“No nothing specific, just put it down to excessive caution. I would appreciate it if you would humor me.” The king had no intention of telling anyone outside of the immediate family about the prophecy that was hanging over the family.
“Certainly, your majesty, I’ll include instructions in the next posts to both Midport and Great Falls.”
“Randall, this is the first time for young Brandt to go on this. He’s eleven almost twelve now and should start his practical education. He won’t be left here at the palace to be spoiled by his grandmothers.” That brought some pointed stares from the king’s wives, while Randall and his wives suppressed smiles. They all knew that while the king’s two wives tended to be very fond of the children, the king himself was the biggest pushover for his grandchildren.
“Well I think that about covers it. Randall, I assume you and the Chancellor can work out any of the details. Please make sure that everybody has plenty of notice so that they don’t have the royal family show up unexpectedly. There will be enough running around so that they look good. Oh, I want you to take a good contingent of guards. I would expect sixteen outriders and two men each for the two carriages. I’m sure that Brandt is going to want to ride his new horse. Please make sure one of the senior man keeps an eye on him. And make sure that he knows that he’s to listen to them. They’re there for his protection.
Randall looked at the Chancellor. “I think we can be ready to go in two weeks. That should give enough time to provide everyone with enough warning and allow us to get everything in order.” He didn’t expect any issues. He’d discussed this with his wives first and they had carefully gone over everything prior to this meeting. He’d met with the Chancellor prior to the meeting and got his agreement. This meeting just gave his father the chance to get everyone together and make sure that there were no unexpected issues.
As they were walking back to their quarters, his wives assured him that they would make sure that his son Brandt knew what he was supposed to do. They would also remind both he and his sisters to be on their best behavior. Randall promised to make sure he explained things to Brandt along the way. This way he would feel included and bit older. There was no talk of the prophecy, but it was on all their minds.
Mary, Joanne and Morton retired to his quarters in the palace. His two wives, Selenia and Sessia were sitting talking when they walked in. The four women embraced and sat down to talk. Sessia was the first to notice that her husband wanted to say something. “Morton do you want to say something?” she asked.
“Well actually there are two things. First, we’re going on the Grand Tour as far Randport. There I’m going review some construction plans that Countess Sophia has. I thought the three of us would go and bring James, William and the girls along.” James was Morton’s youngest son and only two months older than Randall’s son Brandt. The two were close friends as both felt put upon by older sisters.
Sessia spoke up. “That would be wonderful, and James would love to get out and ride that new horse of his. Also, he would be company for Brandt. Brandt’s sisters and mothers are all focused on the wedding between Christiana and Roddrick. Now what’s really on your mind.”
“Well I’m not sure if I’m just making something out of nothing. The king suddenly brought up keeping an increased vigilance for bandit and raids. There hasn’t been anything like that in years. He also wanted a larger number of guards. Surprisingly Randall didn’t object. You know how touchy he is on unnecessary security. Have either of you picked up on anything?”
The two wives looked at each other. Selenia took the lead. “You know that Alania and Dravid made a surprise visit from Great Falls a few months back. After that I picked up that the family was more nervous, especially Juliana.” She stopped and looked at Sessia who nodded. She then continued, “If there is anything bothering them, James may know. He and Brandt really don’t have any secrets. And anything Brandt knows or suspects, James is aware of. If it’s a secret, they talk about it in English. That’s why both Juliana and Serverna speak it, so they can figure out what those two are up to. As far as I can tell Christiana knows only a few words, what Catrina knows you never know. Although shee did spend a good deal of time at the research station. She must have picked up some from there.”
They all knew that Catrina was beautiful and vivacious. She might be dismissed as a light weight, but everyone who knew her, suspected that there was a keen intellect in that pretty head. Also, if you scratched deep enough there was steel in that girl.
James was summoned from his room where he was studying. His father spoke to him. “James we are going on the Grand Tour as far as Randport and your coming.”
“Yes, that’s great! Brandt and I can ride our new horses and room together. His sisters and mothers are all in to planning this wedding and it’s driving him crazy. Wait until I tell him.”
“That’s good, James. There’s something else I need to ask you about. I get the feeling that the Crown Prince and his wives are worried about something. This is important and what you say, will stay here.”
James looked at the ceiling and then started. “Right after Brandt’s aunt and uncle came to visit from Great Falls, he told me that his mothers were very worried. His sisters have both been told to conceal knives. Christiana has gone along with it and has one knife hidden. We both think that Catrina has more than one. Also, Brandt can’t leave the palace without a couple of guards and he needs to carry a pistol as well as a sword. I do the same when I go with him, that goes for our other friends as well. We’ve all been practicing with pistol and musket as well as the normal lessons with the sword and dagger.”
“Thank you very much for your confidence. We’ll keep it just in the family. You, can go now.” With that James left and Morton turned to his wives and sisters. “Well it seems that royal family perceives that there is a threat and are taking precautions. Wars aren’t fought here, but these kinds of things do go on. Thoughts anybody?”
His sister Mary spoke up. “Dad used to say that a lot of fortune tellers and prophets were mostly fake, although there was some evidence of precognition or what we would call prophecy. With the differences between people here and on the home world, who says that some don’t have that gift. Alania is supposed to have it. She’s always been reluctant to talk to it about with me and we’re friends. When she and Dravid suddenly showed up here I suspect they had a ‘prophecy’ to share. It couldn’t have been good.”
Morton and his wives considered it. Before had could say anything Sessia spoke up. “We’re not wearing knives. But on the trip, we’ll have those cute little derringers in garter belt holsters. We know how much you like garter belts Morton. Well model them for you tonight. Perhaps you can help adjust them.” Both of his wives laughed, and Morton turned a little bit red.
James looked up his friend Brandt. “Brandt we’re going with you on the Grand Tour as far as Randport.”
“That’s great, you should make sure your mothers have some protection. It also means I wouldn’t have to put up with my sisters. They’re both really into this wedding. It looks like I’m going to have to be in it. I know Catrina will be on the lookout for a husband as soon as she can. Our family is armed, you mothers should be as well.”
“No problem, on trips they both carry these little guns, derringers they’re called. They’re really easy to hide in your pocket or anywhere. If someone takes your weapons, you probably still have that. They’re only good out to about ten feet but in that kind of situation you probably don’t need any more distance.”
“Wow, where can we get them? Let’s get a couple” Said Brandt. They went to the army and the armor showed them how to load and use them. Also, how to be sure they didn’t shoot themselves. They each took one. Soon both boys started carrying a derringer in their coat pockets. They were both impressed with the little weapons.
Randport
The Grand Tour was about to start. The guards were assembled in the courtyard of the palace. Captain Ranold wou
ld be in charge of the twenty guards assigned to the party. The party would travel in three carriages. The first would carriage would hold Randall, the crown prince and his two wives, Juliana and Serverna. His good friend Baron Morton and his two wives Selenia and Sessia along with his five-year-old son William. The final carriage would carry the royal princesses Christiana and Catrina along with Morton’s two daughters Julie and Roberta. Finally, Randall’s son Prince Brandt who was eleven would ride his horse accompanied by his good friend James, Morton’s son. There were also pack horses with luggage for the royal family and the guards as well as extra mounts.
King Fredicke and his two wives saw the party off. Once they were clear of the gate, the king and his wives walked back into the palace. The prophecy that there was a terrible fate awaiting them, weighted heavily on them. Fredricke knew that he’d done everything he could except forbid them to go. The guard detail was as large as he dared make it without causing talk and worry among the populace. Time to pray to God for their safety. He reached out and took his wives hands in his as they entered the palace.
The younger members of the party had no fears. Brandt was thrilled to be going and riding his horse along with his good friend James. Both were armed with a rapier and a flint lock pistol and unbeknownst to anyone double barreled derringers hidden in their coats. They rode in front of the carriages just behind the first contingent of guards. Young William was upset that he couldn’t ride his pony with the other two boys. Brandt and James explained to him that his pony couldn’t keep up on the long journey. They promised him that he could go riding with them when the Grand Tour was over. Both sets of parents were very pleased with how the two had been so kind to little William.
The girls in the second carriage had Christiana’s wedding to discuss and plan. Also, both Catrina and Julie, Morton's oldest would soon be ready to get betrothed and the conversation swirled around the wedding, potential partners for Catrina and Julie and other important things that young girls talk about. They were all pleased that Brandt and James were riding their horses and not riding with them. They would have complained about the conversation and sulked the whole time.
Randall was distracted, his wives could tell that he was worried about the prophecy. They looked at each other and nodded. They needed to get his mind off it. Juliana took the lead.
“Randall, we decided that carrying hidden knives wasn’t the best.” He looked up shapely and before he could say anything Juliana continued. “Sessia told us about these cute little derringers that you wear on a garter belt. So much nicer.” With that both women hiked up their skirts, showing a lot of nice leg and garter belts with derringers in a lace holster.” Randall starred at them. “Oh Serverna, Sessia were right, men do seem to like garter belts. We’d let you adjust them here, but Serverna tends to make a little noise.”
“Me make noise, I can remember plenty of times when I thought you would wake up the whole palace.” Replied Serverna with a smile.
“Well there are times when it is appropriate, and I’m being treated well.” Juliana said coyly. “Perhaps we can get Randall to help tonight, but we’ve got share”
With the gloom broken at least for a bit, Serverna continued. “There is something else we need to consider on this trip. We need a couple of good names for a boy or a girl.”
Randall starred at his wives open mouthed. “Does that mean you’re with child?” He managed to blurt out.
“Yes, it’s been six weeks since my last fertile period. I felt different and Baroness Mary did the tests and confirmed I was pregnant. Juliana and I talked and thought we should hold off until we could tell you on the tour. We’ll break the news to the children tonight as well as Morton and his wives. Maybe you and Morton should ride in the same carriage, so that Selenia and Sessia can ride with us. We’ll have a lot of things to talk about that you won’t find interesting.” Randall broke into a brilliant smile and all three of them engaged in hug. Randall’s mood was considerably lightened, and the day went well.
That evening they stayed at the ‘Happy Ram’ a large inn on the Coast Road. Before diner, the royal family met with those people who’d come in to talk with them. It was almost entirely people who just wanted to see them. Luckily there were no real complaints that they needed to deal with. Randall hoped that the rest of the trip would be the same. At dinner, Randall announced that Serverna was pregnant and that there would be a new member of the royal family. There were congratulations all around. Only William seemed a bit confused about what was going on. The four girls were very excited and all of them wondered when they would be able to make the announcement that they were with child.
Everyone retired to their rooms. William slept in the same room with his brother and Brandt, which made him feel a bit more grown up. Morton and his wives celebrated the announcement in bed as did Randall and his wives. Randall and his wives were lying in bed basking in the afterglow of sex, when Juliana spoke up. “I’m thinking that the most likely outcome of all this is that this warrior-scholar shows up.”
“Really” said Serverna. “That would be wonderful. It also means that we don’t have to find someone for Catrina.”
Randall was almost a sleep and all they got from him was a "That would be nice.” Then he rolled over and feel asleep. The two women smiled and joined him.
The next day after breakfast, it was announced that the wives would be traveling together, and the men would be together to discuss the trip and other items. William thought that he would get to go with his dad, until one of his mothers grabbed him and brought him into the carriage with the wives. He was not happy. Brandt and James looked on sympathetically.
Once they started off the wives started talking about the upcoming birth and possible names. Sessia mused “You know sister, we should be able to get one more baby each out of Morton. His father sired eight children with his two wives. I think Morton is good for six. What do you think?”
“Well in thinking about that, I have to agree. We’ll just have to make sure he works harder during our fertile periods.”
Juliana added. “If the rumors are true, it’s more than eight. He apparently fathered children for prominent families that were having trouble conceiving an heir.”
Sessia answered “According to Morton, his father was not overly fond of that. It went against the morals he’d been brought up with. So, it is true. What I do know is that it’s all secret. None of the children know that Dr. Jorgenson was really their father. All of his children know, he kept a journal and it’s a closely guarded secret. He didn’t want any of his children or grandchildren to become involved with a close relative.”
All the women could make some educated guesses about who that could be. Sessia started to wonder about Duchesses Sophia and she was sure all the women had the same thought.
Once they got started Randall said to Morton. “Your wives showed my wives those derringers in little lace holsters on the garter belts, very clever.”
“So, you like garter belts too” Both men laughed.
“You know that the derringers aren’t such a bad idea. I’ve got one on me right now. It’s hidden in my coat and would be hard to find. If you ever in a situation where somebody has you disarmed, it’s deadly at close quarters. You should consider it for yourself.”
“Morton, why would I need it.”
“Randall, we’ve been friends since we were teenagers. You’re not that good at hiding something. What’s the problem?”
Randall considered it for a few minutes then swore Morton to secrecy. He then laid out the whole thing, prophecy from his sister and only rumors nothing solid.
Morton sat back and thought. “Randall, you know that I look at prophecy very skeptically. I do admit that precognition is possible and that your sister may possess that ability. Let’s for the minute assume that it true. If someone is after your family, they really need to get all of you to make it successful. And the most important person is you, followed by Christiana. I hate to be so cold hearte
d, but what’s the point if the two heirs escape. They also have to know that the kingdom won’t rest until the people who did this are caught and suffer a horrible fate. If you could do anything to break the chain of events that might throw the whole thing off.”
They sat for a few minutes considering what had been said, then Morton continued. “This warrior-scholar can only be from the home world, earth. One thing that we have to worry about is military technology. I know my father spoke to you about his experience in the war.” Randall nodded and Morton went on. “I’m afraid that one thing our brothers on the home world are good at is coming up with better ways to kill people. Hopefully, this will be somebody who, like my father, has had his fill of war.”
“On the good side, he’ll be very fertile compared to the normal male here on Cornu. If he and Catrina are to get together, you’ll be a grandfather before you know it. From my selfish perspective I hope that he is a scholar of one of the sciences. Engineering or Chemistry would be nice. That would be a big help to all of us.”
Randall laughed. “If there is a strong attraction between my daughter and this man, should he show up, she will make it clear that he should consider her. As to his knowledge helping us, I share your hope.”
“Randall, you’re not saying that Catrina is strong willed, are you?”
“Well since according to my wives she and her sister have me and my father wrapped around their little fingers, I’ve no direct evidence. However, her mothers have reported this. She’s also very smart but hides it.”
Morton nodded and the two men spent the rest of the day discussing things that needed to be done in kingdom and on the trip. The rest of the trip to Randport went smoothly. None of the towns or inns that they stopped at had any urgent business for the royal family, so they greeted everyone and moved on. On the seventh day Randport came into view.
Through the Gate: The Chronicles of Cornu Book 1 Page 34