Sword of the Crown

by Paul J Bennett

  “It means a death, likely the death of a royal. The Palace flies the flag of Merceria and the Royal Standard whenever the king is in residence. Can you tell which flag is at half-mast?”

  The Elf Lord stared at the Palace which, to Beverly’s eyes, was little more than a speck in the distance. “Both,” he said with some finality.

  “That means a Royal Death,” she said. “I’d better ride back and inform the princess.”

  “Perhaps, when we enter the city,” said Lord Greycloak, “I will keep my Elves removed from the king’s presence. We will remain camped outside of the city walls, near the woods. You can contact me there should the princess require my services.”

  They rode back to the princess in silence. Beverly was shocked by the cruel punishment meted out by the king; what would they find when they arrived in the city? The column had halted to allow the men to rest before entering the capital. Beverly rode up to the princess, who was stretching her legs while Tempus relieved himself on the carriage wheel.

  “What news, Beverly?” she asked.

  “The flag of Merceria still flies from the city, Your Highness. It is safe to enter Wincaster.”

  Anna looked at Beverly’s face for a moment, “What aren’t you telling me, Beverly?”

  Beverly flushed, “It’s not a pretty sight, Your Highness. They’ve set cages hanging from the walls.”

  “Cages? What for?”

  “I’m afraid they’re full of prisoners, Your Highness.”

  Beverly saw the princess visibly pale as she took in the meaning of her words. “That’s barbaric,” she said at last.

  “Your father likely thought it a suitable punishment for traitors, Highness.”

  “We both know he’s not my father,” Anna said quietly, “perhaps that’s a blessing. In any event, there’s nothing we can do about it. What the king wants, the king gets. Have the troops resume the march. I’d like you to ride to the city gates and make sure the doors are open for us. We’ll march the army straight to the Palace grounds and have them form up for the king’s inspection.”

  “I’m afraid there’s more, Highness. The flags of Merceria are both at half mast; there’s been a death in the Royal Family.”

  “Just as the prophecy foretold,” said Anna, “I wish we’d made better time.”

  “We cannot lament time which is past; we must look to the future, Highness.”

  She saw Anna struggling to keep her calm demeanour. “True,” she said at last. “Have the army continue the march, we’ll find out for ourselves what has happened in our absence.”

  “As Your Highness commands,” Beverly said, wheeling her great warhorse about. “I shall ride to the gate directly.”

  It didn't take long to reach the gates, which were open, and the guards more or less at ease. She rode up to the soldier standing in the doorway and addressed him.

  “You there,” she commanded, “Princess Anna of Merceria approaches, what news?”

  The guard, startled, stood up straight to answer as he saw her knightly armour. “Prince Alfred is dead,” he announced. “Killed a few days ago in battle. I’m afraid I don’t know much more.”

  “Thank you,” said Beverly, “can you keep the way clear? We are marching with an army of reinforcements for the king."

  “By all means,” the man stuttered, “your lord…I mean ladyship.”

  Beverly smiled at the man's discomfort, for she was used to it. How many other women had had the misfortune to be addressed as a lord, she wondered?

  * * *

  The army marched through the gates, unhindered by any objections from the guards, making their way through town. Beverly had informed Princess Anna of the death of her brother, Prince Alfred, and was surprised to see the relief on her face. She had no memories of Alfred, she had said, but was afraid it was her brother Henry that had died. Now informed, she was eager to get to the Palace to learn how it had happened.

  The carriage rolled up to the Palace, in front of which was a sizable cobblestoned parade ground. Gerald saw to the troops, lining them up as they arrived. Anna called for her other advisors, and entered the Palace itself, following a nobleman named Lord Bradford who had been sent to introduce them. They walked into the great hall, to be met by a crowded audience. The king sat at a large table set up against the north wall, with Marshal-General Valmar on his right and Prince Henry on his left. The rest of the table was crowded with other nobles of rank, while the floor contained lesser nobles and men of import that were gathered to hear the king’s words.

  The assembly had evidently been carrying on for some time, judging by the half-eaten food on the table, and even as someone spoke from the floor, the king bit into a chicken leg.

  Anna had taken the lead, Beverly just behind her, and the rest following. The crowd parted as Lord Bradford instructed them to make way. The throng stepped back even further as they drew closer to the king, creating an open area where the small party now found itself standing.

  The room fell into a hush, and Anna whispered to Beverly, who then stepped forward, and in a loud, clear voice announced, “Your Majesty, the army of Princess Anna has defeated the invaders at Kingsford,” she paused as the crowd murmured, for no one had heard this news. She waited for the noise to die down and spoke again, “From there, the army headed north to defeat the second invasion at Bodden,” she continued, “and now comes to the aid of Wincaster.”

  She returned to her position behind Anna as they had agreed.

  The onlookers were in a tremendous uproar over the news, and the king stood, quieting the crowd. “You have done well, daughter, but I fear you are too late to save your brother. Prince Alfred is dead.”

  Beverly didn’t see Anna’s reaction from her position but heard her take a measured breath before answering. “The news saddens me, Father,” she said, “I pray that his death shall be avenged.”

  The king stepped around the table toward her, placing his hands upon her small shoulders. “You have brought good news in our time of sorrow,” he said. “Tomorrow, we shall bury your brother, and then the army will move to Eastwood and end this uprising, once and for all.”

  Anna smiled, and Beverly could almost see her soaking in her father's affection.

  “Now you must eat,” he said, “and celebrate your victories, for on the morrow we must mourn.” He gazed down at the princess, and Beverly was struck by how small she looked in comparison to the king.

  He spoke in a quieter voice as the room applauded his speech, “Eat, rest yourself and come and see me when you are done, we have much to discuss.” King Andred turned to Prince Henry and bade him look after his sister, and then he strode from the room. Beverly watched him go, seeing the look of grief that was on his face when he thought no one was looking.

  Anna made her way through the well-wishers that now closed in on her to offer their congratulations. Beverly grew concerned by their closeness and pushed a path through. Arnim and the others, worried about the prophesy, moved closer to form a protective wall around her. Tempus accompanied her, growling when people got too close. The strange procession made its way to Prince Henry; a chair already pulled out for the princess. Beverly took her station behind her, alert to any possible danger, while her dog curled up at Anna's feet.

  “Good to see you, Squeak,” said Henry. “I must say I was surprised to hear you had marched off with an army. I didn’t think you had it in you. You’re quite a surprise, little sister.”

  “I did what I had to,” said Anna. “I didn’t have much choice.”

  “Still,” he insisted, “good job. Father appears most impressed.”

  “What happened to Alfred?” she pushed. “How did he die?”

  “It was a mess. Where do I start?”

  “How about when you got to Wincaster?”

  “We returned to Wincaster about two weeks after you left for Kingsford,” he started. “Just after we arrived, we got word that the earl was marching down from Eastwood. We pulled together all the t
roops we were able to and marched north to intercept him. We had picked up some troops on the march and were expecting reinforcements from Colbridge and Shrewesdale, but we daren’t wait in case he made it to the city walls. Father was surprised to see Dwarves manning the walls; I take it that was your idea?”

  “Yes,” said Anna, “though it was the Elves that convinced them to join us.”

  “Father was very impressed,” Henry returned to his story, “and so we marched to intercept the earl.”

  “What happened on the journey?” Anna prompted.

  “We marched for three days before we stumbled across the enemy in a thick morning fog; we literally ran right into them. Both armies were on the road; it was completely chaotic. At first, we thought we’d run across one of our own units, but then the fighting started. By the time the fog lifted we were well into it. Even now, I’m not sure of the exact sequence of events, but at some point in time, Alfred led a band of knights in a charge against the enemy. That was the last we saw of him until his body was returned to us.”

  “Who recovered the body?” Anna asked.

  “A ranger named Hayley Chambers,” Henry continued. “Father knighted her for it. The body was in a fearful state; nobody knew which blow killed him.”

  “So he died fighting,” said Anna.

  “I think so, but we’ll never know for sure. Father took it hard; he wanted to execute all the prisoners in retaliation.”

  “I’m guessing someone convinced him not to, judging by the cages on the walls.”

  “Very perceptive,” Henry said. “Valmar talked to him, convinced him not to. Some of our men were their prisoners; if we executed their men, they might kill ours. Father decided to punish them instead. For three days he had them tortured, not even bothering to ask them questions; he was in a fearful rage. Now they hang on the walls in cages, to starve to death or be picked apart by crows.”

  “Grisly,” said Anna, and Beverly imagined the look of disgust on her face.

  “Yes, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. He’s a changed man, Anna; something inside him broke that day. Now all he talks about is burying Alfred and sending the army to take revenge.”

  Anna was quick to pick up on the details. “Send the army?” she said. “You mean he’s not commanding it himself?”

  “No, he’s putting me in charge with Valmar to advise me. I think he really means for Valmar to be in charge, but he needs me to carry the might of the crown.”

  “How do you feel about that, Henry?” she asked.

  Henry shrugged, “All right, I suppose. I want to see the earl brought to justice. Alfred was a pain in the arse, but he was still my brother. His death troubles me; it sends a message that rebels can kill royals with no repercussions. We have to avenge him.”

  “How many troops are marching?” Anna asked.

  “I don’t know yet; Father will hold a war council tomorrow after the funeral. He wants you there, by the way, along with any advisors you have.”

  “I’ll be sure to be there,” she said.

  Beverly saw the prince smiling at his younger sister. “That reminds me,” he said, “how did that knight I sent you to work out?”

  Anna looked back at Beverly and winked. “I think she’s proven to be more than adequate,” she said.

  * * *

  A little while later they made their way to the king’s drawing room to find him sitting in a large armchair, Lady Penelope standing behind him, massaging his shoulders. Anna entered, with Beverly close behind.

  It was Lady Penelope who spoke first, “You don’t need a bodyguard here, Highness." She looked straight at Beverly, “You can wait outside.”

  “It’s all right,” interrupted the king. “She’s earned the right to a bodyguard; the knight can stay.”

  Beverly took a quiet station by the door, not missing the look of contempt that crossed the face of the king’s mistress.

  “I’m proud of you, Anna,” said the king. “You’ve impressed me. I would never have thought you would command an army.”

  Anna sat down opposite the king, and from her vantage point, Beverly watched both their faces in profile. “Thank you, Father,” Anna said, somewhat uncomfortably, thought Beverly.

  The king stared at his daughter for a moment. “I suppose in hindsight I should apologize for abandoning you to Uxley, though it appears to have done well for you, keeping you away from the court. You show a strength of character that is seldom seen in someone so young; you take after your mother that way.” A slight look of pain that crossed the king’s face; perhaps there was regret over the queen?

  Anna shifted uncomfortably, apparently not sure how to respond.

  “I’m preparing an army to march to Eastwood, as you no doubt have learned,” he said. “I think you’ve earned the right to be part of it.”

  Anna sat up, suddenly more alert.

  “Henry will command,” he continued, “with Marshal-General Valmar to advise him. The army will form up in a number of sections, each commanded by its own noble. I’d like you to command the screening force, mostly archers and some cavalry. Do you have a military expert?”

  “Yes, several,” she replied, “but I would name Baron Fitzwilliam as my official advisor, he has much field experience.”

  The king nodded his head in approval. “Good choice,” he said, “once again you surprise me with your decisions.”

  Beverly thought Anna was trying to hide a smile, to maintain proper decorum in front of the king.

  “I also think it only proper that you take some knights into service. The crown will provide the necessary funds.”

  Now it was Lady Penelope that spoke up, “Is that a good idea, my lord? She is but a young girl.”

  “Young she might be, but she’s proven herself in battle. If she can lead an army, she can certainly have some knights. Shall we say a dozen or so? I’ll leave it up to your people to make the arrangements.”

  The king turned to pick up a small chalice from the table beside him. Beverly noticed Lady Penelope eye the princess with disdain; this was someone worth watching, she thought.

  “Might I ask,” said Anna, “what the funeral arrangements are for tomorrow?”

  The king took a deep drink, “You’ll follow Margaret in the procession, in an open-topped carriage. You should probably have a knight or two beside you while we proceed to the Cathedral. I can lend you a couple of knights if you want.”

  “No, thank you, I have my own people,” said Anna. “What time are we forming up?”

  “The procession will leave the Palace at noon; I’ll send a servant to your quarters with the details. Now, if you’ll pardon me, I have work I must attend to.”

  The king stood, and Anna recognized this was the signal to leave. She bowed and made her way from the room, Beverly falling in behind her.

  Once they were in the hallway, Anna spoke, “Did you get all that?”

  “Yes, Highness, where would you like me to begin?”

  “I want you to track down Dame Hayley Chambers, for a start. She’s the ranger who the king just knighted, and we need some knights.”

  “Are you sure?” Beverly questioned. “We don’t know anything about her.”

  “On the contrary,” said Anna, “I’ve met her before. I once awarded her a prize for her archery.”

  Beverly was caught off guard yet again; Princess Anna was so full of surprises.

  * * *

  The next day was a sombre affair as the procession got underway. The body of Alfred, led by a contingent of knights, was driven on an open-topped wagon. King Andred and Prince Henry followed on foot, along with his closest advisors. Princess Margaret came next, riding in an open-topped carriage, followed closely by Princess Anna, who was seated with her maid, Sophie and Tempus, who stayed at her feet, the ever-alert dog observing the passers-by.

  Beverly and Gerald both rode horses, one to each side of Princess Anna's carriage. Beverly had insisted on the extra protection, Albreda’s words still
fresh in her mind.

  The column started at the Palace and began its route through the city that would end at the Cathedral where the nobles of the realm were gathered to pay their respects. The pace was slow, as befitting a funeral, and Beverly scanned the crowds as they rode, on the lookout for danger. The rest of Anna’s entourage followed behind, on foot, save for Lord Greycloak. The Elves did not mourn their dead, and he chose to watch from the walls lest the enemy attack while the city grieved.

  The procession headed south and then turned westward toward the cathedral, its spires visible over the tops of the houses. Anna was talking to Sophie when Tempus abruptly sat up and barked. Nobody knew what was happening, but an instant later the loyal dog leaped from the carriage to hit the ground just in front of Beverly. Lightning quickly sidestepped, and then the great beast ran forward, toward Margaret’s carriage. Anna was calling after him, and Beverly heard Arnim, behind her, calling out.

  “The rooftop,” he was shouting, “'ware the rooftop!”

  Beverly looked to where the captain pointed. A man was crouched on the tile roof, aiming a crossbow at Princess Margaret. She saw him stop moving and pull the trigger. The bolt sang out, sailing across the open distance in what appeared to Beverly like slow motion. Helpless to stop it, she watched the bolt fly closer, and then a large shape sprung up into the carriage. It was Tempus, and he took the full force of the bolt, saving Princess Margaret, and then sagged to the floor of the carriage. Margaret was screaming as the whole street erupted into motion when panic set in.

  Anna jumped from her carriage in an attempt to get to her sister. Revi ran past her to help, while Arnim ran for an alleyway.

  “Next alleyway,” he shouted at Beverly, “there’s a ladder to the roof.”

  She spurred Lightning forward and turned down the alley, to see a ladder firmly fixed to the wall. She leaped from her mount, grasping the ladder halfway up and climbed with all her might. All around her, people were yelling, panicking, running for cover, while soldiers tried to seek out the assailant. The ladder led to a small flat area on the top of the building. There, three people who had been watching the parade from this vantage point, pointed at the adjoining roof as she crested the top. Turning, she saw the assassin nimbly crossing the sloped rooftop, and then heard Arnim shouting from behind him. Running parallel to the other houses until they were closer, she leaped and landed, but her feet slipped on the clay tiling, and she started sliding to the edge of the roof. Grasping frantically, she used a chimney to stop her fall and then hauled herself to her feet just in time to see the assailant running toward her. Seeing her in front of him, he stopped, and peered around, looking for an escape. She saw Arnim who, having just gained the roof was coming up behind the man.