Chapter 02: Tricky Trip

Just before ten-thirty of the Saturday morning Jonas enters the study attached to his office. He locks the door and goes to the hidden safe, opens it, and removes a sapphire ring. He moves to the bookcase to the left of the doorway where he touches three small spots on the inside of one of the bookcases in a set order and the entire bookshelf opens into another room. He enters then he presses the release to close the entrance.

This hidden room is a workshop where he repairs old weapons and builds new ones. Underneath one corner of the workbench is a small almost undetectable switch. When he flips the switch the edge of a shelf unit extends itself out like a pocket door, but where the door normally is located there’s only a frame. He slips on the sapphire ring from the safe because it’s needed to activate the portal. Walking though the frame Jonas vanishes from the room. He feels the familiar twisting then finds himself in the greeting room on Crossroads.

The scene before Jonas is very different from the bleak white walls he normally sees. A door opens and MariLynn rushes into his arms. After they kiss and lovingly refresh their memories of each others basic frame MariLynn leads him into the lounge room where he finds a small love-seat facing a fireplace. As they sit a fire starts itself in the fireplace and MariLynn speaks to the empty room to order two black coffees.

Surprised at the new look Jonas asks, “What’s going on?”

His Caretaker smiles and asks, “Did you know Gerald Jones?”

“Yes. We were friends on Earth, as well as on Chaos.”

“His nephew, Sid, discovered there are instruction books which we’d never seen. These have expanded our understanding of this place as well as our role as Caretakers. There are instruction books for Heroes and Companions as well.”

“I’d very much like to have the ones for Heroes and Companions. I also need to warn you Kyle’s next trip will likely be his last with me as a Companion. I believe he’s about ready to begin his own journey as a Hero, though there may be a complication. I believe he’s just found his true soul-mate and she has the power to stop him from coming. Fortunately, I don’t think she will.”

MariLynn’s head is lying against Jonas’ chest while his arms hold her tight against him. She gives a soft reply, “That’s good, because we need all the Heroes we can get.”

Jonas picks up fear in her voice. This is something he’s never seen in all the years she’s been his Caretaker. He pulls her face to him and gives her a deep, loving kiss. When they release he asks, “MariLynn, is there something going on I need to be aware of?”

“It’s something we were beginning to get a hint of before Gerald died. As the months have progressed we’ve learned we’ve a major problem with a slavery ring that involves as many as ten thousand. Since then we’ve lost six Heroes on Chaos and two more on Earth. We doubt those on Earth are connected but there does seem to be some question as to their actual cause of death.”

“How are we going to handle it? No Hero can defeat those kinds of odds and my understanding is Heroes are forbidden to work together.”

“Right now we’re doing a lot of analysis and planning. While you have Shiloh, which is similar to a Spanish Hacienda, Gerald had his Citadel, which is a fortified town set closer to the southern mountains. It’ll now become his nephew’s and we’re hoping to use it as a gathering place for Heroes, each of whom will raise their own army to lead it against the enemy. In your case we’d like you to use Shiloh to raise a cavalry unit. As for Heroes working together, there aren’t any rules preventing the coordination of individual efforts.”

“That makes sense, and so does the idea of cavalry. Other than the Rider Clan I’ve the finest horses on Chaos. We can scout, harass, and turn their flank in major battles. Also, their foot soldiers have never seen an organized cavalry charge with either lances or sabers. The one extra item I can see us needing is a company of archers equipped with longbows. That’s something my grandson can do a great job in developing for us.”

“Then I’m very excited. Come, let’s go to bed and discuss it more in the morning.”

During the night the couple’s lovemaking is slow and very gentle. Jonas takes longer than normal to prepare her, even though she’s much more responsive and easier to stimulate than Earth women. After their first time they’re both aware of his distraction.

“Jonas, you seem distracted. Have I done something wrong?”

“No, my dear, you’ve done nothing wrong. You’re right though, I’m a little distracted. I apologize because you deserve all my attention and that’s been hard for me to give tonight.”

Concerned, MariLynn asks, “Can I ask what’s distracted you?”

“Certainly. When I came here this morning I was sure I’d only be able to go on three or four more missions. I was fearful of the time when I must stop coming because you are such an important part of my life. I love you so much and tonight I realized just how perfect we are together. In spite of that I can’t stay here or go to Cassandra and you can’t come to Earth. I now feel my life will probably end soon after I stop coming to see you.” He stops, in thought, for a moment.

He adds, “Unfortunately, MariLynn, your news regarding a slaver war brings new and very different challenges for me to face. I’ve never been afraid of a rescue mission but I’m now fearful I could die on Chaos and will fail in my mission.”

MariLynn cringes at both thoughts, but realizes Jonas is probably correct in his initial analysis. He probably won’t last long after he stops coming to see her, and suddenly she realizes her feelings for him are identical. At that moment she vows she’ll study the Guidebooks with great care and discuss the situation with her supervisor. Who knows? Maybe she can find a way for them to be together.

For the next few minutes MariLynn works hard to help Jonas shove those feelings aside so they can enjoy each other. When they’re both satiated she snuggles close and goes to sleep in his arms.

The next morning the couple pick up where they left off. After they finish their lovemaking MariLynn leads Jonas into the shower. Here they play a bit as well as thoroughly washing each other.

At breakfast Jonas asks, “With everything happening involving the slavers is there a mission for me on this trip?”

“There is one we set aside just for you. It’s close to Riverview and involves a man named LaMas who’s enslaved a Damsel named Bethany Bookkeeper. He’s not actually a member of this Slaver Guild but he’s taking her to a slave auction run by the Guild. They’ll pass through some woods along the river while searching for a hidden ford that’s often used by the Guild. Because of the ford there’s likely be Guild members in the woods, but you should be able to escape on your fast steeds. I’d suggest you have one of your ranch hands in town to grab the horses when you arrive at the bank. You can return here while he takes the horses back to Shiloh.”

“And when should they arrive at the general area we’re discussing?”

“Just prior to lunch tomorrow.”

“Then, my love, I guess I must carry on. I need to get to the bank and to Shiloh today. When I return I’ve a potential Hero I need to discuss with you. His situation is rather unique but he’d be a great addition to us, especially now. If there’s anyone who can give us more answers it might be good to have them join us.”

“I’ll see what I can do. I love you, my Hero. Please be careful. Things are so mixed up and confused at the moment we’re all worried. So please examine and plan everything well before you do anything.”

Jonas dresses for Chaos, holds her close to give her a deep, heartfelt kiss before he turns and goes through the portal.

In the bank in the town of Riverview, on a planet known as Chaos, Jonas sticks his finger in the appropriate slot and seconds later a six feet by three feet by eighteen inch box appears on the table beside him. He opens it and removes a sword resembling a cavalry saber. He takes out two twelve inch dirks and places them in special sheaths built into each of his boots.

After acquiring the weapons Jonas begins to feel less vulnerable. He slips on a vest of thick leather and sheep’s wool, plus a tunic of fine mesh chain-mail, and a leather shirt. He selects a heavier knife and fastens its harness so the knife can be drawn by reaching behind his right ear. Finally, he pulls out a prepared money pouch and attaches it to his belt, hiding it behind the silk sash he ties around his waist.

He goes to the door and asks to speak to the manager. Moments later a well-dressed man enters the room. Noticing the weapons Jonas carries the manager becomes more attentive asking, “How can I serve you, Sir?”

“Sir, I’ve used the services of your bank for many years, both with my account and with my storage box. Soon I may be making a long journey and it could be years before I return, if ever. Is there a way to transfer my account and my box to my grandson?”

“It’s an unusual request but it has happened before and there is a provision for it. Your account will not be a problem but he’ll need his own storage box. In such situation like this your box will be destroyed as soon as its contents are removed. If you will give me just a few minutes I’ll set things up for you,” the banker replies before he leaves the room to make the arrangements.

About five minutes later the manager returns carrying a medallion on a chain. He says, “If your grandson comes to me with this and gives me the code-word we’ll transfer your account and move everything in your box over to his. Just have him ask for Klovus Hissup when he arrives. What do you want to use for the code-word?”

It only takes Jonas a moment to decide, “It’ll be Old Sam and Mose!”

“That’s a strange code-word, but it’s one not one easily guessed by others, which is good. Is there anything else I can do for you?”

“Yes. Who can I see about transferring title to land?”

“Is it around here?”

“It’s less than a half-day’s walk.”

“Then I can handle it. Do you want it also to go to your grandson?”

“Yes, I will.”

Klovus replies, “Then have him bring the existing papers and I can do it at the same time.”

“There could be a problem as the papers are maintained elsewhere. He’ll likely have to open his new account and move the contents of my box first, then bringing the papers on the property in at a later time.”

“I don’t see a problem with that. Anything else?”

Jonas answers, “No, and thank you. You’ve been most helpful.”

Klovus leaves the room while Jonas closes the box lid, which sends the box back into storage. He stuffs a small ball of scented bees wax up each nostril to ease the stench of the medieval town and exits the bank.

Jonas walks down the dusty street to the stables where he finds an old man moving fresh straw into empty stalls. Approaching the old man Jonas asks, “Joseph, how’s War Bonnet?”

“Oh, Master Jonas! I didn’t know you were back. He’s doing fine. I paid off my niece’s indenture with the money you left for that purpose. Because of your help freeing her she makes taking care of her savior’s horse something very important and she’s been exercising and brushing him every day.”

A pleased Jonas replies, “Can you have her saddle him for me?”

“As soon as she gets back. I sent her to the store for some saddle soap, but she hasn’t returned yet.”

Sensing concern in the old man’s voice Jonas asks, “Is she late?”

“A little, yes.”

“Joseph, if you’re concerned please feel free to ask for my help.”

“Yes, Sire.” After pausing to get the wording correct he asks, “Master Jonas, would you please check on my niece and make sure she’s safe?”

“Yes, Joseph, I’ll be glad to.”

Jonas walks back into town. When he approaches the store from the opposite side of the street he notices two thugs loitering around the entrance. He cautiously continues his stroll down the street, appearing not to give the store or the men a glance. This is especially hard when he hears one of men mention the name LaMas. At the next alley he turns to the right and moves back toward the store’s rear door. Jonas is not very surprised to find it’s also guarded. Staying in the shadows Jonas backs away. When he reaches the entrance to the alley he moves further away from the main street then he jogs back to the stables.

When Jonas arrives back at the barn with concern on his face Joseph asks, “Master Jonas, is anything wrong?”

“There’s something going on at the store. I need an old blanket, some old sandals plus a big, well-worn hat like a poor old man would wear. I also need one or two youths we can trust to keep watch on the men in and around the store.” He pauses for a moment, “Please send a rider to Shiloh for Nathan or one of his sons. I need whoever comes to wait for me at the inn, but they’re not to acknowledge or approach me if any strangers are in the room. If he’s unable to meet with me in the tavern he’ll need to slip upstairs to the back room when no one’s looking.”

Concerned, Joseph replies, “I’ll take care of these things for you. Will my niece be all right?”

“I’ll do my best, old friend. Do you still have the big box I gave you to keep?”

Joseph points at a side room while he replies, “Yes, Master Jonas. It’s in that room, under the old saddles and things in need of repair.”

Jonas walks to the rear entrance of the stables. Its double doors open out into a large pasture area. Though he doubts the bird even exists on Chaos he whistles a perfect imitation of a whippoorwill. Moments later a fine looking stallion, black with three white stockings and a white star on his forehead, breaks away from the other animals to trot to the barn. The man and beast greet each other almost as lovers.

The horse edges as close to Jonas as he can. In response Jonas gently rubs the star on War Bonnet’s forehead and strokes his neck. While Jonas talks to him the horse keeps rubbing his shoulder against Jonas’ body and nuzzling his nose against Jonas’ neck, arm, and hand. It’s obvious there’s a very special bond between them.

Jonas whispers into War Bonnet’s ear, “Oh, you’ve missed me, have you? Well, I’ve missed you too. Now, my four-legged friend, we’ve much work to do for the next few days.” The horse excitedly nods as if he understands every word. Who knows? The way he anxiously shifts his weight from one foot to another and back again, maybe he does!

When Jonas breaks away and heads to retrieve his hidden box War Bonnet follows close behind. Carefully moving the broken items Jonas finds the long wooden crate he’d previously left with Joseph. This hidden cache is one of the secrets to Jonas’ years of success. He has many loyal followers, like Joseph, whom he’s helped in one way or another, and many of these hide weapons and money for his future use. Jonas also helps these, and others, by either purchasing a stable, inn, or other business or farm or investing in their existing operation, giving them an opportunity to make improvements or to expand. For those like Joseph, where Jonas is the real owner, he accepts only a small portion of their earnings as his rent.

Opening the box Jonas sorts through different items until he makes some decisions. Picking up the first item he fastens a leather band on the outside of his left upper arm. It contains three throwing spikes with razor sharp points at either end. A similar band with five spikes goes on his right thigh. He removes the knife from his right shoulder and moves it to his front chest with the handle angled down for easy access by either hand. From the box he removes a similar knife and attaches it to his belt. It’s put horizontally in the small of his back with the handle pointed toward his right side. These knives were made by Jonas at the ranch’s forge and they’re the closest thing to a real Bowie knife he could make based on the materials and technology available to use on Chaos. They’re slightly longer than fourteen inches, including the nine-inch blades, but the knife’s balance makes its almost three pounds feel like a few ounces. The primary and secondary cutting edges are like a surgeon’s scalpel. The large guard above the handle has an upward curve at the top and a downward one at the bottom. They’re designed to either capture the opponent’s blade or to angle it away from the body of the knife wielder. There’s also a strip of soft brass running down the knife’s spine from the end of the secondary, or false, edge to the guard. This will often catch the opponent’s blade, even if only for a part of a second, thus throwing the enemy’s timing off just a bit to make the attacker vulnerable to a counter-attack for a brief moment of time.

Jonas takes off the chain with the medallion Klovus the Banker gave him and puts it in his pocket. He removes a metal chain necklace and medallion from the box to place the necklace around his neck. The medallion looks like an image of the sun but is a shuriken: a Japanese throwing star. The chain also has some unique characteristics as it fastens behind the neck with two small pieces of wood and when grabbed correctly the necklace becomes a garrote with the two pieces of wood forming the handles which fit between his fingers.

The last items Jonas removes from the box are a small but unusual crossbow along with some extra bolts. The bow’s effective range is less than twenty-five feet but it’s actually three bows fitted together. He attaches the leather band containing nine bolts to the left side of his belt and hangs the crossbow from a lanyard he stretches from his left shoulder to just above his belt on his right side. If he lets his right arm drop naturally the crossbow is at his fingertips.

Jonas packs everything else back into the box and is returning it to its original hiding place when Joseph returns with the things requested.

Joseph immediately notices the weapons changes and he becomes very frightened. He asks, “My master is preparing for war?”

“Joseph, when you don’t have sufficient intelligence on the situation you prepare for whatever the enemy is capable of, not for what you think he’s likely to do.” While throwing his saddle on War Bonnet’s back Jonas asks, “Do you have a pewter mug I can use?”

“Yes, Master Jonas. I’ll bring it right away.”

Jonas finishes saddling War Bonnet. From one of the saddlebags he takes a black silk piece that fits comfortably over War Bonnet’s upper forehead to hide the star and give the horse a more formidable look. There are also four matching leg pieces. These cover the three white areas on his lower legs called socks. Finally, he removes an object from the back of the saddle. Unrolling what looks like a bedroll he reveals a black silk cape with a scarlet red lining and a black, wide-brimmed felt hat. Jonas fastens the cape around his shoulders. Donning the hat he pulls it low on his forehead; thus hiding his face in the shadow. When Joseph returns with the mug he almost drops it. His Master is none other than the legendary Warrior, a man so feared by his enemies, and revered by his friends, that his name is seldom spoken, other than in a whisper.

Jonas takes the blanket and cuts a hole in the middle to make it into a poncho. Placing it over Joseph’s head he ties a piece of rope around the waist and places the hat low on Joseph’s face. He removes a piece of cork from his saddle bag and goes to the forge area. Here he burns the end and smears several strategic streaks on Joseph’s face.

Deciding it’s the best he can do under the circumstances, Jonas instructs Joseph about how he wants him walking slumped over while keeping his eyes focused downward with his face hidden by the wide brim of the straw hat while he shuffles along the street not saying a word or acknowledging anyone.

“Joseph,” Jonas explains, “I want all in the town to see this shuffling, weak, old man wandering around like he doesn’t have good sense. If someone thinks you’re a poor beggar, so much the better. When the sun’s dropped one hand you’re to be behind the inn waiting for my signal.”

“I’ll try, Master, though I don’t understand.”

“Joseph, I won’t lie to you. I’m pretty sure your niece, as well as this town, is in major trouble. My success in freeing both will depend on your acting ability. When everyone’s convinced you’re a harmless old man we’ll trade places. It’s called role camouflage, letting the enemy see what he expects to see. Now go start your walk through town.”

After Joseph leaves Jonas places the mug in his bedroll, fastens his saber to his saddle, and checks everything. To add to his disguise Jonas picks up a few handfuls of dust and spreads the dust over War Bonnet’s velvety black coat as well as his own clothes. When he’s satisfied he and the horse look like they’ve been on the road for days he checks out the back door for anyone watching.

Satisfied he’s not being observed Jonas climbs astride War Bonnet and moves to just outside the back doors of the stables. He makes another a quick check of the area and urges War Bonnet into a canter. When they reach the rear of the pasture the gallant steed speeds into a gallop to sail over the fence and race down a trail through the woods. This little used trail goes around behind the village to meet the main road on the other side of the village. A short time later Jonas reenters the town, but from a different direction.

The horse and rider stop in front of the inn, Jonas gets down from War Bonnet and ties him to the hitching post. Removing his saber from the saddle he places it on his belt. He loosens the saddle’s cinch then strides through the front door. At the sight of the black hat covering his eyes and the black cape with red lining the place goes dead silent. He walks to the innkeeper and says, “I need a room, some food, and beer.”

The inn keeper responds, “I’ve only one room available. It’s upstairs, in the back. It’s one quad a day, including food and drink.”

After handing the innkeeper the coin Jonas takes the offered key and says, “I’ll take it. I’m tired, hungry, and thirsty. Can you please have the food and beer brought to my room as soon as possible? Also have someone take my horse to the stable.”

“Right away, Sir.”

An exhausted-looking Jonas starts toward the steps. Turning back to the innkeeper he says, where everyone can hear, “Please hurry with the food and drink. I’m hungry, I’ve been riding for a long time and I’m exhausted. I want to sleep till sometime tomorrow. Woe to the man who disturbs my sleep.” Jonas resumes his trek up the stairs and down the hall to the last room on the right.

What no one else knows is this is his room. It’s never rented to other guests because Jonas is the innkeeper’s partner; it was his money that helped the man get started. Unlocking the door Jonas goes inside the room, where he removes his cape, hat, and boots. He takes the crossbow from the lanyard and lifts the lanyard over his shoulders. Finally, he removes the saber and puts it on the bed. After pulling a rocking chair over near the bed Jonas sits down in it, propping his feet against the bed frame.

A few minutes later there’s a knock at the door. Removing the Bowie knife from his back Jonas asks, “Who is it?”

“Your food, Sir. Also, Nathan is here to see you.”

Jonas unlocks the door, steps to the side away from the opening, and uses his left hand to open the door. The innkeeper and Nathan, his ranch manager, enter the room, and close the door. “Was the hallway clear?” Jonas asks while he bolts the door.

Thomas, the innkeeper, nods in response as he asks, “What’s going on, Master Jonas? You walk in with that cape and hat, and most of the people want to crawl under the table. Then you act like you don’t know me or anyone here.”

Jonas takes the tankard of beer and sits it on the table next to the rocker. Using a spoon he begins to eat the excellent stew and bread, while he replies, “Thomas, it appears we’ve got a serious problem here in Riverview because I suspect slavers are trying to take over the town. Have any strangers arrived in the past two days?”

“Yes, Sire. Three men brought a young woman in and met with four other men who were waiting in the tavern. The leader and the woman are in the middle room, with the two who traveled with him in the front. The four they met are in the room next door. Other than being a little rough with the woman none of them have caused any problems.”

Jonas looks thoughtful before he says, “Unfortunately, I think that’s about to change. Three of them have taken over the store and appear to be holding at least one woman inside.”

The frightened innkeeper asks, “What should we do?”

“Thomas, you know who the good men in this town are. Cautiously advise them to send their wives and daughters to stay at Shiloh. It’ll have to be done quickly and carefully with no one looking like they’re taking a trip. There should be plenty of provisions at Shiloh, including bedding and clothes.”

Nathan adds, “We can withstand a siege for several months.”

Jonas continues, “Good. As for the men, Thomas, the best riders and archers should try to slip off with the women. Some of the men can appear to be going off on a hunt, but, for the others, I suggest no one take anything more than he normally takes for a walk.”

Turning to his foreman Jonas asks, “Nathan, have our riders seen other strangers in the past five suns, especially near the river?”

“Yes, Sire. In the past two days they’ve counted twenty men moving around the forest near the river. They seem to be trying to quietly wait for someone, like...”

“Like an ambush?”

“Yes, that’s the word you taught me.”

“Good. If I don’t get to Shiloh this trip please tell the boys they did a good job.”

“That will please them, Sire. You’re good to your people and they appreciate it. They all desire to add to your happiness and to make you proud of them.”

“I’m glad they feel that way. Normally I just try to treat people like I would want to be treated. Now, did you come alone?”

“Dana rode in with me.”

“How is your son? He must be sixteen summers, now.”

Nathan smiles at his lord remembering, “Yes, Sire, you’re correct. He’s already a man, well trained for battle, yet wise enough to know when to fight and when not to.”

“Nathan, you’re indeed blessed to have such a son. I wish my own son was such. Send him back to Shiloh to warn your wife and our men of those coming. He’ll need to take the ridge trail. When he’s on his way find old Joseph behind the inn. He’ll be wearing an old poncho and hat. Have him remove his disguise and bring it when you slip him in here. I’ll want you and Thomas to join us.”

“I will take care of it, Sire.”

“Thomas, get started with the men and women, but come back to me as soon as you’ve told Sara. You’re blessed with a very good wife, as is Nathan, so use her to help you. Women gossip frequently so it’ll be less noticeable for them to whisper on the street than for men. When you return please bring me another serving of everything. It was excellent.”

“Yes, Sire. I’ll talk to Sara immediately. Because Nathan came in we can say someone at Shiloh needs her help.”

Jonas carefully lets the two men out then quietly sits there, deep in thought, Twenty men set an ambush in the same location where Crossroads had told him to find the Damsel. Add to that the fact the ones I’m looking for came here to Riverview rather than crossing the river. Something is definitely rotten in Denmark. The thing that bothers me the most is their blatant actions at the store. Are they that arrogant, or is something else at work here? And if there is something else going on, what is it, and why?

A few minutes later there’s another knock at the door and Thomas says, “Sire, I’ve the additional food and beer you requested.” Jonas opens the door and the three men slip inside. Thomas adds, “I’m going to need to hurry. Things are really picking up downstairs with many strangers, and several are very upset there are no beds available.”

Jonas replies, “I understand. Did you get the women out?”

“We’re working on it, but Sara is trying to fix plenty of food before she leaves. We’ve sent word to the miller, asking for his two sons to help serve. Ten women and six men have already slipped out of town.”

“Good, then I need to quickly explain something to the three of you. When I finish Thomas can return downstairs. Then the rest of us can talk for a few minutes longer.”

Jonas pauses while he scans their faces and says, “What I want to cover is Kyle, my grandson. Nathan is the only one of you who’s met him because he’s spent quite some time at Shiloh. Unfortunately, I’ve never introduced him to you. He’ll soon start traveling here and is to be treated as you would treat me. In addition, if he tells you I’ve gone on my final journey all the property and agreements need to be transferred over to him. When he arrives he’ll come either here or to the stables.”

Joseph asks, “But how will we know him?”

“Picture me thirty years younger with a fresh shave, sandy hair, and blue-gray eyes. He’s a little shorter and lighter than me, but you can definitely see the relationship. The first time he comes here he’ll be wearing buckskin colored like the season. If it’s winter it’ll be natural and rough, spring will be green, summer will be a lighter tan, and fall will be reddish like the leaves on the trees. Also, if you look behind his left ear or under his left arm you’ll see a scar.”

Chapter 3 »