The Final Commission

Chapter Two

“Have you met Heir Lendl, Maxmillian’s emissary?” the General introduced the tall wiry man beside him.      Iain bowed slightly in formality at the man, “MacGregor, First Lieutenant”      “We have not met, but I have heard many things about you and your secret services for the Elector.”  The emissary responded.       Iain narrowed his eyes at the man.  He knew the Elector, and he also knew his reluctance to admit that he used spies to gain leverage in the war.  In fact, the only other man that knew what Iain did, was the General.  And Tilly never mentioned Iain’s occupation to anyone, for it could prove a compromise in further missions.        “Then ye are in greater confidence than the last emissary.”  Iain quipped.       “Yes I am.  In fact Lieutenant you are the reason I am here.”       “Aye?”        “Yes, the papers you acquired in Berlin.  The Elector has requested I bring them to him immediately.”        Iain glanced at Tilly, who gave a slight shrug.  He made no movement to retrieve the documents.  In his stead, the emissary removed a folded parchment from his own breast pocket, handing the letter to Tilly to read.  The General open the red wax seal and read silently to himself.  He then handed the letter to Iain.  Iain noted the authenticity of the letter, knowing the sloping handwriting and signature of Maxmillian with familiarity.  The Elector’s instructions were simple and clear.  He desired the papers and wished them to be delivered by the emissary as soon as Iain had returned.  Ian was still reluctant, he sensed something amiss, and his intuition was rarely wrong.  As he handed the letter back to the emissary he nonchalantly brushed his fingers over the seal itself.  Smiling inwardly as he felt the recently reheated wax.  Iain smiled at the emissary now as he removed the documents from his own breast pocket and handed them over.      “Thank you Lieutenant.” the emissary replied, shoving the papers and the letter into his doublet.

"And ye have something fer me?” he said cocking his head upward.      The emissary seemed confused but quickly hid it.      “My release papers.”  Iain prompted, receiving a quizzical glance from Tilly as well.      “Well, the Elector requests one more favor of you . . .”      Tilly turned to look from Iain, then to the emissary and then back at Iain.      “Your services are required for one last mission, then the Elector will grant your release from his duty.”       Iain narrowed his eyes, “Aye.  And what does he wish fer me te do?”       “Maxmillian has received word from Hamburg that a French emissary has been received at the court of the Grand Duchess Freidrich.  You must infiltrate the palace and steal the documents that the emissary carries.  Maxmillian is sure they are from the Cardinal himself.”       “Richelieu?”       “Yes.  Use whatever means are necessary and once you have obtained the documents bring them to Madrid.  I will await you there and have your papers for release...”       “And what o’ the ship?”       “It will await you there at the port.”       The emissary bowed to the General, who gave a look of question to Iain over the emissary’s head.  The Scotsman gave a small shake of his head and made a signal crossing his heart with his fore finger and second finger, signally to the General to allow the emissary to leave without any indication.       The emissary made his way towards the flap in the tent, and then suddenly turned and smiled at Iain, “The Elector will reward you handsomely for this last commission.”       “Aye, I’m sure he will.”       “General Tilly.” the emissary bowed again then ducked out.       The General went to say something about the scene but Iain hushed his questions instantly, listening for the impostor to mount his stolen horse and ride away.      “I will have my men stop him.” Tilly announced finally.      “Nay, send one te follow though.  It would be te our advantage te see where the crafty liar goes.  And te ken who signs his commission.”      “I suppose you are correct, Lieutenant.” Tilly agreed, “Corporal.”      A moment later the young attendant waiting outside the tent popped inside, “Yes, General.”      “Follow the emissary, do not let him see you.  He must not know he is followed.”      “Yes sire.”