Chapter 11. Escape into Shadows
Jacob swiftly gathered his belongings strewn across the tavern floor. With a decisive gesture, he motioned for Lilly to follow as they hurried towards the rear exit. The clamour of enraged voices spilled from the nearby square, blending with the night's shadows that enveloped the serpentine alleyways.
Lilly's heart raced, panic threatening to overwhelm her senses. "What do we do?" she cried, her distress palpable in the air. Jacob's hand enveloped hers with a reassuring strength, his voice a steady anchor amidst the rising chaos. His gaze, sharp and determined, pierced through her fear. "Come with me," he directed firmly, leading her towards the Thames River with unwavering resolve.
They dashed along the rugged riverbank to the west, the brisk autumn air nipping at their skin. Jacob's gaze swept the darkened waters until it settled on the imposing railway bridge in the distance. A far-off train whistle pierced the night, its eerie wail carried by the breeze. Casting a quick glance over his shoulder, he spotted a relentless group of Templars closing in with unwavering determination. As they approached the safety of the bridge's sweeping arch, a substantial force of Templars suddenly emerged from thick foliage on the opposite side. Leading them was Hunter, his voice tinged with menace as he snarled, "No more daring getaways for you, young crow." Instinctively, Jacob shielded Lilly behind him, his senses heightened as the rumble of the approaching train grew louder, reverberating along the elevated tracks.
Jacob's breath brushed against Lilly's ear as he murmured, "When the time comes, cling to me like your life depends on it. My arm might struggle under your weight." His words resonated with purpose and the gravity of a bold scheme, causing a surge of apprehension to swell within Lilly. Hunter motioned silently for his fellow Templars to cease their advance with calculated precision. "Your performance has been commendable, but the spectacle ends now," he taunted, a cold smile playing on his lips. The steady tap of his fingers against the smooth leather pouch on his belt echoed ominously before he smoothly lifted his rifle; its barrel gleamed with menacing certainty.
With a deafening roar, the train thundered across the bridge. "NOW!" Jacob bellowed sharply. Lilly clung tightly to him as they soared into a daring escape using the hook shot, landing precariously on the swaying bridge. In that moment, Hunter's rifle cracked in retaliation and struck down a Templar who had ventured too close just seconds before. Enraged, Hunter's voice sliced through the chaos like a blade: "AFTER THEM!" Instantly, a whirlwind of movement erupted as both factions scattered in a frenzied scramble.
Struggling to keep her footing on the quivering bridge, Lilly fought against the relentless sway caused by the thundering train's passing. Jacob, grimacing and faltering with his wounded shoulder, implored urgently, "QUICKLY... JUMP!" His urgent cry barely pierced the deafening rumble of the speeding locomotive. Shock and disbelief etched across Lilly's features as she countered with a shrill, "ARE YOU MAD?" Without waiting for a response, Jacob tugged her into a desperate leap forward. In that heart-stopping moment, gravity claimed Lilly, hurtling her through the air until she collided with the flatbed below—a bone-jarring impact that reverberated amidst the pandemonium of their escape from peril.
The train, a thunderous iron beast slicing through the darkness, surged closer to London. Jacob's eyes flickered with gratitude as he stole a glance at Lilly. Her form pressed against the solid oak crates, her spine rigid as if carved from the same unyielding wood; a tremor running through her frame. Tears cascaded down her cheeks like glistening diamonds in the dim light. Jacob eased himself down beside her, nursing his bruised shoulder with a soft groan. "You're heavier than you look," he quipped through a blend of pain and humour. Lilly turned to him, mustering a smile amidst her turmoil. "Just what every lady wants to hear," she retorted; their shared laughter briefly lifting the heavy atmosphere.
Wiping away her tears, Lilly inquired with concern, "Are you okay, Jacob? That looked painful, especially after the beating you gave Peter." Her voice carried worry as she sniffled.
"It stung a bit, but I'll survive. Can't say the same for Peter's teeth," Jacob replied with a grin just as the heavens opened and rain poured from the sky. "Of course," he exclaimed at the timing, noting Lilly's lack of a coat as she shivered from the cold. Without hesitation, he shrugged off his own coat and draped it over her shoulders.
"Thank you," Lilly murmured gratefully through chattering teeth. "Let's find shelter," Jacob urged as he pulled the hood over her head. "We should head to that train car over there. I'd rather not go through all this trouble just to catch a cold and perish."
With care, he helped Lilly up, leading her towards the adjacent train car. Skilfully unlocking it, they entered into a slightly warmer and drier space. Pleased with their temporary refuge, Jacob assessed their surroundings and remarked confidently: "We'll get off at the second or third stop. The Templars will likely expect us to disembark as soon as possible, and I'd rather not give them the pleasure of my company again tonight." Lilly sighed wearily as she looked down at the floor. "I couldn't agree more; my nerves need some rest," she whispered softly in the confined space of the train car.
As the train jolted forward, its rhythm soon lulled Lilly into a fragile sense of safety. The rain continued to batter the wooden exterior, a persistent reminder of their tumultuous escape. She huddled against Jacob, who remained alert; his sharp eyes scanning the dimly lit corners for any potential threats. "Do you think that Hunter will find us?" Lilly whispered, her voice laced with anxiety as she wrapped Jacob's coat tighter around herself. "He's relentless," Jacob admitted, his brow furrowing in thought. "But we've thrown him off our scent for now. If we keep our wits about us, we'll give him the slip yet again." His tone was laced with bravado, but Lilly could sense the flicker of doubt lurking beneath.
An hour drifted by before the train slowed, signalling the moment for Jacob and Lilly to depart. Lilly, her delicate form still trembling slightly from earlier, sat close to Jacob. The memory of her hesitation to board the flatbed lingered vividly in his thoughts. Sensing her unease, Jacob turned towards her amidst the train's low rumble; his voice, a gentle murmur cutting through the noise, reassured her. "Alright, as we approach the station, remember we won't stop completely, but the pace will be much gentler. Stepping off will be smoother than getting on. Trust me," he reassured her. Lilly's gaze held uncertainty and apprehension, yet she nodded in acknowledgment as Jacob took her hand to help her rise. With practiced ease, Jacob pushed open a worn wooden door revealing the nearing station. The platform lights stretched shadows across the tracks as they prepared to disembark gracefully.
The duo disembarked from the train smoothly, just as Jacob had assured. His vigilant gaze swept their surroundings, attuned to any potential dangers in the dark station. Lilly watched him closely, noticing a subtle shift in the colour of his eyes as he scanned the area. Finding solace in his eyes, she felt a newfound sense of security wash over her. Abruptly, Jacob turned away, interrupting their connection and briskly announced, "Seems clear. Let's move." Pausing uncertainly, Lilly questioned, "How can you be so sure?" Jacob pivoted back towards her, his demeanour composed. "I have heightened senses," he stated matter-of-factly. "It's how I sensed trouble at the tavern. It's hard to explain because it's second nature to me but let's just say I can detect lurking threats."
Intrigued, Lilly probed further. "But... how?" Jacob shrugged nonchalantly, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "It's a family trait," he teased cryptically with the same answer he had given her before.
Overwhelmed by recent events and unable to articulate her thoughts clearly, Lilly stammered out softly. "Jacob... I'm scared..."
Drawing closer to her side with a comforting presence, Jacob gently clasped her hand once more. "I'll protect you," he vowed reassuringly. Locking eyes once more, Lilly drew comfort from the unwavering strength in his gaze. She responded with a gentle squeeze of his hand, feeling a wave of reassurance wash over her.
Without a word, he guided her out of the bustling station and into the hushed embrace of London's serene streets.
In the pre-dawn stillness, where the deserted streets echoed only the patter of rain intensifying into a ceaseless downpour, Jacob strategized that finding refuge in a hotel and waiting until daybreak was their wisest move. Navigating the slick, shimmering pavement, they chanced upon an opulent hotel that exuded an air of exclusivity tailored to the aristocratic elite: its flawless façade and meticulously groomed entrance clearly indicated it was not a haven for two bedraggled travellers resembling mere vagabonds at such an unearthly hour. Undaunted, they entered the lavish lobby; its gleaming floors reflected the intricate lighting above. Jacob strode purposefully to the polished bell on the front desk and rang it with mounting impatience, his damp clothes clinging uncomfortably to his skin. As the wait for attention persisted, he resorted to repeatedly striking the bell and calling out for service; his voice shattered the refined silence of the surroundings.
A stout attendant, his cheeks ruddy with annoyance, appeared from a shadowy corridor at the rear. "Sir, could you kindly lower your voice? Our guests are resting," he snapped, his irritation barely concealed. Jacob, drenched from the rain but composed, replied nonchalantly: "Ah, but your esteemed services are in demand by waiting guests," he stated casually as if seeking accommodation at that late hour was commonplace. Glancing disapprovingly at them, the attendant quickly scanned their appearance. "We don't usually accommodate guests at this late hour—especially those who seem out of place in our establishment. You might find more suitable lodgings elsewhere," he suggested condescendingly, looking down on them with disdain.
Lilly noticed a flicker of hurt cross Jacob's features; his eyes briefly revealing the sting of dismissal. In a swift change, mischief danced in Jacob's gaze as he turned towards Lilly, grinning with a playful glint. Extracting a weighty, intricately embroidered pouch from his coat pocket, he let it fall onto the gleaming desk with a satisfying thud. His hand confidently on his hip, he quipped in a nonchalant tone, "Well now, what a pity! I was all set to generously share my wealth for the third time this week. Seems like I'll have to seek out another fortunate soul who can truly appreciate it." The attendant's attention was immediately drawn to the substantial purse; his demeanour transforming in an instant. The lines of frustration smoothed away into a welcoming smile tinged with regret. "My sincere apologies, sir. It seems you've had quite the run of bad luck. Please forgive my hasty judgment based solely on appearances without understanding your circumstances," the man expressed warmly, his voice now laced with remorse. Lilly's brows furrowed in disapproval at the swift change prompted by the jingle of coins.
Before the man could continue with his false pretence, Jacob cut in sharply. "The room, if you please," he stated briskly, dismissing the insincere apologies. The attendant's gaze briefly flickered towards Lilly as he whispered, "Will your... Mistress be joining you?" His words hung in the air with a hint of implication. "We have no objections to accommodating a lady of pleasure here," he added with a smirk. Jacob's eyes sparkled with amusement as he shot a rebellious grin at the attendant, raising an eyebrow in defiance. Lilly, taken aback by the blatant disrespect, couldn't contain her indignation. "Mistress? How dare you!" Her voice sliced through the silence like a whip, resonating sharply and fiercely in the lobby. Startled, the man's smile froze, his face paling as he scrambled for an apology.
Meanwhile, Jacob's eyes sparkled with mischief and determination as he faced the attendant. "Sir! How dare you insult my wife in such a manner! I believe we can find more suitable accommodations elsewhere," he exclaimed. He then pulled Lilly closer protectively, murmuring softly, "Come here, my dear. Tonight has been trying enough without this fool upsetting you further."
Feeling suddenly bashful from Jacob's proximity as he guided her, Lilly whispered, "Jacob, I'm so cold. I really don't want to go back outside." With a mischievous grin, he whispered back reassuringly, "Just follow my lead..." Right on cue, the man hurried over to intercept them urgently.
"Sir... please accept my sincerest apologies for my lapse in judgment due to fatigue," he pleaded anxiously. "While I cannot excuse my behavior entirely, I would like to offer you a discount on your room as recompense."
Seeing the man grovel filled Jacob with satisfaction. "Well, my dear... can you forgive this slight?" he asked. Maintaining a serious demeanor but with a playful glint in her eyes that matched his mischief, Lilly met Jacob's gaze and replied, "After such an eventful night, all I desire is a warm bed." She sighed dramatically. "I suppose I can overlook this incident." The man, appearing on the verge of collapse while holding his breath, let out a relieved exhale. "Oh... thank you kindly, my lady," he gasped before hurrying off to arrange their most comfortable room immediately.