Two for Treason

Chapter 28 -Byzantine Fire

Archer was relieved to have some additional support in Nottingham. While he appreciated Vincent, he could not count on his help. The lad was resourceful but would not be much help if there was a physical contest.

He, however, had not yet come up with a plan to frame Murdstone. He thought about planting something on him, but how would he get his hands on something valuable enough? Start a rumour? Not likely. So, while he thought on the subject he decided he should make himself indispensable to the sheriff.

He started with his knowledge of weapons. He was dining with Vaisey and Murdstone when the subject arose.

"Murdstone," Vaisey looked at the man as if he had a disease, "I want to find some fun new ways to wreak havoc on the peons. Something we can use to teach valuable lessons..." He leaned back in his chair and started to pick his teeth with his fingernail.

Murdstone stammered, "Uhhh, I am not sure, sir..."

Vaisey mocked, "Uhhh...I don't know sir...uhh." He slammed the table with his hand. "Why are you even here? Do I need you? No! Any idiot could do what I ask better!"

Archer sat back and watched the exchange with a grin on his face. Murdstone saw the grin and stood up quickly, toppling his chair, "What are you smiling about?"

"I can help."

Vaisey turned to look at him very slowly. "Really?" He leaned toward Archer, "Tell me more."

Archer told him about a device used in China called a Pen Huo Qi, used to spray fire across a great distance. Vaisey's eyes got large and he started rubbing his hands together. He then went on to tell him about the crossbow, which allowed archers to target far-away enemies with great force.

"Can you make Byzantine Fire?" Vaisey's breathing was slightly ragged, his excitement was pronounced.

"Aye, I can make it."

Vaisey clapped his hands together and squirmed in his seat. "Ha! You hear that, Murdstone! He can make Byzantine Fire!"

"Tell me more, lad." Vaisey put his elbow on the arm of his chair and looked at Archer like a puppy eyes a bone.

Archer spent the next half hour explaining how the devices worked, leaving out some key features so they could not actually be made. Murdstone sat in his chair, his face getting blacker and blacker.

When the 2 men left Vaisey in the hall Archer started nonchalantly walking down the hallway. Murdstone rushed forward and, grabbing his shoulder, spun Archer around.

He got close to Archer's face and spat, "Who do you think you are?"

Archer grinned, "Someone who knows a bit more than you." Archer took a step forward, bringing the 2 men virtually nose to nose, "How are you feeling, Murdstone?" He turned and continued down the passageway.

Murdstone stood and pointed, shouting, "You aren't going to get away with this!"

Archer turned, but continued walking backward, he shrugged, "Get away with what?" and strode away.

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Vaisey commissioned Archer to start building the flamethrower. His plan was to make use of it by burning small patches of wheat fields. The people must be punished, but not by so much that the taxes could not be paid.

There were specialized equipment and parts that he required so he was granted special permission to travel to Birmingham to purchase them. He was hoping he could learn more about Murdstone in the city.