The man hesitated, and then, looking around, he came out from the doorway where he stood and quickly walked to a table and sat. Hadden followed him, jerking his head at Roysten.
The keeper caught sight of the young boy who’d served them earlier and beckoned to him. The boy ran over, and the man said, “Three ales, boy. Quickly.” The boy moved away, and the keeper turned back to Hadden and Roysten.
“I am Branston. Would you do me the honor of knowing your names?”
“I am Hadden, and this is Roysten. We’re from Lord Maddox’s company, on business for the king.”
“Maddox? He’s a good man, Lord Maddox is. Does he fare well?”
“Indeed, he does,” said Roysten. “Course, he’s a bit worried, what with the bandits on the border, and now Ethion losing her prince.”
Branston nodded. “Truly, it is troubling. That is what troubles the king now, if you ask me. I’d heard that Princess Thea was most upset by his death, and her betrothed to Sebastian, from Laurycia. Too bad, says I. Casimir was three times the man that Sebastian is!” He leaned back, crossed his arms with a satisfied look.
The boy brought the tankards over. Branston dismissed him with a nod.
“Is the king getting trouble from King Markellus?” Roysten spoke again. It was rare that he spoke before Hadden, so Hadden sat back letting him take the reins on the conversation.
“I’ve heard so, sir,” said Branston nodding.
“It makes sense, surely? Markellus has lost his son, and I hear the next in line is not the man Casimir was. Not to mention the constant disagreement over the borders.”
Hadden felt a pang for the old king.
“To be sure, but there’s no need to make trouble over it! I heard it myself, from my niece. King Aland gave him a chance to get out of it. Did the same for that other one, Ulric. He doesn’t want to kill nobody. Certainly not princes. Casimir were most brave, too. Declared he would solve the mystery and then marry Princess Thea! Put that Sebastian right out of joint, he did!” Branston laughed suddenly. “My niece serves up there at the castle, and she was in the hall when Casimir made his big speech. She said Sebastian looked ready to burst. Red faced and angry!” Branston laughed again. “I ‘member his father, Bryce. Not the nicest of men. ‘Course, kings don’t have to be, but we’ve got a good one. Bryce made a fuss about the king and queen getting married. He wanted our queen for himself, but who’d choose him when there was our king to be had?” He shook his head. “What is your business with the king? I’d hate to see him more upset.”
“That is for my commander to tell,” said Roysten, inclining his head toward Hadden. “But he’s just from Lord Maddox. If it is upsetting, I cannot tell.”
Hadden tried to keep a straight face. Roysten spoke in the lofty tones of a respectful servant.
Branston nodded, apparently seeing nothing odd in Roysten’s words. “I am sorry, sir. I didn’t mean to pry.”
“It’s all right,” Hadden said graciously. “Tell me though of the mood of the court. You say your niece is in service there? How does she find things?” He leaned forward, not wanting to miss anything.
“Well, it’s very tense, she says,” Branston began. “The king and queen are upset, the Princess Thea is upset, her betrothed is storming around being rude and unmannerly to all—my niece says all the girls stay as far away as possible from him and his men. His men, for that matter, are being a right nuisance, and all the other princesses are unhappy, although about what in specific, no one is sure. Lots of rumors. It’s not a happy court, sirs, and before this we was all happy. Even if there was no prince, the king and queen are good to us, and they raised their girls well. The princesses all did work for the poor, but that’s all stopped now.”
“Why is that? Seems rather lacking in charity.” Roysten looked disapproving.
“’Cause the king is worried. What with their slippers being ruined every night—where is them girls going, I ask you?” Branston put his hands on the edge of the table and leaned back. “What are they up to? It’s all very fishy. This keeps up, they’ll never find husbands. What happens to Gallivas then? Run by a herd of women with no man in sight? They’re good girls, but this is bad business, to be sure.”
“It’s a fair point,” said Roysten. He stepped on Hadden’s foot, because while Branston spoke, Hadden felt himself getting angry and his face reddening. He was just about to jump in and defend all the princesses when he felt the pressure of Roysten’s foot.
He leaned back and took a breath, hoping the keeper wouldn’t notice. Where had that come from? He didn’t know these girls. For all he knew, they were as questionable as Branston was saying. He still felt the urge to defend them. He crossed his arms. Normally, he felt very much in control of his feelings and actions.
“I think we have a good sense of how things stand,” Roysten said, standing.
“I hope I was—” Branston stopped as a short woman came out of what sounded like the kitchen and glared at him, arms akimbo.
“You were most helpful,” said Roysten smoothly, taking something from the pouch on his belt and handing to the innkeeper while clasping his hand. “We appreciate it. Now if you will excuse us, we must be on our way.” He stepped back from Branston, and indicated that Hadden should go before him. Hadden stood, nodded at Branston, who was darting anxious glances at the woman, and went to the door. Roysten was right behind him.
As he came out in to the sunshine, he turned to Roysten. “You clean up well. Didn’t know you had it in you.”
“There’s a lot you don’t know,” came the retort. “But I’ll play my part in this mess, don’t doubt it.”
“I don’t,” said Hadden simply. When they reached the stable, Roysten spoke to the stable boy, who brought out their horses. They’d been brushed and fed. If horses had expressions, his seemed grumpy. Understandable. Poor thing probably thought he was done for the day.
“Let’s go and get ourselves killed,” muttered Roysten.
“Glad to see you’re back,” said Hadden with a chuckle. “I was actually beginning to miss you.”
As they rode from the stable, Hadden watched the castle looming in front them growing larger. It didn’t look frightening. It looked well kept, the castle of a prosperous kingdom. Cheerful even.
The most deceptive and dangerous things often did, he thought.
Chapter Ten
Finally, the gates were right in front of them. They both slowed their horses instinctively, not needing to say it.
“Looks right and fine,” said Roysten. “Last chance…” His voice trailed off.
Hadden looked over to see his comrade raising his brows and looking longingly at the road behind them.
“No. I have to do this, as well you know. Now, put on your party face like you did back with that henpecked innkeeper, and let’s get on with it.”
He rolled his eyes at the muttering and kicked the horse forward.
“Your business?” The guard asked. Not rude, not overly polite. The innkeeper was right. This was a castle in a bad way. You could always tell how things were at the top by the demeanor of those at the bottom, even if those at the top didn’t realize it.
It’s just like a big army camp, Hadden thought, with many commanders, all of them prickly. He smiled to himself. Putting it in such a fashion brought them down to size.
Well, except for the commander of the forces, also known as the king. That one could take your head. He shuddered at the thought. He had taken heads, and Hadden felt a cold chill at the thought of the doomed men who came before.
Roysten leaned in. “Having second thoughts, are we?”
“Not at all,” Hadden replied under his breath. “We’re here to see the king,” he told the guard.
“Regarding?” The guard eyed them openly.
Roysten saw it. “We’re here from His Lordship the Earl Constable Burleigh’s brigade, under the command of Lord Maddox, to see the king.” He sat back in his saddle, eying the guard narrowly.
> The second guard stepped in. “And you are?” His tone was marginally more polite than his colleague.
“I am Roysten, and this is my commander, Hadden, who is a personal aide to my lord Maddox.” Roysten didn’t back down one bit.
Hadden smiled. Maddox had known what he was doing to send him along. Hadden had not been aware that Roysten had such a side to him, but he’d already been invaluable.
The second guard turned and shouted up to the top of the gate. “Raise the gate!”
Slowly, the metal grates of the gate lifted. It was odd to see the gate lowered, Hadden thought. Gallivas was not at war, in spite of the rumblings with Ethion. Yet the king was taking precautions. That told him as much as Branston had.
They trotted into the courtyard. A stable boy ran out to take their horses, and an older man, a more senior guard, came to greet them.
“Good evening,
“We’re here from Lord Maddox’s company in Earl Constable Burleigh’s brigade, to see the king,” Roysten jumped in before Hadden could speak.
“Yes, sirs. If you’ll come this way, we’ll see the steward, and if the king is available. It’s nearly time for the evening meal.”
“I apologize for the timing, but we rode in from the border of Ethion,” said Hadden. “We did not wish to delay.” He felt bad for not being completely honest, but in spite of the king’s proclamation that any man of good character could apply to solve the riddle, he knew the mindset of those who served nobility. It would be worse with those who served royalty. Besides, he reasoned, he could indeed give a report to the king regarding Lord Maddox’s activity on the border.
“His Majesty will be pleased to hear you, I’m sure,” the guard said politely. Other than that, he was silent as he led them down a long hallway.
Even though it was daylight, torches lit the hallway. They passed several woman on their way, and one or two slid a sly glance at them, giggling when Roysten winked. Hadden nearly corrected him, and then remembered that Roysten might be his best chance of survival. Better for him to make nice with those in service now.
“In here,” the guard said. “I’ll fetch the steward.”
They entered the room. It was obviously a room used by the king. There was a small chair on a raised floor on the opposite end of the room, and off to the side was a large table. Chairs surrounded the table, and there were chairs along the wall.
“How long will we need to cool our heels here, I wonder?” said Roysten. Hadden felt sweat break out over his body, and the stew he’d had earlier suddenly sat ill in his stomach.
“Not long at all, sir. What news from Lord Maddox on the border?” A voice asked behind them. Hadden whirled to see a tall, handsome man behind them. His stomach sank.
It was the king.
As the man came closer, he dropped to his knee. He felt Roysten do the same next to him.
“Your Majesty,” he said. He kept his head down.
“Stand, Commander. And your man. You may be at ease,” said the king, walking past them to sit in the small chair. “Now, what have you to report?” Another man, presumably the steward, stood behind the small chair, arms clasped behind his back.
“We went into Ethion at Lord Maddox’s request,” began Hadden. He then told the king all they’d heard, including his conversation with Grizelle, although not the part where he was supposed to solve the riddle and rescue them from the curse. He felt that perhaps was better kept between him and Roysten.
“I thank you for telling me. Lord Maddox is well served,” Aland said with a smile. “Did no one suspect you in Ethion?”
“I don’t believe so, Sire. There is too much feeling over the loss of the prince,” said Hadden. Roysten kept silent, only nodding now and then.
The change on the king’s face was extraordinary. A deep sadness settled over his features. “We are all feeling much over the loss of Prince Casimir and Prince Ulric. They were fine, young men. Well, we shall need to handle things with Ethion carefully. Grief is a powerful motivator and not always a wise one.”
Hadden nodded. The king seemed awfully confiding for…well…a king. “Yes, Sire,” he said, not sure what else to say. The thought of what he still had to say was making him sweat even more. He wanted desperately to wipe his brow, but he dared not.
“Is there more? If not, my steward will find you places to stay for the night.”
“There is more, Your Majesty.” His voice was steady.
The king didn’t answer, merely raised his brows.
“I have heard, Your Majesty, of your gracious offer to the kingdom.” Hadden took a deep breath, and consigned his soul to good luck, and hope that Grizelle had told him true. “I wish to solve the riddle of where your daughters go at night. I offer myself as a candidate to solve the mystery.”
He waited.
The king didn’t respond immediately. He stood, still not speaking, and came to where Hadden stood. One arm across his chest, the other on his chin, he studied Hadden. Walked around him. Hadden felt like a horse being judged. He kept still, allowing the king his inspection.
“You’re well-formed and young. That is either a great plus for you or a great disadvantage. You speak nicely and have blond hair and blue eyes. My daughters will not doubt like you. Are you a knight?”
“Not as of yet, Your Majesty. I am still but esquire to Lord Maddox.”
“Your family? Who are they?”
“I know not, Sire. I was born an orphan. I’ve been with Lord Maddox since I can remember. I am vassal to him.” Noble he might not be, but he would be a knight and would have land. Maddox had no sons, no close heirs. He’d offered land and the chance of knighthood to Hadden some years ago.
“Are you one-and-twenty?”
“I believe so, Sire. My age when I came to Lord Maddox was undetermined.”
The king nodded. He turned and looked at his steward. Some form of unspoken communication went on between them.
He turned back to Hadden and Roysten. “Hadden, you said your name was? Will you speak with me in private? My steward will show your man to some refreshment.”
“If I may, Your Majesty?” Roysten spoke finally.
“Yes?” Said the king. He had the beginnings of annoyance around the edges.
“I am instructed to give you this from Lord Maddox,” Roysten said. He stepped forward with a sealed letter, and offered it to the king.
The king took it. “Is it of import that I read it immediately?”
“Lord Maddox requested such, Your Majesty.” Roysten bowed his head, the picture of humility. Where had he learnt such manners? Hadden thought. He puts me to shame.
“Very well. I shall read it after I’m done talking with your commander. Rest assured, he’ll be fine.”
Roysten looked up, and then at Hadden.
Hadden nodded, and gave Roysten a slight smile. Roysten followed the steward. It was clear he was unsure about leaving Hadden, but there was no gainsaying the king. The king watched the door closed, and then he turned back to Hadden.
“Hadden, I shall be level with you. If you take up this challenge, which is your right as a man of sound character, I warn you, you must fulfill it or forfeit your life.”
“How do you know I’m of sound character?” Hadden couldn’t help asking.
The king smiled. “I know Lord Maddox. You could not be otherwise. If you take this on, it can end in one of two ways. You will bring me the answers I require, or you will leave your head in a basket. I am offering you the chance to reconsider.”
“I appreciate the concern for my well-being, Sire.” In truth, Hadden was astonished. Since when did a king care for the common man in such a manner? It was odd. “I am decided on my course. I will see this through to the end, and you will have your answers.”
The king looked hard at him, not speaking again for a moment. “I do hope so, Hadden. You seem a fine young man, and I’d hate to write and tell Maddox you’ve been unsuccessful. He would not be…accepting.”
H
adden burst out laughing, and then abruptly stopped. “I beg your pardon, Sire. It’s just that…you’ve very accurately portrayed my lord.”
“I know Lord Maddox of old, Hadden. His character is well known.” The king smiled. “Very well. If you are determined, an old man such as myself,” he waved off the protest Hadden was about to make, “Will not sway you. I will warn you, the mystery is but one of your concerns. With all that has occurred the court is in a temper. You will face challenges daily as well as nightly.”
Hadden grinned. “I welcome it, Your Majesty. I will ask a boon, however.”
“Yes?”
“May I have your leave to practice with the castle garrison? I took a wound to the head some time ago that kept me abed. I am in sore need of practice to return to my former health.”
The king looked at him and burst out laughing. “Oh, of course. You have my permission. I’ll speak to the head of the garrison and let him know that you’ll be joining them. It will probably not be regularly, as you might wish to get to know my daughters.” His tone held a warning.
“I look forward to it, Sire. Their grace and loveliness is renowned.” Except for the part where they keep sneaking away at night, he thought. That’s a bit on the negative side. Then he pushed such thoughts aside.
“Then let me turn you over to my steward. Have something to eat, and he’ll ready you for the presentation. I would, if you’ll allow me,” he looked at Hadden thoughtfully, “Offer you garments that will be more suitable for court. While there is indeed warfare here, one doesn’t need to be dressed for actual battle.”
Hadden looked down at himself. And you thought you looked well, he thought ruefully. “That is most kind of Your Majesty. May I ask that my man-at-arms be outfitted as well? He has been ordered to stay with me, and I’d not have him suffer on my account.”
The king raised his brows, but said mildly, “Of course. It will be my pleasure. Ah, Tomas, there you are.” The steward had silently come back into the room. “Is Hadden’s companion being attended to?” Tomas nodded. “Then please take Hadden to the same. Return to me when you have done so.” Tomas bowed and went back out the door.
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