The Kingdom of Night (Book 3)

Twenty-Four - Closing In

George

It was in the small village pub in Leimen, just outside Mannheim, that I heard the news that would change the course of my journey. I took a table by myself in a dark smokey corner, pulling out the pack of cigarettes that were stashed in the pocket of the uniform. They were good German ones, giving off a strong heady aroma, like hops. I ordered a drink while I was at it, unsure of how long I would be here.

'Are you saying the Duke of Tonbridge is helping Herr Wittenberg?' said a thickly accented voice near me, rapid and excited. Distinctly German too. 'He knows?'

'He is Huntley's son. Did you not think he had no knowledge of how it worked?' replied a second one in the same tone.

'I see. And what will happen once it is fully assembled?'

'You know what will happen. He needs Elemental blood. Preferably one with Huntley's powers. I hear he has been seeking out his elder daughter. The one with the one golden eye and one green.'

I sat up straighter, suddenly alert. He was referring to Cousin Al, in the same way I'd heard Wittenberg referring to Grandmama on the train. That seemed such a long time ago. But somehow so similar.

'And things are proceeding?' asked the first voice, lower now that others had noticed his excitement.

'She has protection now. A big Water-Elemental with a wild red beard.' The other clenched his fists. 'Herr Wittenberg will not be pleased to learn that.'

'We ought to check in. Herr Wittenberg may have the Duke under duress, but I have heard he is an invaluable resource.'

The both of them rose, dropping some coins on the tabletop. I took out the soldier's coin purse, taking out a few Marks and doing the same before following them. I stayed a few paces behind them as they flitted along the street. There was a rumble of a car at the corner, and I dropped back into the shadows as they reached the car and scanned the street around them. I wished I could have stowed myself in the bonnet, because I could see the latch clearly from my vantage point. But I couldn't sneak in there now without being seen. Quickly I scanned the street and spotted a bicycle leaning against the stairs across the street. I darted as quietly as possible to the opposite curb.

As the engine shifted to a higher gear I mounted it and followed the car as it pulled away from the curb. I pedaled faster when it sped up, trying to make sure they didn't know I was following them. They kept going, turning two corners before slowing to a stop in front of a lodge. I backed into the alley, waiting until I heard them get out, speaking in snatches of rapid German to each other. One of them began to laugh as the front door closed behind them.

I waited with bated breath in case they returned, but after ten minutes with no sign of them, I knew it was safe. I leaned the bicycle against the lamppost and jogged over to the car. Once there, I felt around for the clasp that opened the bonnet. My fingers tripped over it, and I fiddled with it for a while before it popped open. I climbed in, folding myself into the narrow space. I reached up and pulled it closed, shutting myself in complete darkness. And for the first time since I was shot down, I felt that I had buried myself alive.

||

Some thumping outside woke me. I unbent my neck from its painful position, grunting slightly when it popped. There was no way to tell how much time had passed or whether it was night or day outside. Lifting the bonnet lid to check would most certainly give me away. Not that I didn't look like one of them, of course. I'd almost forgotten about the grotty Wehrmacht uniform I'd stolen. But they would know I was an imposter the second I spoke.