Chapter 15

 

Simone rolled off the mattress. The bedframe creaked.

Without looking at her, Royce motioned her back.

She stayed where she was, uncertain where he wanted her.

He faced the door, not opening it more than he had and spoke English.

“No,” Tristan said. “Utilisez le français. Je ne veux pas de Diane entende et s’inquiète.” Use French. I don’t want Diana to overhear and worry.

“You want to work on our plan now? Not in the morning? Another storm may come.”

“That’s always possible. But we need to be ready.”

“Understood.” Royce joined him in the hall and closed the door.

He couldn’t meet Bishop alone. If that devil hurt or killed Royce… Simone knotted her cloth and sped from the room.

He and Tristan were already far ahead, conversing quietly in French, their backs to her. They turned a corner.

She followed as closely as possible, her steps light to avoid making too much noise. The house was quieter than it had been, the good weather bringing everyone outside. Sun shone around shutters.

The warm light had once promised good fortune, pleasant days, celebrations for new life. Now it would bring danger and death. Her stomach twisted.

Royce and Tristan entered the library. The door closed.

Pressed against the wall, she waited to make certain no one else worked or lingered nearby. Women’s voices floated from the courtyard. Children hollered and laughed. Simone crept to the library and pressed her ear against the wood.

Chair legs scraped. Royce spoke. “Toujours en français?” Still French?

“Oui. Diana peut passer.” Yes. Diana might pass by.

“Very well,” Royce said. “Although the sky is clear, I don’t know if there’s enough light left today for the journey. The last time I did this, I chose morning for the additional time.”

“Once it gets dark, there are islands for shelter between here and Mozambique.”

“Yes, I know. But the message will get there faster if there are no delays. God only knows what could happen during a long night on another isle. We’ll lose precious time if we have to send an additional bird because a predator hunted and killed the first one the moment it entered its territory.”

“Why not use two then, or more, to make certain one gets through?”

Royce cleared his throat. “If it were up to me, I’d send them all to get this bloody matter finished and to prove to Bishop he must act with great haste or lose his chance to take over the isle.”

Simone covered her mouth.

“However, if I were to let every bird loose and none returned for one reason or another, then where would we be?” Royce signed loudly. “Even if I keep a few here for later use, the creatures could fall ill or die, leaving us no way to communicate with Bishop. This has to be done correctly.”

“Morning it shall be. First light. James and Peter will want to be there when you release the bird.”

“Agreed. We’ll gather in the storage area. James should make certain Gavra and the other women who work beside her don’t fetch grain or fruit at that time and happen upon us. After what you and I have said to the islanders, we wouldn’t want to alarm them with what we’re doing now. I don’t want to consider what will happen if we lose their trust in us and this.”

“I’ll have him handle her and the rest.”

Simone bolted toward the courtyard to warn the men. They had to stop Tristan and Royce from this madness. For reasons she didn’t understand, they were sick in their minds and hearts, lying to and betraying her people. The islanders had to capture them to keep everyone else safe. They’d also have to take James and Peter, since they’d side with Tristan. Diana too. She couldn’t remain free even though she was with child.

Simone stopped.

The men might be so outraged and frightened by this, they could accidentally harm Diana and possibly kill Tristan, James, and Peter.

And Royce.

She doubled back, not knowing where to go, what to do. At last, she ran to the kitchen and stopped in the doorway.

Gavra looked up from the bread she was slicing. Her face went slack. “What happened? Is something wrong with James?”

Simone grabbed Gavra’s arm to keep her from leaving. The other women watched them.

Gavra bared her teeth. “Tell me what happened. Is James hurt?”

“No. I saw him last after the morning meal. He should be tending the horses or cattle as he always does.”

“Then why do you look so worried? Did Royce say something? Has he lied to you again?”

He’d lied about everything. Tristan had too. And possibly James. None of it made sense to Simone. They were good men.

They were also white. The same as Bishop and the pirates who’d come here. James loved Gavra, but she was brown, not pale like Diana. Tristan ruled fairly but he would do anything to save her. His loyalty belonged to his wife, Peter, and James, not the islanders.

Gavra broke free and shook Simone. “Tell me.”

She couldn’t. Royce had promised her his love. She’d seen truth then, not lies. She didn’t know what to believe or if she’d heard his and Tristan’s conversation correctly. Maybe the sickness was in her, not them. “I fell asleep and had a bad dream. I ran here without thinking, not to make you worry.”

“Then you should answer me when I ask a question.” Gavra collapsed on the bench and laughed weakly. The other women joined in. “Sit down. A cup of tea will make you feel better.”

“No. I need to work on my potions for Jacqueline. Forgive me for frightening you.” She hugged Gavra, wishing she could share what she knew, but couldn’t. At least not yet. “We can speak more during the evening meal.”

Simone ran from the kitchen.

* * * *

Royce copied his message several times. During each effort, he reduced his script to avoid taking up too much paper so it would fit more easily into a tube. He checked the cylinders, all in good working order. The birds were healthy, the largest one prepared for tomorrow’s flight.

Edgy, he returned to the mansion and paced its quiet halls, worried over the bird dying midflight. Any delay would anger Bishop. Given his desire for Diana and his distrust, he may have already written Royce off and contacted another man to handle the scheme. That rogue might have spoken to islanders to determine where the island was. With Bishop at his side, they could be on their way with no one here knowing when they’d arrive or what they’d planned.

Perspiration ran down Royce’s face, a drop stinging his eye. His shoulders burned, stomach rolled. He would have offered his soul for Tristan’s brandy. Not a sip, though. The full bottle so he’d sleep and escape coming doom.

He slammed his fist into his hand, tired of this. In the past years, he’d had a bellyful of inescapable problems that only grew worse, affording him less and less time to solve them with certain success always unknown.

If only tomorrow would never come. With today frozen in time, he could breathe in the fresh air. Sun could warm his face. The children’s laughter would bring a smile. The priest’s chamber would become his and Simone’s home. They’d never have to leave. Making love would fill their days and nights.

Somehow, his family would be safely in England and would welcome the woman he adored.

He needed Simone now, more desperately than he ever had.

She wasn’t in the priest’s room.

Royce knocked on her door next. No answer, nor was she inside.

He shouldn’t have left her without making plans to meet up later, but he hadn’t wanted Tristan to know for certain they were together. Another lecture from Tristan and she’d weep anew, leaving Royce to deal with her unhappiness, then restate his promise that he would have her at his side. Somehow.

Another problem yet unsolved.

Too worn to face it, he entered his chamber.

Simone turned from the window, her eyes puffy and red.

Tristan had gotten to her already.

Royce closed his door and crossed the room to comfort her.

She stepped back. “More lies. Always lies. Why?”

“Tristan’s? What did he say to you this time? No, wait. Whatever it was, pay no attention. He means well, but what you and I do is none of his business. I will see to our future, please believe that.” He smiled. “Let me hold you and make you feel better.”

She put up her hand, stopping him from touching her. “Tristan said nothing to me. He spoke to you.”

“When? You mean at the door to the priest’s chamber? I didn’t tell him you were inside. That’s why I left quickly. So he wouldn’t find out and bother you again about leaving me alone.”

“He told you to send the bird today, as you did before, so Bishop could take over the isle.”

Royce went hot, then cold. “You listened at the library door?”

“I ran from there to tell the men what you planned, but I couldn’t. I worried too much for you and the others. I went to the kitchen and still kept my tongue, not telling Gavra anything. I want to heal the sickness you have. You gave it to Tristan and James. Maybe Peter. Why do you want to hurt us? We did nothing bad to you.”

“I don’t and we’re not. Please listen to me.” He wanted to embrace her but didn’t dare. “We have to bring Bishop here, on purpose, to have surprise on our side.”

“No.” She clenched her jaw. “Another lie. You told Adamo that Bishop knows the water and would look for what belongs to him here. That is surprise enough.”

“That was a lie. But—”

“If he never knows where we are, he’ll never come here, unless you send for him. Why would you do that?” She flapped her hands. “If you try, I’ll have to tell my people to stop you.”

“You don’t know what you’re saying. What you overheard isn’t the entire story. I thought the best course was to send Bishop to another isle in the hopes he’d die in a shipwreck. Tristan argued that we’d have no way to know if that ever happened. He’s right. Bishop might die or could survive. What’s more, if we don’t lure him here and take care of him ourselves, Tristan and Diana will never be safe. Bishop wants Tristan and Peter to hang. He means to take Diana for his own, forcing her to lie with him. He’s threatened to give her babe away when it’s born. He will hound them forever to get what he wants, which means you and the other islanders will face another invasion. This one will be far worse than the last you survived. Bishop intends to imprison your people and sell you as slaves. You’ll end up in a land far from here, separated from Gavra, sold to a cruel master who will work you to death, beat you as he pleases, and rape you whenever he sees fit. When you birth his children, he’ll give those innocents to the highest bidders. To save you and the others from that, Tristan and I came up with this plan. We have to make certain Bishop comes here and that he dies.”

She sank to the floor.

Royce joined her. He lowered his hand, uncertain whether she’d accept his touch. “I promise to protect you with my life. Nothing will happen to you or the others.”

“Why did you lie? Why not tell everyone this?”

“Tristan wanted to protect me. He feared if your people knew the danger I caused by coming here, they’d want me dead. I can’t blame them for that.”

She covered her face.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you everything.” He touched her knee. “I thought it best you not know. I was wrong. No more secrets or lies. All right?”

Simone slipped into his arms. “No one here would ever hurt you.”

“Because you’d shoot them first?”

She laughed softly, then moaned. “What you said to Tristan frightened and hurt me, but I was ready to betray my people for you. Never tell Gavra that.”

“She and I don’t speak. I doubt we ever will.”

“I should talk to her.”

“No.” He eased Simone away so she had to look at him. “You can’t tell Gavra or anyone else what I’ve confessed to you. If the islanders know Tristan lied to them, even if he did so to spare me, they won’t trust him. Nothing he or I said to them changes what’s going to happen. The only difference is that by drawing Bishop here, rather than waiting for him to show on his own, we can control the situation and outcome. You must keep quiet. Promise me.”

“No one will ever know this secret. I want to watch when you let the bird go.”

“Why?”

“I want to protect you.”

“From what?”

She grabbed his shoulders and shook him. “You must listen. I’ll tell Gavra not to look for me. That I need to work on my potions. She’ll never know we’re together with the bird. I’ll lie to her for you.”

“For us and the islanders. We’re all in this.”

“As one people.”

A family. He nodded.

* * * *

Dawn arrived soft and fair.

In the past, Simone had welcomed a beautiful morning as the goddess’s sign that the coming hours would see pleasure unfold, trouble hide. Today, the coming sun and gentle breeze taunted her. She wanted black clouds, flashes of light, booming thunder, rain pouring down in sheets. That would keep the bird from its journey and Bishop away for a little longer.

Maybe forever if he died while waiting to sail.

“How old is this Bishop?”

Royce scrubbed a towel over his face. Water clung to his dark chest hair. “Nearly thirty years past my age. Why?”

“Is he sick?”

“In his soul? Most definitely.”

“No. Does his throat or limbs or any other part have the illness?”

“He’s fat and quite ugly. Other than that, I don’t know. I hope you’re not asking because you want to be able to recognize him when he arrives. Women and children will stay in this building. Under no circumstances are you to give him one of your potions or poultices.”

She planted her hands on her hips. “I can do what I want, but I would never help someone so evil. I thought if you wait to send the bird, he might die from being old or sick.”

“Can’t count on that, love. This is the best way. Ready?” He offered his hand.

She gripped him so hard her fingers hurt.

He kissed her forehead. “Everything’s going to be all right.”

Simone held back. “Will Gavra be in the kitchen? Should we leave through the window to keep her from seeing us go to the storage room?”

“Diana said she’d ask the women to come to the library to discuss recipes she wants them to try. Her poor French should keep everyone busy and gesturing to each other for hours.”

Simone couldn’t return his smile. “What about the men? Will they see you take the bird out?”

“Tristan said he’d send them to work in areas away from us. The women and children will be in the courtyard. No way to change that. However, it’s not fully light outside. We’ll wait until no one’s looking in our direction, then keep to the shadows and head into the forest. You’ll leave last, behind the men.”

“Because I’m female, less than you?”

“Absolutely not.” He pulled her into him. “You’re a better person than I’ll ever be. Most women are. However, I don’t want anyone questioning why you’re going with us. Once we’re deep enough within the trees, we’ll stop and wait for you to catch up. Do take care no one sees you.”

“I did when I waited for you in the priest’s room.”

“Then this should go well and the bird will leave here in no time.”

Simone wished he’d find another way.

James, Tristan, and Peter were already in the storage area, waiting. They stared at Simone, then frowned at Royce.

She took his hand and faced the others without fear. “Say nothing bad to him. Be angry with me. I listened at the library door and heard everything. I thought you were betraying my people. When I asked why, Royce told me the truth about Bishop. Why we need him to come here. Royce said I could watch him let the bird go. I will not return to the stone house.”

Tristan rubbed his neck. “Let’s get this over with. I need some bloody peace.”

Royce attached the cylinder to the bird’s leg, his note already inside, then cradled the creature to his chest. James and Peter left first. Royce and Tristan followed. He blocked Royce from the women’s view.

Simone waited for her turn. She paced restlessly, palms sweaty, heart racing.

Something flew by the doorway. Four-year-old Henri darted past.

She retreated into the shadows.

He squealed. “Je l’ai.” I have it. He held up a ball Tristan had made and scurried back to the courtyard.

Other children shouted, wanting to play with the toy. Women hauled out washtubs.

Simone took off into the forest and ran into Royce.

He grabbed her arm, keeping her from falling. “There you are. Let’s go.”

She trotted to keep up. They stopped where the cliff dipped into the sea. Water sprayed against rocks. Breaking surf replaced the children’s shrill laughter. Sun left its hiding place, its rays streaming over the land.

Royce lifted his arms and released the bird.

Simone talked to the goddess, begging her to make things right and to protect Royce. She grasped his shirt. “What do we do now?”

“We wait.”

James sighed. “And hope.”

The men watched the bird grow too small to see.

Tristan pivoted and led the group back to the stone house.

* * * *

Simone picked at her midday meal, unable to stomach more than a bite. The women’s chatter annoyed her when she’d never noticed the noise before.

She had too many questions about what to expect in the coming days so she could keep Royce safe. She needed to talk to him, but he’d left with the other men to work on their houses and wouldn’t return until dark.

“Is something wrong with that?” Gavra sniffed Simone’s fish. “Smells like mine, yet you barely taste it.”

Follie pointed her fork. “You should give her what Diana wants us to cook.”

Gavra made a mocking noise. “First, I’d have to know what that is. She talked. I listened. When she said ‘horse’ and smiled, I knew we were in trouble.”

They laughed.

Simone rubbed her forehead.

“Are you sick?” Gavra regarded her closely, then sucked in a breath. “Are you with child?”

The women leaned close, staring.

Simone swung her legs over the bench and stood. “I worry for you, Gavra, and my potions, hoping they’ll be strong enough to help when your child comes. And when Diana’s does. And all of yours.” Simone jabbed her finger, taking everyone in. “My task is to see that each woman survives her infant’s arrival and that every babe is perfect.”

Gavra shrugged. “You have never failed us. Why would you do so now?”

“Anything could go wrong. Someone might die.”

The women exchanged glances. Gavra frowned. “Why would that happen?”

“Because I cannot stop this. I spoke to the goddess but she no longer listens to me. She sent the sun when I begged for rain.”

“What are you talking about?”

Simone wanted to run but couldn’t move. “I worry about the clear sky bringing Bishop here.”

“No.” Gavra waved her hands. “Never say his name again or mention the battle. I want to forget what Tristan said. I need to hope.”

Follie wrapped her arm around her. “Tristan could be mistaken. Bishop may not come. Then when one full moon follows the other, we can laugh and continue our lives.”

Simone left before she told Follie how wrong she was. The bird had flown away despite Simone’s pleas to the goddess. Bishop would soon set sail intent on slavery, rape, and murder.

* * * *

Upon his return to the mansion, Royce could barely keep his eyes open, tired from physical labor he’d deliberately sought to keep from thinking and worrying.

Before his head hit his pillow, Simone peppered him with questions on strategy, what success they’d have, and failure they’d endure. His promise not to lie kept Royce too honest, stealing any chance for tranquility. She clung to him throughout the night. He held her tightly.

One day passed, then two.

Rain returned. Gentle and soothing.

Simone brightened and hugged him at the basin. “I talked to the goddess last night. She listened this time. Do you hear the storm?”

“It’s a shower. Ships sail in this weather all the time.”

“It comes before the gale, showing the dark clouds the way to this isle. The priest told us about Noah. For him, it rained forty days and nights. The sky can do the same for us.”

He lifted her chin. “Do you want me to answer honestly or lie?”

She bit her lip. “Not one or the other. Hold me.”

He did until they had to go to their respective tasks, him to check the islanders’ security, Simone to her patients. Children had coughs. Men needed treatment for their scrapes and cuts.

The third day ended and turned into the fourth, then the fifth. Soon enough for the bird to have reached Bishop, rested, and for him to have sent a message back, if he intended to do so.

At the evening meal, Tristan drummed his fingers on the table. “Why hasn’t he responded yet? The weather’s been mostly clear, the rain mild and brief.”

“I don’t know his reasoning.” Royce lifted his cup. “Could be he worries that someone here might intercept the bird before I can get to it, read the message, and destroy his plan. Whatever that may be.”

Peter paced. “I say we send another bird.”

“Not yet.” Royce forced down his cold tea. Eating wasn’t possible given the knot in his stomach. “I can’t let Bishop think I’m too eager to get him here.”

“Why not?”

“Exactly.” Diana put down her fork. “Given that his arrival will mean you met his terms and can free your family, you wouldn’t be casual about this. You’d want him here.”

“I agree. However, if I send him frequent messages, that indicates I can move about as I please, attach tubes to birds’ legs, and put them in the air at will. My first message told him the isle has over eighty armed men on patrol. He’ll wonder how I can keep communicating with him without anyone seeing or questioning what I’m doing. He may then consider that this is a pretense meant to trap him. I don’t think we should take that chance. I say the islanders should maintain a constant lookout, as we decided, and be at the ready. Especially during those times I’m supposed to be keeping watch. If anyone has a better idea, I welcome it.”

Diana slouched. Peter slumped against the wall. Tristan and James rapped their fists on the table.

Royce stood. “I want this to be over as quickly as possible, the same as everyone here. If nothing happens by week’s end, I’ll word another message, making certain to keep Bishop’s suspicions at bay, and will send a new bird. If you’ll excuse me.”

He returned to his chamber, worry gnawing at him. Bishop might have guessed their game and had already planned a new one, those rules in his favor. Or the bird never reached its destination because a hawk enjoyed it for breakfast. Or the message had fallen into the wrong hands, say a pirate or a Mozambique official, one wanting to storm this isle for plunder and the other delighted to have new victims to hang.

The possibilities were endless.

He lay across his mattress, grateful Simone helped an island woman birth her baby rather than being in here with him. Royce didn’t have the strength to pretend everything was all right and they’d have their golden future. This torturous wait might go on for weeks or months.

Or it could end quickly and unexpectedly, Bishop somehow taking them by surprise.

Royce wanted to howl. He rolled onto his belly, praying for sleep, darkness, peace.

Someone grabbed his shoulder.

Bishop.

Royce flung out his arm, ready to fight. Tristan and Simone stared. Light poured through the unshuttered window, the angle telling him it was late morning. “Why didn’t you wake me?”

“I just did. The bird returned.” Tristan handed Royce Bishop’s note.

 

R. H.

 

Departing immediately. Will arrive during your watch. Expect four longboats. Twenty men will remain on the ship. If needed, they will join me in taking T.

Find an excuse to fill him and the others with spirits to lessen their fight. Additional funds available if you succeed.

Light one torch for your location.

D.’s future and those on the isle are in my hands now.

 

B. B.