Chapter 1: Preparations
You will arrive along the old road.
It winds with a troubling, serpent-like suggestion through the corrupted countryside. Leading only, I fear, to ever more tenebrous places. There is a sickness in the ancient, pitted cobbles of the old road and on its writhing path you will face viciousness, violence, and perhaps, other damnably transcendent terrors.
So steel yourself and remember there can be no bravery without madness. The old road will take you to hell. But, in that gaping abyss, we will find our redemption.
Charles lowered the note, a weary look in his eyes. He had hardly been able to sleep and the few snatches of rest he did manage were plagued with dark indefinable nightmares that left him sweating upon waking. Finally, as dawn was breaking over the city, he had decided to read the second note. Thankfully, while the message held the possibility of a hard journey to the moors where the manor stood, the writing was much more reminiscent of his Grandfather's normal prose when writing or even speaking.
Grandfather always did have a flair for the dramatic. He recalled idly as he slowly dressed and put his hair in a semblance of order. Obviously I'm going to need protection not only for the journey but while I'm there if what the first letter said was true.
As he made himself a simple breakfast he pondered his next moves with careful deliberation. Obviously he would have to inform the firm that he would be away for quite some time due to a family emergency and inform his friends as well. Then there was also the matter of hiring not only a coach to take him north but whom to hire for the trip.
Polishing off his toast and eggs he retrieved his folio of documents and quickly left the flat. Catching a carriage he soon found himself at the steps of his employer.
I hope I'll still have a job after all this. He thought morosely as he climbed the steps.
Walking through the front door he made his way to Crawley's office where his secretary sat, writing.
"Good morning Mary." He said quietly. "Is he in yet?"
The blonde woman looked up at him and blinked in surprise. "My goodness! Charles you look like you've seen a ghost!"
Charles smiled wanly at this. "Not surprising. I received a rather...distressing letter last night. I'm afraid my Grandfather just recently passed away. I'm needed up north to...get his affairs in order."
The woman's hand flew to her mouth in dismay. "Oh Charles! That's terrible, I'm so sorry! I-I'm afraid Mr. Crawley isn't in yet but I'll be sure to tell him the minute he comes in the door!" She assured him, her eyes filled with concern.
Nodding Charles handed over the folio. "These are all the documents we needed for this morning's court session. Needless to say I won't be able to make it. Perhaps John can help out. He's familiar with some of the details too as he helped me with bits of it. I don't know how long it will take me but I'll try to be back as quickly as I can. Don't want them to fill my seat while I'm away." He suggested with a sad smile.
Mary nodded accepting the folio from his outstretched hand. "I'll make sure to get these to him. Good luck Charles. You'll be in my prayers." She assured him.
"Thank you Mary." Charles replied with a nod before leaving the office.
The remainder of the morning seemed to blur together as Charles attempted to make discreet inquiries about hiring men for a long journey. Eventually he found himself outside of what appeared to be a chapel house for a religious order. Looking up at the sign above the door he frowned slightly in confusion.
"The Order of St. George. Curious, that. Never heard of them." He muttered as he knocked politely.
A few moments later the door opened revealing an older man with a slight stoop and grey hair. "How may I help you young sir?" The door warden asked.
"I'd like to speak with the Chapter Master about hiring a few of your men if it's possible." He requested.
The man nodded. "Come in sir and I'll see if he can spare you a few minutes."
The man moved to the side allowing Charles to enter. The man shut the door behind him and locked it before gesturing to one of the padded chairs sitting about the small entryway.
"Please make yourself comfortable sir whilst I speak with the Chapter Master." He offered before stepping out of the room.
Nodding, Charles seated himself in the chair, glancing about. The room was fairly spartan with a crucifix hanging on one wall and a vase of flowers upon a small table on the opposite wall. Not far away he could hear the muffled conversations of the knights and other members of the Order as they went about their business. A short time later the old man returned.
"The Chapter Master will see you sir." The man said.
"Thank you." Charles said as he stood.
The warden led him down the corridor to a door which he opened for Charles before standing aside, allowing him to enter before shutting the door behind him. While the room was a bit more richly decorated with carpet, a window, and a bookshelf filled with books along one wall the remainder of the room was still fairly frugal in nature. Behind the plain desk sat a middle-aged man still in his prime with broad shoulders, a fringed beard, and a mop of brown hair. His dark eyes sized up Charles in a moment before speaking.
"How can the Order of St. George help you this morning sir?" He asked in his baritone voice.
"I wished to speak with you about hiring some of your men." Charles replied, noting with slight irritation that there was no chair for him to sit in, forcing him to stand.
The man cocked his head to the side slightly, his eyes narrowing. "You presume much, sir, to think us little more than hired mercenaries or servants." He replied, his tone becoming gruff.
"Enlighten me then." Charles replied, unruffled by the man's tone. "What, exactly, does your Order do?"
"You come to us asking for services without even knowing our purpose?" The Chapter Master asked with a piercing look. "Are you a fool or do you take me for one?"
Charles spread his hands. "Please, I meant no disrespect. It was recommended that I come here for help but before today I did not know your organization existed."
The man hummed a bit. "Well I suppose we do rather keep to ourselves." He admitted with a bit of a huff. "Tell me of your need then. Why do you wish to hire my Vestals and Knights?"
Charles retrieved the two letters from his pocket and handed them wordlessly to the man. Blinking, the Chapter Master took them from him and began to read the letters. Several times his eyebrows raised in surprise as he read them before setting them on his desk and leaning back in his chair, a thoughtful look on his face. A few moments later he refocused on Charles.
"Do you have any reason to believe these claims are false?" He asked with a bit of challenge in his voice.
Charles shook his head. "My Grandfather was not the type to jest. Never have I received a note from him such as this. I fear something terrible has happened."
"Yes, the letters make that plain." The man sighed. "Have you considered the possibility that this may be a lure? That some enemy of yours or your family's is attempting to ensnare or trap you?"
Charles shrugged. "I have no enemies as far as I know, though I suppose it's possible Grandfather could have made a few if what he has done is true. But that is all the more reason..."
"That you would need our aid, yes." The Chapter Master said, finishing the thought. "I suppose then that it is best that you were sent to us."
"How so?" Charles asked.
"The Knightly Order of St. George is one of the more militant orders of the Church." The man explained, steepling his hands in front of him. "We are, after all, named after the legendary knight who slew a dragon. Our sacred duty is the destruction of evil and to prevent its spread throughout the world. We have chapters in other countries as well. Normally our duties amount to little more than exposing frauds and hawkers who prey on people with less than legitimate practices, though we do occasionally find true dens of wickedness to prosecute. Sadly in recent years we have been forced to take on assignments for coin but even still we choose them carefully. We are not merely swords for hire. However, assuming this letter is true, this could very well be a crusade in the truest sense of the word, the very thing for which our Order was formed to fight."
"So you will help me then?" Charles asked intently.
The man nodded. "I will have one of our Crusaders travel with you to provide security and assess the situation when he arrives. If he confirms the contents of the letter I will dispatch one of our Vestals to help with the assignment."
Charles nodded. "I appreciate your help in this matter sir. Not that I doubt the stoutness of your men of course but I would prefer to have more than one man at my side should we run into bandits or highwaymen along the way."
The man quirked an eyebrow at this as he smiled faintly. "I take no offense sir. Funny you should mention highwaymen for I think I may have a solution to your request."
"And that would be?" Charles asked curiously.
"In this line of work, sir, you come to know the underside of this city rather well. Something that is slightly less known than our public work is the fact that we keep our ear to the ground and occasionally employ men whom...well let us say that they are trying to do the Light's work in order to redeem themselves from misdeeds done in the past. I take it you will keep that bit of information to yourself?" He insisted with a sharp look.
Charles nodded. "I shall be the very soul of discretion sir. As you were saying?"
The Chapter Master nodded. "As I was saying I know of a highwayman who frequents a nearby establishment. He is not the most pleasant of fellows but his heart is in the right place and he has been looking for work. If you go to the Galloping Stallion a block down the street, speak with the barkeep. His name is Tobias and he should be able to point you to Cassius Dismas, the man I spoke of."
Charles nodded. "I thank you for your help sir. I pray that nothing comes of this matter but I fear otherwise."
The Chapter Master nodded as he rose. "Planning for the worse while hoping for the best is a good model to live by. There is one other matter that I need to inform you of before I can release one of my men to you. We do, out of necessity, charge a fee for our services. These men are trained, their swords and armor provided by the Church, but we still must lodge and feed them. 20 shillings a week should cover the cost of him."
Charles grimaced slightly but nodded. He had his own savings of course as the firm paid a decent wage but hopefully he would be able to find some coinage in the old manor to help supplement the cost. He had no wish to make himself penniless just trying to correct his Grandfather's mistakes.
"Good." The man replied as he crossed the room. "Come, I will introduce you to the Crusader who will travel with you."
Charles nodded and followed the man out of the room. They walked down the hallway to an outdoor area where several men were sparring with swords.
"Winters!" The Chapter Master shouted over the din.
One of the figures in full plate mail stepped back from the practice field and began walking towards them, sheathing his sword and removing his helmet as he went. The man was tall with a lean face and shoulder length jet black hair with cloudy blue eyes and a firm mouth.
"This is Reynauld Winters." The Chapter Master said to Charles before turning to Reynauld. "Winters, this man has need of your services. You should be thankful, this could very well turn out to be a true and just cause should things pan out as we expect."
"Thank you for this honor Chapter Master, I shall do the Order proud." The man replied, almost as if by rote.
I suppose he's said the same thing hundreds of times no matter where he's told to go. Charles thought a bit morosely. "Charles Ezekiel." He said, extending his hand.
"Reynauld Winters." The man replied plainly, carefully removing his gauntlet before shaking Charles's hand. "Might I ask what this matter pertains to sir?"
"Charles has some other matters to attend to." The Chapter Master stated. "I will discuss it with you in private shortly. Where should Winters meet you sir, and when?" He asked Charles.
"1145 Newbury Road." Charles replied. "I have yet to acquire a carriage for the trip, I hope to have one ready by tomorrow morning as I wish to depart as soon as I have packed and made arrangements."
The Chapter Master nodded. "I will have Winters arrive on your doorstep tomorrow morning just after dawn then. Unless you have any questions or concerns I believe that concludes our business."
Charles nodded. "A good day to both of you."
Leaving the two men and the practice yard behind he made his way back to the main entrance and walked out into the bustling street. Looking about he made his way down the street to the pub the Chapter Master had mentioned. Walking inside he sat down at the bar. A moment later the slightly rotund barkeep with beefy arms and thick mustache stood in front of him.
"What'll ya have?" He asked in a bored tone.
"I'm actually looking for someone." Charles replied. "A Mr. Dismas?"
"Dunno anybody by that name." The man replied immediately. "Must have the wrong place."
Charles smiled slightly at this. "The Chapter Master asked me to speak with him. I'm not here to get him in trouble. On the contrary, I'd like to offer him a job."
"Why does a fancy bloke like you need 'em?" The barkeep asked, apparently dispensing with the thin subterfuge.
"I'd say that's my business, isn't it?" Charles replied in a slightly clipped tone. "I'm sure the man can take care of himself if I'm not who I say I am, being a highwayman and all."
The barkeep frowned slightly at Charles's defiant tone but nodded. "'e normally comes by in an hour or two. Keeps to the back corner. Come back then. And I'll be tellin' 'em you're lookin' for him so don't get any ideas about bringin' 'elp."
"I'm not exactly bobbie material am I?" Charles asked in amusement, glancing down at his outfit. "Rest assured I have no intention of bringing the police with me. Thank you." He said, standing up and leaving a few pence on the bar before walking out. Charles spent the time catching a carriage to a rental establishment where he ordered a trip coach for the long journey, large enough to comfortably hold a few people and their luggage. Securing the carriage's services for the next morning he then stopped at the local post to write out some short letters to his various acquaintances, letting them know he would be out of the city for the foreseeable future. Returning to the pub a few hours later he found the barkeep Tobias wiping down a mug. Noticing Charles the man walked over to him.
"'e's in the corner over there." He said, gesturing discreetly with a finger. "Watch y'self," Tobias cautioned, "'e ain't lost none o' his skills with a pistol."
"Good." Charles replied calmly. "I'm counting on that."
Turning his back on the barkeep he walked over to the corner table. The man was dressed in a dark overcoat with a furred grey fringe around the collar, partially covering a red scarf and plain shirt underneath. He work dark workman's pants and boots and his hands were covered with a pair of reddish gloves. The man's face was young but showing lines of a hard life with ridges and slowly thinning black hair.
"Cassius Dismas?" Charles asked politely as he arrived at the table.
"Maybe." The man stated, gazing at him shrewdly with dark eyes. "Depends on who's askin'."
"I believe our good barkeep informed you that I was looking for you at the request of the Chapter Master of St. George." Charles pointed out quietly.
"He might have said sumthin' like that." Dismas hedged, eyeing Charles distrustfully. "But we don't have no business so far as I know."
"Ah but that's what I'd like to talk to you about." Charles said with a smile as he dropped a copper coin on the table. "If you're interested of course. If you have plenty of work flowing in then I won't bother you further."
The man's hand swept across the table quickly, the coin vanishing. "Every little bit helps." He admitted grudgingly. "Sit."
"Thank you." Charles said, seating himself on the wooden stool opposite the man.
"So what business is this that you're wantin' to hire me?" Dismas asked carefully. "You need someone dead or robbed? I don't do that sort o' thing no more."
"So the Chapter Master tells me." Charles replied. "That's one reason why he recommended you. I'm travelling north and I need someone to help guard me on the trip and possibly while I'm there."
Dismas nodded. "Guard duty I can do. You expectin' trouble?"
Charles shrugged. "Hopefully not but I can't say. Better to be safe."
"True enough." Dismas admitted. "So I be guardin' you and your bags. Anybody else?"
"I did hire a Crusader from the Order as well and he'll be travelling with us." Charles replied. "Do you have a problem with that?"
"So long as he don't preach the whole way or start slanderin' me with his tongue, won't be no problem." The man replied with a snort of derision.
Charles nodded. "Good. We're in agreement then."
"Not quite yet Mister." Dismas replied. "You still ain't told me what you're payin' me for this. I don' work for free you know."
"Quite true, my apologies. Does 10 shillings a day sound like a fair deal?"
Dismas blinked before mastering his face. "So long as you pay me right, sounds more than fair. Keep a roof over me head for a while at least once I get back."
Charles nodded. "I may need to keep you on longer as there may be some...unpleasant elements that need to be taken care of. Rest assured if they are what I think they are you will have no trouble dispatching them."
"I'll be makin' that decision, won't I?" Dismas retorted. "If I see anythin' funny about this whole thing you give me my pay and I walk! Got it?"
"So long as you don't leave me to the mercy of bandits or possible former associates on the way there that's fine." Charles replied.
Dismas nodded. "We have a deal then." He said, offering his hand which Charles shook.
"My address." Charles said, offering him a piece of paper. "Be there tomorrow morning by dawn, I want to get an early start."
Dismas nodded, tucking the paper away in a pocket.
"One more thing, I realize you may not have the means but if you can make yourself a bit more...presentable before you arrive. I would not have my neighbors thinking you kidnapped me."
"With a Crusader at your side and you're worried abou' that?" Dismas asked incredulously, barking a laugh. "I'll try and gussy meself up for your Honor but I ain't makin' promises. Like you said, money's been tight."
"Understandable." Charles said with a nod as he stood. "Until tomorrow then."
"'Morrow." Dismas nodded as Charles departed, the highwayman carefully sliding his flintlock pistol back into his pocket from where he'd hidden it under the table out of sight.