Tempest
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2011-11-24T11:46:21+00:00

“Well, then. Does it not stand to reason, both rings will point at the same goal? Let her follow hers, and Rupert follow his—both ought to show plain signs, after their wearers have reached the Midworld Sea—why, inevitably as moths to a can-dle flame, those two will be brought to a meeting point. Now if she’s under the guard of trustworthy fighting men—bearing in mind Rupert’s a fugitive, who at most has one or two desperadoes at heel—”

“But Rupert is of royal blood as well,” Barker objected. “He’ll first to Holland, and fetch many friends.”

“I’ve thought on that, and doubt it,” Shelgrave said. “He may indeed go there for some funds, though that’s an impoverished court of exiles which his mother maintains. However, the Dutch are mostly Calvinists, who’d recoil in horror, aye, ar-rest him, did he reveal what his mission really is. And he’d not spend time trying covertly to gather a troop who would go along. Remember, not only is he himself impetuous, his King Charles cannot hold out for many more weeks unaided. Therefore, he’ll sacrifice recruitment for the sake of haste— and, as I say, come to his destination with no following worthy of mention. Oh, I could be mistaken. Those who go after him should proceed with care. But I feel sure they’ll find that a small, determined band can take him.”

Barker gulped. “I have a feeling thou intendest me to lead this expedition, Malachi.”

“That I do. I’m too well-known, have too many affairs, mine absence would too soon be marked. Moreover, none save I can keep a hatch on the news of Rupert’s escape; I know what persons in this household I can use to frighten silence into the rest; if London sends after him too early, I can write back that he’s ill and must not travel. The word that he’s loose would shake our armies.”

“And do thee little good in Parliament,” said Barker shrewdly.

“Well, I own there are spiteful backbiters who’d dearly love to drag me down. They must not; for most of the work remains undone to which the Lord has appointed me. Besides, Jennifer … herewith I give her a chance to win redemption, whereas if her misdeeds became public knowledge whilst Rupert is free, I fear nothing could save her from being hanged for a witch. And, finally but fondly, Nobah, I think of thee. Thine opportunity.”

Shelgrave intensified his gaze on the seated man and continued with slow-voiced earnestness:

“Thou hast a godly soul which hell can’t swerve, and understandest witchcraft’s darkling ways, so ‘twould be hard to hoodwink thee by spells. Moreover, thou art like a son to me, the son wherewith the Lord has not seen fit that I be blessed; unless, like Abraham— Set that aside. A triumph such as this will open every road to thine advancement. In time, thy preaching could make Europe quake.”

Barker moistened his lips. “But traveling ‘cross country, just with her,” he husked, “to meet at last… not merely devils … him?”

“Thou wilt have company, his eight stout guards,” Shelgrave promised.

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