The Reformation Wars: The Unmarked Swordsman

Chapter 6

Tom laced his fingers and sighed as he lowered himself onto the sloping roof overhanging the balcony. Having just grown tired of standing, he'd clambered onto the nearby shingles, where he still retained a view of the projecting section of the building while also keeping eyes on the ground below. 

The night was quiet and serene, lit by a full moon occasionally hidden by wispy clouds. A gentle breeze washed over the young knight, bringing fresh air his way. Just cool enough to be refreshing but not frigid, the wind brought a smile to his face. 

Tom sat up when he heard the balcony door slide open beneath him. Alice stepped out into the moonlight, a plain blue robe wrapped around her body. With her head darting back and forth, the lady's footsteps quickened toward the railing, still glancing about at an ever-increasing pace. She called his name with uncertainty. 

"I'm up here." Tom said with a smirk. 

The blonde jumped at the sound of his voice and whirled to face him. Her glare shot up at him. "What're you doing up there?" 

Tom shrugged as he slid down to her level. "No particular reason. What're you doing out here?" 

"I was having a hard time sleeping and thought perhaps a breath of fresh air would help." 

"You're sure you only came for the air?" 

She rolled her eyes. "I'm perfectly sure." 

A breathy chuckle escaped Tom's lips as he stepped over to the edge of the balcony. "Well, my lady, I hope you've enjoyed your trip so far?" 

"Aside from those Innutukian wretches alighting upon us, I have enjoyed it very much thus far, yes." 

Tom peered over the railing and frowned at the sight of a man wearing crude but heavy armor, pacing right underneath them. "Speaking of Innutukian wretches," he whispered, beckoning Alice over, "there's one. It seems you have a serenader who forgot his instrument." 

"And brought a sword instead." Alice remarked, stepping backward toward the door. "You keep an eye on him. I'll inform Guistan of his presence." 

"Their presence." Tom corrected, eyeing two additional Innutukians emerging from separate alleyways and tiptoeing toward the first. 

Alice's eyes widened. "You said 'they'? How many are there?" 

"Three currently, but I fear I'm speaking too soon." 

"Well, don't take your eyes off of them. I must tell Guistan." 

With that, Alice darted back inside. 

**** 

"I was right." Guistan declared, pacing across Alice's sleeping quarters with heavy footsteps. 

In the biggest overreaction Tom could imagine, the black-armored man had hurriedly lit all the oil lamps, awakened Alden and the other guard, stationed his two silver-plated companions at the hallway door and the balcony respectively, and gathered everybody else in the lady's room to discuss the Innutukian presence. Alice's old maidservant appeared haggard from the interruption to her slumber. 

"Evidently you were right." Tom corrected, "It's still entirely possible they have nothing to do with the men that attacked us." 

Guistan crossed his arms. "Explain." 

"Well, more than likely, you were correct that they set several ambushes, only one of which did we run into. But how are they to know we stopped in this town, rather than continue to the next?" 

Alden cleared his throat. "Evening was drawing near. They likely knew we would not have time to reach the next town, not without pushing our mounts harder than our humanity would allow." 

"That's a fair point." Tom conceded, "But even so, how are we to know they aren't merely seeking lodging for themselves, with the cold more on their minds than their quarrel with us?" 

"Innutukians are bred to ignore such discomforts." Guistan said, "They exercise in the very snow to strengthen their resolve." 

"This is all irrelevant!" Alice snapped, "You spend so much time discussing why they're here, when that does not matter! The fact is, they are here, and they cannot be allowed to interfere with my travels." 

The black helmet bounced up and down. "Exactly." 

Tom threw his hands up. "What discussion is necessary, then? We merely continue on as we have been!" 

Alden nodded. "For once, I agree. Innutukians are most intimidating on horseback, in large numbers. In duels against nimbler opponents, they fare far worse, and in a close quarters fight, they would perform worst of all. I say we stay put and concealed inside. If they indeed enter—which we cannot legally prevent in the first place—they will be forced to engage us in tight spaces, where we may easily take advantage of their lesser mobility." 

"Fine." Guistan said, "But we'll all keep vigil tonight, save for Lady Delquez and her maid. I'll watch the stairs. My men will stay put. And you two..." 

"My lady, if you have no objections," Alden began, "I will keep watch in your very quarters." 

Alice narrowed her eyes and bit her lip for a moment. "I suppose that's fine. My preference would be otherwise, but perhaps—" 

"I will retain utmost respect of your privacy, of course. I have a reputation to uphold, after all." 

Tom couldn't help but laugh lightly at the disarming grin Alden sent Alice's way. Then he cleared his throat. "And what about me?" 

"You, Thomas, will sleep." 

Tom raised an eyebrow, and Guistan took a step forward. "What?" they asked in unison. 

Alden chuckled and focused his gaze on the black guard. "Trust me, sir, he is not a man to be trifled with the morning after a restless night. Besides, do you not agree five guards would be somewhat redundant to watch over only two entryways?" 

"Unless, of course, you wish to make an unspoken remark on your own competence." Tom muttered. 

Guistan's head snapped to Tom, and he soon found himself thankful for the hooded nature of the helmet concealing the inevitable glare being directed his way. The guard grunted. 

"Alright, old man. We'll do that. To your posts, men." 

Alice kicked her slippers off and retreated into the covers of her bed while Guistan tramped across the room and through the doorway. Alden pulled the chair away from the corner desk and set it near the middle of the room, pointed slightly away from the senator for politeness' sake. And Tom stretched his back before heading to the other room for some hard-earned rest.

**** 

A/N: Holy cow, they can't seem to get away from these Innutukians for more than a few seconds! The bastards are everywhere! 

Well, if you enjoyed this chapter, make sure to vote and comment. I always appreciate it. And now I must leave to post chapter 7. I hope to see you there, sooner or later!