The Commodore's Gift

By Mandy Eve-Barnett

Owena resists her expected role in society to fight alongside the rebel force. Finding a champion and lover in Galen, their journey is unexpected and fraught with danger. As the Buldrick Empire fights back, led by their sadistic Commodore, the couple confronts fear and loss.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dream Write Publishing
• Release date: Sep 23, 2020
• ISBN: 9781988723778

Mandy Eve-Barnett

About the author – Mandy is a fairly new Canadian resident, who has a wealth of experiences to draw from for her writing. She has lived in South Africa, England and Canada and the uniqueness of each continent has left its essence within her. An avid reader her whole life, it wasn’t until she joined a local writing group, the Writers Foundation of Strathcona County, that the writing ‘bug’ gripped her. Now Mandy Eve-Barnett writes with an all-encompassing passion and is deeply involved with the foundation and its members. Writing in various genres, Mandy is published in anthologies, on numerous web sites and in the local newspaper as well as regularly blogging about her writing journey. She has successfully completed two National Novel Writing Month challenges in 2009 and 2010 and the subsequent volume of work has resulted in two novels. In September 2011, she released her first kid's book "Rumble's First Scare."

Book preview

Owena’s scream of Stop was abruptly halted by her brother Benjamin’s large, rough hand over her mouth and another around her waist containing her from lurching toward the window to see where the girl lay. The startled and fearful look from her friend, Josephine, and the narrowed eyes from the three resistance fighters, William, Ernest, and Thomas, who were crouched near the far wall their weapons ready, added to her alarm. She hardly heard Benjamin’s urgent angry whisper in her ear.

Quiet! You will give our location away.

Owena’s eyes remained focused on the smashed window where she saw the young girl’s cape flap in the wind as she threw herself out onto the ground below. Owena understood Alice’s fear of capture but could not bring herself to do such an awful thing as to end her own life. Alice had not uttered a scream as she fell to her certain death. In Owena’s mind it seemed even more horrific because of the silence. She pushed at the hand as it released its firm grip on her face. She glared at Benjamin, whose focus stayed on the window, listening intently for the sounds of the Buldrick troop’s arrival. Anger flared in Owena’s mind – the poor girl had thrown herself to her death for fear of the cruel regime they were forced to live under. She wanted to rage at the surrounding Buldrick soldiers, make them accountable for the loss of life. She turned to voice her rage, but Benjamin shook his head.

We are no longer safe here. Everyone move to the staircase!

The forlorn stragglers from the marketplace attack by the Buldrick force - the self- proclaimed – King Buldrick’s troops, followed him down the once opulent staircase of the manor house, which was now in ruins. Their previously hurried fortifications looked less imposing after a two-day stay waiting for word from the resistance force leader. Benjamin’s knowledge of the manor’s existence gave them shelter after the attack and his confidence showed in his commanding posture. No one spoke; only their footfalls evidence of their presence. Owena gripped her friend Josephine’s hand. Their eyes met, full of fearful thoughts. How would they escape their prison? Troops were all around them with no clear exit. It had been a miracle they had escaped discovery by the Buldrick forces for so long. The girl’s body would alert them to occupants in the manor house. Owena unsheathed her dagger, her knuckles white as she gripped it in readiness. William’s brow furrowed and with a slight shake of his head passed them. He whispered into Benjamin’s ear. He hesitated on the step and turned.

In a harsh whisper said to his sister, Put it away, Owena. We will not fight this day. He held his hand up to stop her query.

Benjamin then continued to lead the six escapees to the kitchen; a huge range dominated the space with a long wooden table adjacent to it, where banquet feasts would have been prepared. Benjamin motioned William, Ernest, and Thomas, his fellow resistance fighters, to each corner of the table. With effort they lifted it and moved it several feet. Puzzled, they looked at the dusty flagstone floor. Benjamin grabbed a poker from the fireplace and scraped it along the edge of the flagstones where the table had stood. As he neared the center of the room the poker dipped significantly. He eased the poker into the gap and pushed.

A little help here would be great.

The three other men took hold of any handy implement they could find, such as roasting spits and soot scraper, and began easing the large flagstone upward. Gradually, the stone slid to one side to reveal a dark hole. Benjamin uttered an urgent command.

Everyone jump down, now! It’s safe, I’ve known of its existence for some time, but it can no longer be a secret, it is a matter of life and death - ours.

Used to complying with orders, William, Ernest, and Thomas nodded and turned to the two young women. Owena’s friend, Josephine, shook her head. Owena gripped her hand and pulled her to the opening.

We’ll go together. Hold tight, she whispered.

The inky blackness paralyzed them as they dropped down onto dusty earth. Then, stepping to one side, they stood still waiting for the others to enter. Their eyes became accustomed to the darkness of the void as a dim light from the opening penetrated. One by one the men joined them apart from Benjamin.

Where is he? asked Owena.

He’s pushing the table back, and then we need to put the flagstone back into place, replied Ernest in an exaggerated whisper.

But is he coming?

Yes, he is going to squeeze through. Stay quiet.

Owena watched the opening darken as her brother pushed the table back. There was a crash and raised voices as the Buldrick troops stormed the manor. The thudding of numerous feet on the parquet flooring upstairs was easily heard.

Ben, hurry please!

A whispered answer came from above. Stay quiet, Owena. I’m coming.

Owena heard rather than saw her brother’s entry and then the men heaved the stone back into place just in time as heavy footsteps echoed along the corridor to the kitchen. They huddled together in silence, listening to the crashing and shouting above them.

Find them! They can’t have escaped; we have the manor surrounded. Search every room, every nook and cranny.

The unmistakable voice of Commodore Gripe-Rudhall boomed through the space, making his troops hurry throughout the ruined building. His ruthlessness was legendary; he spared no one punishment if he felt challenged in any way. Owena and Josephine huddled together as the damp cold reached their bones penetrating the summer dresses they fled in. Shouting and hurried footfalls continued for some time then began to fade. Owena wondered how long they would stay in their self-imposed dungeon. The glow of pale light filled the void and surprised faces looked toward the light.

Benjamin held up a small lantern and beckoned them to follow. With care, they stepped in his footprints towards an unknown destination. A low corridor led away from the void under the kitchen. In the flickering light, Owena could see chiseled marks on the stone. This passageway must have taken a long time to make in such rock. Josephine pointed to the marks and shook her head in awe, mouthing the word – who? Owena replied with a shake of her head. The rough sides of the passageway began to drip with water but there was another sound of flowing water up ahead. The dirt floor became muddy as they reached an underground stream. The water glistened in the candlelight as Benjamin raised the lantern.

Drink your fill. We have a long way to go.

They all followed Benjamin’s instruction; his conviction, whereabouts of the manor, and the awareness of a secret void and tunnel made him the assumed leader of the group for the time being. The clear water tasted crisp and refreshing. Benjamin approached Owena and put his jacket around her shoulders.

If you keep moving you will not be so cold.

Thank you, Ben. I will share it with Josephine.

No need, Owena, she can have my jacket. Ernest offered as he began removing his tweed outer layer.

Owena and Josephine nodded their thanks to Ernest. Josephine put the large jacket on, relishing the ambient heat from Ernest’s body. The sleeves drooped past her hands; the jacket hung past her hips, but she was grateful.

The small convoy filed along the stream’s edge careful not to tumble into the cold water. They had been walking for some time when the candle flickered out. Darkness descended on the group. Everyone stood still, unable to see for several moments until their eyes adjusted. There was a faint light ahead, its source unknown but welcome. The group wondered how they would continue. Benjamin’s whispered voice announced his orders.

Gradually, sit down and don’t move. I will be right back.

Owena’s heart leapt with fear for her brother’s safety. Where is he going? How long will he be? She wanted to call out, offer her assistance but knew their safety depended on their silence. She listened as his soft footfalls disappeared into the blackness. The group waited and waited, listening for the sound of footsteps, tumbling pebbles, or shouted orders of troops. Thomas, Ernest, and William whispered amongst themselves. Josephine let out a sob and quickly covered her mouth. Ernest shuffled over to her and held out a hand, which she took gratefully.

In a low whisper Ernest said to her, Don’t worry. Benjamin will be back soon, and we can get to safety. You are in good hands. Stay close to me.

Josephine nodded as a tear fell from her cheek. Her fingers tightened around Ernest’s hand in thanks.

Owena watched the exchange. Ernest was a good man. In fact, all of them were good and brave men fighting in the resistance against the Buldrick Empire and its self-proclaimed King. She reflected on life before the uprising and the exile of the true king. How life had been easy and taken for granted, everyone knowing their place and living without fear. Now a person’s actions could be questioned at the mere whim of a soldier or worse, the Commodore -a man with a propensity for inflicting pain and enjoying the look of fear in people’s eyes. Commodore Theodore Gripe-Rudhall made his allegiance with the pretend king swiftly and without coercion once he saw the power struggle favoured Admiral Buldrick, the now self-appointed King Buldrick. Theodore became the king’s right-hand man, free to maintain ‘order’ in any way he pleased, while ‘King’ Buldrick revelled in lavish feasts and parties, living in the royal palace, and entertaining those in favour. He ordered specially built steam powered carriages armed with the newest weapons for patrols across the land. Any resistance was dealt with swiftly, not only killing those who opposed him but destroying their property and lands, ransacked and pillaged for anything of worth. Fear pervaded every corner of the land for years until Gaston Cote took up arms and began gathering a following.

At first, the group plundered food stores and distributed the goods to outlying villages, and then they restored farming machinery so farmers could grow and harvest small fields of crops under their armed protection. Over time, Gaston’s resistance force grew allowing them to attack patrols and save farmsteads, small holdings, and homes from pillaging and burning. Gaston’s tactical expertise surpassed Gripe-Rudhall’s time and time again making Gaston the Commodore’s number one enemy. A hefty reward was offered for the capture of Gaston Cote, which the Commodore initially thought would result in his arrest, but, five years later, Gaston’s whereabouts was still a vigorously guarded secret. The resistance force grew each year with more young men joining, some from the outlying areas but others from the Commodore’s own ranks. His disdain for the men under his command, brutal punishments for the slightest infraction, and inadequate rations all drove them to the resistance ranks. Benjamin knew there was a pivotal tipping of the balance of power and hoped within a year or two the Buldrick forces would be overcome and the exiled true King would be restored to his rightful throne. There glimmered a hope in the eyes of the people.

William and Thomas fidgeted; bringing Owena back to the reality of their position and worry for her brother’s safety compressed her chest. He is taking too long. Has he been caught? Do we follow him into the blackness? What if there are troops waiting at the exit? How do we walk in this half-light? Owena was shaking as her thoughts and fear for her brother’s safety got the better of her. He was her only sibling and with their parents dead they relied on each other. Josephine turned, took Owena’s hand, and squeezed.

Chapter Two

The sound of a tumbling pebble echoed through the darkness. A faint glow appeared, and the shadowy figure of a man illuminated before them. Everyone tensed with fear. The men’s hands clutched their procured knives. Owena grasped her small dagger. Was it Benjamin or a Buldrick solider?

We can make the safe place tonight and make camp. Everyone stay quiet.

At the sound of Benjamin’s voice sighs of relief sounded along the passageway. They all stood and once again followed him in the pale candlelight. The water ran with more urgency the further they walked until it was more a river than stream. The passageway opened up into a cavern with stalagmites and stalactites decorating its interior. Ahead was a bundle tied in canvas and a wooden chest. Curious faces turned to Benjamin.

It is a safe place set up by the resistance. We have warm clothes, bedding, and food for three days. We must stay here until they come for us.

Three days! Oh no. I can’t.

Josephine, we must do as Benjamin orders. To go earlier will be too dangerous.

She looked at Ernest, shivering, as her head shook in disbelief. We must be far enough from the manor now for it to be safe.

Benjamin’s authoritative voice behind her made Josephine jump and turn around.

The Commodore will have scouts scouring the countryside for us; to reveal ourselves too soon is a death sentence. We obey Gaston’s instructions to the letter and no excuses, he continued.

Josephine nodded her assent as a tear fell from her cheek. Owena embraced Josephine’s shoulder to comfort her friend and led her to a flat rock near the bundles.

We need to trust Benjamin; he will ensure our safety.

He is your brother, Owena, so yes you will obey him, and I do understand he wants to protect us but being underground makes me feel so ill. I need sunlight and fresh air.

I’m sure we can amuse ourselves to make the time pass more quickly. Let’s take a look at the clothes and decide on the best attire to keep us warm.

Josephine followed Owena to the large bundle and together they untied it to reveal an assortment of clothing. There were no fine dresses but plenty of male vests and trousers. Looking at their soiled and creased gowns, both young women knew it would be more practical to wear male attire but worried how the gentlemen would perceive them; even in such circumstances their social upbringing waived their resolve.

I’m unsure they will take to our wearing such garments, Owena, we are after all ladies.

Our difficulty in walking along that darkened corridor is reason enough, I think, to reconsider our attire. Our hems are not only filthy but wet. Wait a moment; I will mention it to Benjamin.

Josephine watched her female companion approach her brother and whisper in his ear. He frowned then whispered back. Owena returned to her friend and smiled.

He was rather shocked that you would accept such attire but not me. As you know. I favour more comfortable attire whenever I can. These dresses and corsets are so limiting. Benjamin understands how our dresses would hinder our movements once we are in the open again. We can adapt our skirts in such a way so we can have britches underneath. When we need to move quickly we can fasten the front of the skirts to our waists and then later release them, so it looks as though we are wearing proper gowns. Owena looked around the cavern.

We will need to find somewhere to change away from prying eyes.

With their selections made, the two women looked around the cavern until they saw a large boulder. It was far enough away from the campsite and bulky enough for them to change without fear of onlookers. Owena nodded to her brother, who called to the men to help him build a stone circle in which to start a fire. Once all the men were occupied, Owena and Josephine made their way to the boulder. The rough fabric of the vests and trousers was itchy on their soft skin but with a few adjustments to their bloomers and the long-sleeved shirts they eradicated the problem. They discarded their ruined corsets and fashioned the upper layer of their dresses as Owena explained, and then walked back in full view of their gentlemen companions.

Well, goodness what do we have here?

Their resistance fighter escorts, Thomas, William, and Benjamin turned at Ernest’s statement. They looked the women up and down but before they could utter any comments Benjamin spoke.

I instructed them to change into more suitable attire. If we have to run through the forest a gown will hinder their movements and in so doing risk our safe passage to the resistance’s camp.

With the knowledge that the safety of the small group would be jeopardized by trailing gowns and a slowing down of their escape the men nodded and made no further comment.

With the fire soon blazing and giving warmth to the group, cans of beef and pea soup were opened and poured into an iron pot above the fire. Hard biscuits were soaked in the river to soften them. Owena smiled when Josephine commented how easy it was to move without her corset. Something Owena knew all too well, having discarded hers on numerous occasions so she could ride her horse, take fencing instruction, or run in the meadows surrounding their former home. It was only when in public that she would acquiesce to her father and brother’s requests to appear more ladylike.

After their meager meal, bed rolls were placed around the fire with the two women close together and the men on the other side. Benjamin took first watch.

The sound of running water and the echoes of the drips from the stalactites soothed them all to sleep. Owena tossed and turned until Josephine shook her awake with a whisper.

Are you fevered?

No, Josephine. All I see is Alice jumping out of the window over and over in my dreams. How could she do such a thing?

Her fear overtook her senses, I believe. No one could have known she would jump. I don’t believe we could have stopped her even if we were closer to her. You can’t feel responsible for her actions.

But maybe I could have been more protective. I should have noticed her state of mind.

Owena, you found her just in time as the patrol rounded the corner of the crossroads by her family’s farmhouse. If she had been alone, there is no knowing if she would have survived out there on her own. You saved a complete stranger. You cannot feel guilty.

Oh, but I do. If I had not persuaded her to come with us she would still be alive.

No, Owena she wouldn’t.

Benjamin’s voice traveled across the glowing embers. Anyone caught in the marketplace or elsewhere would have been taken to the Commodore’s stronghold and held for questioning. Few people survive the inquisition of his dungeon masters. Her fate would have been sealed prior to entering the dungeons. A young woman would be at the mercy of the soldiers.

Both women understood what his hesitancy alluded to and held hands. The two women lay close together and fell back to sleep.

Benjamin watched his sister for a moment or so as her breaths became more rhythmic. I’m responsible for her and the rest of these fugitives until we can make it to the resistance encampment. I only hope I can achieve that goal.

Chapter Three

Benjamin shook William’s shoulder to wake him.

Keep watch for another two hours then wake me, he whispered.

You need more sleep than two hours, Ben, I can leave you longer.

Can you ensure your wakefulness? I have no real knowledge of Thomas and Ernest apart from the fact they are resistance fighters. I need to ensure the safety and well-being of my sister and Josephine.

I know them to be honourable young men, Ben. Fear not for your dear Owena or Josephine’s safe keeping. I have rested well this night. Sleep well my friend.

Benjamin lay down near his sister; his responsibility was to Owena first and foremost but also, to Gaston. He knew he was accountable to the resistance leader. Their aim to overthrow the Buldrick forces was foremost in his mind, and that of all the resistance members. His covert role supplying troop movements and patrol timings had been, until recently, his main objective under the guise of his position as an inventory clerk within the government buildings. Then two weeks ago with information he supplied to Gaston, a band of resistance fighters managed to retrieve two of their own imprisoned in an outpost and the whole stock of weaponry stored there. When the Commodore arrived, flanked by his fiercest captains, Benjamin knew he would need to take flight but could not immediately leave without causing suspicion. He watched in horror as Theodore flogged each man in turn in an attempt to find the culprit who leaked the information. Two younger men died of their wounds and the other three lay bleeding while their bodies shook in shock as the skin gaped in strips from their backs. Benjamin felt ashamed of his cowardice at not attacking the Commodore but knew he would have been subjected to the same punishment and outnumbered with no weapon to defend himself – his fate would be sealed. He hid within a storage chest in the stock room, holding the lid down by a leather strap. Luckily, the guard searching the room only tumbled a shelf down when he looked into the small room and did not investigate further. Ben stayed hidden until dark when the Commodore left and only the wounded men remained. He heard their cries of pain as they wrapped torn cloths around each other’s torsos in an attempt at bandaging the lacerations. When Benjamin was sure the men were asleep, he crept out into the night and took an indirect route back to the resistance encampment. After relaying the events, Gaston told him to collect Owena and take her to a safe place, then return to fight. If that plan had gone correctly, he would be at that moment in the next county delivering Owena to their Uncle.

Manoeuvring his shoulder to find a more comfortable position, Ben let out a deep breath and quietened his mind; he needed sleep.

Watching Benjamin lay down, William agitated the glowing embers and added a few more sticks to the fire then drew a blanket around his shoulders. He looked at each one of his companions in turn. If not, for a twist of fate and Benjamin’s quick thinking they would all be in the Commodore’s dungeons that night. He relived the horror of the marketplace attack as the flames flickered and danced. It had been only five days ago but felt like a lifetime.

He could see the market vendors vying for people’s attention to buy their wares under a warm summer sky; people either strolled past shaking their heads or stopped to inspect what was on offer. Children skipped and chattered beside their mothers or pulled their fathers toward a particular treat. The air carried the aromas of fruit, baked goods, and fish while the sounds of vendors’ calls and the whirling and ticking of machines added to the bustling morning market atmosphere. William was inspecting a rather splendid fob-watch when the hurried hooves of many horses caught his attention and that of the people around him. He saw a contingent of mounted Buldrick soldiers enter the square from the right, and file left and right in sequence. His brow creased at this unusual occurrence but when another contingent entered at the opposite entrance and again filed left and right his uneasiness increased. The shouting vendors and general chatter slowly lessened as more people saw the heavily armoured soldiers. Women clasped their children close and fathers encircled their loved ones protectively.