by Jane Fletcher
Disclaimers: Please see chapter one
Chapter two — A bad name
The practice blades were blunt, but could still provide a painful jolt, even through a thick leather jerkin. Katryn gasped and staggered back a step, but kept her grip firm on her own sword and her eyes on her opponent. Chip followed up the advantage, thrusting forward again. This time Katryn managed to block — just. However, after a few more parries, Chip again got through the defence; a hard swipe to the stomach. Katryn doubled forward, ending up wheezing with both hands braced on the ground.
Chip stood back and pursed her lips. It was not the point to leave people black and blue, but you did no-one any favours in playing patsy with weapons practice. Once Katryn had recovered her breath Chip lent a hand to pull her back to her feet. Katryn stood shamefaced under Chip’s appraising stare.
"I’ve known worse." Chip conceded at last. "But I expect better." In fact Katryn was average, or would be with a bit more practice.
"Yes, ma’am."
Chip bent down a picked up the dropped practice sword. "What are you like with a bow?"
"Better."
Chip tilted her head to one side. "Really? Well, we’ll give it a go after lunch." She turned to look around at the other pairs, sparing on the grass.
The weather was colder than the day before, overcast. The tops of the mountains were lost in cloud. Despite this, all eight women of C patrol had worked up a sweat, except for Lee, who seemed physiologically incapable of it. And it was impossible to criticise her performance. Lee had a knack of putting her sword where it needed to be even before her opponent had thought of where to strike.
Chip was about to reallocate partners when a shout echoed over the field. "Sergeant Coppelli." She looked up to the top of the field. A ranger from D patrol was charging towards them. Something in the woman’s tone prompted Chip to meet her halfway.
"What is it?"
"Captain LeCoup has summoned all the sergeants."
Chip did not need to hear more. The 23rd squadron had another mission. "Corporal Horte, weapons practice is finished for today. Take the patrol back and check out their gear." Chip threw the order over her shoulder and raced off without waiting for a response.
As she got close to the officer’s quarters Chip saw the other sergeants converging on the building from different directions. Kim caught up with her by the door. "We’re off again."
"Looks like it."
Captain LeCoup and Lieutenant Ritche were waiting in the briefing room. Seconds after Chip and Kim took their place the door opened and the other two sergeants came in. LeCoup ran her eyes over the small group and began. "I’ve not got many details to give you at the moment. A convoy was ambushed in the forest north of Redridge and the cargo stolen. Three women killed. We have to get to Redridge as soon as possible and liase with the local militia captain. There’s an hour to lunch to pack. We’ll stay and eat, then ride out straight after. Any questions?"
There were none. LeCoup gave a crisp nod. "Dismissed."
**********
Late-afternoon, three days later, the squadron arrived at the outskirts of Redridge. From a long way off the rangers could see the toy-like silhouettes of houses, stuck atop the sandstone hill that gave the town its name. Redridge was situated high on the flanks of a long mountain chain. To the south was a pass, leading to Landfall. In summer there was a steady trade on the road, however those who couldn’t avoid travelling in winter had to take the long detour, by Fort Krowe at the western end of the range. North of Redridge the road went through dense forests until it reached the rich farmlands around Fairfield.
Captain LeCoup called a halt at the bottom of the hill. There was no need to drag the entire squadron and their horses through steep winding streets. With only Lieutenant Ritche beside her she set off in search of the town mayor and militia captain. The other rangers made the most of the chance to rest after the hard ride, stretching tired muscles and talking. Before long a messenger came back down the hill, with directions to a field where the squadron could set camp.
The work of erecting tents and digging latrines went smoothly, watched by a curious group of locals. The rangers paid little heed to their audience; they were used to receiving attention from excited civilians. Of more concern was the suitability of the camp-site they had been allocated, something that was often an issue, but this time there were no grounds for complaint. The field was large enough and had been left fallow for summer grazing. There was still plenty of good pasture for the horses, and water ran nearby with woods behind for fuel. By the time the two senior officers returned the camp was finished and preparations for the evening meal had started. The first trails of smoke rose into the evening sky. Chip stood with her back to the tents, watching birds squabble in the nearby trees.
"Briefing for the whole squadron in ten minutes outside the captain’s tent." the ranger from A patrol passed on the message.
Chip glanced over her shoulder to check all her patrol had caught the news. "Any indications?" she asked the messenger.
"LeCoup is fuming."
"Surely not over the robbery?" one of the newer members asked.
The messenger laughed. "Outlaws are what we’re paid to deal with. It takes the militia to get the captain screaming for blood."
"A wild goose hunt?" Chip suggested.
"I fear so."
As soon as the briefing started it was plain from LeCoup’s expression that the messenger had not exaggerated. The captain at the ring of uniformed women seated on the ground and ran a hand over her face, as if trying to rub away the scowl — it didn’t work. "Okay. This is the story." LeCoup’s tone was scathing. "There was a shipment of gold jewellery from Landfall to Fairfield. Rather than pay a fortune for lots and lots of guards, the merchant decided she’d disguise the cargo as something else. So the jewels were hidden inside bales of wool, and everyone on the crew tried to look as ordinary as possible. There were just two wagons, each with a driver and a guard, and one extra mounted scout. They got as far as Redridge without any problems, but a few kilometres to the north of here they were ambushed. Three of the crew were killed. Two managed to run like hell and got away." LeCoup paused, glaring. "And this happened over a month ago."
There were groans from around the circle. "Yeah, I know. The militia have obviously got the rangers mixed up with some relatives of the tooth-fairy. I asked how they thought we could track down anything now. Perhaps they thought we’d brought our magic wands with us."
"Why did they wait so long to send for us?" a ranger from D patrol asked.
"The militia assumed it was a local gang who didn’t know what was in the bales. They were expecting the wool to show up in town." LeCoup shook her head in disgust. "If it had been one bale pinched off the back of a wagon, maybe, but nobody is going to steal two whole wagons of raw wool…" her voice trailed away. "I’m surprised the militia didn’t leave the door of the lock-up open and hope the thieves would walk in. And even if it was an ambitious bunch of petty thugs they’d have repacked the wool into new bales, with a different stamp on the seal. Once the goodies started dropping out they’d have forgotten the wool. But, wherever the gang came from, I think we can safely assume the jewellery has been melted down by now, and the thieves are drinking their way through the profits on the other side of the Homelands."
"Since the thieves were so quick to murder three women it implies they were very determined, which in turn implies they knew what was in the cargo." Lieutenant Ritche gave her opinion.
"You’re probably right." LeCoup agreed.
"Is there any clue as to how the thieves found out about the real cargo?" This time it was Kim who raised the question.
"Nothing the militia picked up on, but there was something." LeCoup pulled out several sheets of paper from a pouch and riffled through them. "It’s in the statement from one of the survivors. Let’s see…" She unfolded one. "Yes. From a Clarinda Wright, who was the scout. She says here…" LeCoup scanned the paper. "One of the drivers who was killed had a one night stand with someone they met the other side of the pass. And Wright thinks, but can’t be sure that she caught sight of the same person again in Redridge, hanging around the back of the inn. The implication would be the driver mumbled more than sweet nothings in her sleep."
"Any description of the woman?"
"Quote, a bit rough looking for my tastes, unquote." There was laughter around the circle. "Unfortunately, since Wright doesn’t give any information on what her tastes are, we can’t even use the description to eliminate suspects — if we find some. And Wright’s now gone back to Landfall so we can’t ask her." LeCoup folded the paper again. "Any other questions, suggestions, bright ideas?"
There were a few whispered remarks, but nothing anyone chose to say aloud.
"Okay, briefing over. I’ll try and think of something sensible for us to do tomorrow. My big regret is we rushed here so quickly. We could have gone easier on the horses and had a chance to look at the nice scenery on the way."
**********
Dusk was settling by the time the evening meal was over. Chip and Kim stood at the edge of the camp, looking at the packed mass of buildings huddled on the hill. As the light faded lanterns glimmered in the windows. Beyond, on the skyline, white peaks of mountains caught the last of the rusty sunset.
"Do you fancy popping in to check out a tavern or two?" Chip asked.
"Just for a drink?"
"It’s all I intend, though I don’t suppose you’ll stick at that."
"I meant you might want to try and catch any local gossip about the robbery."
"And if we find a good-looking woman who might know something you’ll volunteer to question her at length?" Chip teased.
Kim gave a playful shove. She opened her mouth to speak, but stopped at the sight of someone approaching. Chip followed the direction of her eyes and saw Katryn coming to an uncertain halt a few steps away.
"Yes, Private?" Chip asked.
"Ma’am. Could I have a quick word?"
Kim backed away. "I’ll catch you shortly."
"It’s alright ma’am. It’s not personal." Katryn said quickly.
"I’ve got a few things to sort out." Kim pointed at Chip. "And I will have that drink." She headed off in the direction of her tent.
"What do you want?" Chip asked, once she and Katryn were alone.
Katryn hesitated. "The woman the captain named, the survivor of the ambush… were there any other details about her?"
"I don’t know, I haven’t seen the full statement. Why?"
"It’s just, the name…" Katryn spoke uncertainly. "When I was in the militia in Woodside there was a Clarinda Wright. The last I’d heard of her, she’d moved to Landfall with her cousin. But it might not be the same person, it’s not so unusual a name."
"And if it was the same person?"
"No-one would be at all surprised to hear her name in connection with a robbery. Her being the victim of it is the unexpected bit."
Chip thought for a moment. "Come on. We’ll go and talk to the captain."
Katryn looked even more unsure of herself, but followed after.
The captain’s tent was large enough to hold a dozen women, but was almost empty of contents. A lantern hung from the central pole. A pile of bedding was heaped at one side, with a few domestic items dropped on top. A board balanced across two saddles served as a low makeshift table. A map lay on it, its corners held down with stones. There were no seats. LeCoup stood, glaring at the map as if she was considering the possibilities of setting fire to it.
Lieutenant Ritche was just leaving as Chip and Katryn arrived. Chip forestalled her departure. "Excuse me ma’am, but I think you might like to hear this as well."
LeCoup looked up at the sound of Chip’s voice. Seeing Katryn trailing behind, her expression became even more grim. "Yes, Sergeant?"
"Private Nagata has some information which might be useful."
LeCoup had obviously expected Katryn to be in some sort of trouble. She looked confused for a second, but then said, "What is it, Private?"
"Please ma’am, you gave the name of one of the survivors of the ambush. I wondered… was the other one called Nosheen Paulino?"
The captain’s confusion returned, but she picked up the pouch from beside the table and flipped through the assortment of papers inside, holding them to the light. Eventually she stopped at one and studied it in more detail. "Yes, she was." LeCoup faced Katryn. "I assume there’s more to this than an announcement you wish to perform a mind-reading trick to entertain the squadron."
Katryn swallowed visibly. "Yes, ma’am. I told Sergeant Coppelli that I recognised the name of Clarinda Wright. She’s a trouble-maker from my home town of Woodside. The same goes for Nosheen Paulino, who’s her cousin. The last time I saw either I was pushing them into the station lock-up in Woodside. After the magistrate finished with them they both headed off to Landfall — or that’s what the rest of their family said. Our captain sent a letter, advising the militia there to watch out for them. I didn’t hear if there was any reply."
"You think these are the same people?"
"Yes ma’am. If it was just Wright’s name it might be a coincidence, but not with Paulino there as well."
LeCoup nodded as she leafed through the papers. "There’s no mention here of them being related." She looked up. "Tell me more about this pair."
"The whole family has a bad name. Some are no worse than aggressive drunks — stupid with it. Most have been caught at some stage with property that doesn’t belong to them. It’s all been small scale stuff to date. There was talk that Wright’s gene mother was involved in a bungled robbery at a warehouse some years back, where the owner got killed, but it was never proved. Wright and Paulino though…" Katryn paused. "Wright is a lot brighter than most of her family, and Paulino has had a vicious streak ever since she was a kid. They’re a bad combination." Katryn’s face twisted in a frown. "I’m just surprised any merchant would hire them."
"But you say Wright’s smart." LeCoup said thoughtfully. "It’s surprising the places a smart crook can talk herself into." She walked to the door of her tent and stared out for a long time. No-one else said anything until the captain turned back. "It’s obviously worth having a talk with the merchant to find out more. Wright and Paulino might also make for an interesting conversation, but they’ll probably be a lot harder to find. Private Nagata, since you know the pair you’re an obvious person to send, and I’d like Sergeant Coppelli to go as well. You can leave after breakfast tomorrow." LeCoup nodded to Katryn. "Dismissed… but I’d like a few more words with Sergeant Coppelli."
LeCoup waited until Katryn had left the tent, She turned thoughtfully to Chip. "Either we’ve had a big stroke of luck, or our new private is playing some sort of game. I admit I can’t see what or why, but that’s one of the reasons I wanted you to go as well — keep an eye on her."
"You could simply write to the Landfall militia asking them to investigate." Chip said brightly.
"I wouldn’t trust them to be able to read the letter, let alone act on it." LeCoup snorted. She directed a sideways look at Chip and went on. "I know you have your own reasons for wanting to stay away from the city, however you know the place and can find your way around. You also have a better understanding of the way merchants work than most of the squadron, and I’m sure you can use your name to pull strings if needed."
Chip opened her mouth to protest. "Ma’am. I don’t think my…"
LeCoup cut her off. "I said your name, not your family."
"Yes ma’am." Chip sighed.
"Stay as long as you need and take whatever steps you think necessary, I trust you to use your head. Corporal Horte should have no trouble leading C patrol in your absence — it will be good practise for her. The rest of the squadron will stay around here for ten to twelve days, I’d like to leave tomorrow, but we have to go through the motions of hunting the gang. It won’t be worth you coming back here when you’re finish in Landfall, so go straight to Fort Krowe." LeCoup gave the nearest thing to a smile of the afternoon. "Dismissed."
**********
"I’m sorry, I know you thought you were owed for a few day’s rest." Chip tightened the girth strap and patted the neck of her horse. The animal huffed, two clouds of white steam blossomed in the still air. Chip could feel the icy nip in her own fingers and toes, summer was gone from the mountains. She looked up at the crisp blue sky and the fading pink wisps of dawn.
"You’re about to be off?" Kim’s call made Chip look around.
"Nearly."
Kim stepped closer and dropped her voice, although the smile stayed on her lips. "Okay, you were stalling last night, but now tell me how you wrangled it."
"What?"
"I know you’re interested in Katryn, how did you talk LeCoup into giving you this little jaunt off together?"
"She’s a ranger, and my direct subordinate." Chip pointed out, her tones uncharacteristically rigid.
"I just thought… a bit of companionship on the road." Kim’s tones were playful.
"I don’t think Katryn is into bits of companionship. I know I’m not."
"Ha." Kim jeered. "I know the descriptions of at least twenty women who’d dispute that. And I only stick at twenty because I was too busy myself at the time to make a note of all rest."
"That was all some time ago."
"And now you’re too old? Or have you worn it away? I did warn you not to…" Kim yelped and ducked back from the dig aimed at her ribs. Her expression became more serious. "You’re not happy, are you?"
"You know how I feel about Landfall. I was hoping never to go near the place again." Chip said glumly.
"You could try to avoid your family."
"I could try to avoid breathing." Chip’s face twisted into a wry grin. "But I guess I’ll survive. And it will be a chance to get to know Katryn better."
"Mmmm." Kim agreed as her own smile returned.
"Talking — nothing else. There’s something about her that doesn’t fit. Maybe I can find out what."
"It’s…" Kim broke off. "Here comes your travelling companion now."
Katryn jogged up. "I’m sorry, ma’am. I got delayed."
"No problem." Chip said. "You’re ready to go now?"
"Yes ma’am."
The pair of them swung up into their saddles. "I know you’ll be miserable and bored without me, but try not to let it get you down too much." Chip addressed Kim with mock earnestness.
"Don’t knock it. It’s a lot safer than fun and excitement… particularly the sort you’ve got in mind."
Kim had to duck to avoid the playful swipe aimed at her ear, but the jibe had succeeded in putting a genuine grin on Chip’s face. The two friends exchanged a amiable, informal salute, then Kim stepped back and watched as Chip and Katryn rode off around the edge of the campsite. They reached the open gateway and joined the track bordering the field. The riders turned towards town, the first stage on the route which would take them over the pass, and on to Landfall. As the figures dwindled Kim’s expression lost the smile and a frown crept in.
"Is there a problem?" Ash appeared at her shoulder.
"I’m worried about Chip." Kim said.
"She’s a big girl, she can take care of herself."
"In most things, yes." Ash’s eyes prompted Kim to continue. "I’ve got doubts about her judgement when it comes to the new girl in her patrol, Katryn."
Ash nodded. "I know, I’ve wondered myself. Chip swallowed the story of late enlistment much too easily — and the explanation of why she was transferred. I’m not sure why Chip was so quick to take the woman’s word on it."
"She fancies her." Kim explained.
"Oh." Ash said softly.
"I don’t want Chip getting hurt."
"You think she might?"
"Yes. Just now I was teasing her about being attracted to Katryn. Chip did everything except deny it. I’ve had this nasty feeling growing for a year or so that Chip’s about to get serious over someone. Which would be bad enough in itself, but when you add it to the questions concerning Katryn…" Kim let the sentence hang.
"It’s awful when a ranger starts getting serious over someone." Ash spoke ironically.
"I know. If ever it happens to me I’d like to be put down humanely."
"I might remind you of those words someday."
Kim grinned by way of answer. The two sergeants watched the distant riders disappear around a bend in the road. "I’ve got some contacts in Eastern Division. "Ash said at last. "I think maybe I’ll make a few inquiries."
Kim glanced at her and then away. "Yes. Why not."