The Broken Kingdom

by Andrew G. Wood

  “Is this your room?” Luca asked turning back to look at Edward.

  The young man looked back at him, with a somewhat confused gaze, “No, Sire…I mean Luca, it is yours.”

  “Oh!” Luca replied, hoping that wasn’t going to be the answer he got in return.

  “And where are you stopping?” He added, not sure he wanted to know the answer to that one either.

  “Right here with you.”

  “Ah! And there I foresee a problem. With only one bed, perhaps I should seek somewhere else to stay.” Luca went to turn about and head for the door, but with Edward still standing there, any thought of actually leaving the room was out of the question. After contemplating the idea of asking him to move, Luca resigned himself to the fact he was here, and this was where he was going to have to stay.

  “Fine, I’ll suffer this discomfort once,” grumbled.

  Edward closed the door and turned the key in the lock ensuring nobody would just wander in. As if sensing Luca’s uncertainty about him doing so, Edward explained that he would only open the door for those who used a specific knock.

  “My Father will bring up some food in a little while once he has sorted Lord Oakley and his family out. Until then I suggest we just sit tight.”

  “Right, okay. Let’s hope the food is better than the accommodation,” Luca mumbled to himself. While he didn’t really mean for Edward to hear what he said, it was quickly apparent that the young man had.

  “Look, ‘Sire.’ I was told that you were a somewhat pretentious, spoiled, jumped up little sod, but do you ever say anything nice.?”

  Luca was shocked. Not only was he surprised by Edward’s use of big words, but saying such a thing to someone of his status was bordering on treason. However, when he opened his mouth to tell Edward exactly what he would do when all this was sorted out, he found no words forthcoming.

  “People are putting their life on the line to protect you. Lord Oakley has risked everything in helping you escape, at least you could do is show some gratitude!” Edward added, his voice sounding a little angry as if Luca had said something that might have upset him.

  Once more Luca was lost for words, and suitably admonished thought it best to sit on the bed and wait in silence. This small war or words may have been lost, but he would deal with Edward in his own way when the time was right.

  Three quick knocks sounded at the door, with a fourth coming after a slight delay. Edward quickly hurried over to the door placing his hand on the hilt of his sword but didn’t open the door. Instead, the young man gave two knocks of his own in reply, and whoever was the other side knocked thrice more. Only then did Edward turn the key and open the door, and although still sulking from being treated so badly, Luca was actually glad that Stanley had arrived with food. Carrying in a tray covered with a white linen cloth, the man shuffled his way around to the table and placed it down.

  “I know this is not your usual type of food Sire, but it’s all home cooked and made of the finest ingredients.”

  In truth, Luca was not overly concerned about the origin of the food, more the cleanliness of the people making it. However, feeling somewhat hungry, he was willing to put such concerns aside for now and duly made his way over to the table.

  After standing and waiting for a few moments, expecting Stanley or Edward to pull the chair out for him to sit down, he realised no such offer was going to be forthcoming and decided he had waited long enough. Sighing slightly, Luca pulled the chair out from beneath the table and plonked himself down, while Stanley removed the cloth covering the food. Luca looked eagerly on, wondering if there were other trays with other courses to be brought in later, but felt it probably wise not to expect too much from these commoners.

  “Speciality of the house, Sire. Beef stew, dumplings and a crusty bread roll, and I put you a small slice of fruit pie for afters,” Stanley announced, sounding rather proud of his offerings.

  “Thank you, Stanley. You are very kind,” Luca said unsure about proceeding with the eating part.

  While Luca stared at the food offering, Stanley and his son obviously had matters to discuss, and Luca kept half a mind on what they were saying. As he had thought, the conversation was about him, and therefore he didn’t consider it rude to listen in on what was said. Apparently, Lord Oakley and his family were in the two rooms a little further along the landing and would be popping in later after they had a chance to freshen up. What Luca hadn’t counted on was that Edward was apparently stopping in the room with him, and not only that, but was also travelling with them in the morning. It was then that Luca heard Edward speaking ill of his character once more. Even though the young man lowered his voice to a whisper, Luca caught enough of what was being said. Edward, apparently, was having second thoughts about being Luca’s bodyguard, saying that he felt it was impossible to be around such an obnoxious little prick. Luca felt shocked at the accusations, although kept his opinions to himself. The time would come when Luca was back in Miranor, and people like Edward would keep such opinions firmly to themselves. Besides which, Luca did not think he was obnoxious. Far from it, he had always considered himself a well-liked, friendly, good-natured type of person.

  However, no matter Edward’s concerns, it was apparent Stanley was not going to allow his son to merely leave his post. Luca heard the man getting quite cross with his son, stating he had sworn an oath to the prince, and that he was to make sure he honoured it. Hearing Edward apologise made Luca smirk slightly, although the very thought of having such a rude man in the room with him all night was not overly appealing. Moreover, if it was the case that Edward was intending on standing beside him as his bodyguard, then the forthcoming days might prove somewhat awkward. With that in mind Luca thought he would show he was the better man and offer the hand of friendship, or at least he would when Stanley left them alone.

  Once the door was re-locked, Luca turned to face Edward.

  “I heard what you said.”

  “You were supposed to, your Majesty,” Edward said mockingly.

  Luca took another breath to calm himself and was determined to rise above this commoner’s insults.

  “Look, Edward. I think we got off on the wrong foot. I do appreciate what you and your father are doing for me, and I apologise if I sometimes might come over a little abrupt,” he added thinking perhaps some people may misconstrue the things he said and the way they were spoken. To prove his point, Luca steadied himself and picked the spoon up from the tray on the table before him and slowly lowered it into the bowl of stew, taking just a small amount and lifting it up to his mouth.

  Somewhat surprised by how good the food tasted, Luca quickly followed that first tentative taste with several more spoonfuls.

  “It’s nice when you dip the roll into the gravy,” Edward said, seemingly content with watching him eat, and perhaps willing to admit that he had been out of order. Luca gave a nod of his head and broke the crusty roll in half, even offering one part to the man standing just a few yards away.

  “No, thank you, I’ve already eaten.”

  Luca didn’t take the rebuke personally and continued eating, devouring the roll and what was left of the stew in a matter of minutes. Looking around for a napkin to wipe his mouth, Luca assumed Stanley had forgotten to put one out with the food. However, to show Edward that he wasn’t rude or ungrateful, Luca didn’t complain and instead decided to try a small piece of the pie, but not before offering it to his so-called bodyguard first. Again the offer was turned down, and after thinking the stew was much better than he had ever thought it would be, dived straight in.

  Noticing that there was nothing to drink, Luca wondered whether he should ask Edward, or whether the young man might think he was rude if he did. After several moments contemplating the best way to approach the subject, Luca thought to be as polite as he could.

  “The food was delicious. However, I wonder if there is anything to drink? A little tea perhaps?”

  Edward made a scoffing sound. “You r
eally are out of touch with the people aren’t you, Luca?” He said. At least he had used his name as requested, which perhaps meant that the reply was not meant as a snidey one.

  “Really? You think so?” Luca replied, finding himself interested in why Edward would say such a thing.

  “Tea is very expensive. Only the very rich can afford such items.”

  Luca was surprised to find himself suitably humbled. Having never bought anything in his life, he realised that he had no idea of how much things cost. Sure, he had studied economics and banking, but that hadn’t covered costs of what he considered everyday items.

  “Some fresh fruit juice then?” Luca asked almost in hope than any real expectation. Edward just gave a smile and shook his head.

  “Too expensive?” Luca asked presuming the reason as to why that was the case. Edward nodded, “Don’t get me wrong we do have fruit, just not the sort you might squeeze to make a drink out of.”

  “Smaller fruit to put in a pie perhaps,” Luca asked pointing to his empty plate. Edward nodded again but turned quickly when another knock came at the door.

  After repeating the same number of knocks that had seen Edward allow his father entry, he duly opened the door and admitted Lord Oakley.

  “Close the door,” the man said as soon as he entered.

  “Here, Sire, my wife has managed to get you these from a tailor she knows across the street. I know they are not much, but surely better than you wearing a dress.”

  Lord Oakley stepped forward to the table and placed a small bundle down upon it. With the table only being small, Luca duly pushed the tray right over to the edge, allowing Lord Oakley to reveal what was within. Somewhat disappointed, Luca thought to keep his opinion to himself once more and show some appreciation for their efforts.

  “Only thing is, I couldn’t find any boots, and there isn’t a cobbler in this village to ask.”

  “The soft slippers, Luca had kicked off when entering the room were clearly not suitable for a full day’s riding. Perhaps they wouldn’t be travelling anywhere in the morning, and he would have to spend another day in this awful place.

  However, it was Edward who spoke next. “That’s okay Lord Oakley. Father has piles of my old clothes and boots in the stable. He hates throwing stuff away, I’ll have him search in there for a pair.”

  “Excellent,” the Lord said seemingly pleased they had found a solution and proceeded with holding up the clothes he had managed to obtain.

  “I know they are not new, but they have been cleaned and are well made.”

  Luca grimaced, although tried his best to hide the fact he was doing so. A pair of brown trousers, a plain white shirt, although calling it white was probably pushing it a little, and a black linen tunic.

  “I have an old cloak you can wear as well,” Edward said.

  Luca looked up at the young man, thinking it was a good job he still had his own underclothes on, although they were usually changed and washed every day, he would have to suffer the inconvenience of keeping them on, at least until he could find a suitable tailor to purchase some more.

  “Oh, and Samuel is sorting you out a pair of his clean stockings,” Lord Oakley added with a grin.

  “Very kind I’m sure,” Luca replied.

  After an awkward moment or two, Luca, who was almost thinking the dress he was wearing might be a better option than that being offered, realised the two men were waiting for him to change.

  Happy and comfortable to change in front of others, Luca duly wrestled the dress over his head and dropped it on to the floor. Picking up the shirt first, he gingerly placed an arm in the sleeve before putting it on and buttoned it up. The trousers followed, and although a little tight around the waist for him, he managed to do them up, before holding his arms out to show his two onlookers.

  “We need to scruff up his hair a little,” Edward suggested.

  Lord Oakley appeared to agree, and although moved his hand forward to do so, did not actually proceed without first asking permission.

  Luca sighed, “Fine! Do what you must.”

  While he had never been a vain person, Luca felt dirty and scruffy, as looking no more than a commoner might do. This had certainly been a trying day, and with the likelihood of more of the same, he suddenly felt very depressed at what the future might hold.

  Chapter 5. The Journey South.

  After spending a less than comfortable night in the bed afforded him at the inn, at Allenton, Luca awoke somewhat dreading the day ahead. Edward, the young man who was only eighteen years old, yet was to be his personal bodyguard, had made do with napping on one of the chairs. While Luca thought that couldn’t have been as comfortable as the bed, judging by his aching back there probably wasn’t much in it. Apparently, it was deemed best for someone young to be his protector, and having a person nearer his own age following around might not look quite so conspicuous as say a man in his middling years. In truth, Luca thought the thing made sense, and it was true that if any were to glance their direction, they would likely assume them friends or even some relation, and hence not stand out. The only problem with the arrangement, at least as far as Luca could tell, was the fact that Edward clearly had issues with him. Although the pair had seemingly put aside their initial awkwardness, Luca was unsure as to how much longer he could keep up such a pretence.

  After a rather disappointing breakfast of porridge oats, sweetened with a little honey, Luca, all dressed in his new garb ventured out into the yard at the back. With a pair of boots on his feet that were too big and looking like something a vagrant might wear and a cloak that smelt as if a pig had been sleeping on it, Luca felt uncomfortable. Thankfully Samuel had seen to his horse for him, and already had the animal waiting in the yard by the time he and Edward had appeared. With Lord Oakley already up in his saddle, Luca noticed that the man now also donned a sword and sidearm. Moreover, he spotted both Samuel and Nerina had small recurve bows across their backs, and quivers of arrows at their waist. The only person, aside from himself not armed, or at least as far as he could tell, was Lady Oakley. Although judging by the way this family operated he wouldn’t be surprised if the woman were carrying a dagger somewhere on her person.

  “I would like you to carry this, Luca. Just in case,” Edward said offering a sword to him. “I assume you know how to use one?”

  This time it was Luca who made the scoffing sound, although quickly covered it up by talking, “I have had training with most types of weapon, so I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

  Although evidently not a weapon of any quality or style, Luca thanked Samuel and duly strapped the belt around his waist, adjusting it slightly before clambering up onto the horse Samuel had readied for him. Thinking they were all good to go, Luca turned his horse about and was ready to leave, when Stanley came running out of the back door. Going straight over to Edward, the innkeeper gave his son a big hug, “Take care lad. Remember your duty,” he said.

  “I will father, I promise,” Edward replied.

  Luca watched the bizarre show of affection. This was something a little strange for him to see, and although he got the impression Lord Oakley was close to his children, was never anything he had really experienced himself. Even his mother had shown little interest in him, and for the briefest moment, Luca felt a little saddened that he had perhaps missed out on a such a thing. Perhaps it was for this reason that he felt little sorrow at their demise. Was he a bad person for not showing any great emotion at both of his parents being murdered?

  Luca watched as Lord Oakley passed over a small leather coin purse to Stanley, before shaking the man’s hand.

  “Take care, my Lord,” the innkeeper said before taking a step back and allowing the nobleman to turn his horse away.

  “Okay Oscar, lead on!” Lord Oakley called over.

  “Right you are my Lord,” the man replied, before kicking his heels and nudging his horse slowly out of the yard. Lord Oakley followed behind, before indicating to Edward that he and Luca should f
ollow, which left the other Oakley family members behind them and Robert bringing up the rear of their small group.

  With a slight chill on the early morning breeze, Luca held his head slightly higher feeling the wind on his face. The air was fresh, somehow different from what he was used to in the city, and something he had not noticed on their arrival the previous evening. The track on which they travelled was barely wide enough for three of them to ride next to each other, and just hardened dirt. Having left the city of Miranor on just a handful of occasions, and then usually in a carriage, the feeling of openness and freedom was actually quite invigorating. Perhaps when he was king he would venture out like this again, although probably with better company than those that were with him at present.

  They had travelled for no more than fifteen minutes when Edward moved his horse a little closer to Luca’s and leaned over.

  “I’m sorry for my little outburst last night.”

  Luca thought about responding with some sarcastic comment but instead thought, for now at least, that he didn’t want any more hassle.

  “I feel we just got off on the wrong foot. I’m willing to start afresh if you are,” he found himself saying.

  “Thank you, Luca,” Edward said apparently comfortable with using his name rather than his title; something he had been unable to stop Lord Oakley using. As much as the nobleman accepted the reasoning behind it, Lord Oakley had explained that using Luca’s name just didn’t seem right. Feeling far better than he had ever anticipated he might do, Luca looked around at the beautiful countryside around him. Fields, meadows and in the distance a large forested area. To his right was another small settlement, nothing more than just a few small homes with thin tendrils of smoke rising from their chimneys. There were sheep and cows in a few of the fields and despite the early hour, people working in another. All this was a far cry from the life he was used to and in truth an education as to how the common people lived and worked.