Gene of Isis

‘Not really,’ Earnest admitted. ‘I think it runs in the family.’ He looked at me and noted Albray suddenly appear. He joined us to hear the knight’s report.

Lady Devere is still on board, under guard. They have her locked in quarters below deck, beyond the galley.

‘Great!’ My husband wasn’t at all inspired by the news. ‘We’ll only have to sneak past the entire crew to get to her.’

You see all those windows just below the bow of the ship. Albray pointed them out. One of the windows on the other side belongs to the cabin where your friend is being held.

‘Locked, you said?’ Devere queried.

Padlocked on the outer door and inner window.

My husband was again disheartened.

But the windows are only made of glass and timber. Albray smiled and, catching his drift, Devere smiled too.

‘Where is Molier?’ I thought to ask.

Not on board, but I shall track him down once you have finished with me and report back.

‘And the Fire vial?’

It is on board, locked in an iron safe. I have never before seen a lock the like of it, for there is no hole for a key.

‘We should just concentrate on getting our sister to safety.’ Devere warned me against pushing our luck.

‘Of course, you’re right,’ I agreed, my mind still mulling over how to get around Molier’s security measures. ‘I think we could do with some professional help. I need to consult with Cingar. Perhaps there is a way of gaining access without smashing any windows and raising the alarm. The more of a head start we can get on our journey eastwards the better. Albray,’ I turned to my knight, ‘I am guessing Molier is somewhere between here and Rome. Please find out how many days he is away.’ He vanished and we turned to seek out Cingar, only to find Lord Devere staring at us, undoubtedly concerned for our mental health.

‘Who on earth are you both talking to?’

‘You don’t want to know,’ Earnest advised.

‘The good news is that Susan is on board,’ I added on a positive note. ‘And I believe I have a plan.’

‘Grand.’ Lord Devere forced a smile. ‘That is so very reassuring.’

With a bag full of gold francs supplied by Lord Devere, Cingar and his wife rowed ashore and were able to secure the aid we required.

Albray returned that afternoon. He had discovered that Molier was indeed in Rome, negotiating with the Vatican over the collection of rare biblical texts, and it would take several days for him to rejoin his vessel.

Come nightfall, the Devere brothers, Cingar and I rowed across to the wharves and waited in the rowboat. Cingar’s ‘aid’ was due to arrive soon. Our target was docked at the end of the longest wharf. To ensure a fast getaway, Captain Falco had moored offshore.

‘This may not work, you realise?’ my husband whispered to me. ‘These men could well be sworn to chastity by their order.’

‘Were you?’ My question was rhetorical. ‘Besides, they’re Frenchmen.’

‘Here they come.’ Cingar pointed to the small crowd of ladies making their way up the wharf, their arms loaded with supplies.

‘Ahoy there!’ the woman in front yelled, before ascending the gangway.

When members of the crew spied the gathering of women, whistles and cries of approval sounded. ‘What can we do for you, ladies?’

‘It is more what we can do for you, gentlemen,’ the lady replied. ‘Lord Molier instructed us to feed his men in his absence. We have brought fresh food, wine and company. May we come aboard?’

Molier had left one of his personal staff on board to keep an eye on the crew, and he was hesitant to give consent. However, he was eventually persuaded by the rest of the crew to allow the women on board—they knew as well as he did that their superiors would not be back for days, in any case.

‘I still don’t know about this.’ Lord Devere was very edgy.

Albray motioned to the bow, where I spied Susan watching the commotion from a window.

‘My lord…’ I gestured to the window and upon sighting his love, Lord Devere leapt to his feet. ‘Susan!’

‘Shhh!’ All three of us yanked him down to a huddled position. Thankfully, our prey had not heard a thing over the din they made welcoming the whores.

‘My wife is here,’ James said in amazement.

‘You were in doubt?’ I teased, relieved that my brother-in-law would finally throw his all into our quest. Well sighted, I commended silently to Albray, thankful for the timely intervention.

Anything to stop him whining, Albray commented, and both my husband and myself had to smother our amusement.

‘I take back every negative comment I’ve ever made about your methods.’ Lord Devere finally awarded us our due. ‘I shall never doubt you again.’

Praise the Great Mother, a convert!