Pirate

Fifty

Sam expected that Percy and Aldridge would be returning to Percy’s home, not to a shopping district in town.

Percy directed Sam where to park. “The entrance is about a five-minute walk from here,” he said, leading them down a cobbled street past several storefronts. He stopped before a tailor’s shop. “The map’s in here.”

Remi looked up at the sign. “You’re kidding.”

Percy’s face lit up as he held open the door. “Quite unexpected, wouldn’t you say?”

Remi then glanced around the shop. “I guess I was expecting something… different.”

“The entire city is sitting on tunnels and caves. A lot to look through.”

Apparently Percy was related to the owner, a second cousin, who was used to Percy’s unexpected visits. He walked them to the back of the store, then opened a door. A stone staircase led down to darkness, and Percy stood there a moment, eyeing it. “Don’t forget the electric torch on your way down.”

Aldridge opened a nearby cabinet. Several flashlights stood on the shelf, and he handed one to each of them.

They started down the stone steps, the temperature cooling as they descended. “This is my favorite,” Percy said, “the first I’d ever been in. I knew, from that moment on, I wanted to explore every one of them.”

Sam brought up the rear, wondering exactly where it was Percy stored this map. “How many caves are there?” he asked.

“Over seventy-five, and counting. Most have been lost due to building and garden encroachments. Others have slowly collapsed after eight hundred years. Sadly, few people even know they exist outside of those opened as an historic attraction.”

“And this cave?” Sam asked, shining his light on the fairly smooth walls, noting that shelves had been carved into the side where things had been stored. “What was it used for?”

“The previous shop owners used it as a wine cellar.” He led them through the cavern into a tunnel that opened into another wider space. “Hand-carved. Sandstone. Centuries before that, people lived in here. Actually, in caves all over the city. The entrances were carved aboveground to prevent flooding when the river overflowed. It’s all quite fascinating.”

“One question,” Sam said when he realized this last cavern was a dead end. “What does this have to do with Robin Hood and your map?”

“Robin Hood?” Percy turned a confused glance toward Aldridge. “I thought they wanted to see this one. Did I tell you it was the first one I’d ever been in?”

“You did,” Aldridge said.

Sam looked at Remi, who kept a bland smile on her face as she ran her hands along the cavern walls. He should have insisted they contact the other expert, especially after the incident with the fire. “We appreciate your bringing us here,” Sam said, “but we were hoping to learn about any caverns that have some connection to Robin Hood, King John, William the Marshal, and the four chambers.”

“You mean the four caverns?” Percy asked.

“I believe so,” Sam said. Percy’s recognition of the name had to mean they were on the right track. “Do you know where it is?”

“It’s been a while, but I believe I can find it again. Don’t recommend it, though. Very dangerous. Places to fall. Wrong turns. There are so many better places to explore.”

“But we love exploring,” Remi said slyly. “Maybe you could tell us how to get there?”

“Getting toward midday, don’t you think? Haven’t had lunch.” He turned and started walking toward the outer cavern and the stairs that led up to the shop. “I feel as if I’m forgetting something but, for the life of me, can’t remember. Why do they want to go there?” he asked Aldridge.

“They’re looking for historical artifacts.”

“Ah, yes. Now I remember. Won’t find much there. A lot of tunnels to get lost in. And some Celtic carvings on the wall. That’s about it. Any artifacts are long gone.”

As they followed him up the stairs, Sam asked Aldridge, “You’re sure this is a good idea?”

“Don’t forget, Percy’s off his game today. The fire definitely rattled him. Naturally, if you’d rather go with that other expert, I’d be glad to call him for you.”

“In this case, we’d better.” He didn’t want to count on the failing memory of a retired professor when it came to saving Nigel’s life and he pulled Remi aside and told her who Aldridge was calling.

“I have to agree with you. Except…”

“Except what?” Sam asked.

“He did mention the four caverns and Celtic carvings. That fits right in with the four chambers that Lazlo mentioned and the Celtic knot on the cipher wheel. Which means he knows what he’s talking about.”

“When he remembers what he’s talking about.”

“It seemed to me he has more of a problem with his short-term memory. Since the caves are something he’s been visiting since he was a boy…”

“It’s not so much that, Remi. We came here for a map and got a tour of a wine cellar. What if something else happens to him and we end up on another wild-goose chase? Bad enough we’ve gotten Nigel mixed up in all this. And, right now, our priority is to rescue him — never mind Percy has no idea of the danger. Which brings me back to my original concern.”

“I didn’t think of it that way. Let’s hope Professor Aldridge gets in touch with this other expert.”

Aldridge stepped outside of the shop to make the call, then returned shortly after. “Sorry, but Swift’s wife said he’s not due back until later this afternoon. Business trip. She’ll call me as soon as he gets in. But I do think you’ll be fine using Percy. He’d want to do this. Especially if there was a chance that it led to something of historical significance.”

If they were on a simple expedition, sure. Sam looked at his watch. Just past noon. It was looking like they didn’t have a choice. Nigel was out there, and Percy was their only option. If he couldn’t find this map, then maybe he could remember the location and point them to it. Sam explained everything to Aldridge, including why he didn’t want the police involved.

“That certainly changes things,” Aldridge said. “Let me see if I can settle him down long enough to figure out where this chart is. I’m fairly certain he keeps it in the shop, which is probably why he led us here to begin with. He does get distracted by the caverns.”

“Thanks,” Sam said. “We appreciate your help.”

Sam and Remi waited outside while Aldridge spoke with Percy.

They looked in through the window, discussing what to do if Percy couldn’t find the chart. “Maybe,” Remi said, “he’ll remember the general vicinity of the four caverns. We could have Aldridge drive him there while we follow. He won’t even have to get out of the car. Just point to the location, then Aldridge could take him home.”

“That might be our only option,” he said as Aldridge called them back inside.

“Good news,” Aldridge said. “Percy and I had a little chat about those caverns.”

Percy was holding a cardboard tube. “My friend tells me you’re interested in the Nottingham caves. Some of my favorites. Been visiting them since I was a boy.”

Aldridge tapped Percy on the shoulder. “Show them the map, Percy.”

“Right.” He walked over to the table and pulled the top off the tube. Tipping it over, he slid out a large printed map of Nottingham, which he spread out on the counter. Thick red pencil lines were drawn all over it, with notations scrawled in various places. “Been mapping the things as long as I can remember. These are my favorite,” he said, tapping the spot where they were now standing.

Sam eyed the map, noting a cloverleaf pattern drawn near the grounds of Nottingham Castle and the notation Four Caverns written above it. “Tell us about this place,” he said.