The Piper's Pursuit Read online

  “You will be a very good one. You are honest and good-hearted.”

  He’d never imagined himself as a mayor. Could he do it? He had always rather imagined himself as a knight—though that was not likely to ever happen now. Or the captain of a guard, perhaps even the captain of his father’s guard, though that might be a bit strange, since most of his father’s men knew him as a mischievous, immature boy.

  Also, how would Katerina feel about him being mayor? Would she be pleased? Proud of him?

  “Father . . .”

  “Yes, son?”

  “I’m not sure I am the best person to be mayor of Hamlin.”

  “Do you not wish to have the position? Is there a reason why you don’t want to be Hamlin’s mayor?”

  Steffan thought about it a moment. “I have never desired such a position. I don’t think I would like writing proclamations and having meetings with the town council. I’m a soldier.” He didn’t enjoy killing people either, but . . . “I enjoy protecting people.” Especially Katerina.

  “I will give this some more thought. And we should both pray and see if God will show us what His will is.” A slow smile sneaked onto Father’s face. “Don’t give up on Katerina. If you want her, fight for her.”

  Almost as soon as they lay on their beds, Father was asleep. But Steffan lay awake thinking about Katerina, of her kiss, and how long it would be before he could talk with her again.

  Twenty-Five

  Katerina was glad to have the sun shining on her face the next morning, and even more pleased to be heading home to Hamlin with the children. The anticipation of seeing them reunited with their families thrummed in her veins. All but the ten orphans, who chose to stay in Keiterhafen with Frau Gruber and her husband. The woman seemed more than happy to have such a large number of children so suddenly. And her husband was smiling as they waved fare well.

  Katerina rode her horse close to the children, who were riding on carts pulled by mules. She looked after them and even let them take turns riding in the saddle in front of her. Meanwhile, Duke Wilhelm’s guards rode in a circle surrounding Hennek, whose hands were tied together and to his horse’s pommel.

  “I am innocent of these accusations,” Hennek said several times. “It is a misunderstanding. I have been wronged, and I demand to be freed.” But no one paid any attention to him.

  They had been on the road only a few minutes when Steffan steered his horse to ride by her side.

  “How are you feeling?” she asked him before he could say anything.

  “I am well.”

  “Your wounds are not paining you?”

  “No, no pain. The healing salve has done what it is famous for.”

  This was what she would have said to him if she had not overheard his conversation with his father last night, and she was determined not to treat him differently. It stung that Steffan, an outsider, would be made mayor of Hamlin. But it shouldn’t. And she shouldn’t be angry or resentful of him. It wasn’t Steffan’s fault. She should be angry that men never thought women capable enough to be mayors or leaders.

  But the truth remained that she resented the very thought of Steffan being mayor, sitting in the same seat that Hennek had occupied for more than ten years. Men born to privilege, they thought everything should be easy for them. And it was! They were given land, towns, wealth, even people. It was their birthright, and they felt entitled to it.

  But it was hard to be angry when she noticed the way his mouth looked slack and soft when he looked at her, while his brows were low and intense. He’d washed the flour out of his hair and had shaved—thank goodness. She liked the rugged way he looked with a couple of days’ stubble, but the beard made him look bedraggled. Clean-shaven was his best look—sweet and a bit boyish, a good combination with his height, muscles, and broad shoulders. But she truly did not care about muscles or broad shoulders. She cared about Steffan’s heart, his kind ways, his gentleness to the vulnerable, and his fierceness against oppressors.

  “Are you glad to be going back to Hamlin?” he asked.

  “Yes. Are you?”

  He seemed to consider for a moment, then said with a smile, “Yes.”

  Yes, of course you are. You are about to become mayor.

  “I know your mother and father were glad to see you again after such a long time away.”

  “Yes, they were.” His expression grew much more sober and he stared down at his horse’s neck. “They have always been better parents to me than I deserve.”

  “Are you not pleased they were glad to see you?”

  “Yes, of course. I told them I was sorry for defying my father and fighting on the side of the Teutonic Knights.”

  “All is forgiven now, I suppose.”

  “They forgive me for the things I did to them. I only hope God can forgive me for the terrible things I did, for killing innocent people just because I wanted to be a knight.”

  He looked so sorry. It was a terrible thing. And Steffan would have to deal with it for the rest of his life. But at least he wasn’t like Hennek. Steffan was admitting what he had done. Hennek never admitted any wrongdoing, even now that he’d been caught.

  “Steffan was a knight?” one of the children exclaimed in a childish squeal.

  Kat turned to the children riding on the cart next to her. “Listening to other people’s conversations when they are unaware is very impolite.” But her words convicted her, after what she’d overheard, and stayed to listen to, last night.

  The children only giggled.

  “When we stop again, I’m going to tickle all of you,” Steffan warned.

  That ignited a few more laughs before the children started tickling each other, resulting in a grouchy reprimand from one of the guards, which scared the children into silence. Steffan caught their eye, grinned, and winked.

  “You are not a bad person, Steffan.”

  He looked a bit startled at her declaration.

  “I mean, you are kind to children, you admit when you’re wrong, and you respect other people’s feelings and wishes.”

  “Does that mean you trust me?” He gave her a slight smile. “I know you trust me a little bit.”

  “Perhaps. A little bit.”

  “Were you worried about me when the healer said my wounds were putrid?”

  “I was.”

  “Would you have mourned me if I’d died?”

  She let out a long sigh. “You are teasing me.”

  His horse had come quite close. He reached out and touched her cheek, ever so softly and briefly, with the back of his hand. Her stomach fluttered. Did anyone see what he did? Did he not care that all these men would be teasing him? But perhaps this public display meant . . . something.

  * * *

  Steffan rode beside Katerina, although she seemed a bit less amiable than usual. What would happen now?

  Now that Hennek was out of the way, she could stay with her mother and not have to worry about him or his men harming her or anyone else. She wouldn’t need him to protect her.

  It did not take very long to reach Hamlin, now that they weren’t walking or having to carry the children. They had sent a few men ahead to announce that the children were coming home.

  Mothers and fathers ran out of the town gate when they were still a long way off, crying when they saw their child, some of them for the first time in more than a year. Many of the children cried too, but their tears soon dried and they were smiling and embracing their families, laughing and talking. Children were so irrepressible and hardy.

  As they were nearing the gate, Steffan saw Bridda and her father coming to meet them. When Bridda saw the other children being reunited with their families, she started crying. But she seemed to lock eyes on Verena and her mother, and when she saw Verena’s smiles, she began to smile too. Verena caught sight of Bridda and ran joyfully to her. The older girl knelt beside her and they embraced. Verena’s manner was lively and happy, and soon Bridda was looking just as lively. Verena took hold of Bridda�
��s and her own mother’s hands and skipped through the gate and into town.

  Steffan was asked to help bring Hennek into town and secure him in the underground jail of the town hall. He left Katerina talking with Father and the children’s families.

  Steffan and several of his father’s men walked through town with Hennek, his hands tied. Steffan had never seen the man looking so disheveled. Word must have already spread about what the mayor had done, because people hurled insults at him as they passed.

  Soon so many people were shouting that Steffan could hardly tell what they were saying. But Hennek’s face showed surprise, anger, even hurt. Did he really think his actions would not be judged as wrong? He excused himself for everything and blamed others for his actions, even claiming God’s complicity in his schemes.

  They made their way to the jail. Steffan and another guard checked all the bars and scoured the rock-walled cell for anything that might help him or could be used as a weapon. Satisfied he could not escape, they searched Hennek again for weapons, then locked him in the cell, leaving two guards to both keep Hennek in and keep others from breaking in and harming him. There could hardly be a greater anger than that of a father—or mother—whose child has been mistreated.

  As Steffan went to find Father and Katerina, his chest felt heavy. They might never again get to work side by side to right wrongs. He might never again be the one who would protect her from harm. Would he ever enjoy her company and her smiles again the way he had in the last few days?

  * * *

  Katerina talked with the children’s parents until their questions had been answered, then she and Duke Wilhelm made their way to her home. But when they started down the street, a large herd of rats started coming toward them.

  Duke Wilhelm’s soldiers leapt in front of Katerina and the duke and began slashing the little vermin with their swords, clearing a path. The rats skittered and screeched and actually changed their course.

  “I had heard of the rat problem,” Duke Wilhelm said as they continued on their way, “but I never imagined so many rats in one place.”

  “No one has figured out why they are here or how to get rid of them.”

  “We shall have to come up with a solution, then.”

  While they walked, the duke asked her questions. Who were the men she would recommend to serve as town councilmen? What did she think were the most pressing needs of the townspeople now that their children were safe? What did she think should be done with the silver mine? Were there any men who were respected or held important positions but were not trustworthy? Katerina answered him, thankful he was so interested in helping the town make a fresh beginning.

  When they arrived at Katerina’s house, servants came to take their horses.

  “Just a moment,” Steffan said, taking four leather pouches from his saddlebag. “Here are the silver coins I took from the mine. They belong to Hamlin, to the townspeople.” He handed them to his father.

  “Thank you, son. These coins you discovered will be a great help to the town. Well done, son.”

  Steffan nodded and started toward the house.

  Mother welcomed them at the door, looking cautiously happy when she saw Duke Wilhelm. When her eyes met Katerina’s, she broke into a teary smile and opened her arms.

  Katerina hugged her mother amid sniffles from both of them. Mother spoke first. “You are home. I was so afraid I’d lost you forever.”

  “I’m so glad to see your face again. We are safe now.”

  Mother kissed her cheek, then stepped back to look at her.

  “Mother, this is Duke Wilhelm of Hagenheim. And this is my mother, Ayla Grymmelin.”

  “It is my pleasure to meet you, Frau Ayla. You have a very brave and wise daughter.”

  “Your Grace, the pleasure is mine, and I am very proud of Katerina. There is no maiden to compare with her.”

  “She has been telling me some very interesting things.”

  “I am sorry for what my husband has done. I knew he had done some dishonest things, but my daughter, who is as clever as any man, has discovered much worse things than I ever imagined, I’m afraid.”

  Mother’s bottom lip quivered, but after a moment, it stilled. Did Mother finally understand? She was finally admitting the truth about that awful man.

  “I know you will be forced to appoint a new mayor,” Mother went on, “so I will leave this place as soon as you say.”

  “You do not have to leave as yet. I will not punish you for the sins of your husband. And though I wish you had sent word to me when you realized his corruption, you were his wife, and I understand why you did not. You were his victim as much as anyone else.”

  Duke Wilhelm said this last part with a kind and gentle voice. It brought tears to Mother’s eyes as well as Katerina’s. Victim. As much as Katerina hated that word being applied to herself or her mother, by very definition they were victims. But they would not be any longer. If Katerina had the power to stop it, they would never be beaten up, either by words or by fists, ever again.

  But it might not be in her power, so she prayed, Lord God, please be willing to lead Mother and me away from abusers like Hennek. God, give us both wisdom and clarity . . . and healing.

  The servants brought them some food for a light meal, and as soon as they were gone, they discussed who might be a threat to the town and to their safety.

  “My men report that there were five dead bodies in the mine, and I’m assuming they were all Hennek’s guards.”

  “Yes, I’m sure they were, but I will identify them, if you wish,” Katerina said.

  “I don’t think that will be necessary, but I thank you for being willing to do that. My men will have them buried after their families have claimed them, if they wish to do so. In addition to those, there were several dead and injured of Hennek’s men in Keiterhafen. You saw and identified all of them, I believe. And who else do you think might be left in the city who might wish to do harm to you?”

  “There were many of the town guards who were loyal to Hennek, but I know one guard who was not loyal to him. His name is Hans.”

  Duke Wilhelm had his men go find Hans. In the meantime, Katerina gave the duke the names of any other of Hennek’s guards who might still be alive and in town, and he sent men to find them and bring them in so he could question them.

  While they waited for Hennek’s men to be rounded up and accounted for, Katerina and one of the duke’s men went and retrieved the parchments she had hidden in her hollow tree just outside town. At the same time, Duke Wilhelm went into Hennek’s office and found more evidence of wrongdoing—bribes, blackmail, and thievery—as well as evidence of simple incompetence. Katerina and Steffan consulted with him and shared in the discoveries.

  As they combed through papers and parchments, written lists and ledgers, once or twice Steffan’s hand brushed against hers or their shoulders bumped into each other. Her heart would pound and all her senses would be focused on how near Steffan was, the way his head bent slightly closer to her than was necessary, or how reluctant he seemed to move his hand away from hers. But his father was in the room, so she pretended not to notice.

  After a couple of hours, they questioned the guards that Katerina suspected of being loyal to Hennek. They all seemed eager to renounce Hennek’s evil deeds, most insisting that they knew nothing of the mine. And probably most of them were telling the truth. It was a secret too big, and too profitable, for Hennek to share with many people.

  When Hans arrived, she noticed Steffan watching him, his eyes going back and forth between them. Was he jealous?

  After Hans and the duke were introduced, Hans took her hand and said, “Katerina, I’m so thankful you are safe. Everyone is astonished at what Hennek did to the children, but so glad they are all home, thanks to you.”

  “It was not only me. Steffan helped to free them. I could not have done it without him.”

  Steffan met her eyes and held her gaze with his. “Katerina is the one who found them. Sh
e deserves the praise.”

  Her heart fluttered at the warm gentleness of his voice contrasting with the intensity in his eyes. What was he thinking? Was he surprised at her clasping Hans’s hand? No doubt he was, since it had taken Steffan so long to gain her trust. But she and Hans had grown up together, her childhood friend, almost like a brother.

  She didn’t have time to dwell on what Steffan was thinking, as Duke Wilhelm began to ask Hans his opinions about which guards should and should not be allowed to guard Hennek.

  Twenty-Six

  Steffan watched as Hans grasped Katerina’s hand in a familiar way. She smiled at this Hans, looking him in the eye, and stepped toward him, rather than flinching away as she always had done with Steffan.

  Hadn’t she said Hans was to marry another girl?

  He listened to the conversation about who should be dismissed from the guard, or at least not allowed to guard Hennek in the jail, but Steffan had very little to offer. He didn’t know the guards as Katerina and Hans did.

  But he liked the way Father listened to Katerina. Father was actually a very wise man, listening to Katerina and Hans, making decisions about what would happen next, what punishments would be meted out, how to move on from Hennek’s poor leadership.

  Later, during the evening meal, Steffan managed to sit beside Katerina. When he had a chance, he said, “Hans seems like a good man. Did you say that he was getting married soon?”

  “Oh, no, he is not getting married after all.” Her brows scrunched in a compassionate expression. “It’s so sad, but he caught his future wife with another man. I can’t imagine any woman doing such a thing to someone as kindhearted as Hans.”

  “Yes.” Steffan’s heart sank. Did she like this Hans enough to marry him? She certainly trusted him, and he was relatively handsome, if one liked the whey-faced look.

  “You do not mind me participating in the discussions about the future of Hamlin, do you?” Katerina’s eyes were big as she took a sip from her goblet and gazed at him over the rim.