Isle of the Fallen: Fallen Rogues, #4

By Gerhard Gehrke

Save the city or rescue her friends?

 

Diregloom hangs in a precarious balance. And with the duke's army driven away, Isabel's dark sisterhood is moving to seize control of the city.

 

But Isabel's loyalty to Francine and the sisters will be tested.

 

Serving her order means turning her back on Digger and Monty, who were snatched from the Dragon and Rose by the bounty hunter Belle Ratto.

 

Before the trail goes cold, she must discover who among their many enemies is willing to pay a fortune to kidnap the catacomb champion—and why.

 

Grab your copy now and follow Isabel and Digger on their next epic adventure!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lucas Ross Publishing
• Release date: Mar 4, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393822639

Gerhard Gehrke

Gerhard Gehrke is the author of Nineveh's Child, the Supervillain High series, and A Beginner's Guide to Invading Earth.

Book preview

Chapter One

DIGGER COULD NEITHER lie down nor stand straight up.

A steady rocking beneath his feet was making the nothing in his stomach want to leave. The cage holding him was inside the dark, cluttered hold of a ship. The steel bars of the cell and the manacles on his wrists had held him for more days than he’d bothered to track. He tried to shut out the outside world and wish it away. When the bounty hunter’s ogre, Osso, came to feed him, he kicked aside the bowl placed in the cage.

Once when Digger had been leaning listlessly against the bars, Osso had entered the cage. Digger had managed to clamp down on the ogre’s hand and snap a finger. This resulted in Osso beating Digger into unconsciousness.

The ogre wasn’t careless after that. Digger ignored what food was offered. More beatings followed. He could barely see out of the one eye that wasn’t swollen shut.

After a few stops, the ocean voyage finally ended at a small port.

Belle Ratto and her crew brought him out and doused him with buckets of seawater. He could barely stand and he squinted in the bright light. Then he was hauled to a wagon and placed inside a new cage smaller than the first.

The bumpy, dusty ride felt endless, as if the wagon was crossing some infinite plain into a purgatory he deserved.

The fight and his subsequent capture inside the Dragon and Rose haunted him. Lady Sofia and his brother were gone. His brother’s last words and final look haunted him—the raw sorrow, the accusation in his eyes.

Digger’s fault. It had all been his fault.

Belle Ratto and her hunters had come for Digger and lain in wait in the one place he would always return to.

If Digger had seen something else in Monty’s face, like belief that Digger could fix what had happened, the fight might have gone differently. Digger had won against harder foes. He could have freed himself from the ogre’s grip. But Lady Sofia was Monty’s love, his world, and her murder had broken him.

And seeing Monty in that final moment had shattered Digger.

He had tried to protect his brother from Diregloom. Diregloom had finally won.

He could see little out the canvas sides of the wagon. The crew rode alongside on horseback and a second wagon followed. They stopped twice at night to make camp and were traveling along a relatively smooth road. They crossed hills and descended into flat country.

More than once came the voices of other travelers, whom Belle Ratto greeted as they passed.

When they stopped the third day, he thought they were making an early camp, but it turned out they had arrived at a fenced complex with watchtowers. In front stood an elaborate multilevel house with curved decorative beams and columns of wood, surrounded by precisely manicured trees and gardens.

Men in uniform waited as Belle Ratto ordered her crew to uncover his wagon. The bounty hunter captain wore a red headscarf and had a cigarette burning between her teeth. She was in constant motion, pacing about and examining Digger’s cage as if it might sprout legs and walk off. She kept nudging other members of her crew and smiling, always smiling.

Finally, to the ogre she said, It’s the big score, Osso. Imagine what we could do with two boats. Or a second squad of hunters. We’ll have enough seed money for both.

Osso just nodded, his injured hand cradled in the crook of his arm as he eyed Digger with unmasked hostility.

The evening sun burned down on them and the air remained hot and humid. Several crows cawed from the roof of the mansion and more appeared to be gathering.

More soldiers emerged from the gate. There were brooches and shining buttons on their pale green uniforms. They carried thin spears with flourishes on the tips, adorned with dangling ribbons. Several of the men sported a twisting mustache and others had braids in their carefully crafted beards.

No men of the duke with such foppery, Digger was certain.

A woman walked with them in a flowing powder-blue dress. She had long dark hair and wore a necklace of three golden shark’s teeth. She gave Belle Ratto a formal embrace, which involved kissing the air near her cheek without making contact.

Belle returned the gesture. Delivered as promised, Lady Hook. The Champion of the Catacombs.

Hook walked about the cage and stooped down to inspect Digger. Is he dangerous? Why is he in a cage?

Because otherwise he’d run amok and hurt people.

I thought you’d be rescuing him from Lady Claudia’s dungeon.

She let him go. It was quite the chase, I assure you.

Well, get him out of there. He looks half-dead. What have you done with him, Belle?

He needed to be subdued. Things get messy in my line of work.

I’m not paying you for a damaged man. Unlock his cage. I’ll have him checked by my physician.

Belle flicked ash and blew smoke. He’s not damaged. His bruises only confirm that he’s a fighter.

Lady Hook sent one of her men back through the gates. Osso supervised the unlocking of Digger’s cage and kept a hand clamped on his shoulder once he emerged. Digger’s wrists remained locked in manacles, which had done a good job of cutting and chafing the skin. His back and legs were so cramped he couldn’t stand straight, but he resisted the urge to lean as he faced down Lady Hook.

She examined both sides of his face. Can you see out of both eyes?

When Digger didn’t answer, Osso cuffed him, sending him sprawling to the dirt.

Captain Belle, control your man.

Belle made a gesture and Osso helped Digger back up. Digger’s head throbbed. He sagged. When Osso tried to straighten him, he drove his elbow into the ogre’s stomach. It was a feeble blow, but satisfying when the big man let out an Oof! Osso backhanded him and once again Digger went down.

Looks like he can see just fine, Belle said.

Lady Hook had two of her men help Digger up. You’re being paid for an intact man, not a cripple. Injuries will cause a deduction in payment.

Belle sneered. Then we’ll take him elsewhere. There are those in Bahia willing to pay good coin who lost loved ones to the queen’s champion.

You wouldn’t have brought him this far if anyone was paying anything close to what I’m offering. Belle, Belle, Belle. Isn’t that what little girls name their tiny dogs?

Osso and the rest of the crew visibly bristled.

But Belle remained calm and fished a key from a pocket. The champion isn’t damaged, at least not permanently. Tell your doctor to hurry. And then we’ll talk about what you owe me for delivery. You get this key and you get him, and the two of you can rot for all I care.

Chapter Two

THE INSPECTION WAS more thorough than Digger would have liked. He was stripped down in front of Lady Hook, her guards, and Belle and her crew. Fingers probed. His joints and muscles were pressed and flexed. His eyes were inspected.

The doctor peered through his half-moon spectacles at Digger’s jaw. Say ahh.

Digger studied the man for a moment. If your hands touch me one more time I’m breaking your nose.

He’s as fit as a spring stallion.

Lady Hook had a guard bring a bulging purse, which he presented to Belle.

Belle took the time to count the coins inside before nodding her approval. A pleasure. As much as my men and I would like to stay for supper, we have a long ride ahead of us.

Lady Hook absentmindedly played with her gold shark’s-tooth necklace as she watched the bounty hunter and her crew pack up and ready their horses. Digger’s wagon and the one that had followed remained behind. The second wagon hadn’t been unpacked.

She stooped to inspect the scarred flesh of his stomach and thigh where he had been cut by a sword and struck by an arrow. Sister Francine had healed both wounds. You’ve been injured. These wounds look fresh but well cared for. Was this from the catacombs?

Digger pulled his trousers up and picked up his shirt from the ground. The nearest guards were an arm’s length away or more, but their boss was closer. Now that he got a better look at her he saw she had a cleft lip and dark eyes which held no fear.

He put a hand to the pink scar on his belly. Recent troubles in Diregloom. The leg, too. But my shoulder’s from Claudia’s show.

When she touched his shoulder, he flinched.

Can you move your arm?

He grabbed her wrist and threw her hand back. The guards were quick with their spears, lowering them and pointing them at his throat.

Lady Hook waved them back. It seems, dear champion, that you’re in good health. But let’s get you someplace where you can freshen up. You’ve had a long journey.

Why am I here?

All in good time. Welcome to the Farm. You’ll find me a good host and you’ll have comforts here. All your questions will be answered. May I call you Digger?

Digger didn’t reply as he was herded towards the gates. The watchtowers on either side each had a single guard keeping watch, and at that moment he appeared to be the only thing of interest.

The compound beyond was larger than anything Digger expected. He saw rows of neatly arranged houses with trees and small gardens. Lanes shaded by oak trees ran off in several directions. Flowering vines grew around lantern poles. Several workers were leading a horse-drawn wagon loaded with artichokes, lettuce, and melons. All the laborers looked healthy. And despite the horses, the streets were clean and obviously swept. Only the wide space between the last homes and the fence reminded him that he was inside...what? A fortified town? A military camp? A prison?

There was nowhere to hide in that space from a sentry. Which meant the fence was indeed meant to keep people in. Digger could only wonder if they kept it lit at night.

Lady Hook paused to let Digger catch up. You’re limping.

How much further?

Not far now. She surprised him by taking an arm. I regret any unpleasantness in having you brought here. I was of the understanding you were a prisoner on Loom Island and that Lady Claudia was holding you in her dungeon.

While the guards were attentive, he knew he could hurt her before they could stop him. Belle Ratto murdered my brother and his girlfriend.

She wasn’t my first choice. Word reached me about your accomplishments. Belle Ratto would have sold you out to those who aren’t interested in your well-being.

You promised answers.

And you’ll receive them.

She led him down a brick-paved street lined with cabanas with their own private entryways. A few men pruning and pulling weeds paused in their work to look at Digger and his escort. An aloof smile never left her face. She stopped at a gate that led to a small flower garden beneath a purple-leafed tree replete with tiny plums. Past the garden was the front door to a small house.

This is yours.

Digger paused to look behind him at the following guards. I don’t understand.

She made a show of producing the key Belle had given her and unlocked his wrists. She handed the manacles to a guard.

You’ll find clothes inside and a tub. Wash up. Doctor Lee will call on you and will tend to your wounds once you’re clean. And then you’ll join me for dinner.

Digger rubbed his wrists. You’re giving me...this house.

As long as you’re my guest, yes. It’s small. You’ll have the opportunity to get a bigger place once you start earning.

What kind of work are we talking about?

Her eyes shone. I thought that had been made clear to you. Belle has proven such a disappointment. Let me ask you a question before I answer yours. How do you feel about games?

Chapter Three

THE CABANA WAS FURNISHED with a bed, table, chairs, and, as advertised, a bathtub. He checked the spigot. He had running water. He went through the motions to wash up, using the honeysuckle-scented soap and making a mess of the bathroom.

Whatever game this Lady Hook was interested in playing was going to go on without him. Now that he was out of his cage, he needed to figure out where this place was, find a weapon, and get out of there. But the grime from travel made his skin itch. He paused to sit on the side of the tub as he toweled himself off. Felt dizzy. Lack of food, he knew.

He’d get the doctor to bring him something to eat. Then he’d set about with his plans for escape.

Someone knocked softly at the door.

Digger’s own clothes were disgusting and ruined. Inside a wardrobe he found a woolen shirt and pants that fit tightly, along with sandals. His heels protruded out the back. Not clothing he’d want to run or fight in. He answered the door.

The doctor from earlier stepped inside. I’m Doctor Lee. Time we patch you up.

He stood a head and a half shorter than Digger. He wore a pressed tan jacket and had polished light-brown shoes with gleaming buckles. He squinted up at Digger through half-circle spectacles set in copper frames.

Doctor Lee moved past Digger and set down a red leather bag that sounded like it had glassware inside. You’re a big one. Now sit. Remove your shirt.

I warned you once. No more poking.

Don’t worry; I’m a professional.

The doctor started with a stethoscope and listened to Digger breathe. His fingernails were polished and he wore a faint cologne.

Heartbeat’s strong. Lungs sound good.

What can you bring me to eat?

Lady Hook said she’s having you for dinner.

I can’t wait that long. I’m feeling dizzy.

I’m sure I can find a piece of fruit for you.

When Doctor Lee rose and went through the cabinets of the kitchenette, Digger grabbed his bag and opened it.

Hey! Stay out of there!

Relax. I’m just looking to see what kind of doctor you are.

Lee tried to take the bag away but Digger shoved him into a chair. The first thing that struck Digger was the sharp smell of chemicals coming from the bag. He began to rummage. A small leather bundle of probes and scalpels was the closest thing to what Digger might consider a weapon, but it was nothing he wanted. He also wasn’t interested in the drugs he found.

Will you let me continue with the examination? Lady Hook will want my report and I’m eager to get on with my evening. I have my conjugal with my wife this evening.

Digger abandoned the bag and pulled on his shirt. What does that mean?

It means my wife and I get to share a bed one night a month. It’s a perk I get for doing my job.

Why does your wife care if you’re a good doctor?

Lee chuckled. Not my wife...Lady Hook. She awards perks and takes them away based on performance.

You’re a prisoner here?

I thought that was obvious. Prisoner is a bit of a harsh term. I’m staying for the duration of my financial difficulty.

How do I get out?

The doctor shook his head as if he didn’t understand. We don’t leave the Farm. I’ll be here for another eight years until my debtors are satisfied. If I were to escape, then go where?

I don’t care about you. How many guards are in those towers?

Aren’t you paying attention? You have a chance at a life here. I heard about the madness that takes place down in Diregloom. Savagery! This place has a few rules, but we’re cared for. You and your brother will prosper.

Digger clamped a hand on his throat. What do you know about my brother?

Lee’s face began turning a deep red. I just finished my examination, he gasped. He has a nervous heart and raspy lungs, but otherwise he’s healthy.

Monty’s...alive?

Of course he’s alive. Alive and well. He’s here. How could you not know? Please, I can’t...breathe.

Take me to him.

I can’t. He’s been remanded to Central Court.

Where’s that?

The Farm. It’s broken up into zones or courts. We’re in Alpine Court. This is the best you’ll get. It’s like living a normal life. The other courts are a bit more rustic.

Digger dropped him back into the chair. Directions. Where’s this Central Court?

Main Street. It connects everything.

All right. Take me there.

MONTY’S ALIVE.

The thought kept looping in his mind. He had assumed, based on the comments by Belle Ratto and the crew of the Weasel, that his brother had been killed after Digger’s capture. Any time he had asked about Monty he had been ignored or laughed at.

Was this some ruse?

He hadn’t seen who had been inside the other wagon and had never left his cage in the forward hold of the bounty hunters’ boat.

If Monty was alive, then why? Why bring him here along with Digger? What was this place and what purpose would Monty serve?

Too many questions and his mind was too fuzzy. He needed food. Sleep. Rest. But he forced himself to focus as he manhandled the doctor out the cabana to the street. The sun was beginning to set. Someone was lighting lantern streetlights with a long pole. A neighbor across the lane was leaning on his front gate and smoking a pipe.

The doctor was stammering. You’ll get us in trouble.

I’m used to it. Which way?

Lee pointed right. Digger kept a hand on the doctor’s neck and took him down to the broad avenue, which led either to the front gate or into the further parts of the compound past the rows of cabanas.

Central’s that way. It’s a bit of a walk. But there’s an inner fence...guards...look, champion, you don’t have to do this. If Lady Hook has your brother, then he’s going to be placed somewhere safe because she looks after people she thinks are important.

Like you?

I appreciate the irony in your words. You have me at your mercy. But I provide a valuable service. My debts will be paid. Find out what Lady Hook wants from you. She can then lay out what you have to do to balance the books.

I don’t owe her anything.

You’re here and doing better than most at the Farm. You owe her.

He got them moving. They weren’t the only traffic on the street. Small groups of men appeared to be returning from work, judging by their tired expressions and soiled clothes. Someone was attending a small grill in front of a townhouse. A woman sat near him with a glass of wine. Both gave Digger and his captive a long stare before looking away.

Digger tried to make sense of the sight. Were they or weren’t they prisoners? But after a long walk they approached a second set of fences. A tower next to another gate topped with barbed wire broke the illusion that this wasn’t a prison.

A guard with a dainty beard leaned from the tower. Doc Lee, who’s your friend?

What do you want me to tell him? Lee whispered to Digger.

Digger spoke through his teeth. Tell them to let us in.

Even I can’t travel between courts without an escort. I need a summons to be here.

Think of something or I break your neck.

Lee cleared his throat even as Digger kept his hand in place on the back of the man’s neck. Lady Hook wants the new prisoner to have a visitor. This man is the catacomb champion who just arrived. We’ll be just five minutes.

The guard scowled. You know you can’t just walk through the gate, doc. No exceptions.

Then is there any way you can bring him out to the fence? There’s a bottle of red in it for you.

Let me see what I can do.

The guard vanished for a moment and soft voices could be heard above them. Then the guard descended a ladder that took him out of sight to the yard beyond the fence. Minutes passed. Another guard peered down at them from above but didn’t seem particularly interested in them.

Through the thick bound-wire screen Monty appeared with the guard. He wasn’t shackled, was dressed in clean clothes like Digger’s, and looked to be uninjured. As he was brought to the fence, Digger was able to get a closer look.

Monty’s skin normally held a darker shade of green than Digger’s, but now it appeared blanched. His cheeks were sunken. His eyes were downcast.

Digger thrust the doctor aside and went to the fence. Monty! Monty, it’s me. It’s Digger.

Monty looked up at him.

Are you okay? Did they hurt you?

The guard patted his brother on the back. We’ve been taking good care of him. But it’s bedtime for Central Court, so say your goodbyes. Doc, I expect that wine to be delivered tonight.

Monty, I’m sorry.

His brother only hung his head as the guard took him away.

Digger sized up the fence. It offered only tiny finger- and toeholds. The gate would be easier to climb.

Don’t, the doctor said. They’ll kill you if you try.

How is Central different than where I’m being housed?

It’s for violent offenders and anyone Lady Hook wants to keep on lockdown.

Digger had more questions. But he wasn’t able to ask as a group of riders approached. Lady Hook was with them and they formed a semicircle, blocking Digger in with the fence at his back.

Lady Hook leaned forward on her saddle. Why there you are, champion. You had me worried. Not even here a few hours and you’re not where you’re supposed to be. We have a dinner appointment and you’re late. Please don’t disappoint me by making this difficult.

You have my brother in there. Get him out.

Why? Neither you nor he have earned any favors. I paid a small fortune for the two of you. I was persuaded that I’d need him to get what I want out of you. It appears Belle Ratto was right. You wish for your brother to be moved out of Central? Convince me it’s worth it. But for now he stays. He’ll be cared for, as will you.

All right. I’ll listen. You said something about dinner?

She scrunched her face. I’m not hungry anymore and it appears you have your blood up. I’ll have food brought to you. Use the night to rest. I’ll meet you in the morning. Then we’ll take a ride and I’ll show you what I want from you.

Chapter Four

LADY HOOK HAD MENTIONED games.

Digger had had enough games to last two lifetimes. He paced the cabana and bumped his head on a low beam between the bedroom and main room. Stifled a curse. In the kitchenette was a bowl of pears. He ate one. When finished he dumped the core atop the tray with the scraps of dinner: chicken bones, potato skin, and remnants of roasted cauliflower.

Moonlight shimmered through a small window. He looked outside at the tiny front yard. This home would be a luxury for any fel in Diregloom. But it wasn’t going to be free, and Monty would be used as leverage.

They’d have to escape, and no clumsy rush for the gate would get them out alive.

The bed proved surprisingly soft. Too soft and too short. He tossed and turned before throwing the bed pad to the floor. In anticipation of what was to come in the morning, he did what any trained ranger might do with a few hours of downtime.

He got some sleep.

IT’S A FIELD.

Digger sat forward on the dun pony Lady Hook had provided and surveyed the long dirt lot. She sat on her own horse and loosened her neck scarf as if warm from the ride.

Faint white markings showed what he could guess was once some kind of play area, a long rectangle covering the length of the dirt. Bleachers lined one long side of the lot, but otherwise this part of the prison referred to as the Farm was positioned in the middle of untended, weed-covered pastureland.

They had been escorted by two guards, also on horseback, who waited at a discreet distance but kept a close eye on Digger.

Lady Hook swung off her spotted mare. It’s so much more than that. The men who work the Farm began to play a sport among themselves which has grown in popularity over the past years. The nobles from Altea started to come here every Sunday to watch them play. We have enough for three teams, and the men took to it, they really did, with costumes and flair. It became a big enough event that I can sell tickets. Recently some of the nobles started making teams of their own. We have a league now. The past two seasons, all of my teams were at the bottom.

The familiar worm in Digger’s gut began to tighten. You want me for your game.

You’re a celebrity. We’ve heard about the catacombs. A few of the girls from Altea even saw you fight. But our games here aren’t a death sport. Nothing that brutal. What I need you to do is work with my teams for the next round of league play. You’ll be a draw for the spectators even if you’re nothing more than a coach.

A coach, Digger said dryly.

"Your presence alone will bring in the curious. They’ll get a taste for the games and