Deliverance: A Justice Belstrang Mystery by John Pilkington (top 10 most read books in the world .TXT) 📗

The journey passed without difficulty: from Highnam we rode south-westward through Westbury, Newnham and Blakeney, with the harvest still in progress in the fields. Then, as the day waned, we entered the Forest of Dean, falling into single file on the narrow road. At last, weary and saddle-sore, we reached Lydney and drew rein before The Comfort inn, the horses blowing and snorting in the afternoon haze. It was nine days since I had left here to sail downriver with Spry – but now, my first thought was for Leucippus. Dismounting quickly, I left the gelding in the care of Parry’s men and hastened to the stable – only to receive a shock.

My beloved horse was gone.

In dismay I looked about, seeing only an old piebald nag in one stall; where Leucippus had been there was nothing but straw. Whereupon, gathering my wits, I went out and marched to the inn door. When I entered, the first person I encountered was Henry Hawes - who jumped as if he’d seen a ghost.

‘Master Pride, sir…’ he faltered. ‘I… it’s good to see you, after… or I should say, you’re most welcome.’

We stared at each other. I was non-plussed by his manner – until a notion struck me with some force: the man had thought I was dead! Could Spry have told him of it, in the belief that Yakup had carried out his grisly task? More, had what occurred on the Last Hope not been reported? Darrett, I recalled, was no friend of Spry, or of the foundry men…

‘You look somewhat pale, Master Hawes,’ I said at last. ‘Did you not think I would return? I left my horse, did I not?’

‘Indeed… of course you did.’ He swallowed, trying to gather himself. ‘I’ve had the boy take him out for exercise a few times, seeing as more than a week’s past, and…’

‘I see,’ I broke in, not believing a word of it. ‘Perhaps you’d be good enough to tell me where he is now?’

‘He’s out in the forest, sir,’ came the quick reply. ‘If you’d like to make yourself at home, I’ll send word. He’ll soon be returned… and your chamber is free, as arranged. Have you had a long journey?’

On a sudden the host was all bustle, calling to his daughter to see that the gentleman’s bed was aired. I must be hungry, he said – supper could be ready within the hour. Meanwhile, would I take a mug at the house’s expense?

‘Most cordial of you,’ I said. ‘But what of my friends outside? There’s a sergeant and four constables, come all the way from Gloucester - thirsty men all. Shall I bring them in?’

Hawes gulped, before managing a nod. ‘Indeed, sir… all are welcome at The Comfort.’ But mention of officers of the law had caused him alarm – and on impulse, I decided to frighten the daylights out of him.

‘I’ll confess I wasn’t honest with you when I was last here, Master Hawes,’ I said, placing my hand on my sword-hilt for good measure. ‘In truth, my name isn’t Pride. It’s Belstrang – former Justice Belstrang, magistrate of Worcester. I’m here on legal business, to assist with an arrest.’

To my satisfaction, it worked well enough. Hawes made no answer, but appeared to shrink somewhat. Finally he cleared his throat and asked: ‘Might I enquire as to who is to be arrested, sir?’

‘Well now…’ I put on my bland look. ‘You know how the land lies hereabouts, perhaps better than most. Why don’t you hazard a guess?’

But we were interrupted, as the door swung open and Sergeant Parry walked in. Taking in his surroundings, he threw a glance from me to the hapless host and back.

‘Is this someone you know, Master Belstrang?’

‘It is,’ I nodded. ‘Henry Hawes is master of the Comfort, and a wellspring of intelligence too - or of gossip at least. Will you bring your men in, and we’ll take supper together?’ Turning to Hawes, I added: ‘You offered such, did you not?’

‘Well, mayhap I did…’ he eyed Parry, forcing a weak smile. ‘I pray you, seat yourself, master. There’s a chine of beef, and some roasted woodcock-’

‘That’ll serve us well.’ Without delay, Parry turned and went out again. Through the open door, voices could be heard along with the clink of harness. Feeling somewhat calmer, I looked about for a table, whereupon my eyes fell on the inn’s only customer, sitting in a corner open-mouthed.

It was Jonas Willett, who had clearly heard every word.

‘By the Lord…’ he gazed at me, then gave a shake of his head. ‘My boy had you down as a snooper of some kind, sir… but never a Justice. Or even an ex-Justice.’

‘No matter, Master Willett.’ I threw him a smile. ‘My fellows and I have come to stir things up a little… perhaps when it’s all over we’ll take a mug together, shall we?’

And with that I sat myself down, stretched my tired limbs and looked forward to supper.

***

That evening, having seen his men billeted in the village, Parry conferred with me in a corner of the inn. It was quiet – too quiet. Word of our arrival had got round quickly, it seemed, and for the present most of the population of Lydney had stayed away. Even Jonas Willett, who had nothing to fear as far as I knew, had left soon after we had spoken.

‘I intend to ride soon after daybreak,’ the sergeant told me. ‘If you’ll be our guide, once we reach the foundry we’ll dismount, then close in. How many men are there, do you know?’

‘I’m unsure… a dozen, perhaps,’ I answered. ‘But they won’t be armed as your men are. Once Russell’s taken, I doubt the others will offer any resistance. To my knowledge they’re owed wages, and are discontented.’

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