Chapter Text
They were only letters. Bits of paper addressed to Samuel, detailing life and it’s mundanities all the same. So why had Samuel kept them all?
The night sky hung above him. Samuel had gone to the evening service, then to the tavern for some courage, only to find himself sat on a bench outside with cool air nipping his skin. He was waiting. Listening as the chatter and joy echoed from inside. Settling into Kolin’s Jewish quarter had gone as expected, the people welcoming. Sympathetic. Relating to what had happened.
However Samuel felt different, more different than before. Only a year ago he had been under siege in Suchdol, enlisted in a group of bandits in the name of revenge. The thought of von Bergow plagued his dreams. Returning to a normal life after that felt near impossible, no matter how hard he tried.
Of course he still spied, had people relay gossip to him. Not as many as before but Samuel knew a thing or two, after all information was priceless. Mostly ensuring nothing like Kuttenberg was at risk of happening again.
And then there was John of Liechtenstein. The man who’s letters lay at home in the lower drawer of his desk, neatly stacked and tied together with thread.
Samuel had not seen the man since Suchdol, which had been expected. But he could only imagine the trouble Liechtenstein got up to, of course never incriminating himself in those letters. Vague enough for plausible deniability yet mentioning just enough to allude to more. It made a smile appear each time he read them.
Sometimes responses were scarce, long periods of waiting between each one. Though the man always replied at some point. It was special anyway, no matter how dull Liechtenstein tried to make his news his personality never failed to shine. Reminding Samuel of the nights in that basement, drinking, stressing, telling stories, anything to pass time. Not that he would admit it but he missed those moments. Too caught up in everything to fully appreciate what was there.
Though things were about to change.
He sat hunched over, forearms rested on knees as he waited, eyes trained on the gate, sure that was where the man would appear. Last he had heard, Liechtenstein had arrived on horse.
In a more recent letter the man had mentioned Kolin, not going into detail other than the passive mention of a meeting. That however did not matter, not really. The important part was the fact he wanted to see Samuel again, stay an extra few days.
Initially Samuel had been inclined to bring up his image, not exactly reputable for a nobleman to be seen intermingling with Jews. But Liechtenstein had insisted. That persistence both filled Samuel with warmth and dread. Naturally wanting to see him, after all Liechtenstein had proved himself to be a friend and a valuable one at that. On the other hand however a lot changed in a year. Everything since Kuttenberg felt like he had lived life ten times over. Liechtenstein had presumably changed as well, Samuel would have been naive to think otherwise.
He rubbed fingers against his brow, warranting a heavy sigh. A tightness coiled in his chest. The meeting was bound to have finished, in his most recent letter Liechtenstein had said by evening. It was only a matter of time.
Somehow Liechtenstein ended up agreeing to stay in a room above the tavern. Not exactly befitting for a man of his stature, but he had been adamant. So it was made up to the best of it’s ability, the nicest room they had. Wasn’t like they usually gave them away to goyim but Samuel and the other’s had vouched for him.
Every bit of movement he picked up on. Usually Samuel prided himself on patience, the ability to observe from the shadows. But this was killing him, and he hated it. Restlessness was not something to be accustomed to. If the man took any longer then Samuel would have to get up and pace.
Realistically he could have waited inside, wasn’t like he’d have missed an extravagant nobleman walking through that door. But part of Samuel had wanted the solitude, to lay eyes on the man in private. Decipher if it was in fact the same person he had known back in the King Solomon. Plus if Liechtenstein was with him at least it would deter some initial hostility. Samuel would show the man to his room then afterwards they’d drink. That was the plan.
A silhouette appeared and suddenly time did not stop. Could not stop. Samuel sat there just watching, knowing exactly who it was. That realisation was abrupt and unforgiving.
Before he knew it Samuel found himself standing, pulled towards the presence, feet moving of their own accord. Heart in his throat. He knew exactly who it was. Able to recognise the lavish attire in the dimly lit street with little effort.
“You are late.” He found himself calling out in good humour.
He saw the man turn his attention. Familiarity in the way he carried himself.
“My apologies,” Matching the sarcasm. “Some of us had important business to attend.”
“Then perhaps you are forgiven.” Smiling.
Liechtenstein chuckled. “Good to see you Sam.”
“You as well.”
The man looked him over properly, eyes dragged over Samuel’s form. “You appear well.”
“I could say the same for you.” Samuel replied.
After all the uncertainty, it was the same person. And suddenly Samuel was back again. Down under that trapdoor, just him and Liechtenstein. Only them. No Otto von Bergow. No Devil’s Pack. No Suchdol.
Samuel could not help but fall back into the familiarity. Like they had never been apart. Before him stood the man who wrote letters, had been a good friend. Suddenly it seemed ridiculous to have thought he may have changed. No matter what Liechtenstein would remain Liechtenstein.
“It’s nice here.”
“You should see it in daylight.” Samuel remarked comfortably.
“I intend to.”
Both men just stood there, not exactly knowing what else to say. Though it was pleasant. Easy.
“You can see your room and then we can drink.”
“My my, aren’t you a gentleman.”
“I have been called worse.”
So that was what they did, making the short walk side by side agreeably silent. Hard to believe it was actually Liechtenstein there with him once again. As if the man contained some sort of reminiscence of his old self.
Making friends wasn’t exactly Samuel’s strong point. Sure he had acquaintances in Kolin, but most of the people close enough to call friends had died back in Kuttenberg. Perhaps a little afraid if he attached himself to anyone new they’d meet a similar fate. The person he spoke to most was his mother, sharing a home with her. Other than Liechtenstein he wrote to Henry on occasion, keeping in contact was important.
That wasn’t to say Samuel was antisocial though, he still interacted with others. Was polite. But for the most part he kept to himself.
As soon as they walked in it felt as if all eyes were on them. Or on Liechtenstein to be precise. Not exactly a place Christian’s frequented. But Samuel ignored the curious stares, navigating his way through the bodies to get to the staircase, Liechtenstein close behind.
“Your room is this way,” Samuel sounded almost professional. “Above the tavern rather than below.” Joking.
“How thoughtful of you.” The ring to those words made Samuel grin, a private one not meant to be seen. It was a smile which went hand in hand with an addictive ache he was by far accustomed to.
“It is not much, but it is better than a basement.”
“That basement was rather comfortable I will have you know.” Liechtenstein quipped back.
And like that they were outside the door.
“Well, if this room is too nice we can make some arrangements.”
“Again being a gentleman.” Liechtenstein said, pushing the door open as Samuel stood to the side.
A single bed sat in the corner dressed in the finest sheets sourced. Next to it a small table with a burning candle and a trunk. Further along resided a window overlooking the street. Really it was not much, enough to give someone a decent night’s rest. The noise from downstairs bled through the floorboards but it wasn’t too inconveniencing. Manageable.
“It is not much-”
“This will do nicely-”
The pair spoke in unison.
“Do not worry Sam,” Liechtenstein went on to say. “It’s more than enough. You wouldn’t believe some places I’ve slept recently.”
“I am sure I can imagine.”
“You know,” The man’s voice dropped into something quieter. “You haven’t changed.” Eyes studying Samuel.
“The same could be said for you.” Not missing a beat.
“Oh please,” Sitting himself down on the bed. “I feel like I’ve aged about fifty years.”
Really Liechtenstein had not changed. Still wearing his delicate features and sly expression. Dressed in blue with gold accents. Like as if they had never parted ways.
“Well you can tell me all about your last fifty years downstairs.”
“That includes wine I assume?”
“You will have to wait and see,” Wine would be included. “I will see you once you unpack your things.”
“Very well.”
And like that Samuel turned on his heels, exiting.
On the way back down he was lost in thought, sourcing the innkeeper as his mind wandered. Obtaining the best wine on offer and finding a table, one with a view of the stairs.
Liechtenstein was only upstairs. He had not said how long he had intended to stay - not that it bothered Samuel - just that he had a few days to spare. The fact he wanted to spend such time together made something unravel within the pit of Samuel’s stomach. Something he had taught himself to ignore.
He stared at the pitcher, arms folded as he leant into the table, eyes trained on his vague reflection in the tin, remembering how Liechtenstein said he had not changed. The longer he stared the more he supposed he had not, or not outwardly anyway. On the inside all sorts of grief gyrated, grief which did not deserve to be there. Like suddenly it was his outlook which had changed. More soured than he had once been. Mourning a community, his father and a time when von Bergow was just a name.
For a moment his memory cast back to when he was a boy with so many questions yet so little answers about the world. And right then he envied that version of himself.
Completely lost to thought, Samuel missed when Liechtenstein came down, giving the other man the element of surprise.
“Didn’t start without me then?” Sliding into the seat opposite.
“I am a gentleman after all.” Thoughts returning to reality.
“Can’t argue with that,” Reaching for the pitcher to pour wine. “Tell me, is it as good as the King Solomon’s?” Tilting is cup towards Samuel just a little.
“You know I am bias.”
“But see, I value your opinion no less my friend.” Sipping some. It made Samuel do the same, pouring his own.
The taste wasn’t so bad, but of course different, that was inevitable. Though he knew nothing could really compare to the wine he once drank, no matter how good the quality. Really it was about the place more than anything, the memories held. No other tavern could take that spot in his heart.
He looked to Liechtenstein, properly. The man had taken off some jewellery, toning down his opulence just a bit. Samuel’s eyes flicked to the hair poking from his hat. He had seen Liechtenstein without it many times before, always appearing well kept no matter what. Still it was difficult not to stare when given the opportunity, as if he had seen something he was not meant to.
But that was when he noticed it. The ring which sat snug on the other man’s finger. That was when his heart almost stopped. Samuel had given it to him as a promise. Something physical to go with his word, that he would look after Liechtenstein. To be honest he had forgotten about it in the months following the siege. His hand no longer missed it. But there it was, still on Liechtenstein’s finger. Like it was at home.
“Is it up to your standards?” Samuel asked rather cockily.
“It’ll suffice,” Placing the cup back on the table. “But anyway tell me, what have you been up to?” He leant in closer as he spoke.
“As if you do not know,” A lopsided smile threatened his mouth. “Believe it or not, I do mention what I have been up to when I write.”
“Ah, but what isn’t in those letters is what interests me.” Playing into their unspoken game.
“Then you think my life is more exciting than it is.”
“I refuse to believe that for a second.” The man sat back to take a swig.
Really what was there to say? Adventuring was long behind him. Forgotten.
“How is Henry anyway? Hear much from him?” Liechtenstein changed the subject.
“He is in Rattay with Capon.”
Liechtenstein hummed with the cup to his lips yet again. “I bet.” Almost muttered under his breath, eyebrows raised with the final word as he drank.
It was a comment Samuel chose to ignore. “Sometimes he comes to Kolin, but he writes as well.”
“That is certainly good to hear, honestly I don’t know where we’d be without him.”
“I can drink to that.” Samuel’s voice flat.
The pair knocked back wine in tandem, almost like a dance. Maybe it wasn’t the best quality but it had a kick to it. And that was what really mattered.
“You know, he helped me not long ago - not that I can say much about it.” Liechtenstein then said.
“I think if either of us have secrets then it is you.”
It got a chuckle from Liechtenstein. “Perhaps you are right about that, but he has a good head on his shoulders, and so do you for that matter.”
“You flatter me.” Sipping.
“I mean it!” Again leaning into Samuel. “You think outside the box.”
To that Samuel did not know what to say, he could feel a light dusting of blush creep across his face. Though he blamed that on the booze.
“Maybe your brain is not so bad either.”
Now that got a laugh. A proper one.
And then the man sighed. “You know, I am glad to have seen you again. And under good circumstances too, that is considered a victory I’d say.”
Samuel swallowed. “I am glad you are here as well,” Hiding behind the wine, the taste slowly disappearing the more he drank. “Really, I am surprised you did not forget about me.” A little too honest.
“Forget about you?” Disbelief. “Sam I owe you my life, and not only that you have been a dear friend.”
Right then Samuel felt sheepish having said such a thing. But it was true. Life went on, people forgot. Being quiet had its upsides, and sometimes being forgotten fell into that and sometimes it did not.
“To not forgetting then.” Raising his cup, Samuel’s attempt to lighten up.
Liechtenstein got the idea. “To not forgetting!” Clinking them together and again drinking.
“What were you doing in Kolin anyway?” Samuel asked, resting his elbows on the table once more.
“Oh just this and that, nothing interesting I’m afraid, some meetings with merchants.”
“That sounds exciting.” Shameless sarcasm.
“Oh absolutely,” Meeting that tone. “A truly riveting experience nonetheless,” Eventually the words settled. “However being here right now though is by far the best part.” And that was genuine, sincerity in how he spoke.
“Well I am glad the atmosphere is better than a merchant’s.” Doing is best to deflect whatever emotion the booze was bringing out in him, cursing Liechtenstein’s charm.
He watched as the other man let out a small huff, one punctuated with a soft hum.
“Your mother is well I take it?”
“Yes, she is working at the bakery, and I do an occasional job.”
“Well it’s good she’s settled in.”
“Indeed,” And like that Samuel found wine on his tongue once again. “How is Jobst?”
“Pfft, don’t remind me,” Liechtenstein reached for the pitcher to pour both him and Samuel more. “But yes he is fine,” Somewhat composed. “Same as usual.” Said with flippancy.
“I expected as such.”
“Honestly I am glad to be away from him for a while - not that I don’t appreciate everything he has done, but I’m glad to be in better company now.”
Samuel could feel the alcohol slowly wriggling its way to his brain. It had been a gradual process, but he began to feel how his thoughts slowly seeped together. Presumably Liechtenstein was the same.
“I cannot say I liked him much.”
“You wouldn’t be the first and certainly won’t be the last.” Liechtenstein chuckled.
From the looks of it Liechtenstein smiled more with a pleasant rosiness to his cheeks.
“It’s good you have Henry though,” The man went on to say rather unprompted. “You gained something at least from everything that happened.”
“Yes, I suppose I did. Sometimes I still find it weird that I have a brother.”
“Have you been to see him in Rattay?”
“No,” Shaking his head as he spoke. “He offered, but I do not think I would fit in much.”
“Don’t fancy being Lord Capon’s guest?” Knowing exactly what he was stirring.
“I would rather pull out my own teeth.”
Again Liechtenstein barked out a laugh, slightly louder and more careless than before. It was nice seeing the man so free and out in the open with no responsibility on his shoulders, not having to hide who he was. A side to Liechtenstein Samuel had not witnessed much. He liked it.
“You have a fine way with words.” The man eventually said.
“I am just honest.”
“So you’ve never considered it really?” Leaning closer.
“Consideration is not the issue. I am just not good in noble places.”
“Well, you get on with me just fine.” Giving him that wisecracking look which said more than the words he spoke.
“It is probably safe to say you are not most noblemen.”
“That is something I’ll most certainly agree to.”
The pitcher began to run low. Neither man properly noticed however.
“Once he offered to take me to Skalitz,” The words falling free from Samuel’s lips before he fully comprehended just what he was saying. He had told no one of that offer, just like how he rarely spoke of Martin. “However I did not go.”
“How come?”
Samuel sighed, not having meant for the shift in conversation. “If I did go I do not want to be with Henry. I would want time alone.”
“Well that’s no crime,” Reassurance. “It’s something personal I suppose.”
“Perhaps.”
A long silence passed over them both.
“You know…” Liechtenstein began, the alcohol impacting him just a noticeable amount. “We could go there, if you wanted to of course. I know-” Stumbling over his words a bit. “I know you said you wanted to be alone, I could always wait with the horses, Skalitz isn’t far.”
That idea as a whole took Samuel off guard, not knowing what to say at first, the wheels in his mind slowly turned. Though before he could spit out his words Liechtenstein spoke again.
“I’m sorry if I overstepped a mark, I just-”
“No, it is fine,” Samuel eventually reassured. “Really, I am honoured. It is just… I do not know.” Suddenly it all felt too real.
“I know, I know,” Sympathetic. “But I’d have no reason to go with you other than company. As soon as you want to be alone, I’d be gone,” The sentence became a mash of words the longer it went on. “Disappearing is in my skill set after all.”
Right then was not a decision for drunk Samuel to make, still astute enough to know that.
“I will have to think about it,” Indicating another change of topic. “But how about more wine? I see we are running low.”
“You are a slippery one Samuel,” The man leant back where he sat. “But I cannot fault your thinking. More wine!”
Samuel went to stand, grabbing the pitcher only for Liechtenstein to intervene, a hand placed upon Samuel’s forearm. Tight. “I’ll get this one.”
“Do not be foolish I-”
“Hush now,” Interrupting. “It’s my turn to buy.” And he took it, walking off to get more as Samuel sat there.
To be honest Samuel was glad he did not have to stand, knowing it would be a case of booze hits harder once on two legs. Last thing he needed was more influence, already forcing himself not to stare at Liechtenstein as he sauntered away. No, Samuel was respectful and Liechtenstein was the last person who should be subjected to that. It was okay though, because come morning Samuel would sober up and everything would be fine. That was usually how it went.
The pair drank long into the night, until the tavern closed. Liechtenstein retired to his chambers, almost tripping on the bottom step as he went up. Samuel had laughed, shaking his head.
Heals of his palm dug hard into his eyes, with only the vague light of torches on the walls outside to illuminate a path. Though it was fine because Samuel knew the way home like the back of his hand. All he had to do was be quiet upon entering - a doable task.
With his feet dragged against the ground, Samuel made it. His key fumbled against the lock a couple of times before success, closing the door behind him as silently as a drunk man could manage.
Tactically placing his footsteps, he made his way to his room. It was small, only containing a bed, a desk and a trunk. Not exactly having planned to live with his mother long term. But he was thankful for what he had.
Luckily he had not awoken her, he knew he would get a telling off in the morning, she never did appreciate Samuel’s drinking or when he came home late. Looked like he killed two birds with one stone there. But he could worry about that when he woke up, or when the sun shone through his window, whichever came first.
So, gracelessly he stripped. Getting down to braies and nothing else, doing his best to fold his clothes and put them away, because it was important to keep his living space neat even when hammered - even if it was something he would correct in the morning.
Once in bed Samuel just lay there, staring to the ceiling, arm slung behind his head. It really had been Liechtenstein he had gone for a drink with. The real man in the flesh about a five minute walk from him. He sighed as he ran a hand over his face.
When tomorrow came he would see Liechtenstein again. A fact which almost didn’t seem real.
In daylight he could show him around properly, they could walk through the market. It would be good.
However one thing Samuel could not shake was Liechtenstein’s offer. The one about Skalitz. Something about that had struck him, not quite understanding what. It felt different from Henry’s proposal, perhaps due to Liechtenstein’s no personal attachment to the place.
It wasn’t that he didn’t like Henry either, actually he found himself thankful for his presence. But Martin had been Henry’s father, even if not by blood. Samuel on the contrary had very little ties to the man, and not quite able to predict his own reaction, and that wasn’t something he wanted to share with anyone.
Samuel could have thought a hole in his head if he was not careful, even when drunk. Yet his eyes found shapes in the ceiling as the room slowly spun.
Maybe sober him would have an answer. Though it was a nice change, to have that on his mind instead of the usual torment. In a way it felt like he had an actual reason to stay up, instead of being blindsided by hatred.
When morning came, he would have a solution.