The Shadowy Path - 5. Chapter 5

Josel

The warm, beating sun had already climbed to the top of the sky when Josel stepped out of the door of his home. He had woken late and received a gentle bark from Curtus as he finally slouched into the lounge. Last night's conversation with his father had kept him pondering all morning.

Josel had sat in the soft armchair in the lounge, trying to make sense of the jumble of things his father had told him. The result was that he knew too little, but enough to understand that his family was in danger. That was probably what Dad had wanted - for Josel to be careful, but otherwise to stay out of things that were too difficult for someone his age. Such overprotection irritated him, and Josel decided to demand a better explanation from his father.

Now he was on his way to meet Franz, Darren and Bartos, and very late. Distracted, he failed to glance to the side as he crossed the street and was almost caught under the fast-moving stagecoach.

The driver of the wagons braked with wheels squealing and bouncing on cobblestones. Josel managed to jump onto the pavement at the last minute, avoiding being trampled by the horses' hooves. The driver unclenched his fist and shouted a litany of curses at Josel before spurring his horse back into action. Josel shouted back an equally vulgar insult and wagged his finger disrespectfully at the departing coach.

Still deep in thought, Josel arrived at the foot of the stairs leading to the Imperial Museum of Paidos. He had arranged to meet his friends at the top of the stairs - not because any of them were interested in the museum's dusty collections, but because the stairs happened to be the foursome's regular meeting place.

Josel strode up the stony steps, only to find that there were not any friends in sight. After glancing around, he decided to sit down on the steps and watch the town below.

Paidos seemed more restless than usual. Around the edge of the square, people had gathered in small groups to talk. Josel was too far to find out the subject, but he suspected it had something to do with Dareis Monteilon and the Shadow Cross.

The tension was also reflected in the fact that a dozen or so city guards were horseback in the corner of the square, as if keeping an eye on the crowd. This also seemed unusual, as soldiers normally patrol in pairs.

At the same time, someone slapped Josel on the shoulders, causing him to almost jump up in the air in fright.

"Goldy is as scared as a baby rabbit!" Darren chuckled and Franz and Bartos, standing behind him, laughed in amusement. Josel tried to look angry without much success.

"Here you are, all alone, while the whole town is buzzing," Franz began when the laughter finally stopped. "You've been reading the paper, haven't you?" he asked, shoving a copy of Paidos Courier into Josel's lap. Everyone in the town knows that the newspaper was printed by the Shadow Cross.

Josel had to admit that he had not read it. His father never bought Paidos Courier at home, preferring Paidos Gazette, which, like the Courier, was not overtly anti-Monteilon.

On the front page of the newspaper, in large letters, it said: "The governor has embezzled the town's money!" The subtitle added: "Reliable witnesses say the Town Council will meet in emergency session this afternoon."

Josel shook his head, the headline was a serious accusation, the Shadow Cross was clearly playing for high stakes.

Franz began to babble excitedly, "I don't know what's going to happen. There are rumours that the Shadow Cross is inciting the townspeople to strike. They say the rail-carriages won't run at all today and the machines in the manufactories are at a standstill. Maybe we will see a real revolution! Just think, the people of Paidos will stand up shoulder to shoulder against the villainous tyrant who has exploited them for years!"

"Yes, and I suppose they'll elect you to succeed Monteilon," Darren continued.

"That would be a good choice!" Franz exclaimed, straightening his back.

"In the name of the Emperor, I, Franz Landez, command you, Darren Temjanion, to shave off those silly curls."

Bartos burst out laughing, while Darren tried to throw Franz with his cap.

Josel guffawed along with the others, but couldn't shake off the worrying thought from his mind. What if the Shadow Cross really did overthrow Dareis Monteilon? What would happen to Dad and Curtus?

After a while of jesting with each other, the boys set off. They wandered aimlessly through the streets. It was soothing to know that the school holidays would last for weeks and there would be no hurry to go anywhere. Although, Franz would have to help his mother in the shop from time to time, and Darren would probably have to find a way to earn money.

Otherwise, the four of them were free to do whatever they wanted. That meant having fun, hanging out in town late into the night, playing sports and maybe taking a little trip out of Paidos. Spring was definitely the best time of the year, and Josel was pretty sure that this spring was going to be a particularly successful one. Screw you governor, the fallen and other distant worries!

The image of Jolanda came to mind, and it was the girl who would have a lot to do with how good the season would be. When his mates happened to look away, Josel smiled secretly.

The boys decided to stop and sat down under the cover of a sheltered gateway. Bartos munched on a bread roll he had bought from a street vendor, and Franz tried to persuade Darren to argue with him about which professional factions would support the Shadow Cross' demand for the governor’s dismissal.

"Isendar Vargan can at least seduce the representatives of the craftsmen and women workers to his side. I'm not sure about the merchants," Franz says.

"Seduce? That scarecrow-looking guy!" Darren interjected.

"Hey, I'm serious. Aren't you the least bit interested in the situation in the Town Council?" Franz asked, his voice rising.

"Not really. Unless those women workers have a youth department. I can pay them a visit and the women will forget Vargan's limp dick," Darren replied, clutching his groin. Josel and Bartos laughed. In the end, Franz couldn't help but join in the laughter.

The banter stopped when two girls they knew from school, Elenda and Giesela, walked towards them.

As greetings were exchanged, a happy smile curved the petite Elenda's mouth. Josel caught a glimpse of Bartos, who was flushed red as always around Elenda. No wonder, Elenda was very nice.

Giesela, on the other hand, was a nuisance. The pig-nosed girl was plain-looking, but she must have thought she was a phenomenal beauty. To make matters worse, she seemed to have a crush on Josel and did not seem to realise that there would be no reciprocity.

Giesela's first words were not to Josel's liking either. "Josel, you're a hero! Word of the fight is spreading through the city. You’re so brave," the girl chirped.

When Josel made no more than a dismissive mutter, Franz added that Zdain had got what he deserved.

Giesela agreed, "We don't like that cocky Monteilon boy either. Don't we, Elenda?"

The petite girl admitted that this was the case, so Giesela was allowed to continue her gabbling. "Do you know that the Shadow Cross is throwing an all-night party for the youth of Paidos tonight? We were thinking of going."

"They're offering free beer and wine - as much as you want," Elenda supported her friend.

"We could consider it," Franz mused.

"Parties are always fun!" Darren shouted and patted Bartos on the shoulder. "Right, Bars? Elenda invited us."

That was enough and Bartos turned scarlet again.

"You'll come too, won't you, Josel?" Giesela begged. She sounded like a meowing cat.

"I'm not coming, I'm not interested in the Shadow Cross," Josel announced. After what his father had told him, he felt no attraction to the events of the Shadow Cross.

Giesela was silent for a moment before she said sourly, "Well, actually I was supposed to bring Jolanda's regards. She's asking you to the party."

Jolanda! Joy was all over Josel's chest. "Oh, Jolanda is asking? Well, I'll come then. Tell Jolanda I'll be there," he replied, not caring that he sounded like a fool in love.

The other boys laughed and Elenda smiled her pretty smile.

Giesela, annoyed by the lack of power of her own charm, snapped, "See you there," and turned away as Elenda waved goodbye to the boys.

After the girls left, Franz and Darren joked about Josel and Bartos' weakness for the female sex. Soon, the boys decided to head home to gather their strength for the evening.

Josel knew he would have to sneak into the party in secret, as his father would never approve of going to the Shadow Cross’ rallies or running out at night anyway. He was a little puzzled that Giesela knew Jolanda, but he didn't dwell on it. Anything goes as long as he got to see the beautiful Jolanda tonight!

* * *

It was almost nightfall when Josel arrived at a dilapidated apartment building. It was the home of Darren Temjanion and his parents. Josel nimbly climbed up a ladder leaning against the wall to the second floor and knocked on the window of Darren's room.

Soon the window opened and Darren stuck his curly head out. After a brief fuss, he dropped through the window onto the ladder and began to climb down after Josel.

The boys had agreed that leaving for the party would depend on how quickly Josel could sneak out of the house. He had to wait in his room for a long time before he was sure that his father and Curtus were no longer awake.

Just in case, he had left a note on his bed saying that he had gone out with his friends. You never know, what kind of search party would Dad organise otherwise. It was better to receive the likely rebuke in the morning; the chance to see Jolanda was too good to pass up.

"Did you get away easily?" Josel asked as Darren jumped from the bottom of the ladder to the street.

"They already passed out," Darren replied, glancing grimly at the windows of his house.

Josel looked away and bit his lip for asking.

That was the end of it. Darren broke into a run, and Josel hurried after him. They jogged along the lantern-lit street. Josel could feel his veins pounding; the party and Jolanda were waiting.

Despite the late hour, the windows of the Bartos' home were bright with light. The house of his father, Chancellor Berron Rigailon, was large and highlighted the family's wealth. And no one from the family came to open the door, but a grey-haired servant whom Josel knew as Tobeias. He mentioned that 'Young Mr Rigailon' was already waiting for his guests and gestured towards the stairs leading up to Bartos' room.

Before the boys were halfway up the stairs, Bartos and Franz rushed down.

"It's about time, we've almost drunk all the wine in the house," Franz complained.

"Let's go! Mom and Dad are in the country house, so no worries. Tobeias won't tell them," Bartos said with uncharacteristic bluster, almost pushing his friends out the door.

* * *

The walk to the party venue was quite long, but the bottle of wine Bartos had brought with him helped to lighten the mood. Once there, Josel felt already a little tipsy. Finally, he would be able to see if the Shadow Cross parties were as wild as his schoolmates had advertised.

At least, the music and loud chatter could be heard far outside the party hall. The venue was one of the outbuildings near the Shadow Cross headquarters, where a ballroom had been built, perhaps for just such a purpose.

Outside the main door stood several alert-looking shadow sentries in their grey and black uniforms with batons hanging from their belts. Apparently, they didn't want any uninvited guests to disturb the event. Josel and his friends were allowed to enter the hall under the watchful eyes of the guards without further question.

A surprisingly large number of young people had gathered in the ballroom. It was hot and quite crowded inside. The air smelled of girls' perfume and fresh sweat. Some of the party guests were dancing to the music of the orchestra, while some others were gathered around the tables at the back of the hall.

Josel tried to look for Jolanda, but couldn't find her from the crowd. At one table, Darren noticed their friends from school; at least Mikos, Semjoz, Falinda and Nora were sitting there.

They were happy to see the boys and soon Josel and his companions were sitting at the table chatting merrily and enjoying a beer. From somewhere, Elenda showed up, and to Bartos' delight, she sat down next to the sturdy boy.

Unfortunately for Josel, Elenda was unable to answer the question about Jolanda's whereabouts. Frustrated, Josel decided to search her and got Franz to go with him.

They pushed through the crowd. The intoxicating drinks had done their job and many of the partygoers were getting very drunk. In the corner of the hall, a shadow sentry was roughly ushering one of the brawlers out. Here and there, adults from the Shadow Cross wandered around, stopping occasionally to chat with the youths, offering them the chance to join the organisation. Josel was sober enough to realise how cunningly the organisation managed to attract a large number of new young members by offering them a little wine and dancing.

Josel and Franz drifted out of the ballroom into a side corridor where it was a little quieter. Couples in love were huddled against the walls. Franz had just time to say: "Blah, that’s fricking syrupy, let's go somewhere else", before someone grabbed Josel's arm and repeated his name.

Jolanda! She was wearing a beautiful dress with a very open neckline. The sight sent an excited shiver through Josel's body.

"What happened to your eyebrow?" Jolanda gasped in shock as soon as she reached Josel.

Josel, who had already forgotten the bruises he had received in the battle against Monteilon, shrugged his shoulders with a grin." It's all right. I beat up an idiot. You should have seen his face."

Jolanda said she was afraid Josel would not come. Josel hurriedly introduced her to Franz, who didn't seem too thrilled to see her.

"Nice to meet you," Jolanda said in a sweet voice and shook Franz's hand.

The three of them chatted for a while until Franz, somewhat reluctantly, realised he was a third wheel and said he was going for a walk but would be back.

After Franz had left, Jolanda told how she had bumped into an old friend, Giesela, who had been given the task of giving Josel an invitation to a party, as they had known each other from the same school.

Then they talked about all sorts of things in general. Jolanda was very interested about Josel's father. "It would be great if I could meet him," she said.

Josel told her about his father, but was careful not to mention the things Andreuz Sandkan had confided in his son. He wondered, though, if he might one day reveal more to Jolanda. She would surely be thrilled to learn the truth about the Shadow Cross, for example. But not on this night, when Josel was determined to do something else with Jolanda.

They moved to an empty bench by the wall. Josel took Jolanda's hand; it felt delicate and warm. Suddenly, Jolanda quickly kissed Josel on the mouth.

"Goldy, I've missed you so much," Jolanda whispered.

Josel responded by kissing her passionately - and for a long time.

At some point between kisses, Jolanda asked, "Would you like to go somewhere quieter? I know a room nearby where we could go."

"Let's go right now!" Josel replied as the passion heated up his guts. Soon... it would be the first time with a girl - with Jolanda!

They got up and Josel was about to lead Jolanda out of the corridor when Franz came in with a pale face and a frantic look in his eyes.

"Josi, you have to come right away! I have something important to tell you," he insisted with a strange urgency.

"Franz, I was just about to...I can't leave now!"

"You must come. This is really important."

"What's going on?" Josel asked, trying to decide if something was horribly wrong or just Franz's characteristic excitement over trivialities.

"I can't tell you here, come with me," Franz almost begged, tugging at Josel's sleeve.

Josel considered the situation for a moment. The interruption was annoying, but after all, Franz was his best friend. "Okay, I'm coming," he finally replied.

He turned to Jolanda. She was standing with her hands on her hips, scowling at Franz. "Jolanda, I'll try to get back as soon as I can. I'm really sorry," Josel said, but couldn't calm her down.

"Don't expect me to be here if you stay long." Jolanda frowned, her dark eyes aching dangerously, and yanked her hand from Josel's grip.

Not knowing what else to say, Josel gave Jolanda a last apologetic look. Cursing his bad luck, he hurried to the nearest front door, where Franz was already waiting, looking impatient.

"You'd better have a good explanation!" Josel snorted in the yard. "I was just about to go to bed with Jolanda."

Franz ignored this, but looked around in alarm. After making sure no one was within earshot, he whispered hoarsely, "They're attacking the palace."

"What?"

"The Shadow Cross is attacking the Governor's Palace!" Franz whispered, his face white.

The words stunned Josel. "Are you sure?" he managed to ask.

Franz spoke quickly, "I happened to be nearby and saw the shadow sentries preparing to enter the palace. I heard the commander giving orders. 'Bring the governor alive, the others don't matter,' he said."

"Where? Show me!"

"Come on! The attack must have already begun," the big-nosed boy replied, and started jogging in the direction of the Governor's Palace. Josel followed him.

There were no other passers-by on the dark streets, but Franz stayed in the shadows. Arching his back, Josel followed. They ran along the fence and then up the hill. Panting for breath, Franz urged Josel to climb up the solid stone wall. At the top of the wall, where they could see.

In the darkness of night, groups of men ran towards the Governor's Palace, using the ledges and other shady places for cover. They were not moving empty-handed: Josel's eyes caught swords and rifles.

For a moment the entire block was illuminated by a bright flash. Perhaps it was a gas lantern that had been blown to pieces. There were glances and screams from further away, but they were quickly drowned out by the sound of rifles firing. Suddenly, one of the advancing shadow sentries fell to the ground, howling in agony. The others continued forward, rifles now ready to fire.

Franz watched the events unfold, looking both frightened and excited. "Why are they attacking? This is an illegal rebellion against the emperor!" he whispered.

Then Josel remembered. "We have to help! We must save the governor!"

"How on earth could we..." Franz began, his mouth open.

"Dad! Let's tell Dad. Come on!" Josel interrupted and jumped down from the wall. He took off running towards home with Franz in tow.

"What could your father do?" Franz gasped the question as he reached to Josel.

"Dad...Dad is on Monteilon's side. We have to tell him," Josel said, picking up the pace.

When they finally saw Josel's house, Franz seemed half-dead from exhaustion and could barely stand on his feet.

Something was happening outside the Sandkans' house. Five horses were waiting, ready to go, while two men, unknown to Josel, were holding their bridles.

Just then the front door opened and Josel's father, Curtus and a third man rushed out. Andreuz Sandkan had two pistols on his belt that Josel didn't even know his father owned.

"Josel!" Curtus and Andreuz exclaimed as if from the same mouth.

"They're attacking the palace," Josel managed to gasp in reply.

The look of relief on Andreuz's face was wiped away. "I know," he said in a firm voice. "Curtus and I are on the way there. Go home and pack a rucksack with food provisions and travel gear. We'll all leave as soon as we get back. Hurry! There are instructions on your bed for what to do if we don't come back."

Dad’s last words terrified Josel.

The other men hurried Andreuz to his horse, but he turned to Franz. "Josel will be leaving town soon. Don't ask where, it's too dangerous. Franz, since I know you can be trusted, run immediately to Petty Street, to baker Mommes. Bang on the door, he'll open it. Say: 'Message from Sandkan. It's an emergency. The governor is being transferred to a shelter.' Do you remember what to say? Good! Then you go home and tell no one about this. The following weeks will be tough in the town, so stay out of the way of the Shadow Cross."

Having said that, Josel's father jumped on his horse, which was pacing restlessly. The five horsemen galloped off, hooves scraping the cobblestones, towards the palace.

* * *

Josel and Franz stared at the receding horses.

"You're leaving," Franz said, still out of breath.

"I guess so. And I don't know where," Josel replied vaguely.

Suddenly he remembered Jolanda. "Franz, find Jolanda. Tell her I had to leave with Dad," Josel said, putting his hands on his friend's shoulders.

"I'll find her," Franz promised, giving Josel a quick hug. He spoke in an emotional voice: "Good luck. I have to go. I hope to see you soon."

Josel was silent for a moment, just squeezing Franz's arm. Then he said: "We'll see. Say hi to Bars and Darren."

The tall boy replied with a crack in his voice, "I will," and then he turned and scurried off in the direction of Petty Street.

A lump formed in his throat as Josel watched his best friend move further away. Is this the kind of excitement Franz dreamed of, Josel wondered. At the same time, he remembered his mission and hurried inside to pack the rucksacks.

In a fury, Josel rummaged through the cupboards. He found two rucksacks in the closet, which he remembered using when he and Curtus had gone camping in the woods outside Paidos. A couple of blankets, a map, water to drink, bread, some carrots and potatoes, cheese, dried meat... Josel had no real idea what kind of supplies it would be wise to pack, but he tried his best.

Then, remembering the note his father had left, he climbed the stairs to his room. He picked up the envelope from his bed and stuffed it, unopened, into his trouser pocket. Josel also took some spare clothes, a knife and a coin purse containing all his money. It was not a large sum.

He barely had time to gather what he needed before the sound of footsteps came from the stairwell. Andreuz Sandkan was the first one through the door, followed by the alert looking Curtus. Dad’s shirt sleeve was stained with blood and his left arm was wrapped in a sling.

"Don't worry about it," Andreuz said grimly, seeing his son's concern.

Further questions stuck in Josel's throat as he noticed a third person pushing into the hallway. That was not any of the men on the street earlier. In the hallway of their home stood a frightened-looking Zdain Monteilon.

"Monteilon!" Josel shrieked, his voice hoarse with shock.

The brown-haired boy looked back. He had an expression on his face that Josel could not read. Zdain was wearing black trousers and a white long-sleeved shirt that he hadn't had time to button properly. The bluish circle around his eye and the scratches on his cheek were still reminders of their fight.

"Yes, he will come with you. The governor and his wife are waiting downstairs. I'll take them to safety. You go with Zdain and Curtus," said Andreuz Sandkan.

"Me with Zdain!" Josel huffed, causing a blush of indignation to appear on young Monteilon's face.

"No objections! It would be too dangerous to travel as a group. Curtus will take you to the city of Ipalos. We will meet there later. Read the letter and then destroy it. Obey Curtus in everything and protect Zdain as your brother.

Josel wanted to shout back and ask more questions, but he knew better than to say anything.

"I have to go," Andreuz continued more softly. "Take care of yourself, you're a great boy." He touched his son's cheek with his healthy hand, nodded to Curtus and Zdain, then turned to leave.

There was a hollow silence in the corridor after Andreuz left. Finally, Curtus turned his attention to the rucksacks. He handed one to Zdain, who, without looking at Josel, muttered a thank you to the old man and hoisted the pack onto his back.

Curtus' face was full of determination as he spoke, "Josel, have you got everything you want to take with you from your room? Good. We'll leave in a moment, but first we'll cover our tracks." The old man walked briskly into the lounge and disappeared.

Josel stayed in the hallway with Zdain, but avoided looking at him. That cheeky, snobbish brat had invaded their home. He was carrying the equipment Josel had carefully packed, as if it were his own! Josel was getting angrier by the moment at Zdain's presence. He would have cursed Zdain to the depths of eternal sleep had Curtus not returned.

"Let's go, your father's study is on fire," stated Curtus, as if he were saying the most mundane thing.

"What!" Josel cried out.

The old man turned to him with a serious expression on his face. "We probably won't come back. It's better that your father's notes are not left for strangers to read. Say goodbye to Paidos, your childhood is now behind you."

Curtus' words stung Josel. A faint crackle from the direction of his father's study added to the sense of finality. Dad's lifework burned there, among everything else. The place Josel had called home all his life would soon be no more.

Zdain watched Josel with a look in his brown eyes. Again, it was difficult to interpret. The other boy must have known how he felt, since Zdain had just moments ago been forced to leave his own home. It was not a good thing, Josel felt uncomfortable sharing such a private feeling with Zdain Monteilon of all people.

"It's time to go," Curtus said, patting Josel comfortingly on the shoulder.

The staircase had never seemed so dreary. As Curtus closed the front door for the last time, the click almost hurt.

Walking down the stairs, Josel remembered the tailor's family living downstairs. "What about the Nakofs? The whole house will burn down soon!"

"Don't worry, Robs has moved his family to safety," Curtus reassured him and opened the front door. Then they slipped out into the dark night.

* * *