Hidden Fire (The FIRE series Book 1)

by Rosemarie Cawkwell

  “I wouldn't want to be at sea in this.” Lawrence muttered as the horses were brought to them and the wind picked up.

  Michael rolled up the paper and forced it inside his coat before mounting his horse.

  “That's because you get seasick in the bath.” He grinned and spurred his horse along the Hythe and up on to the road back to the palace. The twins mounted and road after their cousin, determined to avenge the insult.

  Chapter 40

  The door banged open, squeaked and clattered closed. Caro looked up from pinning a hem up on a dress she was working on, the young customer fidgeting as she stood on a stool. The mouthful of pins clattered to the floor as her mouth gaped open and stood up to curtsey.

  “Mistress Caro, how delightful to see you.”

  “Your Majesty!”

  “Please, no formalities, I've known you far too long.”

  “Thank you Your Majesty.”

  “And who's this young lady?” King John bowed down slightly to the girl who was having her dress fitted. He smiled gently as the girl curtsied to him, wobbling slightly on the stool.

  “Jinny Fullen, your majesty, I'm getting a new dress for my seventh birthday party next week. Doesn't it look good?”

  “Well Miss Fullen, I can't imagine a prettier dress. When are you seven?”

  “Next Lastday, all my friends are coming to my house. We're having tea cakes and jelly, and ice cream, and sandwiches.”

  “Will there be a cake?”

  “Yes.” Miss Fullen nodded vigorously, “Mummy's having it made by the bakers across the street. She's there now giving them instructions.”

  “They are very good bakers. I like their cream cakes.”

  “Me too.”

  “It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Fallon, but I really must speak with Mistress Roberts.”

  “Oh.” The girl's face fell.

  “We'll be back down in five minutes, try not to move.” Caro smiled at her little customer, “If you'll follow me this way Sir, I'm sure you prefer some privacy.”

  “Thank you Mistress Roberts.”

  “Now, Mistress Roberts, it's come to my notice that my daughter is spending an awful lot of her evenings here with you and some rather questionable women.”

  “Hardly 'questionable'; it's the Women's Movement Committee meetings.”

  “Yes, my nephews brought me the paper with their Declaration in it. I haven't said anything to her about it though.”

  “Why ever not?”

  “We're busy worrying about the war, and she's concentrating on this.”

  “Really, it's hardly taking up much time, your Majesty.”

  “Every evening.”

  “Only for a couple of weeks. We're just trying to get the groundwork in place then the AWM will be able to manage without Lizzy.”

  “Why do you need her in the first place? She does have work to do at the palace you know.”

  “She doesn't really though, does she? All she does is write a couple of notes for the paper every week. She's bored and this is a little project to fill her time; the WWA, WSL and the CWMR wouldn't talk to each other if Lizzy hadn't written to them and got them together.”

  “To what purpose?”

  “Things need to change for most of the population in this country. Nobody but burghers in King's Ford have a say in how the country is run.” Caro smiled.

  “It's hardly the time to think about that sort of thing surely; we have a war to fight.”

  “And?”

  “And we should be concentrating on that instead of this silly stuff.”

  Caro became indignant.

  “Well, I don't think that equal representation of the populace is 'silly' and neither does Lizzy.”

  “It's not a particularly good time for her to get distracted.”

  “She's quite capable of being Minister of Information and helping to organise the AWM at the same time.”

  “I'm sure she is, but I need her to concentrate on the war effort.”

  “And what is the point of the war?”

  “To stop the depredations of the Sumoasti pirates.”

  “We did that when the fleet raided the Rocks; why are we at war now?”

  “Because Lord Holmgard refuses to compensate us for the damage caused by the pirates. There was going to be something eventually that started a war; we've been dancing around each other for a century.”

  “I'm not going to tell Lizzy she should top helping organise the Movement.”

  “Caro, don't be so stubborn.”

  “I'm not; I'm telling you how things are.” Downstairs the bell tinkled. “And now I have to serve my customers. It's a pleasure to see you in my establishment, but I really do have to be getting on.”

  Chapter 41

  Winter’s Start A.E. 1336

  Lizzy sat at her desk, smiling at the paper in front of her; the latest MoI announcement had been published and she was pleased with the editorial Peterson had written beneath it. The war hadn't had much of an impact on the country, so far; there had been a few less ships from Belenos, but not enough for shortages to start biting. Her latest press release had only been to remind people that a licence was necessary to hold any large meeting; she had already had complaints from the Curates about the announcement restricting their prayer gatherings.

  “What are you grinning about?”

  Lizzy held her copy of the paper out to Alex.

  “I see; how did Peterson know about the complaints?”

  “I told him.”

  “Really?”

  “Of course; how else do you thing he's getting news?”

  “Lizzy you aren't supposed to give state secrets to the press.”

  “Hardly a secret; it would have come up sooner or later. The High Curate has been known to write to the paper.”

  “So now they'll have sympathisers who will accuse us of deliberately penalising believers.” Alex settled on the sofa to read the paper himself.

  “Oh please, as though that's anything new. They don't need an excuse to accuse of us that.” Lizzy stood and stretched her tired shoulders.

  “The party doesn't need the extra trouble; the AWM declaration caused enough last month.” Alex leaned forward, snatching a glass of wine from the table as he put down the paper, looking back at Lizzy to continue the conversation.

  “Really, it was hardly anything, a few letters from disgruntled Conservatives to the paper.” Lizzy picked notebook up from the side table, pulling a pencil from behind her ear. She had a rally to plan; the whining of a few Conservatives and Traditionalists were flies buzzing about her head, and as easily sent away.

  “There were Questions in the Moot, Lizzy and complaints in the Council Chamber.”

  “Ah, that's just form, the same thing happened when Father decided to finance primary schools for lower class children.” Flipping the notebook open, Lizzy took a seat opposite Alex, chewing on her pencil. She couldn't decide who to ask to be their key-note speaker.

  “That's because they want to control access to education.”

  “And how is state funded education different from the Movement's aims, since they both work towards our overall aim?” Lizzy's voice rose as her ire became more obvious; she put now the book and looked at her cousin with a disarming directness.

  “It isn't, but taking such a big step is terrifying to the Traditionalists.”

  “They need terrifying. They're so, so,” Lizzy thrashed around for the right word, “complacent.”

  “Complacent?”

  “They think that once Jocinta returns their little world will go back to the way it was before. They want to stop any progress we make before it gets too far.”

  “If the people get a taste for democracy then they might object to the queen and her pet crows taking it away from them.”

  “We can only hope. You think my timing was wrong?”

  “Yes, Lizzy, it could have been better timed.” Alex sighed and rested his head on the sofa back, staring at th
e ceiling.

  “What would you have preferred?”

  “You could have waited until our first victory?”

  “We don't know when that'll be, the fleets haven't engaged each other since the war was declared.”

  “It's only been six weeks.”

  “And soon it'll be too rough at sea for the fleets, which'll delay any conclusion until the start of next summer.”

  “Yes, and it'll drag on for a year at least.”

  “Or it won't; there's discussion of a midwinter attack on the Sumoasti fleet.”

  “That might work actually.”

  “Well, try to keep it to yourself, won't you?”

  “Oh, must I really?” Lizzy mock-pouted and laughed.

  “Do try. Are you coming riding this afternoon?”

  “No, I want to work on the plans for the midwinter conference.”

  “It'll be bigger than last year's rally.”

  “It should be; we've had several applications for membership from the AWM members recently. Every time I go to a meeting one or two ask for information.”

  “That's good; are you going to any meetings this week?”

  “I'm going to a WWA meeting next Fifthday and a CWMR meeting on Lastday.”

  “Be careful, we've had a tip that some of the Curacy's more militant seminarians are going to start disrupting meetings.”

  “I'll let the ladies know.”

  “Do you want Lawry and me to come with you?”

  “It could cause more trouble if you do.”

  “Well, we'll be nearby if you need us.”

  “Do you even know where we're meeting?”

  “Yes, of course we do.”

  “I should have realised that.” Lizzy grinned. She crossed her legs, rested her notebook on her knee and started making notes.

  “Are you going to be working on that all day?” Alex stood up nodding at the notebook.

  “Yeah, sorry, go have fun with the rest of them.”

  “The Umaris will be disappointed.” Alex laughed.

  Lizzy looked up from her notes briefly, “It won't kill them.”

  “The alliance would be useful.”

  “We've had this conversation Alex, I'm not marrying. You marry one of them if the alliance is so important.”

  “You know their mother wouldn't let them marry a bastard.”

  “Then why should they want to marry me?”

  Alex rolled his eyes, “You're uncles oldest child, and legitimate.”

  “Only technically.”

  “Technically is good enough. Now if only Lady Eleanor would agree to father and Catherine's request, I could marry one of the Umaris.”

  “They are both very pretty, aren't they?”

  “So you do fancy them?”

  Lizzy blushed slightly, “They're not totally objectionable, slightly too pushy though.”

  “Mother says that's normal for the Umari.”

  “Aunt Catherine should know, I suppose.”

  “They're having some sort of festival at our house next month, Elenor is all excitement at the moment.” Alex smiled fondly at his sister's enthusiasm.

  There was a knock on the door, before a group of men and women burst in.

  “Well, are you two coming or not?” Lawrence grinned.

  “No, I'm busy, Alex is though.”

  “Such a shame Your Highness; we had hoped to see you ride today.” The Umari prince, Donach, smiled.

  “Yes, Lizabeth, you must come ride with us!”

  “Sorry Danna, I really can't, I have to get some work done on the conference plans.”

  “Conference?”

  “Party rally at midwinter.” Lizzy smiled at Danna.

  Danna nodded, understanding, “Do you go to the WWA meeting tomorrow night? We ride together then?”

  “Er, yes, I didn't realise you were interested?” Lizzy smiled at the young woman, catching her eye.

  “Ah, I am, very much.” Danna nodded, holding her gaze.

  “Come on, we'll miss the off if you keep on chatting.” Lawrence laughed and turned to leave.

  The group hurried out, some more disappointed than others.

  Chapter 42

  Fore-Midwinter A.E. 1336

  “Lizzy, would you put that pen down.” King John nudged her in the ribs, “We've got visitors today.”

  “What?” Lizzy jumped in her seat.

  “It's dinner time.” Michael laughed.

  Lizzy grumbled and capped her pen, sliding it behind her ear. She closed her notebook and pushed it to one side. Taking up her cutlery to replace her pen, Lizzy started on her food. Chewing thoughtfully, she looked round at her family and their guests. She knew everyone, of course, but the Calmani ambassador, Carl Bordan, was a rare visitor. He'd just returned from a visit to his home island; rumour (and Sarah) had it that the Calmani were planning to join the war effort in the new year.

  “What were we talking about?” Lizzy looked up from her plate eventually.

  “You weren't talking at all.” Her father laughed, “But we were discussing the recent message from Tarjan.”

  “What do they want?”

  “Permission to visit and negotiate in the New Year.”

  “We going to agree?”

  “Possibly; see how the next few weeks go.” Her father winked at her. A planned naval raid on Tarjan itself was not far off. Lizzy had heard about the plan weeks before, but hadn't been involved in it. The Information Office had insisted that the number of people involved be kept to an absolute minimum; any leak would compromise their whole strategy for the war, and their IO agents in Sumoast. For Lizzy that meant frustration at not knowing everything, and a new Lady-in-Waiting, as Sarah was far too busy organising a war.

  “You will not have any trouble from the Sumoasti fleet until the spring surely? The seas are getting rough.” The Ambassador had only just made it back to Albon before most of the sea lanes had been closed by foul weather.

  “We must be prepared Ambassador, for whatever happens. We will see how the winter goes and then maybe we'll talk.”

  “By spring our enemies may not want to talk.” Danna commented, “If we wait too long they'll try to take advantage.”

  “A decision will be made before the New Year, I'm sure.” Lizzy smiled at the Umari princess.

  “Many decisions will be made by then, I hope.” Danna tilted her head and stared across the table at Lizzy.

  “Some of them already have been.”

  “Flirt later, eat now.” Michael grinned and returned to his food.

  “I'm worried about that boy; he hasn't got his priorities right.” Duke Michael laughed at his nephew's affronted grunt.

  “His priorities are fine for now. He's not even seventeen yet.”

  “Ha! At seventeen I already had two mistresses.”

  “And look how well that turned out.” Alex gestured to himself and his brother.

  “Now, boys, your father couldn't help having poor taste as a young man.”

  “Quite right auntie,” Johnny told Catherine, who sat between him and Elenor, much to the young people's mutual disappointment, “If only their mother would see sense.”

  The family laughed, which wasn't quite the effect he was going for. Their visitors looked bemused, not comprehending the private joke.

  Ambassador Bordan leaned into the Prince Donach, “Should we ask?” He spoke behind his hand.

  “Probably not.” Donach grinned at the question. The Alboni made things so unnecessarily complicated in his opinion. Were he or Danna to marry Lizzy, he thought, then the marriage would only be for the benefit of Alboni sensibilities. In Umar, she could be married, or the primary lover, to both, but not so among the conservative Alboni. They even frowned on people taking lovers; he found it most backwards. Katerina – the Duchess – had adapted well to their strange ways, he thought, but he wouldn't be constrained by their mores if he married Princess Elizabeth.

  Donach smiled at the thought, though he knew it w
as an unlikely outcome; Lizzy showed no interest in marriage. While he was unsurprised by her need to be independent – independent women were hardly unusual in Umar -, he had thought the social traditions of Albon would have forced her to at least consider it. He speculated to himself that Katerina might have been responsible for Lizzy's unconventional views on the matter. He would have to discuss it later with Danna. Perhaps if they represented to her the fact that her independence was welcomed in Umar, she might be persuaded to form the alliance?

  Donach caught himself staring at Lizzy as she laughed with her family. When she looked up, he smiled, looked away towards Danna and then back. She wasn't looking at him anymore. She'd leaned into talk to her father, and laughed quietly with him. Donach coloured, imagining her laughing at his obsession. Not that he was all that obsessed, whatever Danna said. Alex FitzAlbon caught his attention as Donach began to stew in his thoughts.

  “Prince Donach, how do you like Albon?”

  “It certainly has its attractions; the war goes well?”

  “My war or yours?” Alex laughed.

  “Both?”

  “Quiet, isn't it?”

  “Indeed, when will it get loud again?”

  “Hopefully it won't, but you never know.”

  “The Sumoasti request?” Donach was never more pleased to turn his mind to war, “I think they'll try to play for time.”

  “That's alright then, because so are we.” Lord Jonsey joined the conversation, “My men need a rest and the ships need their bottoms scraping.”

  “You were at sea all summer, Commander?”

  “Yes, with your Commanders Laitano and Armanno. Good women them. I could do with a ship full of them.”

  “They are our best Marine commanders.”

  “I noticed they know their way around a ship. You been to sea much?”

  “Yes, but not to battle.”

  “You'll come with us on the rai, in the spring?” Jonsey corrected himself quickly, the raid on Tarjan was still a secret.

  “I'd love to, if the war lasts that long.”

  “You think Tarjan will give in by then?”