Page 83 of The Piper's Pursuit

***

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.”