Chapter 21  The End of the Man In Black, the Rangers, and Julian's Revenge

            “Go away!” Ashlyn protested as she vainly tried to move anything at all, but the Man in Black held her fast.  In one mighty yank she found herself standing on the deck of a ship in the middle of some ocean and land was nowhere to be seen.  Once she found that she could move again, she found herself facing the Man in Black again.

            “I could shoot you where you stand!” she growled as her crossbow was leveled at him.

            “But you won’t,” he replied casually.  “You want to show good form just as much as I do.”  Ashlyn could hear him chuckling to himself softly under his cowl.

            “You haven’t won yet,” Ashlyn muttered as she recovered her sword and the two began to circle the other.

            “Let’s finish this thing once and for all!” the Man In Black advanced and Ashlyn defended herself.

            “Tell me who you are!” she demanded as she fought him off.

            “No, you are forgetting the rules,” he waggled his finger at her.  Ashlyn growled something unintelligible as she fell to defending herself under her opponent’s onslaught.  She didn’t realize how much she was retreating until her back came in contact with the railing and felt a stinging sensation in her side.

            “Ha!  First blood!  This is going to be far easier than I had thought!” he gloated.  Ashlyn only took a moment to inspect her would and found it to be nothing more than an annoying scratch.  Ashlyn’s anger had instantly risen up to the surface and she began her advance, her temper rising significantly with every blow.

            I’ve just about had it!  I’m tired of being stalked, tired of having to look over my shoulder, tired of worrying about what corner you’ll pop out from next!  No more!

            Ashlyn had turned her tactics to all-out with a war cry all her own.  Was that a look of surprise registering there in his eyes?  One, two, three and up-thrust to the left.  Was this mighty bulk of a man weakening under this girl’s onslaught?  Two, three and thrust home!

            Ashlyn let the pent up emotions and the anger add to her every thrust.  She had found herself pushing her opponent toward the opposite rail.  She took every opening he provided and even had managed to land a fist across his face.

            As he took the blow, Ashlyn thrust home, landing square in his gut, bringing him to his knees.  As he clasped his hands about the blade, Ashlyn finally paused to take a breath.

            It was Ashlyn’s turn to be somewhat surprised as the Man in Black was actually pulling the blade out himself.

            “I’ll have none of that!” Ashlyn growled menacingly as she quickly recovered and twisted, pushing it right back in, causing her opponent to cry out.  “Suffer for all the pain and anguish you’ve caused me!”  She had him propped against the rail and her foot was on his chest, ready to push him over.

            “Mercy…” he breathed.

            “Mercy!!?” Ashlyn echoed.  “You’ve been trying to kill me!  You nearly succeeded once and did you show mercy then?  Every day I look at myself in the mirror, I’m reminded of you!” She twisted and jiggled the blade again as she got in his face and showed the scar that would be forever visible under her left eye.

            “Logrus whip.  Where you showing any mercy then?” Ashlyn punched his face again.  He moaned pitifully.

            She finally remembered the one question she so badly wanted an answer to.  Without any further ceremony, she reached out and pulled on the cowl and was a little surprised to feel that face hair was coming right along in her grasp.  It was her turn to register the true surprise in her eyes as the mask came away completely.  The face was battered and bloodied, but the features were unmistakable.

            Caine!

            With anger refreshed she stabbed him anew and employed her foot from where it had been resting against his chest and pushed him overboard where he met the water with an unceremonial splash and Ashlyn stayed looking over the rail making sure that he went under and never came back up again.

            Alone on the ship, Ashlyn then let her emotions take hold of her.  It was all so clear now.  Brand and Caine never got along.  So get to Brand by taking out his children.  Ashlyn only took a moment to re-master herself before Trumping home to Amber.  Finally, after years of torment, she was finally free and a huge weight felt as if it had been lifted from her shoulders.  She was just on her way to go and find Martin when she ran into Pandora.

            “Pandora!” Ashlyn called to get her attention.

            “Ashlyn!  There you are!  Where the heck did you go?  Are you alright?” she asked concernedly.

            “I’m fine.  It’s finally over between the Man in Black and myself.  Would you believe me if I told you that it’s been Caine stalking me all this time?” Ashlyn smiled.

            “Caine?  How did you get away?  Is that wound serious?”

            “I’m fine.  He sure is strong in the mental capabilities, but when it came to fighting, I kicked his butt.  Of course this means he’s dead—again,” Ashlyn said easily.  Did I miss anything else at the Abyss once I had left?”

            “Well, you know about Finch,” Pandora said with a heavy sigh.  “Vince has gone to Avalon to inform Corwin of both Finch and Eros.  I was headed to see Martin and bring him up to speed.”

            “I think I’ll join you,” Ashlyn followed Pandora to the throne room where they found King Martin quietly conducting business with his advisor, Ador.

            “Ah, Pandora.  Ashlyn.  So good to see you back.  What news have you?” Martin greeted them with a smile.

            “The battle had gone well.  We had some very heavy losses, but we defeated Delwin.  Finch pushed him into the Abyss.  Vincent has gone to Avalon to inform Corwin of the loss of both Finch and Eros.  Benedict had stayed behind to help out now that King Denethor had died by Delwin’s hand.  He had also asked that I give you this,” Pandora handed over a scroll that Ador took to read first.

            “And you, Ashlyn.  You have nothing to add?” Martin asked.

            “Of course.  The good news to report is that the menacing Man in Black is no more.  We had a battle to the finish and I ended it.  The bad news is that it was Caine.  That means he’s dead—again,” Ashlyn said solemnly.

            “Doesn’t surprise me,” Martin said as he gently shook his head.

            “More not-so-good news, Sire,” Ador passed Benedict’s scroll over.

            “What is this?” Martin was instantly upset as he perused the contents.  “Benedict has disbanded my Rangers!  He can’t do that!”

            “Sire, I have new word from Benedict,” Blake announced as he came in.

            “He changed his mind about the Rangers,” Martin snapped sarcastically.

            “What about the Rangers?” Blake asked innocently.

            “Your news, Cousin,” Martin waved the comment aside.

            “When I gave my report to Benedict, he informed me that upon Delwin’s death Castle Corelaine has fallen and Sand has died,” he said quietly as if to try and not further upset the king.

            “Leave me!  I’ve important business to discuss with Benedict,” Martin said shortly as he yanked his Trump deck from his belt.  Martin could be heard yelling at Benedict via Trump as Blake, Pandora and Ashlyn left the throne room in a hurry.

            “Was my news so terrible?” Blake asked.

            “Not just your news,” Pandora patted his shoulder soothingly.

            “First Eros, then King Denethor.  Then Delwin and Finch.  I finally took out the Man In Black who was really Caine all this time, so he’s now dead again.  Then we hear about Sand.  On top of all that, Benedict just disbanded the Rangers and Martin is basically blowing a gasket.  All in all, I’d say it’s been a rather bloody week, wouldn’t you say?” Ashlyn said with a heavy sigh of her own.

            “Wait a second.  Let me get this straight.  Did I hear you right?  YOU killed Caine?” Blake asked incredulously.  Ashlyn only nodded.

            “Ashlyn, I’d make myself scarce for the next few days,” was all he said as he turned on his heel to go.

            “That’s good advice,” she agreed.  “I think I’ll do just that.”

            A memorial service and funeral was held for the fallen Amberites a few days later and Ashlyn made it a point not to be there.  She remembered that Julian and Caine were pretty close and Julian would not be liking her very much right now.  She figured that he wouldn’t be the only one with ill feelings towards her since she was the one who wound up killing him—even if it was all in the name of self defense.

            After the funeral and once everyone had gone their separate ways, Ashlyn felt that she could move freely about the Castle again without worrying about what or who was hiding behind every corner.  She was heading down to the lounge for some relaxation—a beer and possibly a good game of darts with Vincent before dinner.  She was about to pick out the beer for herself when she was being Trumped.

            “Hey, Ashlyn,” it was Pandora.

            “What’s up?  Funeral go okay?” Ashlyn responded as she returned to what she was doing before.

            “It was a nice ceremony.  Sorry you had to miss it,” she responded.

            “Had a few reasons not to be there.  Didn’t want to make a scene,” Ashlyn began to hunt for a bottle opener.

            “Better let me pull you through.  The king has something serious to talk to you about,” she extended her hand.  Ashlyn frowned and paused for a moment, giving Pandora a look of “Now what?” before extending her hand.  The next moment she found herself standing before Pandora in the throne room where King Martin sat silent for a moment.

            “I had Pandora call you in here for a reason,” Martin began wearily.  “The news is not all that good.  After Caine’s funeral, I was approached by Julian.”  There seemed to be a considerable pause.

            “And?  Come on.  Don’t leave me hanging like that.  I can handle it.  What?” Ashlyn waited for him to go on.

            “Julian wants revenge for Caine’s death,” Martin sighed.

            “You’re not going to turn me over, are you?  It was all in the name of self defense!” Ashlyn protested, her hand on the hilt of her sword just in case.

            “Ashlyn, if it makes you feel any better, my father wanted me to turn you over to him and I would not,” Pandora said quietly.  Ashlyn looked at her with wide eyes, the emotions threatening to take over.

            “Oh, Pandora!” was all she could manage.  Just by looking at her Ashlyn knew what it must have cost her to go against her own father and make a sacrifice for a friend.

            “I knew that Julian would be upset for losing his brother—again, but not that upset!  Pandora, I just feel terrible for you.  How’d you father take it when you told him?” Ashlyn regained her voice.

            “He kind of knew how I already felt but he felt he had to try anyway.  He’s not a happy camper.  I’d leave town if I were you,” she advised.

            “That’s not quite all of it,” Martin spoke again.  “Julian has placed Forest Arden under marshal law—no one is to go in or out whatsoever until you are delivered to him.”

            Ashlyn rolled her eyes skyward and sighed heavily.  She crossed her arms and made a face.

            “Might I suggest that you take on a bodyguard until this is all over?” Martin suggested.  The look on Ashlyn’s face was that of some kind of depression and she only nodded.

            “Any suggestions?” Martin was trying to prompt.

            “Gerard,” she said quietly.  “I’ll be in the lounge.”  She tried to manage a smile of confidence but it died upon her lips.  She turned and quietly walked out, taking her time as she made her way back to the lounge.  The Castle seemed to be a little empty today.

            The lounge seemed to be the only place with activity.  As she pulled the door open she was aware of the sound of darts being thrown.  That meant Vincent was back.  She also heard the unmistakable giggling of Sorsha and the deep guttural chuckle of Blake.  Slowly with no real purpose she let herself in and quietly retrieved the beer that she had left behind.  She let herself down into the nearest chair heavily and let a heavy sigh go right along with it as she proceeded to guzzle the beer.  Sorsha and Blake weren’t paying her any real mind since they were both heavily intoxicated with the drinking contest they were having.

            “If you’re looking to get in on that drinking game, they are way ahead of you,” Vincent said as he let go with another dart that landed on what looked like a pin up of Llewella’s face.

            “I’ve got way bigger problems.  Now that Caine is dead, Julian is after me.  Have you heard the latest?” Ashlyn asked as she propped her feet up.

            “Now what?” Vincent paused.

            “Arden in under marshal law.  No one in or out until I’m handed over to him.  That means no trade coming through.  Flora is going to have a cow when she finds out,” Ashlyn tried to chuckle to herself but it sounded more like some kind of strangled sob instead.

            “What’s got you so down?” Blake asked.

            “Remember how I killed Caine?  Julian isn’t very happy with me right now.  As a matter of fact, the man wants me to be very dead—wants to have that honor of killing me himself and he’s holding Arden hostage,” Ashlyn began fiddling with the label.

            “I don’t see what’s wrong.  Seems to me like you’ve brought this one on yourself, didn’t you?” Blake laughed.  Quick as lightning Ashlyn’s arm snaked across the table and had lifted Blake out of his seat by the front of his shirt, her other hand poised to strike.  Smelling the stench of alcohol on his breath, she realized that this wasn’t worth it and that her hot temper was getting the best of her yet again.  She dropped him back into his seat almost as quickly as she had picked him up.  She turned her back and found another seat on a couch on the far side of the room.  Vincent didn’t react one way or the other.  Just then, Gerard had entered the room and didn’t say one word of greeting to anyone as he wordlessly took a place beside Ashlyn, who instantly buried her head in her hands.  A few minutes later Ador had come down just to chew the fat and join Vincent in a game of darts.

            Ashlyn had resigned herself to simply watching the game and drinking her beer.  It was only a few minutes into the game that she heard Gerard lightly snoring beside her.  She sighed again to herself and slightly shook her head.

            Here we go again!

            “Ashlyn!  Are you down there?” a voice rang out from the top of the steps.

            “I’m here,” she responded wearily and carefully got up as to not disturb Gerard.  Deirdre was making her way down the stairs.  “What is it?”  Deirdre’s very presence seemed to command attention.

            “Martin just filled me in on what’s going on with you,” she said matter-of-factly.  “We can’t have this marshal law on Arden.  Moreover, Julian has no justified claim to you whatsoever.  We need to draw him out of wherever he’s hiding—however, it means having to use you as bait.”

            “I don’t like that idea,” Ashlyn put her hands on her hips.  “But I’ll tell you what.  If I can’t come up with a better plan, we’ll do that.”

            Deirdre folded her arms and only raised an eyebrow slightly.  “It sounds fair.  Let me know what you find out within the next hour,” she said and turned to go.  “By the way, I’d stay out of Flora’s way if you see her.  She’s upset that a particular wagon hasn’t made it in yet.  There was a particular pair of gloves that she’s been waiting for.  If she gets her hands on you she’ll probably turn you in herself.”  Ashlyn watched her go.

            “Turn you in for a pair of gloves?  Boy, that’s family for you!” Blake shot her a look that she ignored.  She motioned to Gerard and they left the lounge to find a little more privacy while she Trumped Brand to get a better plan.

            They reached a small side room that wasn’t being used also known as the Blue Room since its interior was so.  Gerard wordlessly was planted on the couch again and was snoring within a few seconds.  Ashlyn paused to regard him for a moment with her hands on her hips before giving a heavy sigh and going for the deck of Trumps that hung from her belt.  She perched upon the arm of the couch and began sifting through the cards.  She silently berated herself all the while as she pulled out Brand’s Trump and began to concentrate.  She tried to put on her best face.

            “Yes?  Ashlyn!  What a pleasant surprise.  To what do I owe the honor?” he smiled graciously at her.  “Care to join me for a ride?”

            “Wish I could, but I’ve got bigger problems that I need you to help me address,” she tried to smile sweetly but the smile died upon her lips and her lower lip began to quiver uncontrollably.  Brand’s smile turned into an instant look of concern and without another word he was instantly by her side and holding her hands, searching her face.

            “What’s wrong?” Brand asked as he noticed Gerard still sleeping on the couch.  “Did Gerard—” he began.

            “No,” Ashlyn instantly cut him off gently.  Brand seemed to relax again, but then a new thought entered his mind.

            “Then did you—” he began again.  Gerard’s loud snore cut him off this time and he was breathing easy again.

            “Then daughter, what in the world could possibly have you so upset?”  He held her hands firm as they began to shake.

            “Then you haven’t heard,” she began quietly.

            “Child, you act as if someone has died—or is about to.  You’re not with—” he paused trying to coax the answer out of her.

            “No, I’m not!” Ashlyn snapped at him this time.

            “Good,” Brand seemed relieved.

            “Julian had put Arden under marshal law.  Nothing goes in or out and I’m to blame, apparently,” Ashlyn said heavily.

            “He may want something pretty badly to do a thing like that.  He has no right to do that.  He’s going to kill economy,” Brand reflected.

            “Oh, but you obviously haven’t heard why,” Ashlyn disengaged her hand and began to walk away from him.  “It’s because I killed Caine.  Julian wants my blood and he won’t reopen Arden for anyone or anything until I am in his custody.”

            “He can’t do that!  He can’t close the forest off like that.  He has no claim on you.  Caine did the stalking and you killed him in self defense as I understand it,” Brand recited what he knew.

            “I have had to live with looking over my shoulder for more than ten years wondering when Caine would show up again to try and kill me.  I have this permanent reminder on my face of what he tried to do.  I can finally get around to sleeping at night.  Now Julian wants a piece of me as well.  Honestly, I don’t think I could do this all over again!” Ashlyn buried her face in her hands, but the tears refused to fall.  For just the moment, her “Tough Chick” facade had fallen away.  Her knees felt as if they would buckle, but she dared not move for fear of falling.  Suddenly she felt reassuring hands on her shoulders.

            “We’ll fix it, even if the King can’t,” Brand soothed.

            “Deirdre offered to fix it, but it involved using me as bait,” Ashlyn said quietly.  “I don’t want to do that.  I’m not one to openly admit it, but that Julian scares me a little—and don’t tell anyone that I told you!”

            “I won’t,” Brand said with a conspiratorial smile.  “Just you leave everything to me.  I’ve an idea.  Take care of yourself until then.  Your choice of bodyguard is actually a good one—provided he’s awake!”  With a kind of laugh Brand winked out.  Gerard answered back with a light snore.

            For the next few hours Ashlyn had decided to make herself scarce.   She had her “shadow” at her back and she had retired to her quarters where she decided to read aloud to Gerard for a while from her copy of Man in the Iron Mask whether he was awake or not.  Ashlyn paused deep in thought.

            “And?” Gerard suddenly prompted.  “And what did Porthos do next?”

            “Hm?  Sorry, Gerard.  I didn’t realize that you were actually paying attention,” Ashlyn mumbled.

            “Yes,” Gerard sat up.  “You worry too much.”

            “You’ve never had the wrath of Julian upon you,” she sighed heavily.

            “True,” he gave her a sympathetic smile.  “He and Brand are not what you call close.”  The smile quickly vanished as he leaped up to place himself between her and the door where Brand was now standing.

            “Announcing your presence would do well for you, Brother,” Gerard relaxed a little.

            “Keeps you on your guard,” Brand returned with a smile.  “I’ve got this whole thing all worked out.  Gerard, I will need your help.”

            “You expect me to leave my charge?” Gerard put his hands on his hips and began to eye Brand suspiciously.

            “May I sit down and explain?” Brand made himself comfortable in the nearest easy chair.

            “Please,” Gerard sat down again.

            “I have it worked out to bring Julian to us.  I have gathered up some major players—Fiona, Mandor, Deirdre and Bleys.  Of course I need you in there too.  I’m going to Trump to wherever Julian is and bring him back here to the Castle before he has any idea whatsoever of what’s going on.  Once he arrives, Fiona and Mandor will put up any barriers to keep him from escaping and Bleys will be there to have him stone-bound before he can do anything.  I have you there because I’ll need you to carry him down to the throne room.  None of us can do it and I require your muscle.  Once that’s done, you won’t have to guard Ashlyn anymore,” Brand smiled big.  Ashlyn smiled big.  Gerard looked like he was thinking pretty hard and after a moment the smile of approval slowly spread across his face.

            “That sounds reasonable, I guess,” he said.

            “So how soon can we get this over with?” Ashlyn asked.

            “Now.  You can hide in the adjacent room while we carry it out,” Brand took her hand and led her down to one of the downstairs reception rooms.

            “It can’t go wrong,” Gerard patted her shoulder.

            “We’ll only be a moment,” Brand closed the door of the room securely behind him, leaving her all alone.  Ashlyn was feeling a sense of calm and simply sat on the couch, her hand resting lightly on the hilt of her sword.

            A moment later the door swung open again.  “See?  I told you it would only take a moment!” Brand had returned triumphantly.  Ashlyn looked out to see Gerard hauling out a stone-bound Julian, tucked safely under his arm and the rest of the family filing out of the room.

            “Thank you all,” Ashlyn said to them as they had gathered around.

            “That’s perfectly all right, dear.  Julian needed to be taken down a notch anyhow,” Fiona smiled.

            “He wasn’t playing by the rules.  He was just cranky,” Deirdre replied.  “King Martin will decide what should be done with him in the morning.  Until then you can sleep better.”

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