Sword of the Crown

by Paul J Bennett

  Beverly smiled, “Are you sure you’re only thirteen, Highness?”

  * * *

  They made their way into the great hall to be greeted with the sounds of music and merriment. The noise was oppressive, but Beverly found that guests lapsed into silence whenever she approached.

  Anna made her way to Gerald, “Gerald, would you like to dance?”

  Gerald’s eyes widened, and Beverly laughed at his obvious discomfort. “Go on, Gerald,” she urged, “it’s not as hard as it looks.”

  Anna led him onto the dance floor to line up with the others. Beverly watched as the music started and the intricate lines began to move.

  “He’s better than I would have thought,” said a familiar voice.

  She turned, “Well said, Father. I was afraid he was going to be lost.”

  The baron chuckled, “He’s a surprising man, although nothing really surprises me anymore when it comes to Gerald.”

  She nodded in agreement and grabbed a glass of wine as a servant passed by.

  “I meant to tell you how well you did in the battle, my dear, we couldn’t have done it without you. Never mind what the king said. Your mother would be proud.”

  She felt tears beginning to well up and took a sip of wine to steady her nerves. She had wanted recognition, and it dawned on her that she had always had it from her father. He supported her from the moment she was born, and for that, she would be forever thankful. The king’s anger was eclipsed by her father's praise.

  “Now, you must excuse me, my dear, I’ve just spotted your uncle, and I need to talk to him about some cheese.”

  He made his way across the great hall, smiling as he went. Beverly downed the rest of her wine and placed the glass on a nearby table. Despite the large crowd in the room, she felt alone. It was Hayley who found her a little while later. The brunette was carrying two goblets and handed one to her.

  “What’s this?” she said. “You’re not dancing? There are several young bachelors here who might catch your eye if you let them.”

  Beverly turned to her new friend, “I’m afraid there’s none here that could meet my standards.”

  “Perhaps you need to lower your standards?” suggested Hayley.

  “No, that I will never do.”

  Hayley shook her head, “No one will ever meet your standards if you don’t lower them. You're too picky.”

  Beverly smiled. She thought of Aldwin, and it brought comfort to her. She knew one day they'd be together, and until then she would have the memory of him to carry her through.

  Hayley was about to speak when the music stopped suddenly. The entire room fell into a hush as a group of finely dressed men, strangers to the court, entered the hall.

  The crowd parted as they made their way toward the king, stopping about ten feet away.

  “Your Majesty,” the one in front said, “allow me to introduce myself.”

  The king nodded in assent, and the man continued.

  “I am Lord Edwin Weldridge, the Earl of Faltingham and I have come from Westland bearing greetings from King Leofric. He apologizes for the troops that entered your kingdom from our borders and hastens to assure you that he had no part in the attack. The troops were sent without his knowledge, and the man responsible has been punished.”

  King Andred looked the man over carefully. “And what does King Leofric offer in recompense?”

  “King Leofric wishes to make amends and gifts you this.” Two members of the delegation stepped forward, carrying a chest between them. They placed it on the ground before King Andred, opening its lid for his inspection. Beverly could not see the contents, but the golden hue of light reflected upon the ruler of Merceria’s face left no doubt as to its contents.

  Lord Edwin continued, “He invites you to send a delegation to our kingdom that we might better understand the bonds between our two realms. We, in turn, shall send an ambassador of our own.”

  The king stepped forward to shake the hand of Lord Edwin. “I accept your hand as the hand of friendship,” he said, “let it be thus between our two kingdoms.”

  The crowd cautiously applauded, and the king called for the music to resume. Beverly, enthralled by this turn of events, made her way toward the newcomer, the better to hear what was being said.

  As she closed the distance, she found it harder to move, for the crowd was returning to the dance, and now swirling men and women kept getting in her way. Eventually, she made it to the other side of the room and saw Lord Weldridge talking to the king, a bored-looking Lady Penelope in tow.

  “I think it’s a wonderful opportunity,” the king was saying, obviously in a good mood. “I can have my daughter, Margaret, ready to travel by the month's end. Would that suit your king?”

  “Most certainly,” agreed the Westland noble. “I think he will be delighted to host her. I shall send word immediately so that arrangements can be made. He will wish to show her every courtesy. Of course, you will send an honour guard?”

  “Naturally, some Knights of the Sword to protect her along with a suitable amount of servants. I shall send an adviser as well.”

  “I should think that would be perfect,” the earl readily agreed.

  “Now,” said the king with some finality, "let me show you some of our finest wines.”

  The two of them wandered away toward a side table, leaving Lady Penelope fuming behind them. Beverly saw the look upon the royal mistress's face; it did not indicate a pleasant evening was in the king's future.

  Epilogue

  Spring 960 MC

  Claire placed the silver tray on the table as quietly as she could. Her ladyship preferred her servants to be seen, but not heard, and Claire needed this position. She took the wine bottle from the tray, carefully placing it on the table along with the silver goblet she had brought.

  “That will be all,” said Lady Penelope Cromwell. “You may leave.”

  Claire curtsied, leaving the room quickly. The king’s mistress was, perhaps, the most powerful woman in the kingdom, even more influential than the queen some said, and she demanded the highest calibre of service. The nervous servant walked down the hallway, returning to the kitchen only to realize she had left the tray in the room. Silently cursing herself, she made her way back to Lady Penelope’s chamber and quietly opened the door. She heard Lady Penelope’s voice coming from the room.

  “The fighting is over, and I have secured the cooperation of the king. Our plans are progressing well, but there has been an unexpected development.”

  “Development?” asked a man's voice.

  “Yes, an envoy from Westland has come seeking a visit from a royal. The king wants to send Margaret, but I have other plans for her.”

  “What of Princess Anna?”

  “She is a complication that we can do without. I will suggest the king send her in her sister's place. With her out of the way, our control over Henry will be complete.”

  Claire opened the door wider, straining to see where the male voice was coming from. She poked her head in and gasped, for Lady Penelope was still sitting in front of her mirror, the frame of which was lit up with glowing runes. She was talking directly at the mirror, but the reflection was not that of the royal mistress.

  The door squeaked, and Penelope turned suddenly at the sound.

  “Do come in, don’t be afraid,” she said.

  The maid stepped into the room and Penelope rose from her seat. Claire tried to keep her eyes from the mirror, but she felt compelled to look.

  “Come closer,” said the king’s mistress, “have a look and see.”

  Claire stepped closer and gazed into the mirror, but rather than see her own reflection, she saw a completely different room.

  “I’m sorry, my dear,” Penelope said in a soothing voice, “but I’m afraid you’ve overheard something you shouldn’t have.

  The dagger struck quickly, piercing the young maid's heart. Penelope drew it out; its blade hissing as the venom mixed with blood.

  “
It’s so hard to find good help these days.”

  Share your thoughts!

  If you enjoyed this book, share your favourite part! These positive reviews encourage other potential readers to give the series a try and help the book to populate when people are searching for a new fantasy series. And the best part is, each review I receive inspires me to write more in the land of Merceria and beyond.

  Thank you!

  Sword of the Crown Review Link

  Mercerian Tales: Stories of the Past, Chapter 1

  Bodden

  Summer 960 MC*

  The wood in the fireplace crackled as Gerald Matheson dropped another log onto the embers. Pausing a moment to watch the ensuing blaze erupt, he returned to the comfort of his chair, satisfied in the knowledge that the room would soon heat up. Princess Anna lay on the floor with her feet to the fire while her back was comforted by the body of her massive hound, Tempus. As she waited for the warmth to curl around her, her body was snuggled into a blanket to ward off the evening's chill.

  Baron Richard Fitzwilliam reclined nearby, sipping wine from a tankard while his daughter, Beverly, sat oiling her sword. Dame Hayley Chambers, the recently knighted King's Ranger, was chatting with her quietly, as the fire sparked back to life.

  “It’s almost like old times, Gerald,” commented Fitz.

  Gerald smiled, “Not quite, my lord; we’ve all gotten a little older.”

  A small laugh escaped the princess, “Not all of us are old, Gerald.”

  “Are you sure,” said Fitz, before Gerald could respond to the princess's good-natured banter, “that you don’t want me to accompany you to Westland, Highness? The Knights of Bodden would be only too happy to act as your escort.”

  “No, Baron. Much as I appreciate the offer, you’re needed here to protect the border. I don’t want to come back to Merceria, only to find it overrun. Besides, I’ve got Beverly and Hayley here, along with my other new knights; I’ll be safe enough.”

  The room quieted, and then Beverly put down her sword. “Remember when you used to tell me stories in front of the fire, Father?”

  Anna, who only a moment ago was laying tranquilly on her beloved pet, perked up. “Stories? Do tell.”

  “Baron Fitzwilliam used to tell all manner of stories to young Lady Beverly. She loved them,” explained Gerald.

  “I love stories, too,” a now animated Anna, gushed. "Would you be willing to regale us with one, Baron?"

  “Well,” said Fitz, as he absently stroked his beard, “what kind of stories do you like?”

  Anna sat up, turning to face the others with a sparkle in her eye. Even Tempus’ ears picked up. “I like all kinds of stories.”

  “You realize,” said Gerald, “once you start, there’s no stopping. You’ll be telling stories all night long.”

  “What if we took turns?” suggested Beverly.

  “Oooh, even better,” begged Anna.

  “I’m afraid I don't remember any of the stories I used to tell Beverly. It's been many years since we had a young girl in the Keep,” responded the baron.

  “How about when you first encountered Albreda?” asked Beverly. “I've often wondered how you two met each other. I understand it was some time ago.”

  “Now, that,” said Fitz, getting into the spirit of it, “is an interesting story, an interesting story indeed. It all started back in ‘33 when I was still a young man…”

  * * *

  Continue Mercerian Tales: Stories of the Past

  How to get Battle at the River for free

  Paul J Bennett’s newsletter members are the first to hear about upcoming books, along with receiving exclusive content and Work In Progress updates.

  * * *

  Join the newsletter and receive Battle at the River, a Mercerian Short Story for free.

  Sign up for Paul J Bennett’s Newsletter

  An enemy commander. A skilled tactician. Only one can be victorious.

  The Norland raiders are at it again. When the Baron of Bodden splits their defensive forces, Sergeant Gerald Matheson thinks that today is a day like any other, but then something is different. At the last moment, Gerald recognizes the warning signs, but they are outnumbered, outmaneuvered, and out of luck. How can they win this unbeatable battle?

  * * *

  If you like intense battle scenes and unexpected plot twists, then you will love Paul J Bennett's tale of a soldier who thinks outside the box.

  Dedication

  Dedicated to my buddy Brady

  2007 to 2018

  Also by Paul J Bennett

  Servant of the Crown, Heir to the Crown: Book one

  After tragedy changes the course of his life, Gerald serves as a soldier for years until a single act of self-sacrifice thrusts his future into the world of politics.

  Banished with little more than the clothes on his back, he seeks a new purpose, for what is a warrior who has nothing left to fight for? A fateful meeting with another lost soul unmasks a shocking secret, compelling him to take up the mantle of guardian. Bandits, the Black Hand, and even the king, he battles them all for the future of the realm.

  If you like gritty fight scenes, realistic characters, and well-crafted worlds, then you will love this tale of a warrior who refuses to retreat.

  Start Servant of the Crown Now

  Mercerian Tales: Stories of the Past, Heir to the Crown: Book 2.5

  In a land where true heroism is more likely to be rewarded with accusations of treason, comes a recounting of past adventures by the unsung heroes of the realm.

  From meeting a witch willing to sacrifice all in defense of her companions, to the discovery of hereunto unknown creature preying on the hapless villagers of Mattingly, to the act of simply falling off a horse changing the future of the realm, their accounts are spellbinding.

  More than just a collection of short stories, it falls chronologically between books two and three of the Heir to the Crown series and can be read at any time.

  Start Mercerian Tales Now

  Heart of the Crown, Heir to the Crown: Book Three

  For as long as he can remember, Alric dreamed of being a hero; of defeating a dragon and saving the princess, but his royal position would never allow it, until…

  The arrival of the Mercerian Emissaries demands a princely escort, and his tranquil life is upended from the beginning, as havoc follows these dignitaries everywhere.

  From fighting unknown creatures to defending the life of a royal, he discovers that becoming a hero is much more dangerous than he ever imagined. No matter what the outcome, his life will never be the same.

  If you like contests of skill, courtly intrigue and diplomatic disasters, then you will love this tale of a prince who desires greatness.

  Start Heart of the Crown now

  A few words from Paul

  When I started writing the original book in the series, I knew I wanted to tell a unique story, the story of the heir to the crown as witnessed by those around her. The first significant influence on her life was Gerald Matheson, but in Sword of the Crown, the focus shifts. Gerald is still in her life, but now Beverly takes centre stage. Ultimately, Beverly must overcome opposition, as well as her fears to become the warrior that she needs to be. In order to fully understand the character of Beverly, I had to develop a richer background to her father. His story has inspired Mercerian Tales: Origins, which will be published later this year.

  It is easy to write a story about a hero who conquers all, but in real life, there are often obstacles that can only be overcome with great effort. Like many real women today, Beverly faces ostracism and sexism, but triumphs due to her abilities and sheer determination. I tried to make her relatable, so you, the reader, could understand her motivations, for we are all a product of our upbringing. Despite her setbacks, she carries on. Even so, she doesn’t get the recognition she so richly deserves. Will she ever gain the acceptance of the crown? You will have to wait and see.

  Beverly’s story is not over, for
the heir to the crown is soon to travel to Westland where cultures clash in the next book 'Heart of the Crown'. Now, with the kingdom safe, she and her companions embark on a trip to a foreign land, where everything is different, and danger lurks in the most unsuspecting places.

  I also want to thank those who have been an integral part of bringing this new tale to fruition. Christie Kramberger, who once again created a cover that is amazing. To my small group of dedicated beta readers who have been instrumental in ensuring that there are no plot holes or character introductions forgotten: Brad Aitken, Stuart Rae, Andrea Kenny, Nancy Wolf, Amanda Bennett, Laurie Bratscher and Stephanie Sandrock. Thank you also to Brad Aitken, Jeff Parker and Stephen Brown for bringing the characters of Revi, Arnim, and Jack to life. (More about Jack in 'Heart of the Crown').

  Although she did not want me to, I must thank my wife, Carol Bennett. I am so happy that she enjoys doing all the things that I don't, such as editing, marketing, social media and promotions. Without Carol, there would be no Heir to the Crown! Carol, I want to say one thing to you: "Hun, wear this hoody and know that it is as if my arms are holding you."