While Crimson sipped her tea Kat explained to her the news that Bella had sendt. Jack also stated that he and the others out on the sea were ready to come into the city when she was. Polgara said nothing. She only stared at Crimson trying to determine her reaction to the news. Jack stood up quickly turning over his chair as he did and began pacing the floor. Pol couldnt tell if he was nervous, anxious or both.
"Please Jack, do sit down. Wearing a groove in the floorboards will not help us in our task." Snapping his head around in Pol's direction he made a snorting sound in disgust.
"And sitting here sipping tea and cordials isnt going to help either, Pol. We need to make ready and be prepared."
Kat watched Crimson all this time and saw a slow smile form on her face. Before Pol could reply Crimson cleared her throat to get their attention.
"if you two would hush for a moment I might be able to think."
The two stopped and looked her way. It was the fiest thing she had said since she sat down and the calmness in her voice was puzzling to them. Setting down her cup she rested her hands on the table. Then at once with a hard slap to the surface she stood.
"Its time to get ready. Call everyone to the parlor and we will set our plan in motion."
With a yelp of enthusiasm Jack jumped and went looking for Jaccob and Meyer. Kat and Pol headed towards one of the bedrooms. Crimson went back to her room as well.
Changing into her old clothes brought back vivid memories of her seafaring days. Trousers, fancy shirt, leather thigh boots. Her sash still fit well too. Amazing after ten years she felt quite comfortable in these clothes. Shaking her head she had to remind herself that she gave up this way of life for a reason. She was no longer that person and after this was over she would return home.
With crickets chirping outside her window she knew it was well into the eveing. Everyone had gathered once again in the parlor. When Crimson entered the area all turned and looked at her. With approving smiles from everyone she walked to the table and placed a map of Skara Brae on top. Opening the map she took pen to hand and began marking spots all over surrounding the town hall. This is where Jack had said the men were waiting. The island was indeed surrounded. If the group assembled outside along the banks was a large as Jack said it was there should be very little trouble taking over the guards and getting Bella out of town. As they began to discuss the plan there was a soft knock at the front door. Meyer slowly opened it and let a small wisp of a girl enter. Leaning against the wall next to the door the girl tried to catch her breath. Looking around she noticed Jack poised by the table and she went to him. Throwing her arms about his waste with a hug she then quickly stood back and erect like a soldier.
"Captain. The men are at the ready. They await the signal when ever you and the ladies are ready to begin. Upon the hour of eleven I will light the town beacon which will be their sign to attack. The orders you have sent out to them will be followed to the letter ,sir. " She smiled slightly at Jack and then continued. "Horses are being held across the bay at the woodcutters cottage. They are ready for your escape sir. My brother Benjamin is there as we speak."
Lowering his head he glanced at Crimson from the corner of his eye. When he saw the smile emerge on her face he knew he had done well and she approved of his plans. Standing tall he patted the little girl on the head and bent to her height. With a light flick of his finger on her nose he smiled at her.
"Well done, Bernadette. Now little one you remember. Once the light has been set you are to run. Run as fast as you can and take cover. Stay hidden until things settle down and then you may join your brother . Once you two are together you go to the meeting place and board the ship. Then you will be safe."
When Jack straightened the girl smiled and curtsied. Nodding to him she understood she went to the door. "Be safe Captain. And good luck." With that she slipped out the door into the dark.
Once the door closed all looked at Jack. He just shrugged his shoulders and went back to looking at the map like there was no change in their plans. This was a side of Jack none had seen before. Shaking her head Crimson turned to Meyer and Jaccob.
"You two dear souls are to make ready and leave the city immediately. I dont want you here when this starts. Head to the coastline of Britany Bay. Aletta waits for you there. Once we are in safe keeping I will send word to you. Is that understood?"
The two men looked at Crimson with disappointment. They couldnt understand why she was sending them away.
"My lady. I cannot leave my inn. I will stay and protect what is mine. They will give me no trouble. And Jaccob can slip back to his cottage and none will be the wiser."
"NO! Meyer my dear friend. You will be the first they come to when this is over. There are some around that know your and Jaccob's past. Most certain there are spies about as well. Dont's forget there is more out there than the city guards to worry over. You two need to be safe from Skara Brae as much as us. I want you to go to Aletta and wait for word from me. Please do not argue with me. My mind is busy already without another obstacle. Please do as I say."
With much regret the two went about gathering their meager belongings. They didnt need much. Aletta would provide anything they needed. As they came back into the parlor Jaccob came face to face with Jack. With a crooked finger he poked Jack in the chest.
"You! You devil in disguise. Best you take care of my girls. See no harm comes to them during this fight. If i be finding out you let one of them get hurt there wont be a place anywhere you can hide from me. Remember this. I may be old but I know many."
Meyer nodded in agreement to Jaccob's claim. And with that Jack placed a hand on each man's shoulder. "Have no fear, friends. If its the last thing I do , and it very well may be I will protect them with all that I have and all that I am."
With a grunt Jaccob looked over his shoulder to the girls. Lowering his head he and Meyer slipped out the door and out of sight.
Wiping a tear from her eye Polgara reached out and touch Crimson's arm.
"Are we ready to go , cousin?"
"Aye. We are ready!"