The Zenda Vendetta (TimeWars 4)

“Just make sure you do your part,” said Finn, “If that drawbridge does not come down, I’ll make certain to save a bullet for you.”

“If the drawbridge does not come down,” said Hentuu, with a grin, “then save that bullet for yourself. It will mean that I have died in the attempt and I would advise you to kill yourself rather than be taken by the countess. That’s a bitch with a thirst for blood that is unmatched. She once showed a bit too keen an interest in the implements of torture down there. I believe she chafes to try than out on someone.”

“I’ll keep that in mind,” said Finn.

“Are your people in position?”

“By now, they should be,” Finn said. “The lowering of the drawbridge will be their signal to attack.”

“Good. Once you have achieved the stair, I shall count to twenty, then lower the bridge. It shall be rather noisy, I’m afraid, so you had best be ready.”

“What about the others?”

“You leave than to me. Just dispose of Krafstein and Detchard as quickly as you can, then enter the king’s cell and do away with him. There is a grate across the window of his cell that swings away. Beyond it is a pipe. Place the king’s body in the pipe and weight it, you will fund all you need there ready to hand. Once the king has gone into the moat, release the pipe and it shall drop in after him. Then, Your Majesty, hasten to me, for I will require protection from your friends.”

“Very well,” Finn said, nodding. “When do we go?”

Hentzau walked over to the door, opened it, peered out then nodded at Finn. “Now,” he said.

Albert Lauengran reached the top of the stairs, glanced quickly down the hall, and then moved swiftly to the door of Hentsn’s old room. He paused, listened, then turned the key In the lock and swung open the door.

Michael Elphberg was sitting on the edge of the bed, bent over, his head in his hands. When Lauengram came in, he looked up quickly. His fact was puffed and bruised. His nose was splayed across his features at an odd angle and several of his teeth were missing. Both his lips were cut.

“So,” he said, “they’ve sent you to do me in, have they?”

Lauengram held a finger to his lips. “Hush, Your Lordship,” he said softly. “Not all have turned on you.”

“What do you mean?” said. Michael, sitting up straight and staring at Lauengram with the beginnings of hope.

“Though she has promised to double our wages,” Lanett-gram said, “we are not keen to throw in with her. There is more honor-and more profit, to be sure-in following a king… Your Majesty.”

Michael stood. “Who is ‘we?”

“Detchard, Krafstein, De Gautet and myself,” said Lauengram.

“And Hansen?”

“We did not ask him,” Lauengram said. “He seems too enamored of the countess and too anxious to receive his doubled wages. Besides, it was he who locked you in here, remember.”

“Yes, I remember all too well,” said Michael. “You can tell the others that th

eir pay is to be tripled henceforth and that they may look forward to more once I have attained the throne. As for Hentzau, he does not live out the night.”

“We had already agreed on that,” said Lauengram. “And the countess-”

“That she-devil is mine,” said Michael, vehemently. “Give me your pistol.”

“I would prefer to keep it,” Lauengram said. “Should we run into Hentzau-”

“Then I will shoot him down like the dog he is!”

“No offense, Milord, but my hand is steadier.”

“What, then, are you afraid? You have your sword.”

“Aye, and I’ll not draw it against Heotzau. With a gun, I do not fear him, but I am no match for Rupert with a blade”

“Would you question your king?” said Michael, holding his hand out.