The Rebels of Cordovia Page 16

  Andrew laughed and said, “It was great. Daniel’s men were wonderful. They gave us their beds and fed us like kings.”

  Miles laughed. “That’s right. We even played our music in the evenings and everyone danced. Your parents even sang a few songs with us.”

  Martha smiled as she said, “Miles asked me to dance. He’s a real good dancer, too.”

  Miles grinned and then turned to Daniel and said, “Before going to the meeting, we have to take Andrew and Martha back home. They want to get washed up and change their clothes. They’ll meet us later.”

  Daniel nodded his agreement.

  Robin turned to Daniel. He was preparing the horses for riding. Feeling concerned, she asked, “Do you think it’s safe?”

  He nodded. “Yes. The king is now focusing on the outskirts of Charlottesville. I’m sure that every one of his soldiers will be there. They don’t know about Hanna and her testimony. I haven’t said a word about her. All that everyone knows is that we have evidence of foul play.”

  “Don’t worry,” said Miles. “We’ll be cautious as we approach the house. We can never be too careful.”

  While Daniel was busy, Martha walked up to her daughter and said, “You look lovely today. Where did you get such a beautiful dress?”

  Robin smiled shyly as she looked down at it and smoothed the skirt with her hands. She saw Daniel glance over at her, as if he had heard her mother’s comment.

  Biting her lip, she answered, “Daniel bought it for me.”

  “He did?” asked Martha with surprise. “Why on earth would he buy such a lovely thing for you?”

  Robin took a deep breath, wondering how to answer her mother’s question. She glanced over at Daniel and saw a smile playing at the corners of his lips. She was right. He had heard her mother’s question.

  “Well… uh…”

  She glanced at Hanna for an answer. Her eyes were pleading for help. Hanna smiled and then stepped up to Martha and whispered in her ear. Martha gasped and held her hand over her mouth. After a moment, she began laughing and so did Hanna.

  Robin turned several shades of pink. All she could think about was being caught in her rosy corset and chemise. How embarrassing! She glanced at Daniel and he was grinning from ear to ear. She couldn’t wait to mount her horse and get out of there.

  Miles gave Hanna a minister’s uniform and told her to wear it. She needed to be in disguise. She pulled on the black robe and then tied a white cloth around her neck, allowing the ends to lay smoothly in the front. She then placed a black hat on her head to cover her bun.

  After everyone was ready, Hanna climbed on the horse behind Robin. Then everyone took off through the woods. When they finally got to the road, Robin noticed that it was packed full of people heading toward Charlottesville. She had never seen the road so busy. The way was slow because many citizens were crowding the roadway. Were they all headed for the meeting that had been advertised so well?

  Finally they arrived at the house. Miles had ridden up ahead and found the place to be safe.

  After dropping off Andrew, Martha, and Robin, Daniel and Miles took Hanna to the outskirts of Charlottesville. Andrew agreed to meet them within the hour.

  Martha and Robin quickly changed into fresh dresses. Then Martha helped her daughter by brushing her hair out and making several small braids, which lay on top of her thick dark hair.

  “Beautiful!” exclaimed Martha.

  Andrew stood in front of the mirror in his bedroom, washing his face when Martha walked up to him and said, “It’s time, sweetheart. This is the day that everyone has been waiting for.”

  Andrew nodded as he patted his face dry. “Today will be our Day of Independence.”

  “So why don’t we celebrate?” said Martha with excitement as she pulled a box out from under the bed. “Let’s put on your very best suit.”

  Andrew grinned. “I’m going to meet Daniel’s father today. I’m excited to meet the man who raised such a wonderful son.”

  “Me, too,” said Martha.

  “I’m so impressed with him.” Andrew grinned. “I can’t wait until he’s part of the family.”

  “Now, now,” said Martha. “Don’t get your hopes up, dear.”

  He looked down at the clothes that she spread out on the bed and gave a nod.

  Martha smiled. “Do you think it’ll still fit?”

  He laughed. “I sure hope so.”

  When Andrew was finally cleaned up, he put on his pants. After buttoning up his long-sleeved white shirt, he pulled on his blue jacket.

  He grinned from ear to ear as he said, “It’s snug but it still fits.”

  Martha smiled and gave a nod. “You look so handsome.”

  “Thanks, dear. I’m ready but I’m also a bit nervous. I sure hope everything turns out all right with Hanna’s testimony. This is the day we’ve been waiting for.”

  Martha kissed his check and said, “God is on our side. Don’t worry.” She raised her brow curiously. “Do you think all the servants and Legionnaires will be there, too?”

  “I bet they will be,” he said with conviction. “They’ve been waiting for this day as much as we have.”

  Martha grabbed three coats with hoods. “I think we should all wear our hoods just in case the soldiers recognize us. We don’t know if they’re still looking for Robin or us.”

  Andrew nodded. “That’s right.”

  She helped him on with his coat and buttoned it for him. Then she pulled the hood over his head and laughed. “You look like quite the rebel, sweetheart.”

  Andrew grinned.

  Martha walked out of the bedroom and took Robin’s coat to her, telling her the reasoning for wearing it. Then she put on her own coat, as well. After pulling the hoods over their heads, they followed Andrew outside to the carriage that was awaiting them. Andrew had already hitched up the horse before getting ready.

  After everyone was settled, Andrew whipped the reins and they headed down the road toward the outskirts of Charlottesville. Signs had been set up that morning so people would know where the meeting was.

  When they arrived, Robin was shocked at how many carriages and horses were tethered or standing free. Leaving theirs with all the others, they walked toward the area, which had been set up especially for the meeting.

  She was amazed at how many people had shown up. Everyone was standing around, talking and discussing what the meeting might be about. No one seemed to know, but they were speculating, nonetheless.

  The soldiers were standing at attention, watching the people as if they were assigned to keep the peace. Robin knew there were too many people to arrest, even if they wanted to.

  As they walked along, Robin gasped when she saw the soldier who had accosted her. Andrew, too, recognized him and he quickly pulled her hood further over her face. He didn’t want anything to mar this day for her, either. She had worked hard to make this day possible.

  They continued walking between the people as they headed toward the platform. When Robin saw Daniel standing beside a minister in disguise, she pointed toward him. Then she took her father’s hand and pulled him along.

  “Marie!” called Polly as she waved her hand in the air.

  Robin saw her smiling with excitement. “Excuse me, Papa. You go ahead and I’ll be right there.”

  He nodded and walked toward Daniel and his men.

  As she made her way to Polly, she waved back.

  “Isn’t this great?” Robin asked when she approached her.

  Polly nodded. “I can’t believe so many people came.”

  “Neither can I,” said Robin as she pushed the hood from her head and hugged Polly. “You’ve been a very special friend through all of this and I want to thank you for your support.”

  Polly smiled. “I can’t believe it’s going to finally come to an end.”

  Robin tugged on her hand and said, “Come along and you can stand with me up front.”

  Polly shook her head. “I can’t. I promised Nath
aniel I’d stand with him. He said the king assigned him and his men to keep the peace. The king told him to arrest anyone who makes trouble.”

  Robin smiled and whispered. “I sure hope so. We’re not here to make trouble. We’re here to have justice done. The king is an assassin and shouldn’t be allowed to get away with it.”

  Polly nodded. “Don’t worry. Everything will be just fine. Nathaniel won’t let the soldiers hurt the citizens. I know it.”

  “You do?” asked Robin. “Do you know him that well?”

  “I think so.” Polly glanced down at her hands that were twisting her bow. “I called you over here to tell you something.”

  “What is it?”

  Polly smiled. “Well, if everything goes well today, I’m going to accept Nathaniel’s hand in marriage.”

  Robin’s eyes widened. “Really? But what about his beliefs? Doesn’t he fight against all rebels? And, Polly, you’re a rebel.”

  Polly became sober. “I know.”

  “What if, after this meeting, he doesn’t agree to what we’ve fought for? What if he is still faithful to the king? You’ll be on opposite sides.”

  Polly nodded. “I know. That’s the reason I told him that I couldn’t give him an answer until tomorrow because I had to think about it. He doesn’t know that his actions today will affect our future. I won’t be able to marry him if he sticks with the king. I just can’t.”

  Robin pursed her lips as she thought about her friend’s dilemma. She nodded. “I understand. Good for you.”

  Instantly Polly’s eyes widened as she stared at a soldier standing before her with fury in his eyes. He was staring at Robin. The scornful look he exuded frightened her and she instinctively backed up. The man grabbed Robin by the shoulders and yanked her toward him.

  Glaring at her, the soldier growled as he said, “I thought it was you.”

  Robin gasped as she looked at the man who had captured the young boys in the woods and had beaten Matt. His face was twisted with anger as he roughly grabbed her by the arm.

  “Come with me,” snapped the soldier. “And don’t fight me or you’ll be sorry. You’re under arrest.”

  Robin shook her head as she tried to struggle out of his grasp. “You have no rights here.”

  “That’s what you think, rebel,” he said as he tightened his grip on her arm. “Now move!”

  Robin fought the man but she was helpless. He was much stronger than she was. As he twisted her arm behind her, she winced with pain.

  “Move!” he growled as he pushed her toward the sheriff.

  When Polly saw what was happening, she ran after them and said, “You can’t arrest her. We have rights.”

  The man glared at her and said, “You’re a rebel, too. Aren’t you?” With a grin, he grabbed her arm. “I’m pretty lucky today. I’ve got myself two rebels. Both of you should bring me a good reward.”

  Without hesitation, Polly kicked the man’s leg with great force. He howled and let go of Robin. Grabbing hold of Polly’s hair, he raised his hand in the air ready to strike her across the face.

  “I’ll teach you,” snarled the man.

  A strong hand grabbed the soldier’s arm, preventing him from striking Polly.

  “If you hit a woman, I’ll make sure you’re put in prison.”

  Polly looked relieved when she saw her hero standing beside her. Nathaniel had come to her rescue.

  “These women are rebels,” the soldier said.

  “So, is it common for you to slap females if you believe they’re rebels?” asked Nathaniel. “Have you no respect for women?”

  The soldier hesitated for a moment and then said, “They’re rebels. I can prove it.”

  “Whether she’s a rebel or not. You don’t hit a woman,” commanded Nathaniel with anger.

  The soldier pointed at Robin. “I saw her. She’s one of ‘em. I saw her in the woods. She aimed an arrow at me.”

  Nathaniel turned to Robin and asked, “Do you want to explain?”

  She pulled her shoulders back and said, “Yes, I do. This soldier was beating up three young boys in the woods. The youngest was only fifteen years old.”

  The miscreant’s eyes widened at the accusation. “They were rebels, sir.”

  Robin shook her head. “No, they weren’t. This man tried to force them to admit they were rebels by beating them. He just wanted the reward.”

  Nathaniel’s eyes widened as he turned to the soldier. “Is this true?”

  “They were rebels, sir. I know it for a fact.”

  “No, they weren’t,” said Robin with defiance as she stomped her foot.

  Nathaniel grinned as he watched Robin defend the boys.

  The soldier scowled as he said, “What were you doing out in the woods, then? You’re a rebel and I know it.”

  Robin turned to Nathaniel and said, “Daniel and I were out together when we heard them. He just couldn’t let this malefactor beat the boys so he challenged him to a sword fight and won. That’s why he’s so upset. He lost.”

  Nathaniel smiled. “Then you freed the boys?”

  “Yes, sir. We did. They were innocent.”

  Nathaniel grabbed the soldier by the neck and said, “You’re under arrest.” He turned to Polly. “I’ll be right back. I’ll have the sheriff lock him up.” He pointed to the sheriff. “I should be back in a minute.”

  Polly smiled. “I’ll wait right here.”

  Robin watched Nathaniel as he handed the soldier over to the sheriff and smiled. “Well, maybe there’s hope for him after all.”

  Polly giggled. “I hope so.”

  When Robin noticed that the meeting was about to begin, she said, “I’ve got to go.”

  With a wave, she headed toward the platform where her father was waiting for her.

  Chapter 26

  A platform was built so the audience could see and hear who was speaking. Daniel’s men had built it near a rock wall that curved in a half circle. The platform was within this recess. When someone spoke, his voice would carry a long distance and would be heard by most anyone. It was ingenious.

  Over five thousand people had arrived to hear what the Freemen had to say. The news had spread like wildfire and everyone wanted to hear the mysterious secret about King Rupert. People had hinted what it was about and others were in the dark.

  The amazing thing that astonished everyone was the first rows of Legionnaires in their original blue uniforms: one hundred of them. A few of the men looked as if their buttons were about to burst, but they stood at attention, as if they were proud to be wearing their uniforms once again. They had read the notices and heard the announcements in every village and town, telling all of Edmund’s Legionnaires to meet at this designated spot. It was time to unite once again!

  Daniel walked up the wooden steps and stood on the platform. After the crowd settled down, he told all the details of King Edmund’s death. Holding his hands in the air, he quieted the people down and told them that he had a witness. The servant who took care of King Edmund would testify of the truthfulness of his words.

  Hanna, still in disguise, stood beside him, waiting for her turn. Daniel helped Hanna out of the minister’s uniform. Then he told her to testify of the truthfulness of what he had just told everyone. She was timid but she knew that it was time to speak up. Hanna realized that she should have told the truth thirty years ago but she was afraid for her life.

  With conviction, she said in a loud voice, “It is true what Daniel has told you. I took the glass to be analyzed and my friend told me it was truly poison that had been administered to the king. When I went to the king to tell him, it was too late. He had passed away.”

  With this announcement, the crowd mumbled their stunned surprise. They were shaken at what they heard. For those who couldn’t hear at the far back, the word spread quickly and everyone was shocked.

  As Hanna walked down from the platform, Daniel told the people of their plan. “Rupert murdered the king for his own profit. He must be
removed from his position. King Edmund wanted to do away with all kings. He said that he wanted leadership in our country where the people would have a say and we would have equality among men. He was going to assign his son, Jonathan, to be a High Judge and there would be Lesser Judges. The High Judge would have to discuss laws with the Lesser Judges before they could make a ruling or pass laws. Also, they would listen to the grievances of the people. This is what Edmund wanted for us but Rupert banished Jonathan and took over.”

  Someone stood and yelled out, “How do we know this was Edmund’s will? How do we know it will be good for us? We have only been ruled by a king.”

  A hefty man called out, “I like the idea of having a say about the laws of our country.”

  Another man stood next and yelled, “I remember King Edmund. He was a great leader, but how do we really know this was his desire? How do we know it will work?”

  The people nodded and mumbled among themselves, whether it was a good idea or not.

  Daniel raised his hand and yelled to the people, “Attention, everyone! I have another witness.” After everyone settled down, he called out, “I have someone here that knew King Edmund. He is ready to testify to you that this is true.”

  With that, he waved his hand toward a man in a hooded coat standing by Robin and the rest of the rebels.

  She smiled at her father and whispered, “You can do it. I know you can. Now don’t be shy.” She rubbed his clean-shaven face. “I think you did a good job. You’re so handsome.”

  Andrew smiled. “You like it? This is the first time you’ve seen me without a beard, isn’t it?”

  Robin smiled and gave a nod.

  Feeling nervous, Andrew took a deep breath as he took off his coat, displaying a blue Legionnaire uniform. Then he handed it to Robin and marched onto the small stage.

  Robin’s eyes widened and she gasped as she saw his uniform, which fit perfectly upon him. Daniel was making his way toward her when he saw what Andrew was wearing. He smiled. Daniel had suspected for some time that Andrew was one of the original Legionnaires. He was a great swordsman. He had moves that Daniel had never seen before. That was when he began suspecting who he was.