Defender Of The Crown: Heir to the Crown: Book Seven

by Paul J Bennett

"I think every carriage in Wincaster is here," she said.

  "Yes, and why not? It's not every day that someone gets to ride in a Royal Procession like this."

  Anna waved as they passed by the commoners. Gerald fell silent, enjoying the look of utter bliss upon her face.

  Eventually, the procession turned westward, and Gerald's thoughts turned to memories of her coronation. The route, of course, was the very same, but somehow there were even more people in attendance today. He spotted Weldwyn troops among the Mercerian soldiers that lined the road, keeping the commoners at bay. It was good to have allies, he thought.

  As the Cathedral came into view, the carriage slowed, for the square before the great edifice was overrun with well-wishers, and the cavalry struggled to push them back.

  "This doesn't look good," said Gerald, as they stopped entirely. "What do we do now?"

  Anna suddenly stood up. "We walk," she announced.

  "Walk?" said Gerald.

  "Unless you have another way of getting there?" said Anna. She turned to her maid, "Sophie, I'll need you to watch the back of my dress, so I don't trip."

  "Yes, Majesty."

  As Gerald stood to get a better view of the crowd, he spotted Hayley's aide, Gorath, and waved him over.

  "Yes, Marshal?" the Orc called out over the roar of the crowd.

  "Gather some troops," said Gerald, "the queen will walk to the Cathedral."

  "Certainly," replied Gorath.

  He pushed his way through the crowd, heading for some nearby soldiers while Anna waved to the commoners. Gorath soon reappeared, a dozen soldiers and four Orcs following.

  "Orcs in front," said Gerald, "so we can keep the commoners at bay. Soldiers to either side of the queen, and four to the rear."

  "Yes, Marshal," replied Gorath.

  They took up positions beside the carriage and waited as Anna descended. Tempus, excited by the crowd, let out a howl that cut through the noise, announcing to everyone that the queen was present.

  Gerald climbed down, taking Anna's arm and waited while Sophie saw to Anna's dress, lifting the train to keep the queen from tripping.

  Anna nodded, and the small group began making their way down the street. They were soon joined by Sir Preston, the newest Knight of the Hound.

  "Dame Hayley sent me," the knight explained, yelling loudly.

  "You mean Lady Hayley," corrected Gerald. "She's a baroness now, remember?"

  Sir Preston moved closer, obviously having difficulty hearing over the roar of the crowd.

  "Pardon?" he called out.

  "Never mind," said Gerald, at a loss as to how to be heard.

  They moved slowly, the well-wishers backing off respectfully to allow them to pass. Finally, the entourage arrived at the Cathedral. Gerald let out a sigh of relief as they made their way into the atrium, and the noise of the crowd was muffled as the door was closed behind them.

  "Well, I must say," said Gerald, "that was quite unexpected."

  "Shall I let the Bishop Supreme know you're here?" asked Sir Preston.

  "No," said Gerald, "let Gorath do that. We'll need you to lead the queen."

  "Me?" said Sir Preston. "Isn't that Dame Hayley's responsibility?"

  "The baroness," corrected Gerald, "is otherwise occupied, and we're already late as it is."

  "Don't we have to wait on the prince?" said the knight.

  "Alric is taking a different route," said Anna. "If all is going according to plan, he's already here."

  Gerald moved to the door, the guard stepping aside to give him room to peer out into the Cathedral proper.

  "Any sign of him?" she asked.

  "I see him," said Gerald. "He's waiting up front."

  "Very well," said Anna. "Gorath, if you'd be so kind?"

  "Yes, Majesty," the Orc replied, slipping out the door.

  Anna took up her position, smoothing away imaginary wrinkles on her dress. Gerald moved up beside her, his arm held out, as Sophie and Tempus fell in behind. The great beast, most likely sensing the solemnity of the occasion, was quiet for once, although his tail still wagged.

  Horns sounded, and as the double doors swung open, a choir began to sing. Gerald led Anna down the nave to where Alric stood beside the Bishop Supreme. Jack Marlowe was there, standing beside his prince and looking quite proud, a grin splitting his features.

  The onlookers fell silent as they drew close to the altar and then halted. Gerald looked on with wry amusement as everyone stared at the Bishop Supreme. The old warrior knew there had been a big discussion about the ceremony, for the Bishop Supreme had sent word to the queen. Never before had a reigning queen wed while she sat on the throne, and it had caused them no end of concern. It was not fitting for the ruler of Merceria to pledge obedience to a foreign prince, nor, had the Holy Man said, was it fitting that a Queen of Merceria be given away, even if it was only symbolic.

  Anna had ended all discussion by ordering them to rework the ceremony until she was satisfied with the results. Now the Bishop Supreme stood, shuffling his feet nervously as the choir ended their song. He stepped forward slightly, looking as if he was preparing to address the crowd.

  "Who speaks for the bride?"

  "I do, Lord Gerald Matheson, Duke of Wincaster."

  "And do you pledge that she is strong, that Saxnor may see fit to support this union?"

  Gerald drew his sword and knelt, placing it, point down before him, his hands on the pommel. "By all that is holy," he said, "I pledge that there is none stronger."

  The Bishop Supreme nodded slightly, and Gerald rose, his knees protesting at the strain.

  "And who deems the groom to be worthy," the Bishop Supreme called out.

  Gerald's eyes moved to the front row of the magnificent Cathedral as a single man stood.

  "I, King Leofric of Weldwyn, do pronounce him worthy."

  "And is he strong?" asked the Bishop Supreme.

  "He has the strength of Saxnor and the wisdom of Malin," replied the king.

  Gerald saw a flicker of annoyance cross the Bishop Supreme's face, an action that also did not go unnoticed by Anna. The man had objected quite strongly to the inclusion of Malin in the ceremony but had relented under the insistence of the queen.

  "The Gods have seen fit to bring these two people together," the man continued, "so let them now kneel in prayer."

  Anna and Alric moved to stand before the Bishop Supreme. Alric drew his slender Weldwyn sword while Anna pulled forth her Dwarven short sword, its blade catching the morning light that was streaming through the windows.

  Two children came forth, bearing cushions that they set before the Royal Couple, then disappeared from sight. Anna and Alric knelt, their swords before them, much as Gerald's had been.

  They both took a breath, then Anna glanced briefly at Alric, who nodded, and together, they began to intone the prayer.

  "Saxnor, bless us that we may find strength in this union, and we call upon Malin to grant us the wisdom to lead us forward."

  "You may both rise," said the Bishop Supreme, again with that flicker of annoyance.

  Gerald watched them get to their feet and scabbard their blades as the children reappeared, carrying off the cushions.

  "We now call upon the gifts to be exchanged," intoned the Bishop Supreme.

  Hayley, who had finally arrived, rose from her seat in the front row, a scabbard and sword held reverently in her arms. She halted before Anna, who took them, turning to Alric, a small smile playing upon her face.

  "I give you this sword," she began, "that you may defend our hearth and home."

  Alric raised his arms, allowing her to strap the belt around his waist. It was a little clumsy, for he now wore two swords, but he waited patiently as Anna finally completed the task, stepping back to admire her handiwork.

  Hayley, her task now concluded, returned to her seat as Jack stepped forward, holding a ceremonial mace decorated with silver and gold and littered with jewels, which he handed to Prince Alric.


  "I give you this mace," said Alric, "heirloom of the Royal House of Weldwyn, symbolic of the great trust between our people."

  Anna took the mace, cradling it in her arms. They were both smiling now, though Gerald could still see some nervousness. They turned back to face the Bishop Supreme, who was holding a thin golden cord.

  "Take each other's hand," the Holy Man requested.

  Anna passed the mace to Gerald, then placed her hand in Alric's, extending them both before the Bishop Supreme, who then wrapped the cord around their entwined hands.

  "Let this rope signify the holy bond that is formed this day. By the grace of Saxnor, I now pronounce the union of Prince Alric and Queen Anna of Merceria." He turned his head upward as if seeking some sign from above. "Erylor, Goddess of Fertility, we call upon you to bless this union, that the throne may endure!"

  The choir erupted once more into song, their voices echoing throughout the Cathedral as Anna and Alric turned to face the gathered crowd.

  Gerald waited for the hymn to end, then moved forward slightly, calling on his battle-hardened voice to be heard clearly.

  "I give you, Her Majesty, Queen Anna," he proclaimed, "and Prince Alric of Merceria."

  * * *

  Gerald watched as a server set down a massive plate of meat onto the table. Beside him, Tempus, roused from his slumber, raised his head, sniffing the air.

  "This is quite the meal," said King Leofric.

  "Indeed, Your Majesty," said Baron Fitzwilliam. "I can't remember the last time we had such a fine feast."

  "Wasn't the coronation just as festive?" asked the king.

  "I'm afraid not," said Fitz. "The larders were quite bare as we were still recovering from the civil war."

  "War can be harsh," said Leofric, "but this marriage has secured both our kingdoms from future aggression."

  "Let us hope so," said the baron.

  The king turned to Gerald, just as the old warrior was cutting off some meat.

  "We need to discuss troop movements," said Leofric. "Now that this wedding is complete, we can move men from our joint border."

  "Of course," said Gerald. "I have discussed the matter at some length with Lord Jack. We have all agreed that small garrisons should be maintained in Kingsford and Colbridge to keep the area free from bandits and such.

  "Naturally," said Leofric, "and we will reduce our garrisons in Falford and Waldstock. I can use the troops in the west."

  "Trouble with the Clans again?" asked Gerald.

  "It is a constant problem," said the king.

  "I thought you had their High King as insurance?"

  "We do have King Dathen," said Leofric, "but the Twelve Clans are a fractious people. With his influence removed, I'm afraid they have fallen back into old habits."

  "In that case," said Gerald, "I shall see if I can speed the process along. Do you need us to send you aid?"

  "I think we can manage for now," said Leofric, "though I thank you for the offer. Things will be much easier on us now that we don't have to worry about our eastern border."

  "Remember," said Gerald, "we have a defensive pact. Should they invade, you have only to inform us. Now that some of your mages can use the magic circle, we can maintain much closer ties."

  King Leofric took a sip of wine, a smile creasing his face. "So we can!" he exclaimed. "I'd forgotten about the mages."

  "And," interrupted Queen Igraine, "it means we can meet in person more often. I should very much like to see my grandchildren."

  "Malin's tears," said Leofric, "give them some time, my dear, they haven't even been married a day."

  "Don't you already have grandchildren?" asked Gerald. "I thought Alstan had been married for some time."

  "He has been," said Igraine, "but Erylor has not seen fit to bless their union."

  "It's not for lack of trying," said Leofric, "those two are as tight as-"

  "Leofric!" said Igraine. "This is not the place to talk about such things."

  Leofric looked chagrined. "My dear wife is quite right, of course. I apologize."

  Igraine turned to look at the head of the table, where Alric and Anna were chatting with Lady Aubrey.

  "They make such a handsome couple, don't you think?"

  "They do," agreed Gerald.

  "I'm curious," said Leofric, "when do you think they came to realize they were in love."

  "It was pretty obvious when we left Weldwyn," said Gerald, "but I think they truly discovered each other in Loranguard. That whole business with Princess Brida seemed to push them together."

  Leofric snorted. "Brida was no princess," he said, "and her father was no king!"

  "He was High King of the Clans," Igraine reminded him.

  "Yes, but only because they couldn't agree on anyone else. Have you met the man?"

  "I can't say that I have," said Gerald.

  "He's not the most original thinker," declared Leofric. "There's no way that he organized the invasion."

  "Are you saying he's incompetent?" asked Gerald.

  "He's certainly brave, I'll give him that, but I can't help but feel someone else did all the planning."

  Gerald felt a sense of foreboding. "Someone else? Like who?"

  "I don't know," said Leofric, "though I think his court mage might have had something to do with it. Unfortunately, he died in battle, so we may never know."

  "And now you feel the Clans are getting anxious again?" asked Gerald.

  "I could describe them no other way."

  "You should move your troops as soon as possible," said Gerald. "It sounds like something's brewing."

  "With the losses they took in the war," said Leofric, "I doubt they'd try that again anytime soon. Quite frankly, I'm more concerned about raiding than invasion."

  "I think I have another way to free up your troops," offered Gerald.

  "Oh?" said Leofric. "Do tell."

  "I was thinking that you could move them away from your northern border."

  "I can't," said the king, "we need to protect ourselves from the Orcs of the Greatwood."

  "The Orcs are our allies," said Gerald, "as is Weldwyn now. They are also capable of communicating over great distances. I'm sure we can convince them to leave you alone if you recognize their right to the Netherwood."

  "Netherwood?" said Leofric. "Where's that?"

  "It's their name for the Greatwood," said Gerald.

  "But what of our hunters?" said the king.

  "We can help you work something out with the Orcs. I'd be happy to act as an intermediary if you wish."

  "I'll take you up on that offer," said Leofric. "It'll also give us a bit more time in your wonderful city. Igraine does love seeing Alric again."

  "I shouldn't wish to make you late to return," said Gerald.

  "I've already decided to let the mages take us back."

  "Through the magic circle?" said Gerald. "I thought you didn't approve of such things."

  "I am learning to change my ways," said Leofric. "And Igraine likes the idea of being only a short trip away from Alric. He's always been her favourite."

  "That's not true," said Igraine. "It's just that I don't see him much anymore."

  "See what I mean?" said the king.

  "Well, there would certainly be no objection here to more visits," said Gerald.

  "You realize," said Igraine, "that using those mages means that Wincaster is now more accessible than any city in Weldwyn."

  "It does," said Gerald, "though I hope you wouldn't travel unannounced. I'd hate for you to arrive without someone to welcome you."

  "Fear not," said Leofric, "we'll give you plenty of notice."

  "Can I convince you to inspect the troops while you're here?"

  "Certainly," said the king. "I'm curious to see what actual Mercerian troops look like. The last time you visited us, you used our soldiers."

  "Don't worry," said Gerald, "they're not much different than yours."

  "Aside from the Orcs," said Igraine.

&nb
sp; "Yes," said Gerald, "and the Elves, and Dwarves, and...come to think of it, they're quite a bit different."

  Seven

  The Delegates

  Summer 964 MC

  * * *

  Beverly trotted Lightning through the gates of the Palace, coming to a halt just past the building's main entrance. Behind her, the carriage carrying the Norland delegation rolled to a stop.

  She dismounted, passing the reins to a servant. Ordinarily, she would have seen to the massive horse herself, but presenting a foreign diplomat to the queen must take priority.

  She watched the stable hand lead Lightning away, then turned to meet the Norland diplomat who was climbing down from the carriage.

  "Lord Wilfrid," she said, "if you'll follow me, I'll take you to your quarters. We've arranged for you to stay at the Palace during your visit."

  "That would be most wonderful. Thank you," the man replied, "though I am most eager to meet your queen."

  "All in good time," said the knight. "Queen Anna wishes to allow you time to refresh yourself before I present you and your people at court."

  "Very well," the man replied, "please lead on."

  Beverly led him into the Palace where guards stood watch in the larger hallways, each wearing heavy armour, a fact that was not lost on the Norland delegates.

  "Tell me," said Lord Wilfrid, "do you always have so many guards?"

  "Only when we have important visitors," said Beverly. "Is it not so in Norland?"

  "Hah!" he replied. "Norland has never had important visitors, at least not foreign ones."

  "You have never welcomed your neighbours?"

  "Merceria is our only neighbour," said Lord Wilfrid. "We are bordered on the north and east by mountains, and to the west lies nothing but wilderness and inhospitable terrain."

  "I'm afraid I'm not familiar with the area," said Beverly, "though I'm sure the queen has learned as much as she can from our own sources."

  "Sources which are, I'm sure, woefully inadequate to the task. Fear not, I meant no disrespect, for even our own scholars are in disagreement over what lies there."

  "Has no one ever explored the region?" she asked.

  "Many have tried," he said, "but few have returned, and those that did, talked of Trolls and Giants."