Nadir paced the floor. He'd received Erik's cryptic message several days ago. At least he'd known Erik was alive. The moon was high in the sky now, nearing midnight, they should have been there by now.
Nadir walked out on the porch. The snow was thawing on the overhang, dripping slowly down the icicles that hung there. It was a good night for traveling he thought. Nadir was eager to know more about the "other" guests that Erik referred to in his note. It was unlike, no more so never-like Erik to travel with anyone…he was a loner through and through. It had been a long while since Nadir had laid eyes on Erik, and he was anxious to catch up with him.
The moon illuminated the fields beyond the Inn with an eerie glow conjuring up stories of the headless horseman and the like. Nadir looked down the long road that led out and over the top of the hill like a snake. And then, something caught his eye. "Was that movement?" Nadir strained his eyes trying to focus on a small object off in the distance. He stood still, fixed on the object…yes…his eyes were not playing tricks on him…it was movement…but not a carriage….it was a lone horseman. Perhaps Erik had tired of his companions, or there were further complications, either way, Nadir was certain that it was Erik.
He went quickly over to the large lantern that lay off to the side on the porch. He placed it swaying on the brass hook above, reaching inside to light the wick. It burst to life, the kerosene making its way up to meet the flame. Erik would know that it was all clear, and that Nadir was waiting for him. Nadir went back into the inn, fetching a bottle and several crystal glasses. Surely Erik would need something to warm him up. As Nadir sat down casually on the chair he had brought from the house to the porch, he watched as the figure grew larger and larger against the glittering white snow.
"Rather small horse for Erik" Nadir thought as the horseman rounded the fence coming into the yard. Nadir rose walking down the stairs and toward the visitor. "My friend, my friend.." Nadir paused. This was not Erik, not Erik indeed, the man was inches shorter, his hair blonde.
"What can I do for you good sir? We've a full Inn tonight, but if you're in need of water for you horse you can…" The man interrupted Nadir, a sense of urgency in his voice. "I am but a messenger sir," he said handing Nadir an envelope. "It's from the Innkeeper at the Candlelight Inn. She said you'd be needing this tonight." Nadir nodded. "Thank you. Would you like some hot coffee, or some oats for your horse?" Nadir inquired. "Thank you kindly Sir, but I'm due five hours from here by sun-up. Good day to you sir." The messenger turned his horse abruptly, and with several quick jabs to the beast's sides, they were off.
"Why would she be sending me a note by midnight messenger? I wonder if something has happened…" Nadir opened the envelope, walking over to the illuminated lantern. He opened it and read, "My dear brother: I've visitors from Paris staying with me tonight. Poor horse lost one of his shoes. They will be on their way in the morning after breakfast. Nadir, do take caution, I dare say they've had some unexpected company at their heels. Extra preparations should be made in case things do not go as planned. Your loving sister, Claire"
Nadir stood expressionless. "Who would be following them now? Nadir paced back and forth. He was thankful that he had sent word to Claire a few days ago that there would be travelers from Paris passing through. The Candlelight Inn being a favorite stopping post for travelers on that road, as it was the only one that could accommodate most of their needs. Dozens of hansoms made their way in and out of those stables every day.
What Nadir had told her was sketchy at best, as he had little information himself. She had known it would be three women and one man, arriving by carriage from Paris, the couple would be on their honeymoon.
He walked inside, swiftly climbing the stairs to his room. He went to the dressers and began pulling out garments, laying them on the bed. He fetched his satchel and put in a change of clothes and extra boots. Nadir stopped in the kitchens long enough to pack several rations of food, and a large jug of water. In fifteen minutes time he was in the saddle of his horse, his sword gleaming at his side, his gun packed behind him. There was no one else to go, and no time to waste. Erik had saved his life many years ago, a favor Nadir hadn't forgotten, now it was Erik who was in need, and he wouldn't let him down.
Nadir was certain that Claire would have found some way to warn him, but wouldn't have known that Erik was like a caged animal when threatened. He would never sit back and be a victim, he would hunt the blood himself rather than be hunted. Erik needed no further blood on his hands, he needed to be free from that life, be free to live for the first time. Nadir lowered his head, wrapping his cape closely around him, he gave the horse a jab to the sides as it began to gallop down the road and up over the hill.
XXXX
Claire sat at the back window of her Inn, a gun in her lap, looking out toward the field where she had last caught site of the man and his horse going under the trees. It was pure happenstance really that she had noticed him at all. She'd taken out the dishwater when she first saw him. Had he kindled a small fire, or come up to the house to get food, she would have dismissed it as a hansom or messenger who could not afford comfortable lodging, for there were many of those on the road.
He lit no fire, and seemed to take particular interest in the carriage that carried her new visitors, straining to get a better look at those coming and going from the stable where it sat. He had eyed with particular interest the men in the carriage, looking back and forth from a piece of crumpled paper he held in his hand and the men standing there. It had all seemed quite peculiar to her.
Nadir had told her that the friend that was visiting him had many enemies. He was a wealthy man, and had made many shrewd business deals making enemies who would delight in his demise. She really didn't know Stephan, but if he meant that much to her brother, she felt obligated to protect him.
The house was quiet, it seemed that everyone was asleep now, all except for her. She took a sip from her strong coffee before walking to the counter retrieving a bushel of apples. If she was going to be up all night, she might as well be productive. Apple bread and pie would be on the menu the next day, and the apples weren't going to peel themselves. Sitting down she felt the rough bump in her apron. Standing she walked over to her cupboard retrieving the horseshoes from her pocket. She put them into the deep recesses of the pantry for safekeeping.
