Fate of the Crown

by Paul J Bennett

  "It's nice," replied the mage. "Is this where you were born?"

  "No," Anna replied, "I was actually born near Hawksburg, or so I'm led to believe, but I did grow up here. This is where I first met Gerald. He came to look after the grounds."

  Aubrey returned her gaze to the choking weeds, "It appears they miss you, General. The grounds hereabouts are quite overgrown."

  "So they are," he agreed. "We'll have to see who's in charge these days."

  "My couriers tell me Margaret and her guards are no longer here," said Anna.

  "Just the staff, then," he replied. "I rather suspect that the estate has fallen into disuse, what with the war and such."

  "Yes," said Anna, "I don't imagine they've had funds for some time. I would think a lot of the staff have left."

  "True," said Gerald, "though I still think we should have brought Sophie."

  "She enjoys helping out with the army. We'll get her here eventually. Once I'm queen, I intend to make this my official residence. I'll use it anytime I want to get away from the capital for a few days."

  "It looks nice," said Aubrey, "though I daresay it needs some repairs."

  "Nothing a few coins can't cure," said Gerald.

  "Are we sure this place isn't deserted?" asked Aubrey.

  "Our scouts reported seeing lights in some of the windows the last few nights," said Gerald. "Perhaps we should have sent some troops inside?"

  "No," said Anna, "the king's people have long since fled, and I'd like to be the first to set foot back in Uxley Hall."

  They were nearing the house now. The roadway turned into a loop that ran to the front door. Tempus tore across the ground, running in circles and barking loudly. Gerald brought his horse to a stop, the others following his lead. Tempus barked one more time then ran back to them.

  "It doesn't look like anyone's home," said Anna.

  Just then a figure emerged from the stables, and the familiar looking man made his way toward them.

  "As I live and breathe," the man called out, "if it isn't Gerald Matheson."

  "Jim Turner, you old rogue," called back Gerald, "it's good to see you."

  "Do you not remember me?" asked Anna.

  Turner turned to examine her face then suddenly bowed. "My apologies, Highness, you've grown so much I didn't recognize you."

  "I'm not a little girl anymore," she mused, a smile coming to her face.

  "Indeed not, Your Highness," the man fumbled.

  "This is Lady Aubrey Brandon," she continued, "Baroness of Hawksburg."

  "Baroness?" said Aubrey in surprise.

  "Yes, with the unfortunate demise of your family, the title falls to you. Did you not realize?"

  "I suppose I didn't think of it," said Aubrey.

  "I know it's a shock," said Anna, "but it's important to recognize your title. Hopefully, we will soon be rebuilding a kingdom, and we'll have to deal with the trials and tribulations of court. Your title will come in handy."

  "May I take your horses?" asked Turner.

  "Have you no stable boys to help?" asked Gerald.

  "I'm afraid not," the stable master apologized. "The funds have ceased, you see."

  "How do you get by?" asked Gerald.

  "Cook grows some vegetables, and we sell them in the village."

  "Come," said Gerald, "I'll help with the horses while the ladies go inside."

  They started heading toward the stables while Anna and Aubrey entered the house.

  "I take it there are no guests at present?" asked Gerald.

  "No," said Turner, “there hasn't been a guest here since Princess Margaret left last fall."

  "How many staff are left?"

  "Me, Hanson, Cook and two maids, it's all we can afford."

  "I'm glad to hear Alistair's still here. How is the old man?"

  "He gets about the house with help, but the side of his face still doesn't work, and at times he can be difficult to understand."

  They walked through the large stable entrance. "Tell me, Gerald, what brings you back to Uxley?" asked the stable master.

  "The princess remembers the great loyalty and affection of the staff here. She brought Lady Aubrey to heal Hanson."

  "The young lady is a healer?" asked Turner.

  "More than that," Gerald replied, "she's a powerful Life Mage. We're hoping she can restore him to his former self."

  "That IS good news," said Jim, "though I fear there has been little of it of late."

  "Why, what's happened?"

  "Most of the men of the village have been pressed into service. Only the very old and the very young remain."

  "When did this happen?" asked Gerald.

  Turner led a horse into a stall, "Just this last spring. Right after some high ranking officer rode through with his staff."

  "This officer, did he have a name?" asked Gerald.

  "He did, though I don't rightly remember what it was."

  "It wasn't Valmar, by chance? Marshal-General Valmar?"

  "That was it. I remember, now that you reminded me. You've heard of him?"

  "Oh yes, he's been a thorn in our side for some time. He visited Uxley once, along with the king, do you remember?"

  "I must confess I remember the king's visit," said Turner, "but there were so many nobles, I couldn't possibly remember them all."

  "He wasn't a noble at the time," said Gerald, "he was in charge of the king's bodyguard."

  "I think I remember him now, wasn't he a bit of a horse's arse?"

  "That's the man."

  "Tell me," said Jim, "how goes the war? We've heard so little. I can only assume that, since you're here, it goes well?"

  "It does," Gerald confirmed. "In fact, our armies have pushed the king's forces back to Wincaster. The north has been secured, and even as we speak, we're marching to the capital with new troops."

  "That's good news."

  "Yes, hopefully by the end of the summer this war will be over. I know you're short of funds, but you must hold on a little longer. Once Anna takes the throne I'm sure she'll want to look after Uxley Hall, she sees it as her home. When we return to the army, I'll see if we can spare a little coin. It won't be much, mind you, but it should see you through to the end of the summer."

  "That would be appreciated," said Turner. He had now placed the last of the horses in their stalls and began removing their saddles.

  "I should get back to the Hall," said Gerald. "I'll leave you to finish up here."

  "Of course," said Turner, "it's good to have you back, even if it is a short visit."

  * * *

  Aubrey followed Anna into the estate. The entrance looked large, far larger than Aubrey's own home, and she marvelled at the massive staircase that led up to the balcony above the great hall.

  Tempus trotted in behind them, his nails tapping away on the wooden floor.

  "Hello?" called out the princess. "Is anyone home?"

  "It looks empty," added Aubrey.

  The patter of distant feet drifted towards their ears. "Someone's coming," said Anna. "I wonder who it could be?"

  A moment later a portly woman appeared from the hall to their left. She stared at the visitors in disbelief.

  "Is that you, Highness?" she called out. "I can't believe it!"

  "It is indeed, Mrs. Brown," said Anna, delight evident on her face. "Sophie would have come too, but she's busy with the army. I'll bring her on my next visit, I promise."

  The old woman came closer, "My goodness, look at you." Her eyes wandered to Aubrey, "And who's this you've brought with you?"

  Aubrey bowed slightly as she introduced herself. ”Lady Aubrey Brandon," she said.

  "Lady Aubrey is being modest," said Anna, "she's the Baroness of Hawksburg."

  "Well, I never," said Mrs. Brown. "Shall I make some food? We weren't expecting visitors, but I can pull something together if you like?"

  "No, it's all right, we can't stay for long. We've come to visit Hanson. I assume he's still here?"

  "
He is, Highness, though he spends most of his time in his bed these days. He'll be tickled pink to see you. Shall I take you to him?"

  "No," said Anna, "I think I'd like to surprise him. Don't worry, I remember the way."

  "Very well," the old woman replied. "My goodness, you've grown so much. Look at you, the very model of womanhood. I expect you'll be getting married soon."

  Aubrey chuckled.

  "Not for some time yet, Mrs. Brown," said Anna, blushing profusely. "Perhaps you might bring some drinks. Do you have any of that sweet cider you used to make?"

  "I'll go and fetch some," said the cook, toddling off down the hall.

  "That was quite interesting," remarked Aubrey. "She's obviously very devoted to you."

  "Cook was always one of my favourites," she confessed. "She used to make the most magnificent scones."

  "Stop it," said Aubrey, "you're making me hungry. We're here to see Hanson, remember?"

  "So we are," Anna replied. "Follow me."

  They began making their way through the manor.

  "Remind me what his symptoms were," said Aubrey.

  "The right side of his face fell, I don't know how else to describe it. Oh, and his right arm wouldn't work properly."

  "I've read of this sort of thing before. I assume his speech was slurred."

  "Yes, it was quite disturbing when it happened."

  "You were there?"

  "Yes, he and Gerald had come to talk to my tutor. I was in the middle of a lesson, you see. Gerald started to say something and then Alistair, that's Hanson's first name, he grabbed onto Gerald's arm and fell to the floor."

  "That must have been terrifying," said Aubrey.

  "It was. I was only ten at the time. Of course, I insisted he remain here at Uxley so we could care for him."

  "Didn't you have someone looking after you? Your mother, or an uncle or something?"

  "No, just Gerald and the rest of the staff."

  "And Tempus, I assume," added Aubrey. "Speaking of which, where is he?"

  "He's likely made his way to the kitchen, don't worry he'll show up later."

  They arrived at a simple wooden door. "This is it," said Anna. "Hanson lies just beyond." She knocked timidly, "Alistair? Are you in there?"

  Aubrey heard a faint reply, and then Anna opened the door to a room that was on the small side, big enough only for a bed and a small nightstand on which sat an unlit candle. There was a window here, its glass thick and dirty, but light still managed to struggle in, bathing the room in the orange glow of the afternoon sun.

  "Your Highness," came a reedy voice.

  Anna stepped inside, Aubrey close behind. The young mage saw an old man lying in bed. He looked ancient, with a bald head and strands of wispy white hair to the sides. The man had slurred his words, and Aubrey could see why for the right side of his face was slack.

  "It's good to see you, Hanson," said Anna.

  "And you, Highness," squeaked out the old man.

  "I've brought a friend to see you, Alistair. This is Lady Aubrey Brandon."

  "To see me? Why?"

  Aubrey saw tears coming to the princess's face and stepped forward. "I'm a healer. I'm going to use magic to make you feel better. Do you understand?"

  "I'm afraid I'm naught but an old man," said Hanson. "I doubt there's anything you can do for me."

  "We shall see," said Aubrey moving to the side of the bed. "Now, I'm going to cast a spell, then I'll touch your face and right arm. Will that be all right?"

  The man nodded weakly.

  "Very well, let's begin, shall we?"

  She knelt by the side of the bed and held her hands before her as if she was staring at the back of them. The familiar buzz in the air could be felt as she started her incantation. Stray strands of hair poked loose from her head and began to stand on end as the spell continued. Soon, her fingers glowed with a deep orange hue, and then she went quiet, placing her hands upon her patient. The light flowed from her hands into Hanson, the orange glow transferring into his face and arm and then the colour travelled to the top of his head, lingering for a moment before dissipating.

  "It's done," said Aubrey, letting out a long breath. "How does it feel?"

  "I don't feel..." the old man's words trailed off. "Good Gods, I can talk properly again! By Saxnor's beard, you've healed me!" He held up his right arm, clenching and unclenching his fist before his tear-stained eyes. "I can use my arm! How can I ever thank you?"

  Aubrey looked at Anna to see tears of joy running down her face. "It is I that should thank you," said the young mage, "you've brought such happiness to Princess Anna."

  "You'll have to rest a few days," warned Anna.

  "Yes," agreed Aubrey, "your body has been afflicted for some time, it will be a bit of an adjustment returning to its natural state. You might find yourself a little clumsy for a few days. I would suggest you start with short walks and simple tasks."

  "Will he need another treatment?" asked Anna.

  "I don't think so," Aubrey replied. "I felt him being cleansed of his affliction."

  "But how is that possible?" asked Anna. "Surely the entire lame arm would have had to be regenerated?"

  "I think not. Did you notice how the colour stayed in his head for a moment longer?"

  "I did, why?"

  "I think his brain was damaged, not his arm. There are some that say the brain controls everything. I don't know if that's true, but he seems to be back to his old self."

  "I won't forget this, Aubrey; it means the world to me. Now, how can I repay you?"

  "How about you show me around the estate, Highness?"

  "Now that, I can do," Anna replied.

  * * *

  Anna and Aubrey found Gerald outside, on the grounds, tossing a stick for Tempus.

  "Some things never change," said Anna. "Tempus still likes to chase sticks."

  "I imagine you have fond memories of this place," said Aubrey.

  "I do," Anna admitted, "though it feels like a lifetime ago. You know I never told anyone this, but Gerald and I planned to run away together and live out our lives as a family. He really is a father to me."

  "What changed your mind?" Aubrey asked.

  "The war," she replied. "Just as we were planning to leave, your cousin showed up and told us the kingdom had been invaded."

  "That sounds like Beverly," said Aubrey. "Do you ever regret your decision?"

  "Once or twice," she replied, "but things happen for a reason. Call it fate if you will, but I've learned that when Gerald and I are together, we can overcome anything, and now you're part of my family, too."

  "Me?" said Aubrey in surprise.

  "Yes, you, Beverly, Revi, and all of my advisors, to tell the truth. I know you lost your family, Aubrey. And I know how painful that can be, but we're here for you now, I want you to remember that. If you have a problem, no matter how large or small, you must feel free to come and talk it over with us."

  "I'll remember that, Highness, I promise."

  * * *

  Arlo Harris leaned on the parapet, looking down on the farms that lay to the west. The cool afternoon breeze was a welcome respite from the morning's heat, and he took off his helmet to let the sweat evaporate.

  "Cold?" came a familiar voice.

  He turned to see Sam Collins approaching.

  "No," he replied, "just nervous. We're a long way from Uxley."

  "That we are," Sam agreed. "What I wouldn't give to be back home safe and sound."

  "Yes," agreed Arlo, "given a choice, I'd much rather be behind the bar at the Old Oak, but fate has dictated otherwise, and instead, here we are in this godforsaken place."

  "Not fate," said Sam, bitterly, "but the marshal-general."

  "Regardless," said the old man, "this will end badly, mark my words."

  "Agreed," added Sam. "There'll be a terrible siege, and then we'll all die."

  "You should have more faith," said Arlo.

  "In who?" asked his companion. "We've
been drafted into this army with little training," he looked down at his threadbare tunic, "and this useless garb. They might have at least given us some armour."

  "At least you have an axe, all I got was a spear."

  "Perhaps they won't attack this part of the wall," said Sam.

  "If we're lucky," Arlo said, then fell into silence.

  "I miss Jax," said Sam.

  "He was following us when we marched," said Arlo. "What happened to him?"

  "The sergeant doesn't like dogs and chased him off."

  "Riger?"

  "Yes," said Sam, "miserable excuse for a man."

  "I'd have to agree," said Arlo. "He deals out fists as often as orders. Who does he think we are, prisoners?"

  "We are, if you think about it."

  "What do you mean?"

  "We were forced here, we didn't volunteer."

  "It's our duty," said Arlo, "or have you forgotten the law. Each able-bodied man is to provide arms and armour according to their station, and up to thirty days service."

  "You really think they'll let us go after thirty days?"

  "No," said Arlo, "not when they're expecting a siege."

  "I miss Gerald," said Sam. "He would know how to deal with this."

  "Gerald Matheson? Now, there's a name I haven't heard in a while." He went silent for a moment and then started to laugh.

  "What's so funny?" asked Sam.

  "It just occurred to me," said Arlo, "that he'll be here after all."

  "Gerald's here?"

  "He will be. Or rather, he'll be out there," he pointed westward.

  "What's that supposed to mean?"

  "Don't you keep up on gossip, man? He serves the princess. Rumour is he heads up the rebel army."

  "Gerald does? But he's just a sergeant."

  "I heard they call him general now. He fought in the west and word is he was at the marshal-general's defeat in the north."

  "I thought that was Baron Fitzwilliam," said Sam.

  "They were both there," Arlo swore.

  "Well, that's just great. Not only are we here to defend the city, but we'll likely be killed by our friend. Anything else you'd like to tell me?"

  "You need to relax," said Arlo.

  "Relax? How can I relax when they're coming to kill us?"