The Executioner's Curse: The Lailoyan Alchemist, #2

By Scott E. Douglas

A Steampunked Romantic Comedy 

Two years ago Thaddeus Carmichael disappeared. To be expected really, given his history.

A year ago, both sons of Jaqueline Carmichael became gravely ill.

Now a man who was burned at the stake six years ago arrives in town. He was executed for being one of the leaders of an inquisition that terrorized the land of Lailoya. Thaddeus was responsible for this, but the man isn't seeking revenge. He's seeking the talisman Thaddeus used.

There’s an ancient curse on that talisman that extracts a grave cost for its benefits. The cost to Jaqueline will be the lives of her two boys. The cost to everybody else will be equally grave.

The only way to break this curse is to find Thaddeus and destroy the Talisman.Jaqueline is going to need her friends Alexander and Isadore Hangmoor to help her, but it's going to take more than just friends.

It’s going to take a lot of guile, a lot of grit and an airship or two.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Scott E. Douglas
• Release date: Feb 8, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524220020

Book preview

Prologue

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Mr. Walter Shillingford Robotham, you have been tried and found guilty of crimes of the inquisition. You have right of rebuttal before we carry out sentence.

I don’t recall a trial.

***

Darkness... yet things glowed... blue. Where had Thornhill gone?

There was a flash. Was it lightning or something else?... something more sinister... no, the light was white. A sinister light would be blue, or red, or black... Black light... it can’t be... you’re losing it old boy... don’t lose it until... where is this place?... where is Thornhill?...

I must hide this.

***

You were tried in absentia, the evidence against you being so overwhelming.

I don’t even recall an attempt to verify my identity. I told you my name is—

Walter Robotham. There’s no escape this time.

***

So dark in here. At least outside had an occasional flash of lightning... dark lightning... there’s nothing to see that can’t be make believe... not in the dark. Where you see nothing, it’s all illusion... except for the rats, no, mice... you see Reggie, even though you can’t see them, you can hear them and...

Stop it... Reggie isn’t there... but mice were, and where there were mice, there were holes... I can hide it... it’s glowing blue, so I can hide it where anyone can find it but me...

What’s happened to Thornhill?

***

Walter Robotham was executed six years ago, in this square, along with—

You’re not the first of those apparently executed that evening to meet their ultimate end on these gallows, Mr. Robotham.

***

Take me to the other side of Drumchappel... here’s a shilling... no, that’s all I have, I’m sorry... well then this is a fortunate fare for you... because you get to keep the difference... serious? Why yes, I’m – Walter? What’s happened to Thornhill? I’ve looked and can’t find him any – the what?... of course, I have it, it never leaves my... it’s not here... Reggie must have it... yes, Reggie Thornhill.

***

I require an answer. I’m asserting right of rebuttal to demand you explain—

That’s Enough!

A gag went into his mouth and a black hood over his head. A rope went about his neck and a voice yelled, Clear! The last thing he was aware of was the noise of a lever and the sensation of falling.

***

You’ll be fine Mr. Carmichael, came a deep soothing voice. It was from a large man of colour who loomed above the bed.

The bed... Where did a bed come from? How did he get here? Where was here? There were stone walls, a wooden door, stone floor... This wasn’t the... where was he before?

The goddess isn’t finished with you yet.

No... I suppose she... now that was something he wouldn’t have imagined by himself.

1. A Disgusting Breakfast

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It was breakfast at the Hanged Wizard and Jaqueline felt disgust. She walked to a red haired woman standing at the counter at the back of the restaurant. Liver and onions for table six, she said as she handed over some coins.

I hope you didn’t let the customer see that look on your face? the woman at the counter asked.

Chonny darling. Jaqueline shook her head. You know I wouldn’t. Besides, Mr Windham knows me well, along with my revulsion for offal.

I know, Chonny smiled. Does he want a drink with that?

No.

Get him a cup of tea anyway. He's having trouble with his stomach lately and the onion will upset it. Tell him I said he should drink it. Chonny handed Jaqueline the change.

Jaqueline nodded and returned to Mr Windham. She collected the surplus cutlery from the table, and returned to Chonny's counter.

Is there some work for me upstairs? Jaqueline asked.

Take what you need from the till. Chonny said. Pay me back when you can.

No, I won’t do that. I need a lot

That bad is it? Chonny looked worried.

Solomon has taken ill, same as Fletcher. The medicines are expensive.

Well then—

No, Jaqueline stopped her. You’ve already been too kind. It’ll be just once more.

That’s what you said last time. If Osborne finds out, he’ll not speak to me again.

Then don’t tell him. It’s for Solomon.

A large red-haired man walked through the front door. Jaqueline felt the blood drain from her face.

What’s the matter? Chonny asked. You look like you’ve just seen a ghost.

By the mother of all that’s evil, that’s just what’s happened.

Chonny looked at the customer who’d just found himself a table. I don’t understand.

That man looks like someone I’d met before, but that’s not possible.

Why not?

Because I watched him die.

Then it isn’t him, Chonny said in her ever-practical way.

You’re right. Jaqueline strode to the red-haired customer. May I help you? she asked when she reached his table.

Perhaps, the man replied. But I’m really here to ask if I can help you, and a friend of yours.

Walter Shillingford Robotham, Jaqueline seethed. How did you get here?

By coach dear. And the name’s Wilfred Shillington Rothmore.

You’ve not answered my question. I saw you burn.

You of all people should know this is not unusual. Your good husband burned the same way twice and returned. How is my old friend Thaddeus? Or is it Theodore again?

I wouldn’t know, Jaqueline said. I haven’t seen him for two years.

Robotham shook his head. I’m sorry to hear that. Do you know what happened to him?

Not that it’s any of your business, but no. He just didn’t come home one night and hasn’t been home since. Now would you like to order some food so I can get Mr Windham his liver?

Your friend Alexander would have had a quip for that, but I understand. Is it any good?

What, the liver? Everything’s good here.

Except for the liver, Chonny said from behind Jaqueline. Unless you like liver. Then you won’t find liver cooked better anywhere in Lailoya. Do you like liver sir?

I adore liver, provided it’s cooked well.

Right. Chonny put her hands on her hips. Well there seems to be quite a bit of subtext here, so perhaps Jaqueline can tell Cookie what you want for breakfast, bring Mr Windham his breakfast and then return so you can tell her what you really want.

Very well Miss... Robotham raised his eyebrows.

Miss Baskerfield.

Of the Drumchappel Bakersfields?

I said Baskerfield. Chonny’s voice was low.

I know, Robotham said. I hear your father is doing very well these days.

You best take care what you hear sir. Chonny looked at Jaqueline. Please hurry back dear, she said.

Jaqueline hurried.

Cookie’s making the liver, Jaqueline announced when she returned.

Chonny was now sitting in the chair opposite Robotham. She pointed to one of the other chairs. Jaqueline sat.

Mr Rothmore has some unusual news. Chonny told her.

And what news would that be?

Would you care to tell her Mr Rothmore? Chonny cocked her head toward Robotham.

I’ve been working these past months to find a way to deal with an infernal curse.

What curse?

Robotham showed Jaqueline his left wrist. It bore the same mark that Jaqueline’s wrist had. A snake twisted about two crossed arrows. Thaddeus had called it the Mark of Aharamet. It had something to do with the deception that sustained the inquisition for more than a hundred years.

Chonny looked confused. Of course she’s confused, she won’t be able to see the marks, Jaqueline thought. What is the problem then? she asked.

This little snake is quite deadly, Robotham said. As you may not know, but are experiencing.

What do you mean? Jaqueline asked.

How are your children? Is the younger lad feeling poorly yet?

What do you know about this? Jaqueline glared at him.

I mean children conceived under this curse generally don’t live past their seventh birthday. One of yours is approaching that age, is he not?

No, Jaqueline answered. The oldest is five.

Ah, that’s good. We don’t have the tyranny of the ticking clock, but we still need to find the answer to this thing.

What are you two speaking about? Chonny interrupted.

An old problem dear, Robotham said. One I thought your friends might have told you about. No matter. I understand you own this establishment now. I will require a room for the next few nights.

You won’t afford a room here, Chonny told him.

Oh, I don’t know. I still have means. How much do you charge?

Five to ten shillings per hour.

Oh, Robotham nodded. Following in our father’s footsteps now are we? Well I suppose you don’t afford the kind of company for my liking.

No she doesn’t Walter, Jaqueline said. "The upstairs establishment affords only female companionship for the weary traveller.’

Your friend here is correct, Chonny said. There is accommodation near the town centre. The establishment is called the Silver Chateau. It has an excellent kitchen and is close to the more scenic part of our town. Tell the proprietor I sent you and you’ll receive a good room.

Yes, Robotham said, looking about the restaurant. I like what you’ve done to this place, he said to Chonny.

You’ve been here before? Chonny asked.

Yes, but it was many years ago. I was also told what it was like a couple of years ago by a very close friend. He looked at Jaqueline. Someone you know quite well dear.

Stop playing games and just tell me, Jaqueline said, disgusted.

Someone I knew from the old days, one Theodore Bassington Callahan, otherwise known as Thaddeus Bassington Carmichael.

Where is that hedge whore? she asked.

He’s the one I came to Chesterfield to find, Robotham said. He has the talisman that will break this curse, from all of us.

And you’re suffering from it how?

In ways you could not possibly comprehend dear. It is what’s killing your children and killed your dear friends Alexander Hancock and Isadore Moorcock.

What do you know of them? Jaqueline asked.

In my attempts to find your Thaddeus, I came upon a Major Clifford Goodfellow Moorcock, young Isadore’s father. He’s been unable to find her these years and his enquiries led him to discover that her and her alchemist friend both perished.

Really? Jaqueline said. How did they die?

Agents of the Somerset Detective Agency caught them in Easthollow. They were hanged.

They were responsible for ending the Inquisition. I don’t see why Somerset detectives would arrest them. They seek inquisitors.

Yes. Something you once were. Robotham looked over to the counter. Is that my liver?

Jaqueline looked to the counter where Cookie was placing a steaming plate.

Probably, Jaqueline said. Answer my question first.

Robotham looked to Chonny.

You’ll get your breakfast once you’ve answered Jaqueline’s question, Chonny told him. I’m also curious.

Robotham sighed. The Somerset Agency is paid for results. There are few inquisitors left within the borders of Lailoya, as you are no doubt aware. He looked directly at Chonny, who didn’t react. Without a hanging, there’s no payment. I’m afraid your friends were caught in the madness.

As I recall, Isadore’s father was murdered in Easthollow, Jaqueline said.

That’s what we thought at the time. It wasn’t the case. Now, enough of your games.

My games? Jaqueline asked.

Yes, your games. You already knew about your friends, otherwise you’d not have reacted so callously to the news. May I have my breakfast now, before it goes cold?

I’ll get it for you, Chonny said.

No, Jaqueline said. I think I’ve had enough conversation with our friend here. I’ll get it.

Once Robotham was served, Chonny took Jaqueline to one side.

What’re you going to do about him? she asked.

I’ll see Alexander and Isadore and warn them. I’ll let them decide what they want to do. I also have to let Osborne know.

Go do that now. Have the rest of the day to decide what you’re to do.

And tonight? Jaqueline asked.

Chonny pursed her lips and looked around the restaurant. I’ll speak with Madam Chantelle. I know three of her girls are moving on this afternoon. She may let you use one of their rooms. I’ll speak with Charles in case she says yes. I’ll tell him to only send quality to that room. You may need to service more than one. Can I tell her that’s alright?

Tell her to send as many as she can, Jaqueline answered.

Chonny shook her head.

It’s for Solomon, Jaqueline pleaded.

I wish you’d just let me give you the money.

Then you’d find it even harder to keep this place open. Jaqueline smiled. Besides, it’s my little bit of fun.

You’re lying and I know it, Chonny said. I’ve known you nearly six years now. What happens upstairs disgusts you.

No, Jaqueline said. It did, once. But from what I’ve—

No, Chonny said. Madam Chantelle won’t have any mention of what goes on upstairs in the restaurant.

Sorry, Jaqueline said. What news did Robotham tell you he had?

Just some foolishness, Chonny told her. Something to distract me until you returned.

Oh. Jaqueline started to take her apron off.

No, Chonny said. Go into the kitchen and then remove your apron. Then you can go by the back door. Come to the rear entrance at five o’clock. You’ve organized someone to watch your boys?

I’ll explain to Isadore.

Then Osborne will find out. Chonny shook her head. Bring them here. I’ll organize somebody to stay with them in a spare room if Madam Chantelle says yes.

.

2. Warning Friends

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The small town of Chesterfield didn’t have a newspaper until Isadore and Alexander Hangmoor arrived. Alexander undertook an apprenticeship with Osborne to become an Apothecary and Isadore undertook to right all things wrong in the town. The first wrong she righted was the criminal lack of a newspaper. That year, the Chesterfield Gazette became an essential part of the lives of the people of Chesterfield. This was partially due to the tinkering of Osborne and Thaddeus, resurrecting an ancient printing press and securing the supply of paper. It was mainly due to Isadore’s stubborn refusal to accept that the town didn’t need a newspaper. It now employed two reporters, two printers and a secretary along with Isadore as editor.

Isadore was in her small office on the second floor of one of the buildings that overlooked the town square when Jaqueline arrived, somewhat flustered.

What’s wrong? Isadore asked as Jaqueline walked into the office.

"There was a visitor at the Hanged Wizard this morning. It was someone we thought dead and had some strange news regarding you and Alexander," Jaqueline told her.

Who and what? Isadore asked.

Do you think we could go to Osborne’s to discuss it? Jaqueline asked.

Can’t you tell me here?

No. Are you free?

Isadore looked over the papers on her desk. Can we do this tonight? she asked.

I’m not free tonight, Jaqueline said.

No. Isadore shook her head. You’re going to accept—

No, Jaqueline said firmly. You of all people know how much these medicines are. I had a time convincing Chonny to speak with Madam Chantelle for me. You won’t mention it to Osborne. Chonny said he’ll stop talking to her again if he found out.

Osborne can’t stop talking to Chonny, Isadore said. Where do you think he gets his gossip? He couldn’t do his job without her. She may be disapproved of by practically every woman in the town for allowing Madam Chantelle to operate her establishment on the second floor, but she still manages to hear more of the gossip than any of them. Probably from the men.

She never works upstairs, Jaqueline said.

I wasn’t suggesting that. Isadore looked at the papers on her desk again. These can wait. She stood and made for the door with Jaqueline. I’ll be back a little later, Charity, she told the dark haired young lady sitting at the desk outside Isadore’s office.

***

Jaqueline insisted they take the back way to Osborne’s store. They travelled along the alleyways until they found the old apothecary tinkering with his steam-powered carriage behind his store.

I swear, Alexander’s apprenticeship is really just a convenience, isn’t it?

How’s that? Osborne turned to look at her.

He’s only here so you can work on that thing on week days without interruption. What is it this time? Isadore asked as they approached.

Oh, nothing that a few tweaks won’t fix, he said cheerfully, Don’t you have a newspaper to produce?

We need to speak with you and Alexander, Jaqueline said.

Well then, let’s get inside. He put down his spanner. I don’t think your good husband has seen anybody yet. He smiled at Isadore.

They went inside.

Osborne led them to a table with some chairs in his small kitchen. Put some tea on will you Isadore? I’ll go get your man.

My man, Isadore muttered as she filled the kettle with water and placed it on the potbelly stove.

You should be grateful you have one, Jaqueline said.

You should be happy you don’t need one, Isadore answered. Then she saw the look on Jaqueline’s face. Oh dear Jaqueline, I didn’t mean to—

I know what you meant, Jaqueline replied.

Isadore opened the stove and shook her head. The fire’s nearly out. She looked at the ash pan beneath it. No wonder, it’s full. She shovelled the ash into a bucket. They call us the lesser sex but they’re useless without us.

Oh I don’t know about useless, Osborne said as he walked into the room with Alexander. You still need us to lift an occasional heavy item.

You know it was a woman who invented the lever? Isadore asked.

Yes, I know. Osborne shook his head. She needed something to get her man moving. You’ve told me that so—

Careful Osborne, Alexander said. You’ll get a vicious write-up.

Isadore scowled at Alexander, who merely smiled.

What was so important that I had to leave my autonomous carriage?

Is that what you’re calling it? Jaqueline asked.

Do you have a better name for it?

Horseless carriage?

Osborne nodded. I’ll consider it. Now, what seems to be the problem?

"We had an unexpected visitor at the Hanged Wizard for breakfast this morning, a Walter Robotham."

Walter’s dead, Isadore said. We all watched him burn.

Well he’s back, and he’s looking for Thaddeus.

Whatever for?

Jaqueline showed her wrist. He’s now got one of these.

Isadore nodded, Alexander scowled and Osborne looked confused.

I’m sorry Osborne, Isadore said. We all have a mark on our wrists that only those who bear one can see. The symbol is a snake wrapped about two crossed arrows.

Osborne looked at Jaqueline. You didn’t tell me about that. Do your boys have this strange symbol too?

No, Jaqueline said. Only Alexander, Isadore, Thaddeus and myself.

And what is this symbol meant to be? Osborne asked.

It’s the ancient symbol of Aharamet, the snake god of Tatania, Alexander told him.

The God of Deceptions, Osborne said. And why were you fine folk messing around with such a dangerous cult?

Not a cult, Alexander said, an artefact. Thaddeus had a talisman with the sign of Aharamet on it and some clockwork in it.

Which he could only have attained from a member of the Aharamet Cult. Osborne chided.

Could this have been the cult responsible for my father’s murder? Isadore asked.

That’s why I wanted to speak with you. Jaqueline looked at to Isadore. Robotham claimed to be in contact with a man named Clifford Goodfellow Moorcock.

That was my father’s name.

Or is, Jaqueline corrected.

That’s impossible, Isadore said. He was murdered six years ago.

And who told you that? Alexander asked.

Robotham, but why would he lie?

We should ask him, Alexander said.

Not if this has anything to do with the cult of Aharamet, Osborne said. You’ll get nothing but lies within lies. And have you forgotten that this pompous arse tried to kill you?

Isadore looked at Alexander. When we met I asked you to help me find my father, and you were pulled into all this without a chance to say no. You may say no now if you wish?

No to what? Alexander asked.

To seeing Robotham. There’s no knowing what it might lead to, especially considering what happened the last time.

I’m pleased with what resulted last time, and I’ve been very pleased these past years.

Oh please stop being sweet and tell me what you’re going to do.

I don’t intend losing you, so yes, I’ll go with you.

You won’t lose me, she said. If you say no, then I’ll stay.

And I’ll lose you. No, let’s go find out about your father.

I’m going with you, Jaqueline snapped.

Just like that? Osborne asked. You’re all going to run off and speak with a man who nearly had you killed, not knowing what might happen?

What’s the problem with that? Isadore asked.

Did Walter say anything else to you? Osborne asked Jaqueline.

He said we were all suffering from its effect.

Including your boys?

Especially my boys, Jaqueline said. No child born under this sign lives more than seven years.

I’ll go to Oakridge Academy today and check the library there. Can you look after the store for now? Osborne asked Alexander.

Yes, Alexander answered.

I’ll see you tonight with what I’ve found, he said to Jaqueline.

I’m not available tonight, Jaqueline said softly.

That infernal woman! Osborne snapped. No, you’ll not—

That infernal woman is responsible for saving my Fletcher’s life.

And at what cost?

At the cost of more money than any of us had at the time.

Can’t she just give it to you? Osborne asked.

No, Jaqueline said. She can’t give it unless I make it. I’ll be here tomorrow morning with enough coin to pay for medication for both boys until their seventh birthdays. Then I’ll have to do the breakfast shift.

Jaqueline looked softly at her dear friend. "Sweet Osborne, can you please understand that the second floor of the Hanged Wizard isn’t as bad as you think it is."

Play Bridge there, do they?

No, it is the brothel that it was built to be, but it is not just that. Please do not chide Chonny; she is merely an employee, a downstairs employee, but still an employee.

One day someone’s going to see this Madam Chantelle and then we might know what’s really happening. Chonny’s a good kid and I don’t like anybody leading somebody like her astray.

So, Alexander clapped his hands. I guess that means we should see Robotham?

Can it wait? Osborne looked at Jaqueline.

He said he’d be here for a couple of days, but that was before he heard Thaddeus wasn’t here. Chonny sent him to get a room at the Silver Chateau.

I’ll find out if he’s got a room there, Isadore said. If he has, then we can speak with him tomorrow.

And if he hasn’t? Jaqueline asked.

Isadore shook her head. Well then we’ve missed our chance to speak with him entirely, haven’t we?

3. The Apothecary

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The deplorable Baskerfield woman at the Hanged Wizard was right about the kitchen at the Silver Chateau. It was infinitely more to Robotham’s taste than the Hanged Wizard, as was the accommodation. He had stayed at there once, a long time ago, and remembered the rooms there were terribly small. Little wonder when one considers their intended use, but even then, it was good to have space to spread out – so to speak.

Now, with little else to do in this squalid little backwater he decided to speak with his old friend and nemesis, Osborne Cuthbert Middlehorse. He was the apothecary to this town and, knowing Osborne, probably still was. He vaguely remembered where Osborne had hung his shingle and opted to take a walk to find his shop-front. He could enquire about it later, if he didn’t find it. He wasn’t in a hurry. The next coach to Easthollow wasn’t due until the following day.

It was beginning to look like he was going to have to ask someone. Robotham was sure the store wasn’t so far from the town square. He had just decided to turn back when he saw the familiar shop-front across the road. He went to it. The front door had a Closed sign on it, but was unlocked, so Osborne went in. The young man who came out to greet him was quite a surprise.

My, my, what has Osborne been up to? Robotham said.

Walter, is it? Alexander asked. You’re looking well for a dead man.

I should say the same thing about you, my boy. I see being hanged hasn’t put a damper on your enthusiasm for life. Does this mean Osborne’s finally taken an apprentice?

Hanged? Alexander asked.

Oh come now, you don’t need these games with me.

I don’t know what you’re talking about.

No, Robotham eyed him suspiciously. No you don’t, do you?

Alexander shook his head.

You and your lovely companion were reportedly hanged in Easthollow last year.

No, Alexander said. No, we weren’t there. I can ask my lovely wife if she was hanged. She sometimes does things without my knowledge you know, but I’m sure I’d have noticed if she’d been hanged.

So it was some poor unfortunates hanged in your stead. You seem to have a knack when it comes to escaping executioners.

I should say the same of you. Alexander moved the other end of the counter. Robotham figured it must be close to a weapon, probably a pistol.

I think we both know the power of the curse our mutual friend Thaddeus unleashed on us. Robotham held his left wrist where Alexander could see it.

Yes, I heard you had one of those. I also heard you have a problem with it.

Not just I, my good fellow, the Somerset Detective Agency also have a problem with this little symbol. They tend to hang anybody they find with this mark.

Then perhaps you should speak with them. It was Isadore coming through the door behind the counter.

Ah, dear Isadore. I’m so glad to see you’re still with us.

No thanks to you, Walter. You tried to kill us.

Then we should call it even.

What’ve you done? How did you survive?

Well, after the foul play on behalf of your Thaddeus Carmichael, I called in some favours from Easthollow before returning to Drumchappel. That locomotive you put the amulet on travelled to its destination and was immediately replaced with a different kind of amulet, a talisman similar to that held by your friend Thaddeus, but nowhere near as powerful. Realizing that if I escaped, I would be hounded by agents seeking my demise, I used the talisman for a little deception.

You let someone else burn in your place? Alexander asked.

Robotham allowed himself a little smile. It was no one you knew, at least not very well. In fact, I think young Jaqueline would want to thank me when she finds out.

It was that inspector Boyle fellow, was it? Isadore said with disgust.

Robotham smiled again. So you see, at least I didn’t have an innocent take my place in the fires. Lewis had been responsible for the incineration of more than a hundred suspected mages; it was only fair that he should be afforded the privilege of joining them in the same manner.

You’re a sick man Walter, Isadore said.

Yes, I suppose I am. But I am pleased to see you Isadore. Your father will be pleased.

What do you know of my father?

I know that he’s alive and well and living in Tatania, and that he still works for the Daily Views in Drumchappel as a foreign correspondent.

You said he was murdered.

"I was