Chapter 10

Tyber had glowered and protested but he finally accepted Gabin was bringing Varian. He pointed out that Gabin was a novice rider at best. He finally gave up the argument when Gabin pointed out that Varian was not only well trained, but capable of carrying Smidge as well so they could make better time.

Now Varian and Jelly were in the alley while the men were in the shop girl's room, watching for 'ghosts'. The girl was about sixteen and had been extremely grateful that they were there to protect her. She kept smiling and batting her eyes at Smidge who blushed and awkwardly flirted back.

Tyber and Gabin flanked the window so they could watch the street and the bridge.

Tyber gestured to the younger pair. "I wonder what prompted him to play hero?"

Gabin glanced at the girl. "Too bad the tactic doesn't work all the time."

"Did it ever work for you? Rescuing the damsel in distress?"

"Once. I chased off a mugger." Gabin smiled slightly at the memory. "She was very, very grateful."

Gabin watched a closed carriage roll past under the window. The light from the gas street lamps was weak but he could see an insignia on the side of the carriage. "Here comes someone with money."

"Still another candle mark to go." Tyber studied the buildings on the far side of the river. "I think I spotted one of the watchers. That tailoring shop."

Gabin closed his eyes and stretched his senses. His vision soared over the river and into the dark room. Although the room was dark it looked more like twilight to Gabin's other sight. He could see the couple in the bed, energetically putting it to the test.

Opening his eyes he shook his head. "Not the watcher. They are busy with other concerns."

"I'll admit it, you're handy." Tyber continued his watch. "There, that lamp shop."

Gabin checked. This time the occupants were not as innocently occupied. There were two men in the room, in roughly the same position as Gabin and Tyber. "Two men. Both large and armed."

"I wager there is probably another two on this side. If it were my operation I would have at least four teams on watch with another five to ten men available as back up."

"But since they are engaging in something that is likely to get them lynched they probably don't have that many trusted men to call on."

"I am going out to see if I can spot any more on this side of the river." Tyber stepped away from the window.

"Smidge?" Gabin turned to the young man. "Do you think you can find any watchers?"

"Uh." Smidge frowned and looked around. "I think so."

"Can you take Tyber?"

"How is he going to find them?" Tyber asked.

"I can find anyone." Smidge assured him.

The girl looked disappointed as Smidge left. "He's very nice."

"He is." Gabin agreed as he resumed his watch.

"Is he your brother?"

"I was his guardian when he was young."

"He's the first one who took me seriously about those ghosts." The girl sat on her bed. "Do you think they are ghosts?"

Gabin hesitated. "I think it could be something far worse."

The girl clasped her hands in her lap. "I was worried it could be worse."

Gabin glanced at her. "Where are you from?"

"A small town just east of town. I didn't want to be just another milk maid so I moved to Haven. My father thinks I should move home."

"Have you seen anyone who doesn't belong around here on the nights when the lights appear?" Gabin asked.

The girl's brow furrowed. "Maybe. There is one man who comes around every couple weeks. He comes near closing. He stinks like he eats nothing but onions. He has only come here once, but the other girls have complained about him too."

Gabin nodded thoughtfully.

"Oh, and there is a lady who comes at least once a fortnight. She stays forever and buys something, but it is the cheapest item we have even though she has good clothing. I work for a milliner so she buys hats from me but they are often the wrong size or don't compliment her looks. And she always wears black."

"A lady in black. It sounds like an adventure novel."

The girl giggled nervously. "It does, doesn't it?"

"Do you know if either of them where in the area today?"

"Both. The onion man I saw leaving the store next door when I was taking in the potted flowers. The lady in black was here in the morning. I don't think the lady in black is related to these ghosts. She just seems sad."

"Does she know you recognize her?"

"I doubt it."

Gabin pondered what she said. "Why are you lying?"

"What?"

"You're lying to me about the two people. You don't say if they are short or tall or blond or brunette or thin or fat. You say one smells of onions and the other wears black. Both characteristics that are easy enough to change so neither are actually useful for identifying someone."

The girl stared at her hands.

"Why did you lie?"

"You aren't mad?"

"No. I'm sure there is a reason for you to lie." Gabin said philosophically.

"I thought maybe if you thought there was something bad happening you wouldn't leave."

"Is something bad happening?" Gabin prodded.

The girl nodded. "Weird things. Once I came up here and there was someone here. I ran away and he was gone in the morning. I didn't see him, I could smell onions. I hate onions. Sometimes I hear people on the roof. My boss doesn't believe me, he says I'm flighty."

"Ah." Gabin gave her a reassuring smile. "You don't need to lie for us to help you."

"Really?" The girl looked up. Gabin could barely make out her face but he could hear the relief in her voice. She bolted across the room and threw her arms around Gabin. "Thank you."

Gabin patted her shoulder. "Anything else odd happening?"

The girl nodded into his tunic. "Sometimes when I hear the footsteps, I hear wailing. The other girls say it is from a girl who committed suicide and that she wants to drag us down with her."

"It's not." Gabin assured her. "It is mortal men up to no good, using the fear to hide."

"Really?"

"Really."

The girl hurried to the small chest at the foot of her bed and felt around for something. Gabin could hear her sniffing so he assumed she had been looking for a handkerchief.

"So someone was trying to scare me." The girl sounded indignant. "Well, if they think I am going to run away like a frightened hare they are in for a surprise."

She joined him at the window, this time she had a cudgel in her hand.

Gabin smiled. "What's your name?"

"Maisie."

"Gabin."

"Pleased you meet you Gabin." Maisie thrust her hand towards him. Gabin shook it.

"Listen, no matter what you see, I need you to stay here. If things go badly, I want you to go to the Guard and tell them that I sent you."

"Why?"

"Because if things go bad, they need to know."

Maisie sighed. "Fine."

Finally the door opened again and Smidge and Tyber came in.

"Found them." Smidge announced.

"All of them?" Gabin asked.

Tyber resumed his position next to the window. "I think so. So, what did you say to cause her to arm herself?"

"Maisie was telling me about some of the odd things that have occurred. When I assured her it was mortal deeds, not ghosts she decided revenge was a good option."

Maisie patted the head of her cudgel. "Lumpy and I know how to deal with creeps."

Gabin noticed Smidge beaming at the girl and resolved to speak to him in the morning.

:Someone is coming.: Varian informed him.

"Smidge, come here." Gabin ordered.

Smidge took his place at the window. Gabin leaned against the wall and used his Gift again. He could feel the strain so this would be the last time he used his Gift for a couple days.

The closed carriage he had spotted earlier was parked a block or so away. A tall man was next to it with a bundle in his arms. Gabin thought it was a child, but he wasn't certain.

"The man with the 'statue' is here." Gabin pushed away from the wall.

"Statue?" Maisie asked.

"Remember, stay here and watch." Gabin ordered. "Just watch."

Maisie sighed. "I said I would."

Tyber led them out of the small room and out the back door to where Jelly and Varian waited.

"You two, stay here. I will deal with this." Tyber started towards the end of the alley.

Smidge snorted. "Like you get all the fun."

Tyber turned in time to see both Smidge and Gabin removing fighting knives from their boots. "No."

Gabin cocked an eyebrow. "You think you are the only fighter?"

"Knives? They probably have swords." Tyber protested.

:Knives are not the best weapon in a sword fight.: Varian pointed out.

Smidge laughed. "You do know why they never went after Gabin directly was because when he gets mad he's a scary bastard, right? He taught us not to fight fair when it was a matter of life and death."

"A scary bastard?" Tyber said doubtfully. He scanned Gabin from head to foot. He was scrawny, average height, and not very intimidating.

"One time this gang thought they could rob us. Gabin here—"

Gabin cleared his throat. "Enough, Smidge. Tyber, there is a child, at least two men here already, and the buyer to deal with. I am not risking that child's life because you think that a knife is a useless weapon in a fight."

"Very well. Gabin you go for the child. Smidge, I want you to circle around to the other end of the bridge before anyone else gets here. If someone panics and runs, I want you to get a good look at his face. We can track him down if we need to."

"And you?"

"I will distract them."

:Gabin, I will hang back. If something bad happens I want to be able to help either you or Tyber.:

"Very well." Gabin patted Varian on the neck.

:If you think things are going bad, toss that rock in the river. Even without a Herald, I have more authority as a Companion than as a horse.:

Gabin checked his pocket. The piece of quartz was there. "Let's go."

Smidge was barely a shadow as he crossed the bridge. There was only a quarter moon tonight so there were deep shadows next to the wooden bridge's railings. Most bridges in Haven were stone. Dog Leg was one of the few bridges that was wooden and as a result was not lined with gas lamps. The river was wide so there was a large patch of darkness in the center of the bridge.

Tyber headed out next, leaving Gabin and Varian to wait.

"Are you ready?" Gabin asked.

:I am. No matter what happens, the child will be rescued.: Varian assured her.

"That's all I can ask."

:So, you're a scary bastard?: Varian chortled.

"When I need to be. I learned young if you don't fight back you will end up being a victim."

Footsteps preceded the appearance of the two men. The shorter one carried the child. The taller one had a drawn sword. He walked with confidence and scanned the alleys.

Gabin stepped back so he wouldn't be spotted.

:If we go now, we won't get the buyer.: Varian's voice was uncertain.

Gabin rested a hand on his neck. They watched as the men with their burden passed their hiding spot.

When the footsteps changed because the men were on the bridge Gabin and Varian slowly started after them.

Varian's hoof beats chimed softly but they were drowned out by the slosh of the river on the bridge pylons. Gabin was a little out of practice but he didn't make any noise.

The footsteps on the bridge stopped and so did Gabin and Varian.

:My vision is not the best in this light. I can't see anyone else.: Varian said tightly.

Gabin touched his ear.

:Right! The wood is noisier than the stone. Suddenly, I feel better.:

The sound of more steps on wood finally reached them. These men clearly knew nothing about stealth.

Gabin and Varian advanced again. There was no way Varian could cross the bridge unnoticed so he stopped at the edge of the shadows. Gabin waited until the moon was partially obscured by a drifting cloud then crossed quickly to the shadow of the bridge railing.

Crouching, he slowly crept closer. He reached the men just as three men from the far side of the bridge reached the original group. Gabin adjusted his hold on the knife.

The man holding the child put her down and removed the cloak she was wrapped in revealing a white night gown that twitched sluggishly in the slight breeze. The child's hands were bound in front of her and something pale was in her mouth as a gag. She looked like a little ghost with her pale face and gown.

Gabin's hand tensed around his knife. He could just make out Tyber in a similar position just past the men.

"You got the money?" The man with the child demanded.

The man in the center of the new arrivals tossed a hefty purse of money to him. "You, get the girl." He ordered the man to his right.

The armed man from the first group stepped forward to stop anyone from taking the child. "Not until the money is counted." He growled.

The men flanking the buyer each pulled their swords.

Gabin looked to Tyber. How long could they wait?

Just as sword touched sword, Tyber launched himself from the shadows. The short man snatched up the child and pulled her to the far side of the bridge, away from Gabin. Gabin launched himself at the tall man as he turned towards Tyber, his sword swinging in a lethal arc.

Gabin's knife sank deep into the side of the swordsman. As the swordsman recoiled Gabin pulled his knife free and continued after the child. The short man saw Gabin before Gabin could reach him. He picked up the child and, rather than running, flung her over the edge of the bridge.

"No!" Gabin shouted and hit the railing. He stared down at the black water in horror.

:No!: Varian's voice wailed in his mind. Gabin saw him charge out of the shadows and leaped from the edge of the river.

Gabin climbed onto the railing and took a deep breath before allowing himself to plummet into the water. It was so cold he nearly gagged as water flooded his mouth and nose. He surfaced long enough to take a breath before submerging. He flailed through the water, searching with his hands through the dark water. He felt something tangle around his fingers just as his lungs demanded more air. Tightening his fingers he caught some of her hair and pulled her closer. His other hand found her arm. He tried to kick upwards but his lack of skill in the water hindered him as much as the girl.

Just as his lungs were about to force him to breathe, something grabbed him painfully on the shoulder and hauled him upward. That first breath he took gave him a rush of elation but a sharp blow to his calf nearly sent him back under.

:Pull her up!: Varian ordered. Gabin was already obeying him.

She was so still when he pulled her against his chest he suspected she was dead. He pulled the wet gag and it stretched just enough to fit over her chin. Pounding on her back he ignored the agony in his shoulder where Varian held them both above water.

Suddenly the girl coughed then gagged as she expelled water. She wheezed weakly and rested her head on Gabin's free shoulder.

"Hey sweetie." He crooned.

In the weak moonlight he could see her blink, then she started to cry. "Gabin, you found me."

Varian, now looking like his true self, tried to drag them to shore without striking Gabin again. :Oh, thank the gods.: He chanted with overwhelming relief. :Thank all the gods.:

Gabin finally felt his feet touch the rocks that surrounded the pylons and Varian released his shoulder.

:You're safe here. Take care of her.: Varian struck out towards the small wharf just downstream from the bridge. Above them Gabin could hear the fighting continue.

An equine scream of fury announced Varian's joining the fray.

There was a scream of pain.

Gabin struggled to lift the girl, Suza, so she could put her tied arms around his neck. "Suza, you're safe. I've got you."

The girl sobbed and winced with every cry from above.

Putting his good arm around the pylon he waited for the fighting to stop.

Finally silence returned to the night.

"Gabin?" Tyber called. "Herald?"

:Smidge and Tyber are fine.: Varian assured him.

"Down here." Gabin yelled. "You're going to need a boat to get us."

"Is the Herald there too? There's a Companion up here."

Smidge laughed, it was a tense sound, like his heart was still pounding in his chest. "There is no Herald. That's Varian."

"Wait… what?"

Gabin wished he could see Tyber's face. "Varian is a friend. He has no Chosen. Now get us out of here!"

"Move again and I'll brain you." A young, feminine voice growled above him.

Obviously Maisie didn't listen very well.

"See, Suza, you're safe now." Gabin whispered to her.

As soon as they were out of the water Maisie wrapped them in a blanket.

"I saw you jump so I knew you would need these." She explained. "I know you said I should stay in my room, but I couldn't just stand by."

When Suza caught her breath, Maisie took her back to her room so she could get warm while they waited for the guard.

"Just when were you going to tell me I had a Companion in my stable?" Tyber demanded when the girl was gone.

"Whenever he felt like telling you." Gabin removed his shirt and wadded it against the wound in his shoulder. "Nice rescue by the way, Varian."

:Did I break anything?:

"No broken bones, but I will need a healer." Gabin assured him.

Varian shook his head and water showered everyone. :I panicked. If you hadn't jumped in I would never have saved her.:

"Nonsense, you would have bit her rather than me. I just made it easier." Gabin assured him. "There is no way you would let another child drown, you'd die first."

:I would have.: Varian conceded.

Gabin struggled to his feet and winced as he put weight on his injured leg. He leaned against Varian's shoulder for support.

Tyber waited impatiently for an explanation.

Smidge chuckled. "Annoying to only hear half the conversation, eh?"

"Tell me about it. Is he a Herald or something?"

"No. Varian is just helping him find the children. I think it's so he can report to the Heralds when we need help."

:Oh, I did send for help. Heralds should be here soon. They're bringing Healers for you and those men.:

Gabin relayed the message then turned his attention to the dark forms on the bridge.

"The seller is unconscious. His guard is dead." Tyber informed him.

"I know." Gabin admitted. It made him sick to know he had killed someone but he just couldn't muster a sense of guilt. "I practically gutted him. He should have bled out fairly quickly."

Smidge used a knife to cut the cinch to Varian's saddle and pulled it off. "I can't believe you jumped in, saddle and all. Nice job though. You distracted everyone so that no one escaped."

"Smidge here got the buyer. He's tied up with Jelly's reins. He is going to need a healer." Tyber's voice contained a trace of amusement. "And that girl brained the seller when he tried to run away. You gutted one guard. I was almost useless."

"Useless?" Smidge snorted. "You dealt with the other two guards rather neatly. I'd say this is a success."

"It didn't go the way I had planned it, that is a certainty." Tyber heaved a sigh and shook his head. "How long until those Heralds show up?"