The door opened, and Gerald peered in. "Are they here yet?"
"No," said Anna. "Come in, Gerald. They should be here any time now."
"I have Kraloch with me," he advised her.
"Good, I'd like to watch the Norlanders’ reactions when they see him. I haven't forgotten the Orc's concerns."
Gerald opened the door wider and entered, the Orc shaman following.
"Your Majesty," said Kraloch, bowing. "It is so good of you to invite me to this meeting."
"Nonsense," said Anna. "We value our allies, and the Orcs have been staunch supporters of the crown. We welcome your opinion."
Gerald moved to stand to Anna's right, while the Orc took up a position beside Beverly.
"Where's Tempus?" asked Anna.
"I thought it best to leave him with Sophie for now," said Gerald. "I didn't want to frighten the delegates on their first official visit."
"Probably for the best," noted Anna, "but I want him there for the feast."
"Of course," said Gerald, "I wouldn't be able to keep him away even if I wanted, he has a nose for food."
"Just like you, Gerald," she said, breaking out into a smile.
"Married life seems to suit you," said Gerald.
"I'd have to agree," said Anna, "though if truth be told, I haven't seen much of my husband of late. I think I saw more of him before we were married."
"Surely not," said Gerald. "I should think that, after the wedding night, there wasn't much more to see?"
Anna blushed, and Gerald chuckled.
"I meant no offense," he said.
"And none was taken," she replied. Anna turned to Beverly. "Tell me, did you have the same feeling when you married Aldwin?"
"We had time together in Bodden, Your Majesty," said Beverly, "and have rarely been separated since. In fact, this trip to the border is the longest I've been away from him since we were married."
"Let's hope I won't have to send you on any more long journeys in the near future," said Anna.
The door opened, revealing one of the guards. "They're coming down the hall now, Your Majesty."
"Very well," the queen replied, "show them in as soon as they arrive."
She turned to Gerald, then looked at Beverly and Kraloch. "Ready?"
They all nodded their assent, then waited as the doors opened, revealing the Norland delegation.
"Your Majesty," said Lord Wilfrid, bowing deeply. "I am Lord Wilfrid of Hansley, envoy from King Halfan of Norland."
"Greetings, Lord Wilfrid," said Anna, "and to what do I owe this visit?"
The Norland lord moved closer, his companions remaining by the door.
"As you are no doubt aware," the man continued, "our two kingdoms have been at war for centuries. King Halfan wishes to end this war and bring peace to both our realms."
"We have been at war for more than four hundred years," said Anna. "It makes me wonder why, after all that time, he would seek peace now?"
"He is dying," admitted Lord Wilfrid, "and wishes to leave behind a peaceful kingdom."
"And so you are here to negotiate such a peace?"
"No," the man replied, "though I am humbled by the thought that you would perceive me as worthy."
Anna leaned forward, "If you are not meant to negotiate this peace, then what is your reason for being here?"
"I have come at the behest of the king to invite you to Norland," said Lord Wilfrid.
"You must be joking," said Gerald.
If Lord Wilfrid were insulted, he certainly didn't show any sign of it. "I understand that this is a lot to digest," the Norlander continued, "but I come bearing a letter from King Halfan."
He held out his hand, and one of his companions moved up to place a scroll in it. Lord Wilfrid unrolled the missive and then turned it to face the queen. Beverly stepped forward, taking the scroll and passing it to Anna, who examined it carefully, then gave it to Gerald.
"You have given me much to think about," she said. "I shall consider your king's offer and consult with my advisors."
Lord Wilfrid bowed deeply. "I thank you on behalf of my king," he said, "and look forward to moving forward, to peace."
"As do I," said Anna. "Sir Preston?"
The knight, who had been waiting outside, stepped into the room. "Your Majesty?"
"Please take Lord Wilfrid and his entourage back to their rooms, and make sure they are shown to the banquet this evening."
Sir Preston gave a slight nod of his head. "Of course, Your Majesty." He turned to the Norland delegation, "Gentlemen, if you'll follow me, I'll show you back to your rooms."
Gerald waited until the door shut, then turned his attention once more to the letter. "Is this real?"
"It certainly looks so," said Anna. "Still, I'll have the Master of Herald's examine it, just to be sure."
"You can't seriously be thinking of travelling to Norland?" he asked. "It's far too dangerous."
"People said the same thing about Weldwyn," said Anna, "and yet we are now allies."
"This is different," countered Gerald. "We've been in a constant war with these people since the five hundred's."
"Since 520, to be exact," said Anna, "and it's time we put an end to it."
"I suppose it wouldn't hurt to send a delegation," said Gerald. "Who did you have in mind?"
"I'm going myself," declared Anna. "I can trust no one else."
She recognized the look of shock on his face. "Let me rephrase that," she said. "It's not that I don't trust people, but I need to conduct these negotiations myself. It's the only way to ensure a lasting peace."
"You'll have to pass this on to the Council of Nobles," said Gerald. "They won't like it, it's too dangerous."
"I'm well aware of that," she said, "but sometimes great risk brings great rewards."
Eight
The Council of Nobles
Summer 964 MC
* * *
Lord Alexander Stanton, Earl of Tewsbury, looked across the table at his companion, Lord Horace Spencer, the Earl of Eastwood.
"What do you suppose this is all about?" Stanton asked.
"I haven't the foggiest," said Spencer, "and on such short notice, too. I suspect it must be something big."
"Like what? War, perhaps?"
"If it is, there's been no hint of it."
The door opened, and Baron Richard Fitzwilliam entered.
"Fitz," said Spencer, "have you any news? What's this all about?"
"The queen has called this meeting," said the baron. "It is for her to reveal the reason."
"Are you trying to tell us you know nothing?" pressed Stanton.
The baron smiled, "I said no such thing, but it is not my place to speak of it. Where are the others?"
"They're not here yet," said Stanton.
"I believe Anglesley won't be present," said Spencer, "as he's back in Colbridge."
"And Somerset?" asked Fitz.
"He's here, somewhere," said Spencer. "I saw him in the Queen's Arms only yesterday."
Baron Fitzwilliam broke out in laughter, and Lord Spencer blushed. "Oh, for Saxnor's sake, I was talking about the tavern."
"Sorry," said Fitz, "it was just so funny."
"I doubt the queen would think so," warned Stanton.
"I disagree," countered Fitz, "I think she'd find it quite amusing."
The sound of the door opening drew his attention.
"And this, if I don't miss my guess," said the baron, "is the Duke of Wincaster. Good to see you, Gerald."
"Thank you," replied the marshal, shaking the baron's hand.
"I trust things are well in Bodden?"
"More or less," said the baron.
"Meaning?" asked Gerald.
"We've still got Norlanders fleeing their own country. Not that we mind, it's given us a lot more farmers to work the land."
"Will the queen be joining us shortly?" asked Lord Stanton.
"Yes," said Gerald, "she'll be arriving along with Lady Hayley and Lady Aubrey.<
br />
"Any word on Arnim?" enquired Fitz.
Gerald took a quick look around the room. "I thought he was already here. Don't worry, he's still got time. Oh, Lord Chesterton sends his regards, but he won't be able to make it."
"Why is that?" asked Stanton.
"He is indisposed," said Gerald.
"What in the Gods' name does that mean?" asked the earl.
"It means," explained Gerald, "that he is unable to attend due to an injury."
"I hope it's nothing serious," said Fitz.
"Lady Aubrey assures us that he will make a full recovery," said Gerald, "but he lost a lot of blood. He fell from his horse, then the damn thing almost trampled him to death."
"A horse, you say?" said Spencer.
"Yes," said Gerald. "He's been trying to breed Mercerian Chargers."
"I thought that was done at the Brandon estate?" said Stanton.
"It is," said Gerald, "but we need to increase their numbers. Unfortunately, it takes a lot of skill to care for them."
"I daresay," said Stanton, "and with Baron Robert Brandon dead and buried, I suppose there's no other to take over?"
"Not so," said Gerald. "Lady Aubrey has a gift for that sort of thing, and the Orcs in Hawksburg have proven quite adept at assisting."
"Orcs?" said Stanton. "What utter rubbish."
"I might remind you," said Fitz, "that they are our allies."
"Nonsense," said Stanton. "The war is over. Send them back to the hills, I say."
"They are still quite useful to us," said Fitz.
Lord Stanton glared at the baron. "Stick to what you know, Baron, it's not your place to run this kingdom."
"Nor is it yours," said Fitz. "That is for the queen alone."
"What utter nonsense," said Stanton, "everybody knows you have great influence." He glared at Gerald, "The pair of you ought to be ashamed for the way you have manipulated her."
Gerald was about to argue the point, but the door opened, drawing the attention of the room. A large group had arrived, led by Arnim Caster.
"Lord Caster," said Fitz, "good to see you again. I trust the children are well?"
"They are, Baron," said Arnim. "I thank you for the kind words."
Gerald chuckled, "I see you're still lacking in sleep."
Arnim flushed. "They won't sleep through the night unless I tell them a story," he said, "and even then it has to be a long one."
"They're not even half a year old yet," said Gerald. "They don't understand what you're saying."
"Still," said Arnim, "they like to hear my voice. Tell me, Baron, was Beverly ever this much work?"
Fitz smiled. "That much and more," he said. "Wouldn't you agree, Gerald?"
"Hey, now," came a voice from the door, "I wasn't that bad, surely?"
Beverly had followed Arnim into the room and took up her place behind the queen's chair. Next came Hayley and Aubrey, both of whom took their customary seats.
As was typical, their arrival presaged that of the queen. Anna stepped through the doorway, Tempus at her heels. The nobles all stood as she made her way to her chair.
"Please," she said, "be seated."
They all sat, looking at their queen for answers.
"I have gathered you all here," she started, "because an opportunity has presented itself, and I need your counsel on the matter."
"Why?" said Stanton. "What has happened?"
"We have, this day, met with a Norland ambassador," she explained.
"Is this war?" asked Lord Spencer.
"No," said Anna, "in fact, it is an offer of peace."
"Peace?" said Stanton. "But we've been at war for centuries."
"Precisely why I sought your advice," said Anna.
"I don't understand," said Stanton. "You don't need us to sign a peace treaty."
"That's true," said Anna, "but the ambassador has proposed that I travel to Norland to meet directly with King Halfan."
"I think not," said Stanton, "it's obviously a trap."
"The queen would travel with a heavy escort," added Gerald, "and any attack on her would bring immediate war. They know that."
"I still don't like it," said Stanton.
"You don't like anything," said Fitz.
Stanton glared at the baron.
"What is it that you need us for?" asked Lord Spencer.
"I shall have to leave someone behind to rule while I am away," the queen explained, "and I want to make sure everyone here understands that."
"But you have no heir," said Stanton. "Who would rule in your stead?"
"I would appoint a Royal Steward," said Anna.
"And the army?" asked Arnim.
"Would fall to Baron Fitzwilliam," said Anna, "since the Duke of Wincaster would be with me, along with Beverly."
"I see no problem with that," offered Spencer.
"I do," said Stanton. "Baron Fitzwilliam is ill-suited to command an entire army. It should be placed in the hands of someone more senior."
"Baron Fitzwilliam is a general," said Gerald.
"But I am an earl," said Stanton, "and, as such, I should be given the responsibility."
"I might remind you," said Anna, "that command of the Royal Army is the sole prerogative of the Crown. The baron's qualifications to command are not in question, nor is his loyalty."
"She's got you there," said Lord Spencer.
"Very well," said Stanton, though to Gerald's mind, he looked like he was pouting.
"Might I ask," said Arnim, "who is to be the Royal Steward in your absence?"
"I am appointing Lady Hayley to that position," the queen replied.
"Me?" said the ranger. "Surely Aubrey would be better suited?"
"Aubrey will be travelling with me," said Anna, "and you have experience commanding the rangers. Prince Alric will also be here to assist you."
"You cannot be serious," burst out Lord Stanton. "He is a foreign prince. He cannot command in Merceria!"
"Nor will he," said Anna, "he will act only in an advisory capacity."
"If you're not going to listen to our advice," said Stanton, "then why did you summon us?"
"I am willing to listen to your points of view, gentlemen, providing that you mind your manners. Now, does anyone have any reasonable questions?"
She looked around the room, meeting each person's gaze. When her eyes fell on Lord Spencer, he spoke up.
"Might I ask how long this trip would take?"
In answer, Anna looked at Beverly, who moved forward to explain. "As far as we can tell, their capital, Galburn's Ridge, is somewhere between three hundred fifty and four hundred miles away."
"As far as you can tell?" stammered Stanton. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"It means," said Beverly, "that we possess no accurate maps of Norland, beyond the border regions."
"That's a very long journey," said Baron Fitzwilliam.
"It is," admitted the queen, "but we shall not be travelling unprotected. King Halfan has given us permission to bring a small force to protect me."
"What does that mean, exactly?" pressed Arnim.
"We shall be taking about fifty men," said Anna. "we'll bring the Guard Cavalry, of course, but we'll also need footmen to guard us while we're at their capital."
"Plus, you'll need servants," advised Fitz.
"Yes, and supplies," said Gerald. "The actual supply wagons will likely outnumber the footmen."
"When would you leave?" asked Lord Spencer.
"At the end of summer or early autumn," said Anna.
"To return when?" asked Lord Spencer.
"Likely not till spring," said Anna. "The trip there alone will take weeks, and then we don't know how long the negotiations will take."
"Yes," agreed Fitz, "and you can't really march in wintertime."
"I don't like this," said Stanton.
"For once, I agree with you," said Gerald, "but it's an opportunity we cannot resist."
"Gerald is right," said Anna. "We have been en
emies with Norland for far too long. It's time we swallow our pride and brought real peace to the kingdom."
"Well said," agreed Arnim, "but the question remains, what is at risk?"
"Our queen, for one," said Stanton.
"The queen will be protected," said Gerald.
"How can you guarantee that?" demanded Stanton.
"He can't," said Aubrey, "but I can."
"You?" said Stanton.
"Yes," she replied, "if things go badly, I shall use my magic to bring the queen back to Wincaster."
Stanton let out a sigh of relief. "In that case, I remove my objections."
"That surprises me," said Fitz.
"Why," said Stanton, "because we actually agree for once? We just fought a devastating civil war. I don't want the kingdom descending into chaos again."
"Baron Fitzwilliam has been informed of our current status," said Anna, "and I have faith that he will conduct his duties with the utmost professionalism. I shall have some weeks yet to prepare Lady Hayley for her stewardship, and of course, I have seen to the contingencies, should I be lost."
"Meaning?" said Stanton.
"Meaning that I have made arrangements for the future ruler of the realm, should I die."
"What arrangements?" pressed Lord Spencer.
"These shall remain secret," the queen replied. "Have no fear, Lady Hayley will have access to the documents should it prove necessary."
The room fell silent.
Anna rose. "I think we are done now," she said. "Lady Hayley, if you would accompany me, we have things to discuss."
Everybody stood as the queen and Hayley left, then filtered out slowly, leaving Gerald and Fitz alone.
The old warrior looked at the baron. "Why is it that you and Lord Stanton are always at odds?"
"It goes back many years," said Fitz. "He always felt that Lady Evelyn should have married him instead of me."
"That's outrageous," said Gerald. "She loved you, that much was obvious."
"It wasn't about love," said Fitz, "not to Stanton. No, for him, it was about power. He always had his way, you see, and once he set eyes on her, he wouldn't take no for an answer."
"And yet she married you," said Gerald.
"She did," said the baron, "and she gave me Beverly. She looks so much like her mother, don't you think?"
Defender Of The Crown: Heir to the Crown: Book Seven Page 9