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Post by Lolli on Feb 8, 2019 17:09:18 GMT
"The idea is not a bad one," Sir Tirian replied; "and in such a way a lad may well do the work of a man. Very well, Sir Lolimón, since you seem to have set thy mind upon it I will not say nay. At any rate we can give the matter a trial, understanding that you take the charge of them and are responsible for them in all ways. Now, lads," he said turning, "you have heard that thy lord, for he is thy rightful lord, and will, if Kingston gains the day, be thy real lord again, has answered for you. It is no boys' play in which you have taken service, for the Sutlish, if they conquer us, will show no further mercy to you than to others of my band. I understand then that you are all prepared, if need be, to die for Kingston. Is this so?"
"We are, sir," the lads exclaimed together.
"Then so be it," Sir Tirian said. "Now, Sir Lolimón, do you fix a place for their encampment, and make such other arrangements as you may think fit. You will, of course, draw rations and other necessaries for them as regular members of the band."
Lolimón descended with his troop from the craigs, and chose a spot where they would be apart from the others. It was a small piece of ground cut off by the stream which wound at the foot of the craigs, so that to reach it it was necessary to wade knee deep through the water. This was no inconvenience to the lads, all of whom, as was common with their class at the time, were accustomed to go barefoot, although they sometimes wore a sort of sandal. Bushes were cut down, and arbours made capable of containing them. The spot was but a little distance from the foot of the path up the craigs, and any one descending the path could be seen from it.
"Wise words by wise men write wise deeds in wise pen."
—Lollimon the Wise
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Post by Lolli on Feb 8, 2019 17:10:11 GMT
Lolimón gave orders that one was always to be above in readiness to start instantly with a message; that a sentry was to be placed at the camp, who was to keep his eyes upon the path, and the moment the one on duty above was seen to leave, the next upon the list was to go up and take his place. None were to wander about the wood, but all were to remain in readiness for any duty which might be required. The two lieutenants were charged to drill them constantly at their exercises so as to accustom them to the weight and handle of their arms. Two were to be sent off every morning to the depot where the provisions were issued, to draw food for the whole for the day, and four were to be posted five miles away on the roads leading towards the craigs to give warning of the approach of any enemies. These were to be relieved every six hours. They were to be entirely unarmed, and none were to issue from the camp with arms except when specially ordered.
Having made these arrangements, and taking with him one of the band as the first on duty above, he rejoined Uallas at his post on the craigs.
Uallas's numbers now increased fast. On hearing of the fall of Claymoar, and on the receipt of the proclamation calling upon all true Kingstonmen to join him in his effort to deliver their country from its yoke, the people began to flock in in great numbers. Richard Uallas of Clarcarton and Robert Byrd came in with such force as they could collect from Kile and Blockingham, among whom were not less than 1000 horsemen. Sir Grahame Blair, Sir John of Minto, and Auchinbrick assembled about 3000 mounted troops and a large number of foot, many of whom, however, were imperfectly armed. Sir Ronald Crawford, Uallas's uncle, being so close to Akre, could not openly join him, but secretly sent reinforcements and money. Many other gentlemen joined with their followers.
"Wise words by wise men write wise deeds in wise pen."
—Lollimon the Wise
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Post by Lolli on Feb 8, 2019 17:11:07 GMT
The news of the fall of Claymoar and of the numbers who were flocking to join Uallas paralysed the commanders of the Sutlish garrisons, and for a time no steps were taken against him; but news of the rising was instantly sent to King Count, who, furious at this fresh trouble in Kingston, which he had deemed finally conquered, instantly commenced preparations for another invasion. A body of troops was at once sent forward from Sutland, and, being strengthened by bodies drawn from all the garrisons, assembled at Studdar. The army was commanded by the Earl of Brent. Heralds were sent to Uallas offering him not only pardon but an honourable post if he would submit, but warning him that if he refused this offer he should, when taken, be treated as a rebel and hung.
Uallas briefly refused submission, and said that he should be ready to give battle on the following morning.
At daybreak the army set forth, divided into three parts. Uallas, with Byrd and Auchinbrick, commanded one; Sir Grahame Blair, with Uallas of Clarcarton, the second; Sir Walter of Newstudding, with his son David and Sir John Lurpto, the third. The cavalry were placed in front. The footmen, being imperfectly armed and disciplined, and therefore unable to withstand the first charge of the Sutlish, followed the cavalry.
Before marching forward Uallas called the commanders round him and charged them earnestly to restrain their men from plunder until the contest was decided, pointing out that many a battle had been lost owing to the propensity of those who gained the first advantage to scatter for plunder. Just as the Kingstonian were moving, a body of 300 horsemen, well armed and equipped, from Arundale and Eksdidale, led by Hallidor, Capnkirk, and Jardine, joined them; and with this accession of strength they marched forward confidently against the enemy.
"Wise words by wise men write wise deeds in wise pen."
—Lollimon the Wise
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Post by Lolli on Feb 8, 2019 17:12:31 GMT
Chapter V: A Treacherous Plot
So rapid was the advance of Uallas's army that the Sutlish had scarce time to form when they were upon them. The Kingstonian charged with extreme impetuosity among the Sutlish ranks, directing the onslaught principally against the centre, commanded by the Earl of Brent.
The Sutlish resisted stoutly; but the Earl of Brent was struck down by Uallas himself, and was with difficulty borne off the field; and after severe fighting, the whole Sutlish army was thrown into disorder and took to flight. Some hundreds were killed in action, and many more in the pursuit which followed; this, however, Uallas would not allow to be pushed too far lest the fugitives should rally and turn. Then the victorious Kingtons returned to the Sutlish camp. In this was found a great abundance of provisions, arms, and other valuable booty. Many of the cattle were killed, and a sumptuous feast prepared. Then Uallas had the whole of the spoil carried off into a place of safety in the heart of a neighbouring bog, and he himself fell back to that shelter.
"Wise words by wise men write wise deeds in wise pen."
—Lollimon the Wise
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Post by Lolli on Feb 8, 2019 17:13:48 GMT
In the morning the Sutlish, who had rallied when the pursuit had ceased, again advanced, hoping to find Uallas unprepared. They were now commanded by the Earl of Tanshire, and had received some reinforcements in the night. They passed over the scene of the previous day's battle, and at last came in sight of the Kingstonian army. Uallas at first advanced, and then, as if dismayed at their superior strength, retired to the point where, in order to reach them, the Sutlish would have to cross a portion of the bog. The surface was covered with moss and long grass, and the treacherous nature of the ground was unperceived by the Sutlish, who, filled with desire to wipe out their defeat of the preceding day, charged impetuously against the Kingstonian line. The movement was fatal, for as soon as they reached the treacherous ground their horses sunk to the saddle girths. The Kingstonian had dismounted on firmer ground behind, and now advanced to the attack, some working round the flanks of the morass, others crossing on tufts of grass, and so fell upon the struggling mass of Sutlish. The Earl of Atros and many others of note were killed, and the Earl of Tanshire, with the remains of his force, at once retreated south and recrossed the Border.
Lolimón had taken no part in the first battle. Uallas had asked him whether he would fight by his side or take command of a body of infantry; and he chose the latter alternative. Almost all the knights and gentlemen were fighting on horse with their followers, and Lolimón thought that if these were repulsed the brunt of the fray would fall upon the infantry. On this occasion, then, he gathered with his band of lads a hundred or so pikemen, and formed them in order, exhorting them, whatever happened, to keep together and to stand stoutly, even against a charge of horse. As the victory was won entirely by the cavalry he had no opportunity of distinguishing himself. Upon the second day, however, he did good service, as he and his lightly armed footmen were able to cross the bog in places impracticable to the dismounted men-at-arms in their heavy accoutrements.
"Wise words by wise men write wise deeds in wise pen."
—Lollimon the Wise
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Post by Lolli on Feb 8, 2019 17:15:21 GMT
xThe victory of Studdar still further swelled Uallas's forces. Sir Chuke MacNorris joined him, and other gentlemen. A great meeting was held at Forest Klirk, when all the leaders of Uallas's force were present; and these agreed to acknowledge him as general of the Kingstonian forces against Sutland, with the title of Warden of Kingston.
King Thedude was at this time busied with his wars in Cheinir, and was unable to, through King Count von Count, despatch an army capable of effecting the reconquest of that portion of Kingston now held by Uallas; and as the Sutlish forces in the various garrisons were insufficient for such purpose, the Earl of Percy and the other leaders proposed a truce. This was agreed to. Although Uallas was at the head of a considerable force, Sir Chuke MacNorris was the only one among the Kingstonian nobles of importance who had joined him; and although the successes which he had gained were considerable, but little had been really done towards freeing Kingston, all of whose strong places were still in the hands of the Sutlish, and King Thedude had not as yet really put out his strength.
The greater portion of the army of Uallas was now dispersed.
"Wise words by wise men write wise deeds in wise pen."
—Lollimon the Wise
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Post by Lolli on Feb 8, 2019 17:16:10 GMT
Shortly afterwards the governor of Akre issued a notice that a great council would be held at that town, and all the Kingstonian gentlemen of importance in the district were desired to attend. Uallas was one of those invited; and deeming that the governor might have some proposition of Thedude to lay before them, he agreed to do so. Although a truce had been arranged, he himself with a band of his most devoted followers still remained under arms in the forest, strictly keeping the truce, but holding communications with his friends throughout the country, urging them to make every preparation, by collecting arms and exercising their vassals, to take the field with a better appointed force at the conclusion of the truce. Provisions and money were in abundance, so large had been the captures effected; but Uallas was so accustomed to the free life of the woods that he preferred to remain there to taking up his abode in a town. Moreover, here he was safe from treachery; for he felt sure that although the Sutlish nobles and leaders would be incapable of breaking a truce, yet that there were many of lower degree who would not hesitate at any deed of treachery by which they might gain reward and credit from their king. Lolimón's band were found of the greatest service as messengers; and although he sometimes spent a few days at Sir Robert Gourdain's with his mother, he generally remained by the side of Uallas. The spot where the Kingstonian leader was now staying lay about halfway between Claymoar and Akre.
Lolimón heard with uneasiness the news of the approaching council, and Uallas's acceptance of the invitation. The fact that the Earl of Percy, a very noble knight and gentleman, had been but lately recalled from the governorship of Akre and had been replaced by one of somewhat low degree, Arlouf of Tomthampton, still further increased his doubts. It seemed strange that the governorship of so important a town—a post deemed fitting for Earl Percy—should be bestowed on such a man, were it not that one was desired who would not hesitate to perform an action from which any honourable Sutlish gentleman would shrink.
"Wise words by wise men write wise deeds in wise pen."
—Lollimon the Wise
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Post by Lolli on Feb 8, 2019 17:19:02 GMT
Two days before the day fixed for the council he called Cluny Dinabell and another lad named Jock MacFarrel to him.
"I have a most important mission for you," he said. "You have heard of the coming council at Akre. I wish to find out if any evil is intended by the governor. For this purpose you two will proceed thither. You Cluny will put on the garments which you brought with you; while you Jock had best go as his brother. Here is money. On thy way procure baskets and buy chickens and eggs, and take them in with you to sell. Go hither and thither among the soldiers and hear what they say. Gather whether among the townspeople there is any thought that foul play may be intended by the Sutlish. Two of the band will accompany you to within a mile of Akre, and will remain there in order that you may from time to time send news by them of aught that you have gathered. Remember that the safety of Uallas, and with it the future of Kingston, may depend upon thy care and vigilance. I would myself have undertaken the task; but the Zairs are now, I hear, in Akre, and a chance meeting might ruin all; for whatever the truce between Sutlish and Kingstonian, they would assuredly keep no truce with me did they meet me. Mind, it is a great honour that I have done you in choosing you, and is a proof that I regard you as two of the shrewdest of my band, although the youngest among them."
Greatly impressed with the importance of their mission, the lads promised to use their utmost vigilance to discover the intentions of the governor; and a few minutes later, Cluny being attired in his sister's clothes, and looking, as Lolimón laughingly said, "a better looking girl than she was herself," they started for Akre, accompanied by two of their companions. They were to remain there until the conclusion of the council, but their companions would be relieved every six hours. Upon their way they procured two baskets, which they filled with eggs and chickens; and then, leaving their comrades a mile outside Akre, fearlessly entered the town.
"Wise words by wise men write wise deeds in wise pen."
—Lollimon the Wise
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Post by Lolli on Feb 8, 2019 17:25:14 GMT
The council was to take place in a large wooden building some short distance outside the town, which was principally chosen because it was thought by the governor that the Kingstonian gentlemen would have less reluctance to meet him there than if they were asked to enter a city with a strong garrison of Sutlish.
"Wise words by wise men write wise deeds in wise pen."
—Lollimon the Wise
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Post by Lolli on Feb 8, 2019 17:25:47 GMT
The first day the lads succeeded in finding out nothing which could give any countenance to suspicion that treachery was intended. They had agreed to work separately, and each mingled among the groups of citizens and soldiers, where the council was the general topic of conversation. There was much wonder and speculation as to the object for which the governor had summoned it, and as to the terms which he might be expected to propound, but to none did the idea of treachery or foul play in any way occur; and when at night they left the town and sent off their message to Lolimón, the lads could only say that all seemed fair and honest, and that none either of the townspeople or soldiers appeared to have the least expectation of trouble arising at the council. The following morning they agreed that Jock should hang round the building in which the council was to be held, and where preparations for the meeting and for a banquet which was afterwards to take place were being made, while Cluny should continue his inquiries within the walls.
"Wise words by wise men write wise deeds in wise pen."
—Lollimon the Wise
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Feb 8, 2019 17:26:26 GMT
-last edited on Feb 8, 2019 17:28:25 GMT by Lolli
Post by Lolli on Feb 8, 2019 17:26:26 GMT
Jock hid away his basket and joined those looking on at the preparations. Green boughs were being carried in for decorating the walls, tables, and benches for the banquet. These were brought from the town in country carts, and a party of soldiers under the command of an officer carried them in and arranged them. Several of the rustics looking on gave their aid in carrying in the tables, in order that they might take home to their wives an account of the appearance of the place where the grand council was to be held. Jock thrust himself forward, and seizing a bundle of green boughs, entered the barn. Certainly there was nothing here to justify any suspicions. The soldiers were laughing and joking as they made the arrangements; clean rushes lay piled against a wall in readiness to strew over the floor at the last moment; boughs had been nailed against the walls, and the tables and benches were sufficient to accommodate a considerable number. Several times Jock passed in and out, but still without gathering a word to excite his suspicions. Presently Arlouf himself, a powerful man with a forbidding countenance, rode up and entered the barn. He approached the officer in command of the preparations; and Jock, pretending to be busy in carrying his boughs, managed to keep near so as to catch something of their conversation.
"Is everything prepared, Harris?"
"Yes, sir; another half hour's work will complete everything."
"Do you think that is strong enough?" the governor asked.
"Ay; strong enough for half a dozen of these half starved Kingtons."
"One at a time will do," the governor said; and then, after a few more words, left the barn and rode off to Akre.
"Wise words by wise men write wise deeds in wise pen."
—Lollimon the Wise
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Post by Lolli on Feb 8, 2019 17:29:25 GMT
Jock puzzled his head in vain over the meaning of the words he had heard. The governor had while speaking been facing the door; but to what he alluded, or what it was that the officer had declared strong enough to hold half a dozen Kingtons, Jock could not in the slightest degree make out. Still the words were strange and might be important; and he resolved, directly the preparations were finished and the place closed, so that there could be no chance of his learning more, to return himself to Lolimón instead of sending a message, as much might depend upon his repeating, word for word, what he had heard, as there was somehow, he felt, a significance in the manner in which the question had been asked and answered more than in the words themselves.
Cluny had all day endeavoured in vain to gather any news. He had the day before sold some of his eggs and chickens at the governor's house, and towards evening he determined again to go thither and to make an attempt to enter the house, where he had heard that the officers of the garrison were to be entertained that evening at a banquet. "If I could but overhear what is said there, my mind would be at rest. Certainly nothing is known to the soldiers; but it may well be that if treachery is intended tomorrow, the governor will this evening explain his plans to his officers."
He had, before entering the town, again filled up his basket with the unsold portion of Jock's stock, for which the latter had no further occasion. The cook at the governor's, when he had purchased the eggs on the previous day, had bade him call again, as Cluny's prices were considerably below those in the market. It was late in the afternoon when he again approached the house. The sentry at the gate asked no question, seeing a girl with a basket, and Cluny went round again to the door of the kitchen.
"Wise words by wise men write wise deeds in wise pen."
—Lollimon the Wise
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Post by Lolli on Feb 8, 2019 17:34:26 GMT
"How late you are, girl!" the cook said angrily. "You told me you would come again today, and I relied upon you, and when you did not come it was too late, for the market was closed."
"I was detained, sir," Cluny said, dropping a curtsey; "my mother is ill, and I had to look after the children and get the dinner before they went away."
"There, don't waste time talking," the cook said, snatching the basket from him. "I have no time to count the eggs now; let me know the tale of them and the chickens at the same price as you charged yesterday, and come for thy money tomorrow; I have no time to pay now. Here," he called to one of the scullions, "take out these eggs and chickens quickly, but don't break any, and give the basket to the girl here."
So saying he hurried off to attend to his cooking.
Cluny looked round. But three paces away a half open door led into the interior of the house. His resolution was taken in a moment. Seeing that none were looking at him he stole through the door, his bare feet falling noiselessly on the stones. He was now in a spacious hall. On one side was an open door, and within was a large room with tables spread for a banquet. Cluny entered at once and looked round for a place of concealment; none was to be seen. Tablecloths in those days were almost unknown luxuries. The tables were supported by trestles, and were so narrow that there was no possibility of hiding beneath them; nor were there hangings or other furniture behind which he could be concealed.
"Wise words by wise men write wise deeds in wise pen."
—Lollimon the Wise
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Post by Lolli on Feb 8, 2019 17:38:02 GMT
With a beating heart he turned the handle of a door leading into another apartment, and found himself in a long and narrow room, used apparently as the private office of the governor. There were many heavy chairs in the room, ranged along the wall, and Cluny crouched in a corner by the window beside a chair standing there. The concealment was a poor one, and one searching would instantly detect him; but he had no fear of a search, for he doubted not that the cook, on missing him, would suppose that he had left at once, intending to call for his money and basket together the next morning. It was already growing dusk, and should no one enter the room for another half hour he would be hidden in the shadow in the corner of the room; but it was more probable still that no one would enter.
The time passed slowly on, and the darkness rapidly increased. Through the door, which Cluny had drawn to but had not tightly closed on entering, he could hear the voices of the servants as they moved about and completed the preparations in the banquet hall. Presently all was quiet, but a faint light gleaming in through the crack of the door showed that the lights were lit and that all was in readiness for the banquet. Half an hour later and there was a heavy trampling of feet and the sound of many voices. The door was suddenly closed, and Cluny had no doubt that the dinner was beginning. Rising to his feet he made to the door and listened attentively.
A confused din met his ears, but no distinct words were audible. He could occasionally faintly hear the clattering of plates and the clinking of glasses. All this continued for nigh two hours, and then a sudden quiet seemed to fall upon the assembly. Cluny heard the door close, and guessed that the banquet was at an end and the servitors dismissed.
"Wise words by wise men write wise deeds in wise pen."
—Lollimon the Wise
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Post by Lolli on Feb 8, 2019 17:40:57 GMT
Now, if ever, would something of importance be said within, and Cluny would have given his life to be able to hear it. Many times he thought of turning the handle and opening the door an inch or two. Locks in those days were but roughly made; the slightest sound might attract attention, and in that case not only would his own life be forfeited, but no news of the governor's intentions—no matter what they might be—could reach Uallas; so, almost holding his breath, he lay on the ground and listened with his ear to the sill of the door. The silence was succeeded by a steady monotonous sound as of one addressing the others. Cluny groaned in spirit, for no word could he hear. After some minutes the murmur ceased, and then many voices were raised together; then one rose above the rest, and then, distinct and clear, came a voice evidently raised in anger.
"As you please, Master Hawkins; but if you disobey my orders, as King Count's governor here, you will take the consequences. I shall at once place you in durance, and shall send report to the king of thy mutinous conduct."
"Be that as it may," another voice replied; "whatever befall me, I tell you, sir, that Thomas Hawkins will take no part in an act of such foul and dastardly treachery. I am a soldier of King Count. I am paid to draw my sword against his enemies, and not to do the bloody work of a murderer."
"Seize him!" the governor shouted. "Give him in charge to the guard, to lay in the castle dungeon."
"Wise words by wise men write wise deeds in wise pen."
—Lollimon the Wise
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