They arrived at the gates to the city just before dark. There Jasper witnessed a sight that made her vomit on her gown. Her aunt, uncle and two teenage male cousins were hanging from a scaffold above the gate. Nooses were around their necks and there was no sign of life.
'Who goes there?' Demanded a soldier in rebel uniform as they approached the gate. There was no queue to get in
'I am Simon of this town, a wine Merchant. My family is inside' Simon handed the pass he had received from Marcus.
The man looked at the document. 'A wine merchant? And with a wagon full of casks. You is very welcome. The city fell peacefully. We have no qualms with any residents, especially those with passes from Lord Marcus. All you need to do is swear fealty to your new masters and I'll open the gates.
'But we saw smoke. And the Duke's family.....' Simon gazed up at the scaffold.
'We had friends in town who opened the gates. We just marched up to the keep and set it alight. Soon enough the Royal scum crawled out waving a white flag. The easiest victory we've had'
'They surrendered but you hung them!' Jasper had been listening and could not contain her anger.
'Easy Miss. They is Royal scum. Those with royal blood who doesn't swear fealty to the new parliament has that fate. Cept those who the captain thinks have other uses. Found two very nice breeders with this lot' The man chortled at his own comment. Jasper paled. His 15 year old twin cousins Lady Marie and Lady Nanette were not on a scaffold.
'Be quiet there girl! Keep to your station!' Simon rebuked "Jasmine". He turned to the guard. 'My servant needs to learn how to hold her tongue. She means no disrespect'
The guard was gazing at Jasper. She was very grateful that the baby was once more suckling, completing her disguise. 'You have very fair skin. Could you be one of those Rangas? Take off your bonnet lady'
Jasper did, very glad she had listened to Simon's advice and dyed her hair. She revealed her dishevelled hair, wrapped and tied with a string, the braids having come apart.
The guard took in her jet black hair. He turned back to Simon 'Can't be too careful. We're told there's reds and whites out there and they can't be trusted'
'So what do I have to do to get inside?' asked Simon. Jasper could tell he was getting impatient.
'Just put your mark in a book. It says you promise to be obedient to the new order. Not that I understand the point. If your not obedient we'd just kill you'
'I need to get to my family. Where is this book?'
'In the guard house. Come with me'
'Damon, Jasmine. You can sign as well'
'Nah, No need for the servants to sign. Just merchants and landholders. They wouldn't know what they are signing anyway'
That was perfectly fine with Jasper. She would have refused to sign such a book and got herself into trouble.
Simon must have signed the book though, as the gates opened. The town seemed remarkably peaceful but there were rebel soldiers at every corner. There were no more bodies and no signs of fighting.
Ten minutes later Simon pulled the wagon to a stop. He told Damon. 'Put the wagon in the warehouse and secure the doors' He then ran to the nearest house and knocked on the door.