Chapter 25

He could feel every muscle in his body, and the nagging pain in the back reminded him, that he had a stab wound a few days ago. But besides that, Bash was relieved that he had mastered the crossing of the ravine without breaking his bones. He had, in fact, been right. There had been no guards positioned or barricades built, so that he had freely climbed from one side to the other side of the ravine. And now, the purpose of his venturous journey was in reach.

From a distance, he could see that a watchman was positioned at the front door. Probably to prevent infection. If it was not already too late, Bash thought. His heart began to beat faster with excitement. Kenna was there, she and Daniel. Nostradamus had seen exactly everything in his vision. And even if he had said that his visions were not one hundred percent accurate, Bash firmly believed to find them there. But he had to solve another problem first. How should he pass the watchman?

He beat his clothes to get rid of dust and soil and tightened his shoulders. Perhaps it made impression on the watchman when he told him, that he was traveling on behalf of the Crown. After all, he was still the Queen's deputy and son of the former King of France, albeit an illegitimate son. He went to the entrance of the brothel, resolutely.

"On behalf of the Crown, open up the door to this establishment!" he said with a strong voice.

"In the name of the Crown?" the watchman repeated mockingly and raised his eyebrow. "Are you joking? You don't look like a nobleman."

Bash looked at his clothes, which were dirty and in tatters. In fact, he looked more like a vagabond than a representative of the Queen. "Can't you recognize me?"

The man shook his head. "I have never seen you before."

Bash straightened himself. "I am the Queen's deputy and I had a long journey from the Castle to this place." he said, as if this would explain his desolate appearance.

The man looked around frowning. „I see no horse or a carriage. Nobles usually travel not on foot." He grinned derisively. "If this is a cheap approach to enter that you can enjoy yourself, you are bribing the wrong man. I'm loyal to the Madam."

Bash sighed inwardly. That was more difficult than expected. "Don't make me hurt you!" he warned.

But the watchman only laughed at him.

"Now I'm afraid. Where have you hidden your weapon, nobleman?

Bash was ready to snatch his dagger from his shoulder holster, when he grasped at nothing. He groanded frustrated. He had lost his dagger while climbing in the ravine!

"I know you do only your duty, but I'm begging you to open the door, that I can do what I was ordered to do... please!

"Nice try!"

Bash pondered his next steps. He tried to tell the truth. "I'm looking for a woman and a little boy. I am convinced that they are here in the brothel. Have you seen them?"

The man looked at him thoughtfully. "Is she one of the whores?"

Bash shook his head. "She's a guest."

The watchman scratched his head. "Actually, there are two women with children." he said then. "One is heavy with child."

Nostradamus had seen Lola in his vision as well, Bash remembered. It must be her from the description. "I'm looking for the other woman."

"Is she your wife?"

Reluctantly, Bash shook his head. He didn't like the wolfish grin that appeared on the man's face.

The watchman moved up closer to Bash. "In confidence... too bad that she is not a whore. I would love to share a bed with her. She has a build like a goddess, luscious and hot-tempered. She has probably a lot to offer."

"You will never find out!" Bash had heard enough. Uncontrollable fury had bubbled up in him. He hadn't planned what he did. His fist moved by itself. With one blow between the eyes, he put the watchman out of action. Satisfied, he looked at the motionless body on the ground.

"At least that's settled". Bash muttered before he opened the door and entered.

"It's a girl! And Lola and the baby are well." Kenna announced the good news to her friend Greer. She looked around. "Where's John?"

"Both boys are with Bernadette. She had promised me to look after them. So far, there is still only one case of plague. I had positioned a watchman at the front door. No one can enter without my permission."

"The whores, who had contact with the infected man, have they shown any symptoms, yet?" Kenna asked.

Greer shook her head. "Not yet. But I told them to watch themselves closely."

"Hopefully, this is over soon." Kenna sighed. "I want nothing more than to return to the Castle."

"You miss him, don't you?" Greer asked smiling.

Kenna nodded. "It's funny. I had lived three years without him, and now, after I had seen him again, I can't keep my mind off him!"

"It's called love."

Kenna wanted to answer, when they heard loud noises in the corridor.

"What's wrong?" Greer opened the door and looked outside, frowning.

A young whore approached her. "Quickly, Madam Greer! Someone had knocked the watchman unconscious and had forcibly gained entry into the house!"

"I'm coming!" Greer turned to Kenna. "You stay here! I take care of the invader." She ran down the corridor towards the entrance door and then stopped dead in her tracks.

"Speaking of the devil..." she muttered and went to meet the visitor. "Hello Bash! What an unexpected surprise!"