Our Battle Lord's Ransom: The Battle Lord Saga, #10

By Linda Mooney

When a caravan of gypsies arrives at Alta Novis, looking to make a deal, these new visitors raise suspicions. It isn't until the battle lord sees what they have for sell that his concerns and reservations are raised even more—a cannon, guns, and other weapons that haven't been seen in hundreds of years, and only heard about in stories these days.

 

The group isn't happy when Yulen denies their requests, confiscates their weapons, and sends them on their way, but not before loading their wagons with supplies in a show of good will. But it isn't enough for the gypsy leader.

 

When one of their own goes missing, Yulen and Atty will stop at nothing to get the battle prince back, but at what cost? Do their swords and arrows stand a chance against guns?

 

A number of obstacles stand in their way as they go to retrieve their son, but the connection between a Mutah mother and her child will conquer all.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Linda Mooney
• Release date: Mar 14, 2023
• ISBN: 9781953797278

Linda Mooney

Linda loves to write sensuously erotic romance with a fantasy, paranormal, or science fiction flair. Her technique is often described as being as visual as a motion picture or graphic novel. A wife, mother, grandmother, and retired Kindergarten and music teacher, she lives in a small south Texas town near the Gulf coast where she delves into other worlds filled with daring exploits, adventure, and intense love. She has numerous best sellers, including 10 consecutive #1s. In 2009, she was named Whiskey Creek Press Torrid's Author of the Year, and her book My Strength, My Power, My Love was named the 2009 WCPT Book of the Year. In 2011, her book Lord of Thunder was named the Epic Ebook "Eppie" Award Winner for Best Erotic Sci-Fi Romance. In addition, she write naughty erotic romances under the name of Carolyn Gregg, and horror under the pseudonym of Gail Smith. For more information about Linda Mooney books and titles, and to sign up for her newsletter, please visit her website. http://www.LindaMooney.com

Book preview

Chapter 1

Caravan

I gotta gold piece burnin’ a hole in my pocket. Garet Renken stared in the distance at the incoming clouds. Wind’s picking up. I bet that gold piece it’s gonna rain before morning.

Cole Mastin snorted. I’ll take that bet.

That it won’t rain before daybreak? Renken challenged.

The second grinned. That it won’t rain. I’m betting we’ll have snow instead.

You’re on! Renken immediately became serious. Wait. You agreed to that too quickly. What do you know that I don’t?

You’re still obligated to that bet, Mastin informed him.

Renken nodded in acknowledgment and followed where the man was pointing. Surrey Wellman was piling firewood behind the battle lord’s lodge. Okaaay. Is that supposed to mean something?

Mastin’s grin widened. When is the only time Yulen and Atty order a cord of wood to be delivered?

Uhh, when the wea— Shit.

Mastin cracked up laughing as the ex-mercenary dug into his pocket to hand over the coin. The second waved him off. Hold onto that gold piece. You may need it to buy something…like some firewood. And speaking of, you might want to get your order in early before the first cold snap comes, and he gets inundated.

Renken raised an eyebrow. Bet you got yours in, didn’t you?

Hey, I learned a long time ago to follow their lead. I was in the main hall with Yulen when he sent the message to Surrey, so I tagged on.

The ex-mercenary gave the idea a second thought. Nope. Fair’s fair. Grabbing the man’s hand, Renken slapped the coin into Mastin’s palm and closed his fingers over it. My loss. I’ve gotten lazy, and I’ve no one to blame but myself. You’d think I’d be more astute about that sort of thing.

About the weather?

No. About D’Jacques not ordering a buttload of firewood unless the weather’s about turn cold. Renken snorted. I know they do that. I just wasn’t paying attention. He snorted. In some ways, I’ve grown soft since I came here.

Hey, maybe it’ll rain before it snows, Mastin suggested.

Renken started to shake his head when the guard in Tower 2 yelled out, Caravan approaching from the north!

Mastin hurried for the nearest ladder to inform the battle lord as Renken raced along the catwalk toward the main gates. From that vantage point he could see the approaching train of wagons proceeding down the hill toward the compound. There were five in all, plus two figures on horseback. He estimated maybe a dozen people all total, if that many.

A glance downward confirmed two soldiers were at-ready to open one of the gates, but not both. No one doubted the caravan would detour off the main road and approach them, but none of the wagons would be allowed inside until Yulen was certain these people didn’t pose a threat, and the caravan’s contents had been thoroughly checked out.

Renken smiled to himself. Twelve will get you a dozen that these people try to drive in anyway. It wasn’t long before his hunch proved out. When the caravan reached the dirt cutoff leading directly to the compound, it stopped. A single person got out of the lead wagon and approached someone on horseback. They exchanged a few words before the one on foot returned to the wagon and got back in.

Man, what I wouldn’t give to have you here earlier. You might’ve been able to catch what was being said, he quipped to the form who joined him.

They’re too far away, and the wind was against me, Atty replied. But my sister would have caught it.

He glanced sideways at the battle lady. Would have? Or might have? Seeing the familiar scathing expression on her face, he chuckled. All right. Would have.

As he’d predicted, the caravan continued forward toward the front gates. Renken smiled to himself. These next few minutes were going to be good.

What have we got? Yulen D’Jacques asked as he joined them.

Five wagons. Two on horseback. I’m figuring about a dozen people altogether.

Makes sense to keep the majority out of eyesight, the battle lord remarked. That way, in case of an attack, they have their numbers as a surprise element.

Well-armed numbers, Renken included.

There’s at least one Mutah with them, Atty noted. Neither man asked her how she knew. They didn’t need to.

After a few seconds, Renken heard Yulen grunt in amusement. Yeah, they’re gonna expect you to let ‘em all in at once.

In reply, the battle lord strode over to the corner tower and bent over the balustrade. Yo! Down below! Do not challenge! Hold up until I give word! If I do, open only the one door!

Preparing single door on your orders! the soldier manning the wheel called back.

Mastin jogged over to join them. What do you think they want?

One never knows until they reveal it, Atty stated. It could be they need food. Or they’re looking for a permanent home. Or they could be traders.

Well, until they prove otherwise, they’re all potential enemies, Yulen flatly remarked.

It didn’t take the travelers long to realize the main gates weren’t going to automatically open for them. The lead man on horseback called for a halt, and Renken got the impression all eyes were on the people lining the catwalk.

Ho! Stop and identify! Mastin called out.

Is this Alta Novis?

It is, the second answered from where he stood on the opposite side of the gate. Renken always found it fascinating how the man always placed himself away from the battle lord and lady, as if to draw and keep attention away from them whenever confronting strangers. What is your business here?

Threefold! We seek shelter for the night. We seek fresh supplies. And we have goods we can barter and sell that will interest all! Especially the battle lord, D’Jacques!

Renken snickered. Wonder why they left you out, Atty, he murmured under his breath.

I’m equally baffled. And curious, she admitted.

Ask him what kind of goods, Yulen whispered.

What sort of goods do you have that would interest him? Mastin called out.

That’s between me and him, the guy shot back.

Mastin laughed aloud. And you think you’re going to get me to open these gates on your word alone?

From the corner of his eye, Renken was aware of Atty reaching over to her husband.

He’s hiding something in one of those wagons.

Renken narrowed his focus. He noticed how they seemed to be gathered around and almost guarding the third wagon. The middle one, he pointed out.

Yulen nodded once. Then let’s find out what it is. Garet? Want to do me the honor?

The ex-mercenary grinned. Would love to. Cole? Want to join in the fun?

Try and stop me.

Whirling around, he headed for the nearest ladder with Mastin in tow. Down on ground level, he paused to wait for the second to join him. Wouldn’t hurt to take a couple of backups with us.

Way ahead of you. Mastin gestured to two soldiers following in their wake.

With a nod, Renken turned to exit out the small side door next to the main gate.

The man on horseback appeared surprised to see the four of them exiting from someplace other than the large main doors. Renken held back and let Mastin take the lead, since he’d been the one conversing with the caravan’s leader. It also allowed him to get a feel for the group. Investigate a little. Stick his nose in places it probably didn’t belong, but he didn’t care. These people were on D’Jacques’s land, which meant they were subject to his laws. And those laws were the same at all the other compounds.

Battle Lord’s Rules.

Take it or leave it.

Mastin stopped a few paces away from the rider. Again, Renken observed the fact that the second was putting enough space between himself and the leader in the event the man tried to run him down or make the horse attack him. Either of which wouldn’t happen, even if the guy tried. Atty would turn him into a pincushion before the man could blink. Smiling, Renken forced himself to keep from glancing over his shoulder to where Yulen and Atty were watching.

All right. I’m listening, Mastin drily informed the spokesperson.

Renken took that as his cue and casually began strolling past the wagons as the two guards remained with the second. His suspicions were verified when he noticed more people peering at him from the small windows in the sides of what were meant to be their homes on wheels. He’d heard of people like that. Gypsies. Travelers who didn’t pitch tents on the ground at night, but kept to their above-ground abodes. In case of a sudden attack, they could hightail it away at a moment’s notice. To him, that was smart traveling.

Another man suddenly appeared from around the next wagon. His sword remained in its scabbard, but he brandished a knife. Stopping, Renken gave the man his most cordial smile and slowly drew his sword.

We don’t appreciate people snooping around our belongings, the guy said in a way that could be taken as a warning or a threat.

If you intend on bringing this caravan inside our walls, we have every right to see what ‘cha got inside. You understand, right?

Renken continued toward the rear of the middle wagon. Unlike the other four, it wasn’t a home on wheels. This one probably held supplies. Regardless, he walked around the tall sides which kept the contents from view.

The tailgate was as high as the sides. A simple loop of rope slung over both corner posts kept it upright. Throwing off the loops, he onehandedly lowered the tailgate only to find himself staring at an object he’d never seen in real life before. Only in pictures. In books. In drawings. On tapestries.

He continued to stare at it in shock, when Mastin came up beside him. Discover anything?

Yeah. And it definitely ain’t good news.

Chapter 2

Welcoming

A cannon. You’re sure. Yulen stared at Renken. It wasn’t that he didn’t believe him. It was because the idea that someone was lugging around a real cannon in this day and age was a bit difficult to wrap his head around.

Where would they have gotten their hands on a cannon? Atty queried, then turned to her husband. The fact that they were trying to hide it from us makes me instantly distrust them.

Yulan agreed and waved to Mastin. Cole. Warren. Take a half-dozen men outside. Have those people park their wagons on the north side and bring everyone inside, but not until you’ve confiscated every weapon they have on them. Be sure to thoroughly search the wagons for anyone in hiding, including kids. He paused, then added, "On second thought, have our men confiscate everything they don’t recognize or identify before our guests are ushered into the main hall."

Where do you want us to put the stuff? Paxton asked.

Renken snorted. "At this moment, there’s no place safe enough. Somebody might get curious and mishandle something. And boom! We got problems."

I agree, Yulen stated. He surveyed the small shack where they’d gathered. He’d had it built out of necessity, separate from the main hall yet close to the barracks. At least here, they’d be able to converse freely, away from the noise, prying eyes, and listening ears of anyone within reach if they were at their usual table near the fireplace inside the dining hall.

Here, there was a place to hang maps where they’d always be readily available. A centralized table on which to build strategies. A wall containing shift changes and the names of those soldiers on sentry or tower duty. And slate boards where he could write his orders for his secondaries to read and carry out. It was smaller than the downstairs room in his and Atty’s lodge, yet big enough to allow a dozen of them to gather to hash out plans in relative secrecy.

He glanced out one of the many windows that ringed what was referred to as the command center. These overlooked the promenade that led from the front gates to the main hall. Place the odd items in a chest and bring them here. Assign a sentry to guard the door at all times, and allow no one entry except for the five of us. Whatever swords and knives we lift from them, we can store in the side armory as usual.

What about the cannon? Mastin reminded him.

Anything too big to carry remains outside the compound. A smile came over the battle lord’s face. If I remember correctly, those things use metal balls, correct? They fire cannon balls? His gaze dropped to Renken. Did you see any cannon balls?

The man shook his head. Nope, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t any. I was too enamored of that big tube of metal staring back at me.

Cole, confiscate the cannon balls and place them in here. Separate all the weaponry from its ammunition.

Then what do we do? Do we allow those people in? Paxton asked.

Take them to the main hall and let them eat, Atty replied. If they want to all remain close together, let them. I’ll get Costancia to serve them. She’ll be able to overhear anything that’s said.

Think she’ll be able to spot the Mutah you sensed? Yulen asked her.

Most definitely.

But that means that Mutah will be able to tell their server is also Mutah, right? Renken clarified.

Atty grinned. It’ll be a sweet little game to see who recognizes whom first.

Once they’re done eating, keep them at their table in the main hall. We’re going to have a long talk with Mr. Horseman to see what his intentions are, Yulen continued. Whether or not we allow them to stay inside the compound depends on how he answers our questions. He knew he was being more cautious than usual about these strangers, but he felt justified. Neither would anyone blame him for his hesitancy.

Atty laid a hand on his arm. I’m going over to let Berta know to give Costancia a heads up before I return to the lodge to check on Mistelle.

He nodded and watched her leave. Warren waited until the door was closed, but spoke in a whisper anyway, knowing how acute the woman’s hearing was.

Is the little one doing any better? I tried asking Atty earlier, but she never answered me.

Yulen shook his head, noticing the others were equally concerned about the baby. There are days Misty does all right. But then there are days she seems to revert.

Revert? Mastin repeated. How? In what way?

The battle lord searched for the right words. It’s hard to explain. It’s almost as if she goes…feral.

How so?

She…it’s like she descends into an almost animalistic state. Snarling and growling, and trying to bite us. Kicking out with those little hooved feet of hers. Flailing her arms with her fingers curved like claws like she’s trying to ward us off. His voice hitched slightly, and Yulen bowed his head to keep the others from seeing how emotional he’d become. If it wasn’t for the draught Liam concocted…

What does Liam have to say? Warren inquired. Does he think her condition is permanent?

Yeah. Does he think it has anything to do with that tainted milk she drank? Renken wondered.

He does, Yulen admitted. Whether she’ll have to suffer these attacks for the rest of her life, he doesn’t know. But as long as we’re diligent about giving her her medicine, she does well. You’d never know she was sick. And before you ask, yes. Mattox is still having some digestive issues, as well as Atty. They’re just not as persistent or debilitating.

Mastin laid a hand on the battle lord’s shoulder. We know Atty’s still devastated about losing the baby. Is there any chance whatever she contracted from the milk will prevent her from getting pregnant again?

We don’t know. Fergus is still running weekly tests on the milk we’re getting now from the dairy herd. He says it’s all clear. There’s no sign of whatever those rats infested the hay with. But for the time being, at least in Mistelle’s case, Bonnilee is sending over fresh breast milk for the baby. He sighed. Thank goodness the woman’s producing more than she needs for her own son.

There’s something you haven’t brought up yet, Renken mentioned. Let’s assume they’ve gone to other compounds. What happened at those places, if anything?

Mastin wagged a forefinger. He’s got a point. They came from the north, which means they had to have passed by Foster City, right?

They may have passed it and not sought shelter, Yulen remarked. But we won’t know for sure unless we check it out. Cole, send a couple of men up there to check with Batuset. See if he had any encounter with them.

Will do.

Warren laid his hand on his sword’s hilt. If we’re done here, I’ll go ahead and take a squad outside to bring our visitors in and have them patted down before we take them to the dining hall.

After you do that, I’ll have our men go through their wagons and see if there’s anything there we need to confiscate for our own protection, Mastin remarked. Yulen, do you plan to give them their belongings back?

Only when we’re certain they won’t be used against us, and even that’s questionable. Giving a nod, Yulen tapped the table in front of him. If we figure we’d be better off sending them on their way, we’ll do so in reverse. Return their possessions and weapons to their wagons first, then usher them outside the gates. He glanced around at three of his most trusted friends. Any questions or concerns? No? Well, you know what to do if something comes up. He turned for the door. Let’s go find out why the hell they’re here.

Chapter 3

Confiscated

Yulen casually strolled into the dining hall and acted as if the strangers weren’t there. He also avoided sitting at his regular table nearest the fireplace. Instead, he found an empty table one row in and took a seat. The soldiers already present who were eating their evening meal before their shift immediately became aware of the battle lord’s tactic. It meant he didn’t want any attention drawn to him, and they would obey that silent request. They’d seen the strangers eating at the far end of the room.

Yasmine came over to leave a platter of food. Care for some mead?

I’d rather have a beer. Thanks. He cast a side eye at the newcomers. How’s it going with them?

So far, no complaints, although a couple of them are pretty insistent on knowing what they’re eating. She grinned. They asked to speak to the head cook, so Berta went out to talk to them.

Yulen chuckled. He could imagine what the woman might have told them, but he wanted to hear it anyway. And?

She wanted to know if the food wasn’t to their liking, when they said it was delicious but were wondering what it was. So she told them it was called Tuesday Surprise, and they could take it or leave it.

The battle