Lord of the High Reaches Read online

  "I always heard land was expensive," I replied.

  "More than you realize,” the King answered.

  * * *

  On the way to the train station, I kept watch for anyone following us, but no one stood out. We boarded the noon train, heading back to Windford. My mind was still reeling with what had transpired in the last few days.

  "Are you alright, Cam," Michael inquired, smiling. "You look a little sick."

  I looked at him. "What just happened?"

  "Do you know the game of chess?" Lord Windford asked.

  "I've heard the name, but that's all."

  "It's a strategy game, and you've just became one of the king’s pieces," Lord Windford revealed.

  I blinked a few times, trying to understand what he was telling me. Patiently, he waited for me to work through it. I thought back to what the king had said.

  "The king said that some battles never see the light of day. He used me to counter some move made against him?"

  "Or he placed you on the board to be used later or perhaps both."

  "That whole thing was odd. Don't I have to be a knight or nobleman or something to be given this much land. Unless… I'm expendable."

  Lord Windford continued, "In the games kings play, we are all expendable, young Cam."

  "Well, I hope he doesn't take offense if I don't agree with his assessment or use of me."

  "On the contrary, he'll be extremely glad if you succeed. You are an unknown element, something not planned for. Now that you are in play, they will have to consider the ramifications of this move."

  "Who are, they?"

  "Take your pick: Westies, Northers, Southies, people in our own camp. As the king said, 'We have enemies on every front' which is true. Look on the bright side, you now have lands, and with the money you have, you can build a wealthy estate. Who knows what your family will accomplish?”

  I smiled, raising my brows slightly. "My father taught me to look for the downside of a deal, and this deal has a bad one. I have no title, which means I'm just a caretaker, paying the crown for the privilege."

  Was this also a test? I wondered. I turned to the window and let my mind work on the task set before me.

  * * *

  By the time we reached the Windford estate, I had the beginnings of a plan.

  "I need to go to the western range, find the keep the king spoke of, and see what condition it's in."

  "You don't want to wait until spring?" Michael asked.

  "I'll wait another month. The worst of winter should be over by then. I'll go scout the land and decide what to do then."

  "A reasonable plan," Lord Windford said.

  We relaxed the rest of the day and regaled Lady Windford with all the news from the capital. It surprised me that Lord Windford told her all that had happened, holding nothing back.

  "I am again in your debt," she said, after they told her of my catching the snake before it struck Lord Windford.

  "I did it out of fear, Lady."

  "Fear?"

  "Yes, had I come back without Lord Windford, you would have killed me."

  Everyone laughed.

  * * *

  The next morning, Lord Windford had the maps of the western range out for us to look over.

  "Your lands run from River’s Fork here, down the length of the range, and eastward to our lands," he pointed out.

  "That's a lot of land, Sir”

  "It is. Once you find your keep—or build it—the land will need to be cleared. Farmers will need to be found, desiring to use part of their crops as rent for portions of your land. If you hire miners, then profit can be made from mining the mountains. You need to start right away making your land pay for itself."

  I shook my head. "I have a lot to learn."

  “Yes, you do, but we'll help you. You can make this work and build something to pass on to your children and grandchildren."

  I spent the next month following the Windfords on their daily business, keeping their estate operating smoothly. In the evenings, they taught me the rudiments of playing chess. After learning the basic moves of each piece, I thought it would get easier. I was wrong. It turned out to be a complicated game, and I doubted my ability to become good at it.

  Learning the basics of the game did give me insights to the game the king was playing. I was his pawn; he was putting me forward to see if someone would take me. I may not be a chess master, but I knew when I was being used as bait. This did not sit well with me.

  The night before I was to leave, I spoke with Lord Windford and Michael.

  "I wanted to thank you for all that you have taught me and advice you have given. I’m leaving in the morning to survey the western range. To be honest, I feel that the lands offered to me were bait to put me out there for the king’s enemies.

  “Whether I succeed or fail was unimportant to him. He won either way, and I would lose either way. If I did well and settled the lands, he would simply give the lands to a nobleman, and I would work for him. The fact that he did not offer to knight me, or even offer to make me one of his subjects, proves my point. So, I think I shall decline his kind gift of lands, and his loan of 1000 sovereign.

  "After a time, you will, no doubt, be contacted by the king asking about my progress or whereabouts. Tell him the truth; I left here for the western mountains. Perhaps we shall meet again, perhaps not. If I stay to the west, I'll watch over your border, but the king is on his own."

  I gave Lord Windford my new type short gun. “You will make better use of this than I. Besides, I'll probably get the chance to take another."

  "I agree with your assessment, Cam. You must find your own path. Always remember, you are welcome in our home."

  "Thank you, Sire. Who knows, you may see me again. I've heard it said that once you feed a stray cat, they always come back." We laughed.

  "I'd ask another favor. I'd like to cash in one of my banknotes with you. I've learned that things go easier for one who has cash in hand."

  "That’s very true," Lord Windford concurred. "I'll be glad to change one of your notes for you."

  * * *

  Before daybreak, I was on my way. Taking to the trees, I cut straight cross-country, not following the roads. Taking no clothes but my kilt, vest, and small backpack with my light cloak and a few other small items inside. I wore my weapon’s harness, my old style short guns, and the steel knives. I stopped to rest when needed and at meals. I was on no timetable and enjoying being back in the forest. When I judged I had reached the border of the Windford lands, I turned southwest and headed back to the cave where Michael and I had stayed. I'd start my search for the keep there.

  There was plenty of game along the way, so I was well fed. This was beautiful country, thick forest, abundant game, and plenty of water. I could see why people of the city did not like it. It was a wild, untamed land, but a good land. I saw no one else on my way and reached the western range in about 14 days.

  I took a few days to rest and look around the area for signs of recent activity. There were tracks of travelers, but no evidence of large numbers of horses that would tell me the Westies were crossing the border in force.

  Heading north along the river that ran the length of the western range, I kept watch for western scouts and any sign of a keep or fort. Methodically, I moved north, not in any hurry, but spying out the land. Spring was now making its appearance, and the sun felt good. I would begin shedding my winter coat soon, to be replaced by a lighter pelt.

  I headed toward River's Fork, continuing to assess the land and looking for Westies. So far there was nothing but trees, the river, and the mountainous cliffs. I had been scouting for three weeks when I reached River's Fork. I changed my fur coloring to all black and put on my cloak with the hood up before entering the town. It was a good-sized town, a farming and mining community from its looks. I had finally made up my mind on what I was going to do. Well, as far as the king was concerned, anyway. I wrote him a letter; it read:

  Sire
, I must decline your invitation to be a part of your game of king's chess. I am returning the deeds to the lands and your banknote uncashed. As I didn't use it, I don't feel I owe interest. In case you feel otherwise, I give you the following information as payment. I have spied out the western range. There is no incursion from the Westies and little scouting. There is also no keep anywhere along the western range. You are getting bad reports, or you are being intentionally misled. I wish you luck in your grand chess game, Sire. When you see Lord Windford, please tell him I wish his Lordship and family well.

  I signed the letter “C”, then sealed and sent it along with the deeds and banknote by courier. That done, I felt a weight lift off me.

  * * *

  I took a turn through the market, not really needing anything. I was simply curious. Inside a clothes shop, I remembered my light duty cloak would not last long with rough living. Now was a good time for a more suitable one.

  "Don't see many of your kind here. No offense," the owner said.

  "None taken. This is my first trip this far north.”

  "Well, then, how can I help you?"

  "I'm looking for a cloak, a lightweight one that will stand some hard use."

  "I've an army scout's cloak made of canvas that may suit you," he said, walking down an aisle.

  The hooded cloak was worn, but still in good condition. It was colored in browns and greens on one side, blacks, and grays on the other. This one would keep the rain off better than my light one. I bought it, put my good one in my pack, and wore the purchased one, black and gray side out.

  As I walked, I bought a couple of meat pies and ate. I found an out-of-the-way place under a tree and sat down to finish my pie and think. By anyone's standards, I was very well off financially, some would even say rich. I had few needs at this point in my life, but I would not be young and strong forever. The Windfords had taught me some valuable lessons that I could not ignore, but I realized I was not yet ready to settle down. I wanted to see more of the world.

  The western range continued north for many miles; I'm not even sure how many. I wondered what was on the west side of these mountains. The people were probably much the same, speaking the same language and spending the same money. If there was a pass through the mountains, it would be well guarded and controlled. It would be easier to go back south than through the pass. It would also cause less suspicion. Cats were from the south and a common sight in that area. Coming to a decision, I finished my last bite of meat pie and headed back south.

  As I passed the last house leaving town, there were two men arguing. One wore nice clothes; the other wore overalls. They were standing beside an old steam engine train car. This engine was smaller than the one I had seen pulling the train to the capital.

  "You agreed to the terms of the contract. We gave you one year to arrange financing for the engine. That year is up tomorrow. If you don't have the money by tomorrow noon, the deal is null and void," Nice Clothes stressed.

  "I need more time; someone keeps spiking my deals with investors."

  "Not my problem. You have until noon tomorrow." Nice Clothes walked away.

  Overalls threw his hat down in frustration and sat down in the shade of the steam engine.

  "I guess null and void means the deal is off," I said.

  "Yeah," he answered without looking up. When he did, I thought he would jump out of his skin.

  "Good Lord, cat, give a body warning,” he said, laughing.

  I chuckled. "Sorry, I sometimes forget people don't expect to see a six-foot cat standing next to them."

  He laughed harder. When he caught his breath, "I needed a good laugh."

  "Yeah, it sounded like you got some bad news."

  He shook his head. "I've been working on a deal for almost a year. Seems every time I think I have it done, something happens. I think someone is spiking my deals."

  I pointed at the steam engine. "Does it work?"

  "Not at the moment. Needs some repairs and parts, but she'll do for what I want."

  "So whoever is spiking your deals would have to know how to work on steam engines or planned to buy the engine then sell it to you for a higher price."

  He got a faraway look in his eye. Then with dawning realization, "That banker, Harold! He's been trying to get me to borrow money this whole time. This is just the kind of thing that cheapskate would pull."

  "If you don't mind me asking, how much money do you need for your deal?"

  "200 sovereign for the engine, wood car, and two flatbeds."

  "And the parts and repairs?"

  "Another 20 or 30."

  "So, 250 sovereign would set you up?"

  "Nicely," he replied.

  "What's your plan for it, anyway?"

  He shrugged. “Traveling, steam-powered sawmill."

  "To cut lumber at their location. That's actually a good idea." All the lumber cutting I had seen was done by hand.

  I thought a moment. "I'm guessing you are looking for an investor."

  “Without one, my plan is dead.”

  "Show me your plan."

  We spent most of the afternoon going over his plans, looking at his drawings and talking timelines. It would take a year to complete. When we finished, I stepped back, looking at his sketches.

  "I'd like to buy into your company. I'll pay you 350 sovereign for half."

  "49 percent. I keep controlling interest, and it will have to be 350 cash on the barrelhead."

  "One other provision, once we are up and running, the first place we go to cut lumber is Windford."

  He thought a moment. "We can do that.”

  Taking 350 sovereign out of my wallet, we shook on the deal.

  “By the way, my name is Jack Tinkman. People call me ‘Tink’ for short."

  “I’m Cam. Please to meet you, Tink”

  “Lord knows, I am extremely pleased to meet you, Cam”

  It turned out Tink was right about the banker. Harold was there at noon, ready to swoop in and take the deal. He was not happy when Tink handed Nice Clothes 200 sovereign.

  After taking possession of the engine and cars, we used a team of four horses to move them. I stayed a week, helping him get started, then told him I'd be back from time to time, checking on his progress.

  Once again, I headed south.

  Chapter 5

  I was in no hurry to get anywhere, hunting was good, and I was just enjoying the spring weather. My winter coat was itching, and more and more of it was falling out. Who knew scratching your back on a tree could feel so good? The first few days, I saw the occasional hunter, but after that I saw no one else.

  I had been meandering south for a week, still traveling and sleeping in trees. Well, except for building fires for meals and tea, which I was about to do when I noticed buzzards, close to 20 of them, circling. I wondered if they were just riding the wind or feeding. Since they seemed to stay in one area, they were probably feeding. With so many of them aloft that meant something big, or more than one something, was dead.

  My curiosity aroused, I began the trek up the mountainside. It was quite a climb. Had I been fully human, I would have turned back by now. The only other thing making this climb would be mountain goats.

  At the top was a small plateau, but the buzzards weren't feeding here. They were feeding below the rim on the other side. Looking over, I stared. There was a huge rock overhang with numerous hut-like structures under it. There were four wide, step-down shelves, extending to a small valley below. The valley had a stream and a lake with open fields. It seemed to be a half mile wide and a mile long.

  Sitting in their cradles at the overhang were two moored balloon skyships. More important were the red flags tied everywhere. The meaning was clear… plague. This is what had attracted the buzzards. I knew of no plague that affected both humans and cats, but I was half-human. Still, I wasn't too worried.

  Following a path leading down from the plateau, at the bottom, there were bodies…lots of bodies. The first body lo
oked strange. It was desiccated…dried up… like it had been there for years. I stepped back, shocked. This was Red-eye, so called because the final stage before death, the eyes turned completely red. Then the body died from the inside out. Highly contagious, few survived.

  Other than the bodies, there were live goats and chickens, which showed the illness might be limited to humans. The only sound beside the animals was the wind rustling the red flags.

  Giving a cursory glance at the skyships, both had their balloons deflated and folded down. I had heard of these ships, but had only seen one from a great distance as it passed overhead. Hidden under netting with scraps of cloth woven interwoven to look like leaves, it was doubtful the ships could be seen from overhead. This whole place was built to hide them from other skyships.

  The village was completely under the overhang. To get rid of the dead, villagers had been thrown them into a deep shaft. As the dead increased, the number of living decreased. At some point, the sick could no longer take care of the dead. The remaining bodies were left were they died. I took off my clothes and continued where they left off. Most of the bodies were just husks, weighing little. I did as they had done and threw the remains down the shaft. About 50 bodies went over. I don't know how many were already down there, but given the number of huts and the apparent absence of any living souls, it was quite a few.

  Not knowing how the disease spread, all their clothes, blankets, bedding, food, water, and the like went down the shaft. I left the red flags out just in case unwanted visitors came calling. It was early evening when I finished, exhausted and sadden. In the valley below was a stream where I bathed. As I dried, I sat thinking what it must have been like to die such a slow death.

  I climbed back up top and found a torch. The dead needed purifying with fire to kill the disease. Holding the lit torch out over the shaft, I bowed in my head in honor and dropped it in.

  It was surprising how quickly the fire caught and how hot it burned. As smoke started pouring out of the shaft, I went back up to the plateau and spent the night looking at the stars, giving thanks that I had been there for my mother when she died. No one should die alone.