38

S tomach sinking, Stephen stared out the window at Reddington's army. Those were real soldiers outside. With a real cannon and real arrows. Dutifully following Reddington's every wish and command. And what Reddington wanted was to oust the Wynchesters and install himself as king of the castle. "There's got to be another way."

Philippa and Jacob flanked the window.

"Kuni and Elizabeth are impressively lethal," Jacob said, "but two warriors cannot defend against an entire army, no matter how skilled they may be."

"Let me try to reason with him." Philippa took the speaking trumpet and swung the flared end toward the arrow slit. "Cease fire, Reddington. It's over. The countess's will and testament proves without a doubt—"

"Bring it here," Reddington's voice boomed, "and His Grace will have the document appraised by his own independent authorities."

"They're not independent if they're in his pocket," Graham muttered. "Of course he'll claim it's false."

"Or destroy the document," Elizabeth agreed. "We have to take the will to Miss Oak. She'll want to speak to us in person. Her lawyer will corroborate the contents."

"We can't go anywhere," Marjorie said. "We're surrounded."

"Then we'll deliver the will to Miss Oak once we win the battle royal," said Philippa.

Kuni arched her brows. " You are advocating for war?"

Philippa sighed. "What choice have we got?"

Kuni handed her a dagger.

Philippa dangled it gingerly by the hilt.

"Never mind, give it back." Kuni held out her hand. "A neophyte is more likely to hurt herself than her enemy."

"I can throw a dagger," said Philippa.

All the Wynchesters spun to look at her in shock. "You can ?"

"Remember when my book club spent a month studying archery a couple of years ago? It wasn't all theoretical. Once we'd learned everything we could about the equipment and memorized the stratagems, we spent several afternoons engaged in hands-on practice. After we met Kuni, it seemed logical to do the same with daggers."

"It seemed logical." Tommy kissed her on the cheek. "That's the most Philippa-est thing you've ever said."

"What about swords?" asked Elizabeth.

"Swords were one of the first weapons we studied. We're not as gifted in combat as you or Kuni, but I can thrust and parry without hurting my wrist or losing my grip."

"Swords it is," said Elizabeth. "Give Kuni her dagger back. She has a limited supply, and I have a plethora of rapiers. Unless you'd prefer a battle-axe?"

Philippa returned the dagger. "That's a contingency plan to the contingency plan. I'd rather leave the bloodying of enemies to you."

Elizabeth flashed her teeth in a cobra-like grin. "With pleasure. Today, we defend Castle Harbrook to the death."

Adrian blanched. "Uh…"

"She means Reddington's death," Kuni assured him.

"Nobody's death," Jacob reminded them all. "Both sides agreed to no murdering."

"That leaves plenty of room for damage," Philippa pointed out. "Even if Reddington keeps his word."

"Wait." Graham placed a palm against the stone wall and leaned out the window. "I hear—"

"Horses! Reddington did summon the cavalry." Elizabeth strode over to the loophole to look.

But it was not a second squadron of soldiers that came into view. The dirt road before the castle suddenly filled with hackney carriages, out of which spilled dozens of spectators with picnic blankets, opera glasses… and conspicuous slips of paper in their hands.

Stephen sputtered in disbelief. "Reddington sold tickets ? To a legally dubious violent attack against his neighbor?"

Of course he had. Elizabeth had requested an impartial witness, had she not? Now there were dozens of them.

"Contingency number fourteen," Graham said. "A public battle royal."

"We cannot allow innocent bystanders to be harmed," Stephen warned them.

"They'll be safe," Elizabeth said. "No one would be foolish enough to venture into the line of fire."

They watched with trepidation as more carriages arrived, along with several pockets of chattering onlookers on foot.

"Crowds can be dangerous," Stephen said.

"Especially crowds rooting for the enemy," Graham agreed. "Easily stirred to mob violence."

"Will Reddington take care not to harm them?" Jacob asked.

Stephen considered this. "I think so. He wants to be admired and celebrated. Which won't happen if he's perceived as the bully tyrannizing innocent unarmed citizens."

Outside, so many arrows struck the door that it sounded as though it were raining.

"Do something," Philippa whispered.

Elizabeth pointed the speaking trumpet through the window loophole. "Your Grace! Such unsportsmanlike conduct does not befit a gentleman such as yourself. You agreed that both sides would have an equal number of representatives, not nine ordinary people versus an army of… Fifty? Sixty?"

There was a pause. Then, "One hundred and four soldiers."

"That's it," Philippa whispered. "We're doomed."

Stephen shared the same sentiment.

Elizabeth raised the speaking trumpet. "There are witnesses all around you. Your opponent has no army. No arrows. No cannons. Do you think anyone will respect you for perpetrating a massacre on a handful of unarmed civilians? The public will vilify you. No one will attend your reenactments, save to jeer and throw rotten fruit."

An even longer pause. Then, "You cannot expect me to forfeit all of my advantages. This is a siege, not tea with the Queen."

"You gave your word. No more than nine of you versus the nine of us. Should a blade draw blood, that soldier is out. The first general to yield, loses. And to ensure fairness, there shall be no arrows, no bullets, and no cannonballs."

"Just because you couldn't outfit and prepare a proper army—"

"I'm sorry, I couldn't hear you. Did you just say you're afraid you'll lose a fair fight?"

"His Grace's men are unmatched at any configuration. The odds will never be in your favor," Reddington boomed back. "Terms confirmed."

Elizabeth lowered her trumpet. "He said yes?"

The others nodded. "He said yes."

She frowned. "I don't like it. He agreed before, too. He thinks he's tricked us. Again."

"Then what do we do?" asked Stephen.

Elizabeth unsheathed her sword. "We fight back. Everyone ready?"

The Wynchesters lifted their various fists and weapons. With and without daggers in hand, each member of the family touched their fingers to their hearts, then lifted them to the sky.

"Uh… Do I do that, too?" Stephen quickly copied the motion, hoping he got it right.

Elizabeth kissed him on the cheek. "I'll explain the Wynchester salute later. Right now, we need you to get to your turret posthaste. We can't win this battle without you."

"Not terrifying at all," Stephen muttered. But at least they had a plan. Several plans.

"Places, everyone!" Graham ordered. "Once we draw first blood from all eight of Reddington's men, he'll have no choice but to yield. Don't let your guard down for a moment. He'll be desperate to draw first blood from us . On your marks!"

The Wynchesters scattered. Stephen ran down the corridor and up the narrow spiral staircase to the topmost tower, which not only had the best view of the property… but also now contained several new toys and multiple levers to pull.

Stephen hoped this gambit was going to work.