Redfork Menace

Consequences

Shanda didn't stop running until she was back home in her own chambers. Shutting her door quietly, she stripped her soaked clothes off. The cloak would have to be mended and she would have to convince Royce, her younger brother, to take her out riding to cover for the rip. That would cost her but it was better than the alternative. Shivering, she quickly dressed for sleep before adding more logs to the dying fire in her harth, then seated herself in front of the flames. Only then did she allow her mind to wander back to the horrible encounter she'd just experienced. Why was the Blackwood heir on guard duty in the borderlands? It didn't make any sense even if he had spoken the truth earlier. She moved like a shadow but no woman can be invisible. To send Benjicot to deal with a once off rogue spy was a move that was so strange it made her head spin.
Tomorrow she would talk to Martyn first, tell him mostly the truth of what happened and then convince him to let her out again. She had a good start on information for swaying her father but it wasn't enough. If she went with tales of the heir and half heard secrets, he'd lose his mind at her irresponsibility. But if she found out what the heir was up to and confirmed what real problem the Blackwoods were having, well then he might see reason. He might for once appreciate having a slippery sneaking daughter who doesn't know how to mind her own business.

Shanda awoke with a start, nearly toppling herself from the chair she'd fallen asleep in. No light shone in from the windows, her room was damp and muggy. Her night clothes stuck to her in an uncomfortable manner, sweat beaded on her brow as she rose to wash and dress for the day. The riverlands were often damp, hot and moist, the air thick with water. Gazing out the window she saw the torches lit and in the distance gathering clouds like a bruise against the gray sky.
Leaving her room, Shanda slowly made her way downstairs. She stopped along the way to make a comment to anyone passing by, making a point to be seen by many and accounted for undoubtedly. Then without pausing in the main hall, headed straight out into the yard to find Martyn. The guard shift was up at first light and though there was no light outside, she guessed it had only been a few minutes since the shift changed.
Martyn was waiting for her outside of the barracks and he motioned for her to walk with him. They began to circle around the yard, walking quietly and slowly together. Her brother was a short man barely an inch taller than her but he had eyes like a hawk and could shoot a field mouse clean nearly a mile away. Which was why he was always stuck on guard duty.

"Well out with it. I've gotta have a sleep too, you know?"

Shanda hesitated. What exactly was she going to tell him? 'Hey so I got into a knockdown fight with the Blackwood heir last night who threatened to arrest me by the way for a made up list of crimes'. Well mostly made up crimes. That didn't sound like a good idea.

Martyn spoke in her silence, "Did you bring the knife back?"

Shanda inhaled sharply, grimacing.

"About that, I maybe sort of-"

He cut her off, "Shanda please tell me you didn't leave it."

"I didn't leave it per say. It was jostled from my hands, let's say instead."

The look Martyn gave her was incredulous to the point of absurdity and it took all of her willpower not to laugh.

"Okay listen. Last night I found out the Blackwood heir has been relegated to guard duty. Overheard an argument between him and another guard." She glanced around before continuing, the yard was still mostly deserted. "They were arguing about crimes being committed on their lands. I don't know what crimes but it didn't sound like they were too happy about it."

"Benjicot was on guard duty? Wait, and you said the knife was..." His face was one of horror as it dawned in him. "Did you fight the heir to Raventree?"