The Gilded Fan Part 27

'I've come to help.' She looked at Nico as he sank down on to the ground next to her. 'You, of all people, should know this is where I belong.'

He frowned. 'I suppose so, but ... I had hoped you'd be safe in your bed.'

'Not until this is over.' To signal the fact that she wasn't prepared to discuss it further, she changed the subject. 'Where are you stationed? On the other side of town?'

'No, I've just been sent over here. Seems more men are needed on this stretch of the defences.'

'Good. The three of us will fight together, then.' She sent Daniel an encouraging smile.

'Excellent,' he said.

Nico still didn't look convinced, but he didn't argue the point. He just muttered, 'No idea how you're going to fight dressed like that, though.' He looked at her long, brown petticoat with a frown.

Midori grinned and lifted up the hem. 'Don't worry, I've thought of that.' Underneath she was wearing a pair of Daniel's old breeches and she saw Nico's eyes widen as he took in the sight.

'You're not serious?'

'Of course. I didn't want to stand out by wearing hakama, and it would be impossible to fight properly wearing skirts, so I, uhm, helped myself to a few things. See, I'm already wearing a man's leather jerkin. This way, perhaps I'll fool at least some people into believing I'm a boy tomorrow.'

Nico shook his head, but made no further comment. Instead he tucked into a bowl of broth that someone handed him and Midori was content to watch.

'You might as well go home, Midori,' Daniel said eventually. 'There won't be any fighting until morning and you'll need some sleep to be at your best.' He nodded at Nico. 'You, too. Unless you're on guard duty?'

'No, not tonight. Are you?'

'Yes, but don't worry, I'll be all right. I'm used to it.'

Nico finished his broth then stood up and held out a hand to help Midori to her feet. 'Shall we go, then? The sooner we get to bed, the better. I'm guessing King Charles will have us up betimes.'

She took his hand and allowed him to pull her up. 'Very well. But send word if anything happens, won't you, Daniel? Promise?'

'I swear.'

As they walked back towards her uncle's house, Midori was surprised to feel Nico's hand closing around hers instead of letting go. His fingers twined with her smaller ones and it seemed they fit together perfectly. Despite everything that was going on around them, she felt safe, protected, just by that small contact between them. They walked in companionable silence until they reached the house, which was in darkness. Outside the door, Midori stopped and turned to Nico, wanting to tell him some of the things that were on her mind, but unsure how to begin or whether this was the right time. 'Nico, will you wake me tomorrow so we can go back together?'

'Of course. I'm not leaving your side. Not until this is over.'

'What, you think I can't defend myself?' She put her hands on her hips, irritation flas.h.i.+ng through her. 'I thought I showed you my skills a long time ago. And I've been practising.'

He stepped closer and snaked an arm round her waist, pulling her into his embrace. 'Perhaps I remember them all too clearly,' he whispered into her ear. 'As I recall, you ended up sitting on top of me. And I have to tell you, I wouldn't want you to do that to anyone else. I'd have to kill him, you see.'

Midori felt her body grow hot at the suggestive tone of his voice. She stared at him, although she couldn't make out his expression in the near darkness. 'Nico! You've never ... that's to say, I don't know what's got into you.'

'It's carpe diem,' he said, nuzzling her right ear, which sent tingling sensations shooting down her spine. 'I heard someone talking about it. "Seize the day." Don't put off doing or saying the things you want to say, because tomorrow it might be too late.'

'I see. And you want to do what, exactly?'

'Go to bed. With you.'

That was plain speaking indeed, but Midori knew it was what she wanted as well and really, was there any reason to hold back? There probably was, but she didn't want to think of that now. She made a token protest. 'But ...'

He cut her words off by putting a finger on her lips. 'Shh,' he said, 'let's not waste our time with talking. Just say yes, please?'

'Yes,' she whispered.

She felt his smile against her mouth as he covered it with his own for a brief, but searing, kiss. Then he took her hand again and pulled her after him, into the house and up the stairs, all the way to his little attic room. They both instinctively tiptoed, although there probably wasn't any need for such caution. Both Uncle Marston and Aunt Hesketh slept like the dead, and Temperance would never think to venture out of her room, nor would the servants.

'I've a mind to see you in those breeches,' Nico whispered, lighting a candle with some difficulty. He turned and helped her out of her petticoat, then ran his hands down her hips and across her behind where the material clung to her. 'Hmm, I'm fairly sure they were never that tight on Daniel.'

'If you're going to make fun of me, I'm leaving,' Midori hissed, but as she pretended to flounce off, he grabbed her arm and pulled her back against his chest.

'I wasn't, believe me. I just couldn't express properly how enticing you look dressed like that. It's driving me insane.' His hands busied themselves with the laces of the bodice she was wearing, and she returned the favour with the b.u.t.tons of his coat, although it was difficult to concentrate even on such a simple task when Nico's mouth found hers again.

His kisses were everything she'd dreamed of, ever since the night of the storm. Back then, she'd been the one taking the lead. Now their roles were reversed and she found she liked that even better. Although he started slowly, he was clearly impatient, his desire for her firing her blood. She heard Nico groan as she kissed him back with all the emotion she'd been keeping pent up for so long. He tasted of ale and smelled of gunpowder, but underneath was his own unique scent, which she knew and loved so well. She breathed it in and moved her hips so her stomach brushed against the front of his breeches. The knowledge that this enflamed him even further increased her own impatience.

'Do you like that?' she whispered, shy yet wanting to be daring.

'Mm, you have no idea. Feel free to do it again.'

Somehow they both shed their clothing in record time and at last she could feel his hot skin against her own from chest to thigh. She ran her hands over him experimentally, following the hard contours of his well-muscled arms and lean torso. He was so big, so perfect, so ... entirely mine. She discovered that she liked touching the hair on his stomach that tapered down towards his groin. Her fingers followed this arrow and then dared to stroke him further down. She heard him draw in a sharp breath.

'Midori.' His voice was even huskier than usual, a sensuous caress as he kissed his way along her collar bone while his hands followed the lines of her body from behind. His touch was reverent, gentle, but her skin was so sensitive now that she felt as if his fingers blazed a trail of fire down her back. He bent to kiss her b.r.e.a.s.t.s, first one then the other, then teased the nipples with his lips and tongue while his hands continued their exploration. His fingers found their way between her legs and Midori thought she'd melt into a puddle right then and there. It was beyond wonderful.

'Nico, please ...' She knew what she was asking for, she'd been taught about such things, but she'd never realised how much pleasure was involved until now.

He lifted her quickly and laid her on the rickety bed, pinning her down with his body. She loved the feel of him, despite the heaviness, but he soon supported most of his weight on his arms so as not to crush her. His mouth moved from her b.r.e.a.s.t.s to her navel and below, and she gasped as his tongue flicked lower down, sending flames of heat through her veins.

'Dear G.o.d, but you're so beautiful,' he whispered. 'A veritable G.o.ddess. My G.o.ddess.' He came back up to kiss her on the mouth while his fingers continued where his tongue had just been. Midori whimpered with need and put her arms around him to make him go where she wanted him. Quickly.

'You're sure this is what you want?' he breathed. 'Me?' He sounded as if he couldn't quite believe it and she knew what he meant. It was like a dream come true. But it was real and she didn't want to wait another second.

'Yes, Nico, all of you. Now.'

No sooner had she said the words than she had her wish. He filled her, body and soul, and she knew this was what she'd been waiting for. And it had been worth the wait. When they moved together as one, she wanted to shout out loud with joy, with triumph.

He was hers at last.

They woke in the early dawn and made love once more, slowly, carefully, as if they were memorising each other's bodies. Afterwards, Nico held her tightly and whispered, 'I wish I could stop time right here, right now, Midori.'

But she couldn't bear to hear him expressing any regrets or even his wishes for the future, so it was her turn to put her fingers on his mouth to shush him. 'Don't. Please. I'm going downstairs now before anyone stirs. Come and join me when you're ready and we'll go.'

He nodded and kissed her one last time before he let her slip out of bed.

Just like the night before, they walked through the streets of Plymouth holding hands and not saying a word. There was no point until they knew what this day would bring.

Chapter Thirty-Two.

On this, the second day of the fighting, it became clear the King meant business. The noise, as they approached, was already deafening, with the roar of cannons, sharp cracks of musket shot and shouting of the fighting men all clamouring for supremacy. Nico and Midori made their way to the gate where they knew Daniel was stationed, and looked for him through the smoke and dust that hung in the air like a heavy shroud.

'Where do we report for duty?' Nico asked, following behind her. He tried to keep his tone even, so as not to show how afraid he was. Not for himself, but for her. What if I lose her now? After last night, how could I bear it? The thought was like a physical pain and he pushed it to the back of his mind. He couldn't afford to think like that or he'd get himself killed, as well as Midori.

He'd noticed the two swords tucked into her belt, so similar to those of her brother. He knew she'd have honed them to perfection and the thought that she knew what she was doing calmed him slightly. Midori wasn't some helpless female who needed protection; she was a fully trained warrior and he'd do well to remember it. And judging by the training she'd done, even in a small cabin on board his s.h.i.+p, she'd have kept her skills up. He remembered she'd said as much, yesterday.

The thick leather jerkins they both wore would protect them from sword thrusts. He had his own sword, a rapier he'd bought in Amsterdam years ago, hanging on his left-hand side. He carried his musket a matchlock and across his chest hung a leather bandolier with twelve flasks called Apostles, each one filled with enough gunpowder for one shot. He also had a larger flask at his waist with more powder for refills, a pouch with 48 musket b.a.l.l.s and yards of match wound round his waist, which would be lit at either end before going into battle. I'm as prepared as I can possibly be.

'I suppose this is where we need to go.' As Midori spoke, they both caught sight of a redhead coming towards them from the right. 'Wait, that's him I think. Daniel!'

'Ah, there you are at last. You're most welcome, I can tell you.' Daniel, perspiring with his efforts and with streaks of dirt across his cheeks and forehead, pulled Midori close for a quick hug. Midori smiled at him and Nico found he didn't mind. There was no need for jealousy now; she was his and he knew he'd never need to doubt her.

'I can't believe it's all started so early,' she was saying to her cousin. 'We should have come sooner. Now, where are we needed the most?'

'No idea. Come on, I'll find our commanding officer and see what he wants you to do.'

As Nico walked behind them, he decided to follow his uncle's example for once and pray. No one but G.o.d could help them now.

They were sent on to the battlefield almost immediately.

'We need every man and woman who is able to fight,' Daniel's officer told them grimly, obviously not fooled by her disguise, Midori thought. 'Just follow the others in your troop, but stay towards the back while you get used to things. It can be a bit, uhm, daunting at first.' He looked Midori over one more time, his expression doubtful. 'You're sure you wish to join in the fighting, mistress?'

'Yes, definitely. I a.s.sure you I am well trained.' Although I've never had any actual experience of war. She decided not to tell him that.

The man's eyes told her he didn't believe her in any case, but on the other hand, he probably didn't care. He waved them on. 'Very well. Off you go, then.'

'Here, you'd best have one of these.' Daniel handed her a helmet he'd been carrying. 'Put on a Monmouth cap first though, or it won't fit you.' Midori donned a small knitted hat and rammed the helmet into place securely. An unpleasant odour emanated from it and Midori wrinkled her nose in distaste. It was also very heavy.

'Do I really need ...?' she started to protest, but he cut her off with angry authority.

'Yes, you do. Don't be a fool.'

On her other side she felt, rather than saw, Nico bristle at Daniel's harsh words to her, but she knew her cousin was only concerned for her welfare, so she nodded acquiescence.

Similar conical helmets were worn by hundreds of others around her, glinting dully whenever the sunlight penetrated the clouds of smoke which hung in the air. More smoke issued forth from cannon and muskets all the time and Midori had to blink often to see more clearly through the haze. The feel of the heavy swords at her belt rea.s.sured her, as Daniel lead the way.

They smelled the battle before they even came close. The sweet, cloying scent of blood, the stench of rotting flesh, the odour of unwashed bodies exerting themselves to their utmost, all mingled with the acrid fumes of gunpowder. Midori felt her nostrils flare as she recoiled instinctively, her lungs constricting in an effort to take more shallow breaths. I never imagined it would be like this.

The mighty blasts of the cannon shook the hillsides and the accompanying screams that rent the air made Midori want to cover her ears. She had heard the sounds men made while suffering extreme pain before, but these cries seemed almost inhuman, like evil kami out for revenge. She saw men thrown up into the air as if they were nothing more than rag dolls, landing with a dull thud and the sickening crack of bones breaking.

At first sight of the enemy a frisson of fear slithered through Midori. For a moment she froze next to Daniel, unable to move either backwards or forwards, but after taking a deep calming breath, she managed to make her limbs function again.

'You are the daughter of a daimyo, you can do this,' she chanted silently to herself and sent up a swift prayer to her ancestors. 'Father, Mother, give me strength and courage. Help me not to bring dishonour to the family.'

She walked towards the fray, Daniel and Nico either side of her, and tried to empty her mind of all thoughts except those of the coming fighting. She must stay focused, remember all the moves her father had taught her, and above all she must not show fear. You can do this, you can do this ...

The reek of panic was all around her, however, basic animal terror, wafting in the breeze, contagious. She knew she wasn't alone and that any sane person would feel the same at such a time, but she also knew she must overcome it or she would die.

'Never show weakness, Midori. Your enemies will seize on it with glee, remember that,' her father had said. Midori nodded to herself and squared her shoulders. There would be no outward sign of her apprehension, she vowed.

The beating of drums the only means of communication on a battle field as it was too noisy to hear shouted orders made a strange excitement take hold of her as they came closer. She pulled her swords out of her belt in readiness and concentrated on the task before her. 'These men are the enemy, they are sc.u.m, not worthy of life,' she told herself fiercely, drumming up feelings of hatred to facilitate the act of killing.

'Are you ready?' Daniel asked and there were murmurs of a.s.sent from the men who had accompanied them. With cries of rage, they all suddenly charged towards the enemy, gaining speed as they egged each other on. Midori felt her legs move of their own volition, following the others and she let out the blood-curdling war cry of clan k.u.mas.h.i.+ro to bolster her courage.

It was time.

By Midori's side Nico also tried to focus on the task at hand. He'd fought in so many battles already by now, but he still wasn't sure exactly what they were fighting for and cared even less. Religion and politics had never been of interest to him, but he'd come to realise it was family that mattered. And since his family were threatened, this must be the right thing to do. He glanced at Midori and saw her determination, her absolute composure, and knew he had to be with her every step of the way.

One thought was clear in his mind if Midori died this day, he no longer wanted to live, either. But what he wanted more than anything else was to have a future with her, and he'd fight for that as he'd never fought before.

He joined in the war cry and felt his legs gather speed as they charged into the fray ...

Complete and utter chaos reigned.

Once in the thick of things, Midori didn't have a single moment to think about what was happening or what she was doing. Instinct guided her every move. The primeval desire for survival had her jumping out of the way of enemy swords and slas.h.i.+ng wildly with her own to kill or maim without discrimination. There was blood everywhere, staining clothing, pouring into the ground, raining down in tiny droplets, spraying through the air. Midori felt its metallic taste on her tongue and swallowed hard, revolted and excited all at once.

She soon realised that the imaginary battles in her father's courtyard were a far cry from the reality of war. Here there was no quarter given, none expected. Each individual was intent on killing his opponent and the bloodl.u.s.t she saw in the eyes of those around her chilled her to the bone, although she knew it must be reflected in her own eyes. It was an insanity which had her, and everyone else, in its grip; relentless, omnipotent.

There seemed to be some method in the madness occasionally. With banners flapping in the breeze, the two sides advanced towards each other in formation from time to time. Musketeers kneeled in tiers on the ground to fire salvos into their opponents and Midori heard more than one shot whistle past her ears. When the men in the first row had finished, the next stepped forward to fire in their turn and so on, sending off a never-ending stream of deadly musket b.a.l.l.s, some of which found their targets in the ranks of Parliamentarians.

The pikemen were easier to pick off with a sword. Gathered in groups, their pikes held at shoulder height to charge their opponents, they looked like nothing so much as unwieldy hedgehogs performing a strange dance. Midori didn't hesitate to attack them at every opportunity, and more than one billowing white s.h.i.+rtsleeve soon turned crimson with enemy blood from her efforts.

One pikeman turned unexpectedly, however, and surged towards Nico, who was busy fighting someone else. Midori reacted instinctively, swivelling round to pierce the man in the back with her sword just as his pike glanced off Nico's arm.

'Jesus!' Nico jumped and sent her a wide-eyed glance. 'Thank you. That was a bit close!'

Midori smiled, but didn't tell him her blood had turned to ice in her veins at the thought of just how close she'd come to losing him.

She had never been so tired in all her life, but nor had she ever felt as alive. Each moment she managed to keep from being killed became precious, something to be savoured. Her senses took everything in, storing up the images for processing later. For the time being she couldn't afford to think about what she was seeing or doing, only act and act swiftly. Wielding her swords furiously, she slashed her way through enemy soldiers, a dull satisfaction filling her each time she struck home.

'Holy Mother of G.o.d,' she heard Daniel hiss the first time he saw Midori's swords in action. 'Those are unbelievably sharp!' But he soon had to concentrate on his own battles. He and Nico fluttered in and out of Midori's vision, and although it was each man or woman for himself, they all kept an eye on each other's backs.

For a while she felt invincible, then weariness set in and with it the fear came creeping back. What if I don't have the strength to keep going? Or I slip up in my concentration; become a liability rather than an a.s.set? To keep up her courage she shouted out war cries in her father's tongue, some of which made her opponents stare at her in horror. She wondered fleetingly if they thought her a magical creature cursing them, such were their expressions. She was soon quite hoa.r.s.e, however, and had to desist. The constant smoke around them made her throat so dry she couldn't stop coughing.

Although she would never have admitted it to anyone, it was an unutterable relief when darkness descended at last and the fighting had to stop for the night. In her haste to reach the camp fires, she tripped over a dead body, but managed to retain her balance. She looked around to make sure no one had seen her. I won't have anyone think me weak.

Chapter Thirty-Three.