Beyond Simla - Sixteen

[ismenin]

Click for biggah!


Hello, there! Rich is putting up the tree; I'm doing this; Nick is waging war on Facebook, so that's the evening sorted! :D

I love this pic - I know it's nothing to do with Simla, but it is so beautiful. I hope you agree.

A huge thank you to all those who have sent me virtual gifts and real and virtual cards. Hugs you all, big time!


Here's the Thursday chapter.


Thank you, ladysunrope for beta. Huggles.


Part - 16


They slept for an hour, and then Dom rang for robes so that they could both go and bathe.

Brian came with two silk dressing-robes, and they spent a pleasant half hour lazing in the hot water, before Dom stirred.

"The business of a kingdom does not grind to a halt, my Lij, because someone is attempting to assassinate the king. I must see to things. You must forgive me for an hour or two, if you will. You may stay here, if you wish."

Elijah shook his head. "It is not a place I should care to remain without you," he said in a quiet tone. "I shall write to my uncle, and to my mother. I noticed paper and pens in the library as we walked though - that should pass a happy hour." His expression, however, did not match his words. Not one letter had he received from his parents, Dom knew, since he had left England.

***

Elijah thought a little while spent in the gardens might be pleasant, as the afternoon had grown noticeably cooler. After writing a dutiful letter to his mother, and a more comprehensive one to his uncle, he strode out through the main doors, and took a deep breath as the scent of japonica rose in the warm air.

He had wandered into a side garden where there was a pool, and he found a servant there, feeding the fish. They swam to the surface, taking large mouthfuls of food before sinking again, and Elijah watched this for a few minutes before walking on.

He was sitting under a bower of red roses when Gafur came down the path towards him. "Excellency," the servant bowed, "I see you are enjoying the pleasant gardens whilst Highness is ensconced with his uncle and cousin."

He bowed low again, which amused Elijah, unused to such a degree of servility in his servants.

"I have been to the stables on an errand for His Highness. I have seen your little foal, Lord. He is a fine creature - you must be proud of him. They were taking him to the small stable, because he had a slight cough, but he seems to be thriving."

Elijah had forgotten that Rashman had promised him the foal of his prize mare, and his interest was pricked. "Is it far? I should like to see the creature."

Gafur grinned. "Not far, Lord. We can go around through the hedges, here - it is quicker than following the formal paths. That is why I come this way."

Elijah followed Gafur into a small stable, holding about ten horses, and, there, Gafur left him in charge of the head sais, for, he said, he had another commission to perform for His Highness.

The sais took Elijah to the side buildings, and there, in an enclosure of his own, stood the foal. "Is he not a trifle young to be without his mother?" Elijah asked, concerned for the little creature, but the sais had gone.

He knelt in the straw to pat the foal, who was, indeed, a charming bay, and he was smoothing the creature, and talking to it in a low voice, when a sudden blow to the head almost deprived him of his senses. Almost, but not quite.

Before he succumbed, he heard the voice of the Bambaiyaa speaker of whom Hill had spoken. He, did, indeed have a dreadful accent. Elijah allowed one eye to open a fraction, and saw the man standing with Duleep Singh, a hand on his shoulder. He closed his eye again, and, as he was hauled off the floor, he was struck again, and his senses left him.

Very soon after this, six horsemen rode through the pass and saluted the guard standing at the top of the cliff. The guard could see that these men might be gone for a few days, as they all had rolls of bedding tied behind their saddles. He smiled to himself. They were not as hardy as they used to be, that was certain for at least one of the party had a thicker bedroll than the others. The guard reminisced for a moment about the nights he had spent on hard ground, and shook his head. No, times were changing. By the time he looked for the party once more all he could see was a faint cloud of dust.

***

Dom had worked hard for nearly four hours with his uncle Arjit and his cousin. At one point Dom had asked Basmin to bring to him the document pertaining to the Pathans, and his cousin did so. He was gone for nearly half an hour before he rushed back, clutching the papers.

"My fool of a secretary mis-filed it!" Basmin explained, thrusting the document into Dom's hand. "What an idiot he is! I shall have to find someone else, when I have time."

Dom read the paper. There appeared to be a small band of renegade Pathans harrying the northern plains. Dom was certain it was none of the men he had settled in the valley, but General Portman had reported them for attacking and robbing one of his patrols, and wanted to know what His Highness - who took a particular interest in the Pathans - was going to do about it.

Dom swore aloud. "What are your thoughts on the matter, uncle?"

Arjit Singh rubbed his beard. "They must be found and dealt with, Udom," he said, informally, as they were alone. "Everyone who matters in this part of the country knows you have a particular care for the Pathans. And you also know that once that fat hog Portman gets a bee in his bonnet, he will not let it go."

They mulled it over for half an hour before deciding to send to Dom's Pathans to see if they knew anything about the other group.

"Let Duleep Singh go," Basmin suggested. "He will soon sort it all out."

"No!" Dom retorted, rather too sharply. His cousin's eyebrow lifted, but he said nothing.

Dom thought for a moment. "I think I'll send Captain Wenham, with my secretary, Ankush, as his interpreter - his grandfather was a Pathan, and he speaks the language well. I will ask Lord Wood if he will spare the captain to me...as he has visited the Pathans before, so his lordship informs me," he added quickly by way of explanation.

When Dom finally left the meeting it was only half an hour before dinner, and Dom hurried to Elijah's rooms, eager to get permission to use David as his agent before they ate. He had a slight feeling of unease as he approached the door, which he was at a loss to interpret.

Gafur let him in. "I obtained the objects you asked me to get for you, Highness," the man said, nodding towards several boxes on the table. "I hope they will suit."

Dom nodded then looked about him, anxiously. "Is his Lordship dressing in his bedroom?" he asked, striding towards the chamber. He opened the door to find Billy waiting patiently in a chair, reading a book.

"Is his lordship bathing?" Dom asked, his sense of unease growing. "It is a little late," he said, beginning to strip. "Dinner is in twenty minutes."

Billy stood up, a worried from on his face. "No, m'lord, we thought he was with you. We haven't seen him since you both left the audience."

Gafur came through the open door. "The last time I saw his lordship was in the small stable. I had taken him there to see his foal - the one Rashman Singh gave to him before it was even born. I left him with the head sais, because you had asked me, Lord, to..."

The most dreadful feeling came over Dom as he stood there. Elijah had gone.

Dom ran from the room in his shirtsleeves.

There were two young boys in the small stable yard, and both looked lost. As Dom ran towards them, they knelt, and bowed their heads before him.

"Where is the head sais?" he panted. "Bring him to me!"

"He is not here. Th...they have all gone...Lord. All! We alone are left!"

Billy came close behind him, and Gafur followed, panting heavily. "Where...is...everyone?" the old man managed at last.

"Gone! " The older boy was frightened of the look on his king's face, but he knew he had done nothing wrong. "They all rode out, Lord, about two hours ago. Not long after you left," the lad said to Gafur, who, winded, was leaning against a pillar for support.

"I should have...stayed with him." Gafur had tears in his eyes. "But you had commanded me, Lord, so I left to..."

Dom called for help at the top of his voice, and servants hurried from inside the palace. One of them was his head steward.

"Send a man to the watchers at the head of the pass. Find from them which way a party of riders - leaving any time in the last four hours- travelled. Quickly!!"

The steward turned to two men standing near him, and soon the sound of hooves was heard, riding hard out of the compound.

Dom glanced at Billy. "Are you fit enough to ride with us? I am going after him, as soon as we find which way he was taken. He has been kidnapped, I’m certain of it! Gafur, you come too, old friend!"

Billy nodded, confused. "But...my lord...how do you know he has been taken? It may be he has settled in some apartment with a book, and fell asleep over it. He has often done so..."

Dom thought for a moment before answering. "I know he has gone from this place. How do I know? I'm not sure," he shrugged and turned to his steward. "Send Dr McKellen and Captain Wenham to Lord Wood's apartments as soon as possible, and ask my uncle and cousin to meet me there as soon as they can be found. I will wait there until the messengers return. And, Fadi, have every public room in the place checked, just in case Mr Boyd is correct."

The steward bowed low and rushed away, and Dom gave one of the servants instructions to fetch someone to care for the remaining horses before the three men went to Elijah's rooms.

Dom sat in a chair, trembling slightly, whilst Billy and Gafur quietly explained to Osman what had happened. He wanted to accompany his cousin, but Dom knew, merely by looking at the still sunken cheeks and eyes that Osman was not fit to leave his room just yet, let alone ride into who knew what. Knowing that Ian would agree, Osman sat and listened to the others talk.


"But I don't understand how he knows that his lordship has been taken," Billy said in a low voice, shaking his head. It was plain to the others that he still hoped Elijah would be found asleep in one of the salons.

Osman smiled, and Gafur nodded. "Yes, he would know if any harm had come to him," he whispered. "He was always thus with those he cared for, greatly."

***

All was now a frenzy of activity.
David went to the stable to organize a small party, and Gafur and Billy packed bags and gathered comforts and food for the journey, "wherever that may be," Billy sniffed as Gafur handed him two blankets.

"Do not worry, Boyd," Gafur said, his voice more cheerful now he had something to do. "Highness has a very good mind for a difficult problem. We shall find him, I promise you."

Half an hour later, the messengers came back to say the party had turned south at the entrance to the pass, and ten minutes after that, Dom, Billy, Gafur, David, Ian, Hill, Smithy and six armed guards left the palace to ride into danger.

***

Elijah came to himself to find he was lying across the back of a horse. Every bone in his body ached, and his head most of all.

If I keep getting battered over the head like this, I'll have no brains left! he thought, angrily, determined not to exhibit any behaviour that would be likely to cause him to be struck again.

He could hear several voices calling to each other, and knew he was outnumbered. There was no point in trying to escape - at least, not yet.

He was very hot wrapped in the blankets, but although he was uncomfortable, he felt in no danger of suffocation, as the ends of the cloths were left open, allowing air to circulate freely about his head, for which Elijah was very grateful.

It seemed hours before the horses stopped, and someone began untying him. Even before he could raise his head, a thick bag was thrust over it, and he was hauled off the horse.

"Do not try to resist us," a voice said in passable Hindustani. "It is better that you come with us, quietly, than we have to stun you, again."

"I understand," Elijah replied, trying to stand square on the ground which seemed to him to be moving slightly. Someone barked an order, and Elijah's arm was firmly gripped and he was led inside some kind of building - he was not sure what kind, but he heard the door close. Then another door closed, then another, and then the bag was pulled off by a rough hand, and Elijah stared into the eyes of a man wearing the garb of a Pathan shepherd.

"Here you will stay," said the man, his deep, authoritative voice stumbling slightly in the Hindustani. "You will not be further harmed, unless you try to escape. Then you will be killed. No-one will find you here. No-one would expect to find you, here. Accustom yourself to being a prisoner, my lord."

He left, locking the door behind him.

Elijah glanced about him. It was a room about twelve feet square. There was a cot bed with some blankets and a pillow. There were no windows; two candles stuck in a saucer gave all the light that was to be had. There was a bucket in the corner. Elijah grimaced. He was not a fussy man but he did not relish having to use it.

Against a wall there was a small table with a jug and an enamel mug on it. Elijah sniffed. It seemed to be water, and Elijah thought it unlikely that the men would drag him to this place only to kill him - at least, not yet. They could have done that anywhere along the road. He poured himself out a mugful, and drank it thirstily. It was hot in the airless room so he removed his coat and waistcoat, and wetting his handkerchief, wiped his face and neck. Then, having nothing better to do, he rested on the bed, wondering what would happen next.

He thought of Dom frantically searching the palace for him, not knowing where he had gone. And of Billy, his green eyes dark with despair. He thought of Osman, Basmin and Arjit, of Hill and David and Gafur. And Duleep Singh, the traitor to his king. But most of all, he thought of Dom. He was still thinking of Dom when they brought food. He was not hungry, but he ate it. He knew it was pointless to refuse. He needed the strength to think.

***

"Do you think it wise to leave so near to darkness falling, sir?" David asked, as they rode south after the kidnappers. "We shall have to stop before long."

"Yes, I suppose we will, because they, too, cannot travel far in the dark. But at least we can ride until the road divides, and perhaps one of my guards - who is an expert tracker - can tell us which way they went."

"But how can he see in the dark?" David argued. "I know we have no oil lamps with us!"

"But we do have torches, David. I was sent several from the Spanish inventor. He was anxious to sell his new product, and I bought a few. They are useful in the hills at night."

David had heard of the device. but had never seen a good one - one that shed a bright, even light. They had inclined to be unreliable. But he realised that Dom would have only the best, and portable light was indeed useful. He felt better about travelling by night.

They stopped at the base of the track, where the path led off in three directions, and waited for Dom's tracker to discover which way the riders had gone.

He seemed to search about for a long time, before he came and stood, head bowed, beside Dom's horse.

"There are no signs that riders have passed this way in the last few days, Highness. Someone has lied to us." The man seemed troubled by it, but he was not as troubled as Dom, who could see the opportunity to rescue Elijah early in the abduction slipping from his grasp.

Ian rode up, and was told what had been discovered. There was no point, he said to his grandson, putting a reassuring hand on his shoulder, in riding further in the dark. So they made camp in a little green patch off the road, and rested.

"We have to go back to the palace, and start again," Dom said, holding a mug of tea in unsteady hands to stop it spilling. "I must send a heliograph to Portman, and that will result in a wire being sent to the viceroy. I have no doubt that more British officials will descend upon us, demanding details which I cannot give them. But first I will discover who has lied to us, and their punishment will not be a light one."

"Aye," Billy agreed. "For it's plain that some bugger has lied to us, and I, for one, want to know who it was, and why!"

***

They rode into the stable yard, and Dom dismounted, calling for Ian, Billy and David to follow him. He gave Ian and David instructions, and beckoned Billy to follow him.

He went to his study, and sent for his steward.

"Bring to me the men you sent to the guards on the high pass. And, Fadi, find Duleep Singh, and bring him to me - in chains!"

Fadi bowed and left quickly, as Dom motioned for Billy to sit.

Dom thought for a moment before speaking. "There is something I do not understand, Boyd. But I hope you will enlighten me."

Billy breathed deeply. "Aye, I will if I can, my lord."

Dom looked at him carefully. "Does that mean that you have orders which you did not share with Lord Elijah, and that you cannot share with me?"

Billy looked him straight in the eye. "Yes, my lord."

Dom continued to meet the Scotsman's gaze. "Has it anything to do with the secret compartment in two pieces of your luggage, and the documents - and guns and ammunition - found therein?"

Billy started at that disclosure, but settled back in his chair. If the Rajah had done nothing about these things before now, he must not only know the papers contents, but must be happy to let things take their course.

"Aye, my lord, it has."

Dom rang the bell. "Very well, Boyd. I will do nothing for the time being. However, come with me - I think it is time to send a message to General Portman. I'm certain he will be overjoyed to receive it, for I know he did not like Elijah, or the authority he held over him, or over the army which the general runs so inefficiently.”

Dom left a message for Fadi, saying that he would be in his own apartments in about half an hour, if any of the people he had sent for were found, and climbed to the roof, Billy following behind, thinking deeply.

The message sent was short, but to the point.

His Excellency, Lord Wood, abducted from palace at Ranjipore by unknown agents. Please inform all those to whom this information would be of interest. Will send news when received. Udom Singh.

They had not long to wait for a reply.

Your Highness. Message received and understood. General Portman is informing the viceroy of this occurrence. Expect to hear from Lord Hubert shortly.

Dom leaned back in the chair. "Well, that has put the cat amongst the pigeons, Boyd. Let us go down and see if there is any news. Have you any objection to remaining with me whilst I try to sift through this tangle?"

Billy shook his head. "No, my lord. Without Lord Elijah here, I am entirely my own man. Well, nearly," he amended, conscientiously, remembering the documents, and their contents.

Dom smiled. "Just so!" he said, dryly, as he led the way to his apartments. Billy wondered why he had not returned to Elijah's rooms, but had no time to ask for an answer, as they were soon in front of two massive doors, which Fadi, waiting outside with two trembling men, opened for him.

Dom stalked inside like a panther measuring the length of its cage, and Billy glanced about him in surprise, for the large room into which they had come was furnished in a far less opulent style than were the apartments allotted to Elijah.

Dom saw the look, and smiled, but his attention was drawn by Fadi. "Here are the men I sent to the pass, Highness. They are frightened; they fear they have done wrong in your eyes."

Dom's face stiffened. "Tell me what you have discovered, then I will judge if you did wrongly."

The slightly older man squared his shoulders. "We are afraid, Great King, because we did not go right to the head of the pass, as you instructed. We met a man coming down off the top - about a quarter of the way up - whom we asked, and it was he who told us which direction the party had gone."

Dom folded his lips. "Who is this man? Fadi, send for him, immediately, for it is obvious he lied!"

Fadi looked sadly at his king. "I cannot do that, Highness, for he is no longer to be found within the palace demesne." Then answering the unasked question in Dom's eyes, he said, softly, "It is fortunate that these men recognised him - it was Duleep Singh."

Dom's face was a mask of fury. It was obvious that his plan to leave Duleep free to lead them to his masters had gone badly awry.

"Send again to the pass for details - bring the answer to me, here."

He looked at the two men, and said in a stern voice, "next time you receive orders from me, however insignificant you may think them, or you perceive an easier way to accomplish it other than the way that I have told you, see that you carry them out to the letter, or my punishments will be severe. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Highness!" they chorused, still trembling. Fadi glanced at his master, thoughts of whippings burning in his eyes, but Dom waved him away. "Send them again to the pass. I am certain they will do better this time!"

When they were alone, Dom rang for refreshments, and bade Billy sit in the brown leather armchair opposite his. "Now, Mr Boyd, tell me all that you can, in all conscience, reveal. It may be Elijah's life depends upon it, for we have nothing else on which to act."

Billy did more than this. Afraid for his master's life, he told Dom nearly everything.

Comments

[verangel.livejournal.com]

WOWWOWOW! I love the collaberation going on between Billy and Dom. It is driving me crazy wondering what more Billy is holding back. The opening scene had that lovely feeling of a night well spent in together. I felt their closeness and Elijah's restlessness. It is sad that his parents do not care for him. I find that so strange when you know the Queen (his cousin) must adore him to have him being watched and protected.
Dire situation now. I was glued and hate that I have to suffer until Sunday *sniff*. Thank you again for another suspenseful chapter. hugs you close!! xoxoxox v

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Awww! To think I'm causing dear Verangel angst. I am a wikked person. :D

Next part is up,but I don't think it'll give you much consolation - not yet! But it will come! ;D xxxx

[mews1945.livejournal.com]

Oh, my gosh, I should've known something terrible was going to happen. Things were too quiet, and they were both lulled enough to be less alert to the dangers. I hope they find Duleep and make him tell everything he knows.

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Yup - when I get quiet - watch out! I'm consistent if nothing else! Duleep is a creep. Yuck! :D xxx

[forestrane.livejournal.com]

Wow, another bit of intrigue. I'm loving it.

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Aww! Thank you. I like intrigue myself - it adds spice. ;D xxx

[tristanpaulus.livejournal.com]

I should have known something was coming.

I wonder where they have taken Elijah, I still wonder if General Portman has anything to do with this, and I hope Dom catches the traitor Duleep!

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

I'm sure you did know. Trouble is never too far away, is it? Next part is up, where General Portman is, well, General Portman! You'll see! ;D xxx

[laeliacatt.livejournal.com]

Awww, a cute wee beastie napping in the rose! :D

What a chapter! Poor Elijah! We need to get a helmet for the poor thing.

I had a bad feeling when Elijah went to the stables. I hope that Duleep Singh will be apprehended soon. There's no telling what Dom will do to him when he's caught. At first, I suspected Gafur. Then, I suspected Portman. Now, I suspect everyone! :)

Billy is an intriguing enigma. What could he be telling Dom? And, perhaps more interesting, what could he be holding back? I know you will reveal this, and more, at the appointed hour. :D *huggles*

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

It is a sweet pic isn't it? Bless!

Continue suspecting everyone! You're bound to get it right if you do that! All WILL be revealed, in the end. :D hugses xxx

[mole-caz.livejournal.com]

What a little cutie!!

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Is he not a darling? xxx

[janejanejane.livejournal.com]

Gorgeous pic of that little critter sleeping in a rose!

Poor Elijah, bashed on the head again :-( Kidnapped and separated from his Beloved after such a night... I guess it had to happen with Duleep still at large.

Billy and Dom are now collaborating, but Billy still has to keep some things to himself. Intriguing!

Thanks for another fascinating chapter. Looking forward to the next!
*huggles*
XXXX

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

I worry abt Lij's head. I've biffed him a good few times over the years. Good job they're all different Lijah's isn't it? Huigses ;D xxx

[janejanejane.livejournal.com]

It is a good thing as the poor lad has been *biffed* on the bonce quite a number of times... 0_0

Hugses back
XXX

[lisabellex.livejournal.com]

Oh no! Elijah has sustained another bonk to the head and been removed from the palace to be held captive in goodness only knows where! I'm glad Dom has Billy to assist him and I look forward to finding out that which Billy will reveal about his special orders. Elijah must be rescued and that Duleep Singh must be made to tell all and punished!

Gripping tale!

:D

xxx

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Thank you, my love! Elijah does come in for his fair share of bonks - in more ways than one. ;D Duleep Singh WILL be punished. Dom is looking forward to it! Er...so am I. :D xxx

[http://users.livejournal.com/tweedle_/]

Poor Lijah! Very interesting that there is something else that Billy is involved with that Elijah knew nothing about. But Dom did! Hmmmmm. I really want to know what Billy has told Dom! :) XXOO

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Billy and Dom had a good chat, yes. All will be revealed in the end. Love my bois! ;D xxx

[primula-baggins.livejournal.com]

Finally I finished this chapter.

Poor Lijah all alone in a cell. I hope Dom and Boyd can figure a plan of action and rescue him.

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Bless! It's been a busy week, hasn't it? Huggles. ;D xxx