Elspeth tried to consider the consequences of what Van Fan said. Her thick brows frowned. "Does it see you watching?"
"No. I have been hiding in the attic of the parliament building, so this may have something to do with it."
"Where is Mr. Hollinger?" she asked.
"I think he is on his way home," Fan Fan said.
"Then we should put you in bed before he arrives. Don't tell anyone these things, understand?"
"certainly."
Elspeth led Van Fan into the house, made sure he was in sex, and then she settled in for more repairs. Fan Fan lay in her arms, trying to hear the sound of hoofs full of mud outside. He heard the cry of a wolf in the distance, and then fell asleep.
Van Van realized that Horace was at home, when he heard him staggering into the house, sipping his speech while ordering Elspeth to get him something to eat. Fanfan was nervous and waiting. Does he need to find his sister's assistant? Will Hollinger become violent in a drunken coma? Fanfan made up his mind that if the old man did try to hurt her in anger, no matter what Elspeth said. The outside room became quiet. Fan Fan's door opened and Elspeth walked into his room. His adrenaline surged.
"He passed out," she said. "I need you to help me put him in bed"
Fanfan helped his sister to hold Horace to the police. After they settled him in, he still muttered to himself in the alcohol and closed the door behind him.
Elspeth said: "In this case, he must be very sad."
"I don't think we can blame him," Fan Fan said. "Who, in their right mind, wants to go to the front of Morey.
"We must sleep too," Elspeth said. "Horace will not be in a good mood when he wakes up tomorrow."
Fan Fan laughed. Of course, Horace will not be in a good mood. His head would have a headache from the spirits he had been addicted to, and he had to travel a long distance to Morey's palace to think.
As expected, they saw a glum Horace hurriedly preparing to set off. When he walked out of the bedroom, his mood did not improve, nor did he hear from him.
Horace swallowed the last cup of coffee. "I said, your brother will go to Morey's palace with me."
Elspeth's mouth was open. Fan Fan didn't know what to think. Of course he didn't want to take any long trips with Mr. Hollinger, let alone go to dangerous places. But his curiosity aroused his adventurous spirit. He wanted to go to Emmanuel's palace to see Lord Morey. He took the whole kingdom in his own hands.
"Do you think I will leave you two here alone, with all my worldly belongings?" Horace asked bitterly. "If I have to endure this journey, then I will have others to accompany me to enjoy my pain. When you pray for your brother's safe return, I may benefit from being close."
It sounded like Horace wanted to mock their faith. However, Fan Fan knew that this person had enough superstitions, and hoped that Satan would protect Fan Fan and his companions. Horace is not disdainful of accepting any benefits he might get.
"Go and prepare food for our journey, boy, get enough water from my well." Fan Fan didn't even care about the rebels.
When everything was ready, Horace left Elspeth with final instructions about the farm and servants. When he seemed satisfied that everything was in order, Horace rode his horse towards the city. "Hurry up, Fan Fan," he said.
"Now is a good time for you to start obeying his wishes," Elspeth said, her words with sad irony.
"Sister, will my objection be more successful than your objection?" Fan Fan tried to postpone reasoning, hoping to avoid quarreling before leaving.
Instead, Elspeth just nodded and kissed Fan Fan on the cheek. He climbed onto Whistler's saddle. Elspeth glanced around to make sure Mr. Hollinger hadn't seen it. She lifted her skirt gently and reached for what she had hidden. Elspeth put a double-edged dagger in a wooden sheath and forced Fan Fan to get the sword. "Put this under your cloak."
"Why, sister, I am surprised at you. How did you get this?"
"Mr. Hollinger put this and many other things in an old box in the attic. I believe he used to be a soldier. Take this and be safe. You know, Mr. Hollinger is right about one thing."
"Really, what is that?" Fan Fan asked.
"I pray to the Almighty God to bless you every night. Please be careful, okay?"
"Of course, I will. How could I not have such a loyal sister praying for me? Try not to worry about yourself." He blinked at her and turned Whistler around. Fan Fan gave the stallion a door to the ghost. He and his horse caught up with Horace at the end of the farm road. Elspeth began to pray for Fan Fan on the road, she looked at the dust behind her.
On the way to Grandi, Van Fan made sure that he stayed behind Mr. Hollinger. Their patron has made it clear over the years that he is interested in Fan Fan’s professional ethics, not his talk.
As promised, when Mr. Hollinger arrived at the parliament building, his compliments awaited him. Ten people have their saddles ready, ready to go. Even Tom left with other young people who did not embark on this dangerous journey. There was a disdainful smile at the corner of Tom's mouth. Fan Fan knew that no delegation of any kind would convince warlords like Morey to believe anything. Before Mr. Hollinger's delegation, the bad news about the expedition will return to Grandi.
Horace investigated the members of the delegation lent to him on the expedition. All men are in their 30s and 40s—their absence may benefit Tom to some extent. This fact clearly shows that Grandi did not expect them to come back, at least not in the short term.
Horace felt a little relieved, because he knew that all the people who went with him were experts with weapons. One of the men drove a two-horse convoy filled with muskets, gunpowder, bullets, swords, food and water. All the people are hunting, and if they follow the route to Emmanuel, they will at least eat well.
Tom acted as if he was about to start a farewell speech, but Horace just turned to Malay and started out of town. He is not interested in it. The men looked at each other and then at Tom. He is smiling, although it is even uglier now.
When Van Fan followed Horace, the others in their group also decided to skip the speech and follow them. When they left the border of Grandi, their pace quickened. Hollinger Avenue stretched far in front of them—a dusty brown road winding through sparse trees, and finally extended to the top of the distant hills. (To be continued) (End of this chapter)