The Chevalier by N/A

Author:N/A
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Canelo Books
Published: 2016-06-25T04:00:00+00:00

* * *

In my rush to leave St Petersburg, I have neglected to break my fast. In consequence, I’m already feeling severe hunger pangs when, after a long but uneventful ride, the coach draws up by the snow-encrusted inn at Caporya. There’s a single torch burning outside the wooden hostelry. A loose shutter on an upper floor is rattling in the wind, yet, this apart, everything seems quiet. The long winter night is already closing in. After looking around the courtyard and finding no sign of life, I get out of the carriage and walk slowly to the door, taking great care on the icy patches. The smell of overcooked meat, from what I suspect is a type of local stew, wafts through the air. It will suffice. I knock with some urgency.

After what seems an age, the door opens: my first sight is the pleasing form and friendly face of Olga. A shock awaits me, and it hits home a moment later. In the corner of the parlour two contrasting, most repugnant figures are lounging over the remains of their dinner – Lord Douglas and Monin. They look up, smiling, as I stand transfixed. Sensing a conflict, Olga flits past their table into the kitchens.

“What a pleasant surprise…” declares my Lord.

It’s hard to find my voice. “You’ve returned from Prague?”

“Yes, just got back. Fearfully difficult journey, eh, Monin?”

“Most tiring, due to the weather, my Lord.” The little devil cackles.

“Well, I’ll let you rest,” I say. “I think I should hurry on to France.”

Lord Douglas rises to his feet. “We couldn’t live with ourselves.”

“Something could easily happen.” Monin circles towards the door to cut off my retreat.

“You’re very kind. But it’s fine. My arrangements, I mean.” I point through the window in the direction of my vehicle, unseen in the murk. “I’ve hired a coach and driver from the Tsarina.”

Lord Douglas brushes this aside. “We’ll send them back to St Petersburg. Think of the expense. We won’t hear of it. Olga!” She slinks back in. “Mademoiselle will be staying here tonight, so prepare a room. We leave tomorrow.”

There’s no way out for me from this. Maybe it is for the best. He will also provide an escort for me through the wastes of Northern Russia and Courland, through turbulent East Prussia and Poland, and across the tinderbox of the Holy Roman Empire. After all, it is what he was hired to do. I am just exchanging one danger for another. With great reluctance, I nod my assent.

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