The Might of Evil Dreams (A Novel of the Elemental Chronicles)

Twenty-Three - The Price of Safety

Emmeline

Trust was an elusive thing for months afterward. Our house became a fortress, Tom having engaged two men — with Order ties and military experience — to guard the front gate. It was also at that point he decided to take on a new servant, acting as a valet and bodyguard. And that post was given to none other than Johnny Burke. The boy was almost eighteen now, with strong broad shoulders, weathered skin from working in the fields, and — according to Tom — looking more like his father every day.

"'Preciate you takin' me on, Cap'n," he said, standing in the front hall with his hat wadded between his hands. "Means much to me family. Me mum 'specially."

"I trust no one else, Johnny, after recent events." I heard a smile in Tom's voice as he slid his arm around me. "Just as I entrust no one else but you with the protection of my wife and my sons."

"Tom." I bumped him with my shoulder. We had only just begun to find our way back to each other, after nearly four months of nothing but the customary exchange. "I am perfectly able to protect myself, thank you."

"Of course, my love." He kissed my temple and then released me, going to Johnny and clapping him on the shoulder, shaking his hand. "Thank you, Johnny. My deepest gratitude."

Johnny grinned, his teeth surprisingly perfect for a boy of his upbringing and station. "Won't let you down, Cap'n 'Aywood, sir. On me honour."

"Good man."

When Tom was gone, Johnny approached me tentatively, hands fisted on the brim of his hat. "Any way I can be of service, ma'm, I be willin'."

"Thank you, Johnny." I gave him my sincerest smile as he took my hand in his and kissed it gently, his unshaven chin grazing against my fingers. "There is, in fact, something you can do for me."

His eyebrows went up in surprise. "What's that, ma'm?"

"Accompany me to Dr Braithwaite's. It seems he and I have unfinished business to address."

||

It took some inquiries, but eventually we found Dr Braithwaite's residence, on the very outskirts of the village. If it could be called that, I suppose. It had stone walls, a thatched roof, and at the very least, glass in the windows. His horse cropped the narrow strip of sparse grass in front, which meant it was likely he was home.

I approached the door first, rapping on it three times. For a moment, there was no sound or movement except for the horse, chewing and snuffling. Then the latch scraped back on the inside and the door opened inward.

"Milady?" Dr Braithwaite peeked out, sounding surprised. "This is most unexpected..."

"Hello, Dr Braithwaite." Out of courtesy I gave him a shallow bob of my knees. Tom believed he was not worthy of any kindness after his betrayal, but if I was to accomplish what I had come here to do, it was necessary.

"Well...won't you come in?" His eyes moved uneasily to Johnny standing behind me. "Both of you, if you'd like?"

"I'll stay here, Doctor, thank 'ee," said Johnny, touching the brim of his battered tricorn.

I gave one look back at Johnny as I entered, and he only nodded at me as the door closed and cut off my view of him.

"Spitting image of his father," said Braithwaite as he showed me to a wooden table in the center of the room, placed close enough to the fire so the heat was not overpowering. He pulled out a chair for me and I took it.

"Knew his father, did you?" I kneaded at my knuckles and then folded my hands on the table, so I wouldn't appear uncomfortable. After what Tom had told me about the false French prison tale, I was wary of this one. "Was that before the war or during?"