A Roll of the Die - 1. Inception
Copyright© 2026 by Michael Loucks
Chapter 59: Day 77
Count Matthias' Company had enjoyed their evening at the Ugly Duckling, but had not stayed late, and for once, they all slept alone in their own beds, except Milos and Karla, who were husband and wife. When they arose very early in the morning, they ate a breakfast of bread, cheese, and porridge served by Alice, the morning serving girl. Once they'd eaten, they departed to make the planned arrests.
"Anthony," Tristan said firmly, "or whatever your name is — you are a Danian spy, and I place you under arrest by the authority of King Edward of Nystria. You are to be taken to Haven at once as our prisoner."
"I'm no spy!" he protested.
"We recovered a code book, messages, and other evidence from Kurtis. You are implicated by that evidence as well as your association with Kurtis. Lisette, bind his wrists."
For a moment, it appeared Anthony would bolt, but then he meekly held out his arms so Lisette could bind his wrists.
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Meanwhile, Matthias knocked firmly on Uma's door, and she opened it less than a minute later.
"Uma, I am Count Matthias of Newtown, Lord of County Hamilton, near Fulham, on a secret mission for King Edward. By the authority granted by the King, I am placing you under arrest and intend to bring you to Haven to stand trial for murder, banditry, and fomenting insurrection."
"You committed cold-blooded murder! You'll hang for that!"
"On the contrary! I'll receive a commendation and reward for killing two proven Danian spies."
"What?!" Uma gasped.
"It's true," Milos said firmly. "We have all the proof we need that they were spying for Dania. I am a Knight of the Realm, and I tell you that the killings were authorized by a Royal Warrant. You will come with us."
"Nobody will believe that yarn when they hear I ordered you to kill them! You won't take me in because you'll hang!"
Milos drew his sword.
"Last chance," Matthias said. "Allow me to bind your hands and then come quietly with us."
"No," she declared firmly, staring defiantly into Matthias' eyes.
"Sir Milos," Matthias said. "Do your duty."
"Yes, my Lord," Milos replied.
He quickly thrust his sword just below Uma's breastbone and withdrew it. Uma didn't scream, but simply grunted and collapsed to the stone pavement. A second thrust by Milos was met by another grunt, but no other sound. Milos withdrew his sword, wiped it on Uma's dressing gown, then sheathed it.
"What is the meaning of this?!" a loud, authoritative voice demanded.
Matthias and Milos turned to see a Sergeant leading a patrol of two men, all with their swords drawn.
"I am Count Matthias of Newtown, near Fulham, dispensing the King's justice. I have a Royal Warrant, and my swordsman is Sir Milos of Newtown, Knight of the Realm. The woman lying there — Uma — was a member of the Black Crows who had a mission to kill the Bailiff and Lord Mayor. I informed the Bailiff of the plot yesterday and was attempting to arrest Uma. She refused to be taken into custody, so I ordered Sir Milos to do his duty."
"May I see the Warrant?" the Sergeant asked.
Matthias nodded and extracted the Royal Warrant, which contained the King's seal, and handed it to the Sergeant, who read it.
"This is in order," the Sergeant said a moment later.
"As you read, her property is forfeit, and the Lord Mayor may, by order of the King, make use of it in any way he sees fit for the benefit of the people of Wickham."
"I will secure the house and inform the Bailiff, my Lord; you are, of course, free to go."
"Thank you, Sergeant. Please go about your duties."
"Yes, my Lord."
Matthias and Milos departed to join the Company at the Full Moon Inn, where Matthias explained what had happened with Uma. Once he had done so, they gathered their things, Matthias settled the bill, and they departed after arranging for Teresa to travel to Newtown within a half-moon.
The Company departed the Inn, escorting Anthony, whose wrists were bound and who had fetters on his ankles. They left the city and met Priscilla's family, except for Callum, just outside the gate. There was enough room in the family cart for Anthony, so they loaded him in the back rather than having to remove his fetters so he could ride a horse.
They set out for Telford with Tristan leading the way and Milos bringing up the rear. Karla rode behind Tristan, followed by the wagon, then Matthias, Lisette, and Tyra, who were between Milos and the wagon.
"How are you feeling?" Tyra asked Matthias after they had traveled past a dozen farms.
"About ordering Milos to kill Uma? I had a mission to complete, and I completed it."
"Yes, of course, but you enjoyed her company, did you not?"
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