The Curse of Blackbane - Chapter 20

The Prussian Encounter

Chapter 20

After riding several miles, the men finally slowed their mounts. The chill in the air left their exposed cheeks and fingers tingle from numbness. The constant clanging noise coming from inside the monk’s bag finally got to Marshall.

“What do you have causing all that racket?”

The fat man grinned.

“Supplies for our journey. I found several silver pieces inside their schuilkerken, mostly crosses and a few chalices.”

“You stole from Johanne? What was the point?” The captain glared at him.

“For the same reason that a pirate steals. Because it’s there and I wanted it. However, I have another reason. The crosses ward off evil. Besides, we can’t look like relic hunters without a few items in our possession.”

Marshall debated the logic behind the monk’s idea with a sigh.

“Or you can get us burned at the stake for heresy,” the man grumbled as he stopped near a tree. The captain ordered Leiras to come next to him. He stripped a limb of leaves and handed the monk a fistful of them.

“I’ll cut another limb. Fill your bag with leaves to stop that noise. We don’t need every Prussian in the area hearing us.”

When they finished, they proceeded down the road. Eventually, they came to a crossroads where they met a merchant on his cart. The man eyed the elaborately dressed monk before he pointed out the direction to Charleville. The smell of wood smoke slowed the men to a stop near a creek that crossed the road. Further down the road, they saw the source of the smoke. A small hamlet with a couple of visible buildings lay ahead of them.

“It’s as good a spot as any for a camp,” Marshall said as he led his mount off the road. “We should be far enough away to avoid attention.”

“I’d prefer a bed,” the monk grumbled through his clenched teeth that held his pipe. “We should check for a tavern down the road.”

“Not with those robes you’re wearing. You saw the look that the merchant on the cart gave you. We’re in the wrong area with the clothes you’re wearing. Next town, we get a black robe for you.”

Leiras remained silent in grudging agreement as the two men pulled their horses behind an old hedge line. Marshall slid off his mount while the monk went into the woods to relieve himself.

It wasn’t long before the pirate captain heard horses galloping from the village. Marshall couldn’t see the riders when he heard them slow. He whispered to Leiras, but his companion remained out of sight. The man waited with his hand on his pistol when the horses trotted on. Marshall turned back to untying the bags from his saddle.

A few moments later, two men in blue uniforms stepped through the brush and into the clearing. They pointed flintlock muskets with the bayonets fixed at Marshall. Each grenadier wore a single-breasted coat in blue with white trousers. On their head was a leather hat called a kasket. The caps told Marshall that they were Prussian soldiers.

“Was machst du hier?”

The captain shook his head.

“I’m English, understand?”

The soldier’s confused glances told him they couldn’t understand him.

“I understand,” another voice piped up. Out of the brush, another uniformed man joined his men. Dressed similarly to his men, the officer’s bearskin hat had a brass plate in the front.

“Anglisman, why are you here?”

“I’m coming from Amsterdam and heading to Charleville on business.” The captain glanced back at the two men pointing their weapons at him.

The officer nodded and stepped over to the monk’s horse.

“You travel with another?”

“Yes, he’s in the woods. He carries a sickness,” Marshall lied.

He noticed the officer’s eyes widen at the idea of someone with a disease. Then, the man lifted the heavy bag attached to the saddle of the monk’s horse. The clanking noise inside made him glance suspiciously at Marshall. He pulled the bag from the seat. Facing the officer, the pirate captain kept a wary eye on the men holding the muskets while he slipped his hand to his pistol. Then they heard the noise of footsteps within the brush. The fat man in red emerged with a smile on his face.

“Gentlemen, how good to see a friendly face!”

The officer looked at the man for a moment, then he opened the bag in his hand. The Prussian pulled out an elaborately engraved chalice.

“You’re coming with us,” he held out the item as the monk drew closer.