Fate of the Crown

by Paul J Bennett

  "I rather gather you've some particular laws in mind," said Aubrey.

  "I do," said Anna. "The first thing I'm going to do is change the law of succession and rulership."

  "How so?"

  "My firstborn child will rule after my death, regardless of whether it's a boy or girl."

  "I expect you'll see some opposition to that," commented Aubrey. "I can't see it going easily."

  "Oh, I don't know, I think we have broad support. I've already brought it up with a number of important people, and Baron Fitzwilliam agrees with me."

  "On that, I have no doubt," said Aubrey. "He's made no secret of the fact that he wants Beverly to inherit. I can't see him happy with her husband taking all the power."

  "I doubt Aldwin would be like that," said Anna.

  Gerald, who was halfway through a sausage, looked up in alarm, "Who told you about Aldwin?"

  "I saw him with Beverly in town, right here in Tewsbury. It was pretty obvious the affection they have for each other. Does that shock you?"

  "No, I've known about it for years. I'm just surprised you knew about it."

  "I'm a very observant person," said Anna. "Did you know about it, Aubrey?"

  "I did, Highness," replied the mage. "I learned some years ago when my cousin came to visit. I was very young at the time, but I could tell she was in love."

  "Then I see no problem here," said Anna. "I think Beverly should be able to marry whomever she pleases, don't you?"

  "I do," agreed Gerald, "but she IS a noble. By convention, it requires the king's permission, or queen's, in this case."

  "I would hardly object to the marriage," said Anna, "but I shouldn't have to approve it. Marriage should not be at the whim of the monarch. That's another change I intend to make."

  "Tell her about the crown," suggested Gerald.

  "The crown?" said Aubrey. "What about the crown?"

  "In the past," said Anna, "when a queen is crowned, it is usually her husband that rules. I intend to change that."

  "Intriguing," said Aubrey. "How, precisely, would you change it?"

  "When I am crowned queen, it will be for life. My husband..."

  "Alric," interrupted Gerald.

  "Yes, Alric. He will not rule as king."

  "What will he be then?" asked Aubrey. "He should have some sort of title, don't you think?"

  "Yes," agreed Gerald, "and I'm curious if you've discussed this with King Leofric. I'd be interested in his opinion. He is, after all, Alric's father."

  "I have discussed it with Alric," Anna confessed, "though I have not breached the subject with his father."

  "And," asked Gerald, "how did Alric take it?"

  "Remarkably well," she replied. "He has never seen himself as a king. After all, he's third in line to the crown of Weldwyn. He's quite happy to be a prince."

  "Prince Consort then," suggested Aubrey. "That has a nice ring to it."

  "It does, doesn't it," said Anna. "I think I'll suggest that."

  "You'll need to give him something to do," said Aubrey. "If he's not going to rule, you need to keep him busy."

  "I can use him in the army," said Gerald. "I think he'd like that."

  "You'd have to be clear on the chain of command," said Aubrey.

  "Don't worry," said Anna, "Alric respects Gerald. I don't think that will be a problem. You're full of good ideas Aubrey. I think I'll keep you close."

  "Fine by me, Highness," said Aubrey. "I can eat food like this every day without any worries at all."

  Anna laughed, and Gerald smiled. It was good to see her in a relaxed atmosphere around friends, without the stress and pressures of ruling.

  "You know," said Gerald, "you should enjoy this peace and quiet while you can. Once you're queen, your days will be filled with problems."

  "They will, won't they," mused Anna.

  "Don't worry, Highness," said Aubrey, "we'll keep you entertained." She stuffed the end of a sausage into her mouth and made a face.

  Gerald laughed so hard he almost choked on his food.

  "Are you all right, Gerald?" asked Anna.

  He held up his hand as he coughed. "I'm fine," he finally said, "I just wasn't expecting that."

  "Now that our general has finished almost killing himself," said Aubrey, "what are some of your long term plans?"

  "I want to alter the legal system. Our laws only favour those in power. I want justice for all."

  "Fair laws for the common man. Very interesting," said Aubrey.

  "Yes, I've been thinking on that one for some time. Currently, the magistrates are all appointed by nobles. That gives the earls and dukes considerable power. I've never heard of a trial that wasn't in a noble's favour, have you?"

  "No," replied the mage, "but my father seldom used the courts. He believed in fair and just rulership."

  "As does Baron Fitzwilliam," added Anna, "but they are few and far between. Beverly experienced that herself, back in Shrewesdale."

  "I don't think I've heard that story," said Aubrey.

  "She was sent to chase down some bandits," Anna began, "but instead she found a bunch of starving farmers. The Earl of Shrewesdale had driven them from their homes."

  "That's terrible. What happened?"

  "They were led by a mercenary," she said.

  "Yes," added Gerald, "the dreaded Bandit King."

  "That's right," said Anna. "She killed him and put an end to his reign of terror."

  "What happened to the farmers?" asked Aubrey.

  "Beverly sent them to Bodden, where they still live. One of them even joined the baron's archers."

  "A very interesting tale," said the mage, "though I rather suspect there's more to the story."

  "Oh, there is," said Gerald. "You'll have to get Beverly to tell it to you sometime."

  "I shall," she confirmed, "providing I can pry her away from Aldwin."

  "That reminds me," added Anna, "I received some good news today from Kingsford."

  "Oh," said Gerald, "what news is that?"

  "More reinforcements are on the way. King Leofric has been kind enough to offer them to us. They're waiting for permission to cross the border."

  "That IS good news," said Gerald. "Any idea as to numbers?"

  "Yes, a thousand men, mostly footmen and archers."

  "I see," said Gerald, winking at Aubrey, "and do we have any idea who might be commanding them?"

  Anna blushed, and Gerald broke into a smile. "I take it that means Prince Alric, himself?"

  "It does," confirmed the princess.

  "Excellent news," said Gerald. "It means we can accelerate our plans."

  "I agree," said Anna. "I'd like to start by liberating Uxley. I wish to pay a visit."

  "I can understand our interest in freeing the place," said Gerald, "but why now. Can't it wait until after the war is over?"

  "No," said Anna, "there's something I need to take care of."

  "What is that?" he asked.

  "I've been talking to Aubrey here, and I think she might be able to heal Hanson."

  "Alistair? Is that true, Aubrey?"

  "From what Her Highness has told me of his affliction, I think I can. I believe a regeneration would do the trick. My great-grandmother had notes on such things."

  "The same spell you used on Lightning's leg?" he asked.

  "Yes, that's the one."

  "But it took a week to cure Lightning, didn't it?"

  "True, but I had to regenerate an entire limb. I rather suspect that in Hanson's case it might only take one or two castings."

  "Couldn't you just cast it multiple times in one day?" suggested Anna.

  "The magic doesn't work that way, Highness. The spell takes time to take effect. Though I can cast the spell multiple times, it will only affect a patient once a day. It would be like bandaging a wound that was already bandaged. Does that make sense?"

  "I think I see now," said Anna.

  "I don't," grumbled Gerald.

  "When she casts the spell,
the body begins its own regeneration. Until that is complete, another casting will have limited or no effect. Did I get that correct?"

  "You did, Highness."

  "Now THAT I understand," said Gerald. "It's like my teeth."

  "Your teeth?" asked Aubrey.

  "Yes, I had them regenerated by the Orcs after the guards at Wincaster removed them."

  "How awful," said Aubrey.

  "That wasn't the half of it," said Anna, "they almost killed him. It was actually Kraloch, the Orc shaman that cast the spell."

  "I should very much like to swap notes with him," said Aubrey.

  "That's a marvellous idea," added Anna. "You mages should do that more often."

  "Up until now there haven't been many mages to share information with," said Aubrey.

  "I shall have to change that under my rule," said Anna.

  "You're not queen yet," warned Gerald. "May I remind you we still have a challenging task ahead, the taking of Wincaster."

  "True," said Anna, "but I know we'll be successful."

  "And how do you know, Highness?"

  "Because Gerald is here with me." Anna ended the conversation by stuffing a piece of toast into her mouth. She chewed it slowly, and Aubrey could almost see the princess's mind working as she looked around absently at the room.

  "She's thinking," explained Gerald.

  "I noticed," added Aubrey.

  "Is it that obvious?" asked Anna.

  "Tell me, Anna, what is it that occupies your mind this time?"

  "I was thinking about the heavy cavalry."

  "What about them?" asked Gerald.

  "The name doesn't do them justice. They're more than just heavily armoured horsemen; we need a new name."

  "Such as?" asked Gerald.

  "Such as the Royal Guard?" suggested Anna.

  "You already have a Royal Guard. Foot soldiers, remember? Granted they're not the original guard. We lost those poor souls when we were taken prisoner."

  "How about 'Guard Cavalry'?" suggested Aubrey.

  "I like that," said Anna, "and I believe Beverly would like it as well. What do you think, Gerald?"

  "It's a good name," he answered, "and it'll give them a sense of pride. You're good at this Aubrey, have you been taking tips from Arnim?"

  "Sir Arnim Caster?" said Aubrey. "No, why?"

  "He likes to name things," explained Anna.

  Gerald, finally finished with his meal, placed his knife and fork on the table. A servant scurried forward to carry it away.

  "Well," he said, "if we're to move forward, I must be off. I have orders to issue and a supply chain to organize."

  "That sounds like a lot of work," said Aubrey.

  "I have Baron Fitzwilliam to help, he's very good at that sort of thing."

  "Don't work too hard," said Anna, "and remember to take a break from time to time. I'll send Sophie around later to check up on you. I can't have you passing out again."

  "Does he need a heal?" asked Aubrey.

  "No, but sometimes he gets so busy he forgets to eat," chided Anna.

  Aubrey looked down at her plate, still half full from her breakfast. "A meal like this will last me all day."

  "Yes," said Anna, "but you're not a soldier."

  Gerald rose from his seat and was about to leave when Anna interrupted him.

  "There's still some scones left. Why don't you take them for later."

  He scooped two of them up in his hands and grinned.

  "I'll expect you here for dinner," she said.

  "Of course," he said, then left the room.

  The room fell quiet, but for the sound of snoring.

  "What's that?" asked Aubrey.

  Anna looked down beside her chair, "That's Tempus. He never leaves my side."

  "Does he sleep all the time?" asked Aubrey.

  "No," she responded, "but the older he gets, the more he does. He sometimes finds it hard to move about, particularly if he's been sleeping on a cold floor."

  "May I try a regeneration on him?" asked the mage. "I'm sure it would help."

  "What a marvellous idea," said Anna. "You mean right now?"

  "I can think of no better time, can you?"

  "Very well," said Anna. "I've only seen regeneration cast once, back with the Orcs, though I heard all about Lightning, of course."

  "There's not much to see," said Aubrey. "You've watched a heal before?"

  "Of course."

  "It's very similar, but my hands will turn orange while I cast."

  "Whenever you're ready, then," said Anna.

  Aubrey rose from her seat, coming round the table to where Tempus lay asleep at Anna's side. She began casting the spell, uttering the words to bring forth the power from within her. The air buzzed and then her fingers began to glow bright orange as if they were on fire. Her casting complete, she placed her hands onto the faithful dog and the colour soaked into the mighty mastiff's skin, dissipating quickly.

  Tempus opened his eyes, barked and wagged his tail.

  "He likes that," said Anna.

  "We'll give him another treatment tomorrow," said Aubrey, "if you think he's up to it."

  As if in answer, Tempus sat up, barking again.

  "Well I must say," said Anna, "I haven't seen him this energetic in quite some time."

  "How old did you say he was?" asked Aubrey.

  "I'm not sure," said Anna. "I first met him when I was a little girl, and he was old even then."

  "Then I would recommend regular treatments, perhaps once a month or so. There's no reason he shouldn't live for years yet, barring misfortune."

  "Thank you, Aubrey, you've made me very happy. You know, I think I'm going to like having you around here again. You're probably the closest person to my age that I know."

  * * *

  Gerald sat on his horse while the troops marched by. It promised to be a sunny day, and the roads were dry; things were looking up. Hearing the sound of a galloping horse, he turned to see Beverly approaching.

  "I heard you were back," he said. "How did your little expedition go?"

  "It went well," she replied. "I just finished filling in the princess. She tells me we're finally moving south."

  "Yes, we are," he responded, "and we have new troops joining us, thanks to Weldwyn."

  "That's excellent news," she said.

  "It is, isn't it. Did you hear about the Guard Cavalry?"

  "I did. I like the name."

  "I knew you would. We've sent the light horse south, to scout the outskirts of Wincaster."

  "So," Beverly mused, "the final phase of the war is starting."

  "Yes," said Gerald. "Nervous?"

  "Of course," she replied. "Wincaster is a large city; a siege there will be difficult."

  "And time-consuming," he added. "Of that, I have no doubt."

  "Do you have a plan for the siege?"

  "I do, but I'll have to modify it once we see the city. It's hard to plan things when your knowledge is based on memories rather than maps."

  "We'll need siege engines," she suggested.

  "All in good time. We have to seal up the city first, and that's where you come in."

  "Go on," she urged.

  "I'm giving you overall command of all the horse. Your job will be to force them to close the gates to the city. Do you think you can do that?"

  "How many horsemen do I have? It's a big city."

  "In addition to the Kurathians, you'll have the Weldwyn horse, the Mercerians and, of course, the Guard Cavalry. Oh, and don't forget the Bodden horse."

  "Any particular instructions?" she asked.

  "Yes, I want you to try to keep the farmers from entering the city, if possible. Assure them we mean no harm, but I don't want the king getting any more food inside their walls."

  "They've likely been stockpiling for some time," said Beverly.

  "Yes, but Wincaster is the largest city in the realm, that's a lot of mouths to feed. The more we limit their stocks, the better, and
the farmers will be out of harm's way if they stay clear."

  "Agreed," said Beverly, "but I'll need a second in command in case I go down."

  "You have someone in mind?"

  "Yes, I'd like Sir Heward. He's professional, and I know I can count on him."

  "I'll clear it with your father," said Gerald. "Anything else?"

  "How long till the footmen follow? I can't block the gates with just cavalry."

  "They're already moving. I suspect you'll have a day's head start on them. We'll be arriving from the west. The real problem will be the east gate. If the king's going to try a breakout, that's where he'll go."

  "Don't worry," said Beverly, "we'll seal it up tighter than a bottle of wine. What about a healer? We may have to fight. Can I take Aubrey?"

  "The princess needs her here for the short term, but Revi can go with you."

  "Good, I'll take Hayley as well," Beverly added. "You know those two are inseparable."

  "Cleverly played, my friend, I should have thought of it. She can scout out positions for the archers while you're there. The footmen will be marching quickly under your father and Arnim. Alric will be arriving with the reinforcements from Kingsford, but they still have some distance to travel."

  "Prince Alric?"

  "Yes, but don't worry, you'll still take your orders from me."

  "Understood," said Beverly. "When do we start?"

  "You already have," said Gerald. "Your men are moving south, you'll have to hurry to catch them. I'll find Heward and send him along to join you."

  "Aye, General," she said, then urged Lightning forward.

  "Remember," called out Gerald, "seal the gates!"

  He watched her as she easily outpaced the troops that were marching by, the great warhorse tearing across the field.

  Thirty

  Uxley

  Summer 962 MC

  "There's the main gate," said Gerald. "It hasn't changed a bit."

  "A few more weeds than I remember," said Anna.

  They passed beneath the immense archway that housed the gate. Lady Aubrey looked around at the grounds as Tempus ran down the pathway.

  "He seems in fine form," said Gerald.

  "He does, doesn't he," the princess confirmed. "Aubrey's magic has done wonders for him. Look at him, running through the long grass. What do you think, Aubrey?"