Robbed Blind

2. Well Met

2

Well Met

Julian removed the cell block keys from where they hung, on a cast iron hook next to the cell block door, and unlocked the door. Then he grabbed up the second tin from the box he brought with him from The Oarlock and led Marshall Leminster into the block.

The cells were arranged four on a side, and were separated from each other only by iron bars. Only the front and rear-most cells had solid walls except at the rear. Each held a simple cot and a set of blankets, a pillow, and a bucket for the prisoner's leavings. And nothing else. A pair of oil lamps provided light to the block, one on the back wall of the hall and one on the front.

At the moment, only one cell was occupied. That had not always been the case since he and Raedrick brought Geoff in, but even when they had drunks or others who they had to lock away for petty offenses, they never put them on the same side with him. Harmless drunks were one thing. He was something else. And with only bars separating his cell from theirs neither Julian nor Raedrick were willing to risk their prisoners'—their fellow townsfolk's—safety by putting them anywhere near him.

Julian stopped in front of Geoff's cell and set the tin of stew down on the floor, then pushed it under the cell bars with his foot. "Lunchtime, Geoff," he said cheerfully.

The bandit scowled at him from where he sat on his cot. Burly, with wild hair and an unruly beard, and only one eye, he looked the part of the ruthless brigand. And he had very nearly cost Julian and Raedrick their lives.

Well, Tolburt had. Geoff had just been the instrument. Tolburt was the fool that sent them to him.

Julian found himself grinding his teeth as he thought of his former comrade-at-arms turned traitor turned pathetic excuse for a man who Raedrick had decided to shelter here in Lydelton for some unknowable reason. Best to think of something else.

Geoff did not move toward the food.

"Suit yourself," Julian said. "You've got a visitor." He gestured toward Leminster.

Geoff shifted his scowl toward the Marshall, and if anything, it deepened. "Who the hell are you?"

"Royal Marshall Caperick Leminster. My men and I will escort you to your trial."

"Wonderful." Geoff's tone carried entire volumes of sarcasm and contempt. He cast one more baleful look at Julian, then he lied down on his bunk and rolled onto his side, turning his back to them both.

They left the cell block and Julian closed and locked the door behind them, then replaced the key ring. "You're going to have a fun trip, Marshall."

Leminster shrugged as though to say it would be no special trouble. "You've got the case write-up?"

From his desk, Raedrick nodded and patted a small stack of papers that had been sitting on the right hand side of his blotter for weeks. He finished chewing the bite of stew he was working on and swallowed, then said, "Right here, ready to go." He paused for a moment. "You know, if you could convince the magistrate to fully deputize our judge, none of this would be necessary. It would certainly be easier on you if we didn't have to transfer capital cases your way."

And that would also minimize their interaction with the outside world, Raedrick did not say, but he and Julian had discussed it a number of times. If only their judge were permitted to try more than petty crimes and misdemeanors…

Leminster snorted. "Don't have to tell me. But the money men won't hear of it. Have to pay your judge more, spend the coin to upgrade your facilities…" He shook his head.

"That can't be more expensive than running you out here every time something happens," Julian said.

"'Til you two showed up, we hadn't had a capital offense from Glimmer Vale in five years."

Raedrick's eyes widened and he opened his mouth, to object Julian was sure, but Leminster held up a placating hand and spoke again, quickly. "Not saying it's your all's fault. Things happen. But when you're making a budget, it's hard to justify spending that much more without need."

That was certainly understandable, but it was damn frustrating. Oh well.

Leminster drained the last of his cider and replaced the tankard onto the shelf, then he strode across the room and picked up his sword belt. "I'd best go get settled in," he said. He buckled on the belt and grabbed his heavy cloak and clasped it in place over his shoulders, then turned to look at the two of them in turn. "Join me for dinner at The Oarlock tonight? I've a craving for Molli's fried fish." His eyes gleamed as he said it, and Julian had the impression he could live a long happy life eating nothing but that.

It takes all kinds.

"We would be happy to," Raedrick replied, and Julian nodded agreement.

"At sunset then?"

Again they nodded, and Leminster nodded in return. "Until then."

Then he left their office, and Julian and Raedrick were left looking at each other for a long moment. A tension that Julian had not even realized he had been carrying seemed to melt away within him. Well, partially melt away that is. In his eyes, Julian could see Raedrick felt the same way.

It was going to be a long two or three days.