“I shall see you shortly, Hadden,” said the king. “Make ready.”
Hadden bowed, the ominous words echoing in his head as he left the room. Tomas was standing outside, waiting for him.
“This way, sir.” He led Hadden the opposite direction they’d come in. Very shortly, Tomas stopped in front of a door and opened it, letting Hadden enter before him.
Hadden stepped into a well-appointed chamber. It was—he couldn’t tell what sort of room it was. Well, he didn’t know the ins and outs of castle life. There was a good-sized table where Roysten was already seated, eating as though he’d not eaten in days.
“I’ll return shortly,” said Tomas. “Please ring the bell if there is anything you need.”
“Thank you,” said Hadden. The man nodded, and slipped from the room. When the door closed, he sat down heavily on a bench across from Roysten. Finally, he wiped his brow. Fortunately, it was not as sweat-covered as he’d thought it would be.
“Roys, old man, I nearly slid into the floor when the king answered you.”
“You did? I wanted to! He seems nice enough,” said Roysten. “What’d he say?”
“Gave me the chance to back out. Told me I could do so and all would be well. I declined, and he said if I failed, he’d have my head in a basket.”
“Well, he means it,” Roys said philosophically. “Nice of him to offer though.”
“He’s bringing us clothes.” Hadden looked over. He wanted to see Roysten’s reaction.
“For?”
“He said, and I’m not getting it exactly right, that we’d be at war but didn’t need to actually be dressed for battle.”
To his surprise, Roysten laughed. “Well, he’s honest. Perhaps the nobility is worn a little thin, what with heads rolling about.”
Hadden felt a twinge at the back of his head. He reached around and rubbed at it, wincing as he did so.
“Still paining you?” Roysten was not looking at him.
“It’s not an old wound. I told you, I’m lucky to be alive. I don’t know why my head is hurting when it’s my face that got slashed, but I feel twinges all over my head and neck sometimes.” He rubbed his neck again, feeling like some sort of wound should be there. “The cheek is practically nothing in terms of bothering me.”
“You’ll get better.”
“Hope so. I’ve got permission to practice with the guards.”
“Oh, that will go over very well,” Roysten said dryly. “An almost knight, taking a mad leap for even more, down with the king’s soldiers? Looks like I’ll be getting beaten down with you.” He sighed. “I didn’t agree to all of this.”
“Stop you old whinger.”
“Who’s old? Any minute now, you’ll be forecasting the rain, rubbing your neck like an old codger!”
They laughed, and the tension that had been hovering vanished. They finished eating, and then Hadden got up, stretching. He’d been in the saddle for many days in a row. It felt good to be off a horse. In spite of his nerves earlier, he was feeling better. That would probably all vanish once he was called forth in front of the king. He hoped it wouldn’t be in front of the entire court.
The door opened and Tomas entered with several men behind him holding bundles of clothes and a few more with basins and other bathing implements.
“Sirs, King Aland sends this with his compliments and asks that you allow him to prepare you.” Tomas inclined his head.
Hadden smiled. While somber, the man didn’t look mean or resentful. “I thank you, Tomas. And please convey our gratitude to His Majesty. We would be honored.” He nudged Roysten with an elbow.
“Honored, indeed,” said Roysten. Hadden risked a glance. He was actually eating again.
Tomas directed the servants, indicating clothing for each of them and setting the men with the basins of water to scrubbing. Hadden had thought they’d cleaned up nicely, but not up to court standards, apparently. He moved as directed so the page could wash him, and then allowed another page to garb him. Next to him, Roysten was receiving similar treatment. Hadden was surprised that he didn’t hear a single murmur or oath from Roysten.
Finally, the pages declared them clean and presentable. Hadden felt all his skin had been scrubbed off, but he didn’t look as raw as he felt. The pages dressed them in fine linen, finer than he’d ever worn. Once they were done and had critically examined them, the pages declared them to be ready and went to fetch Tomas.
Hadden looked over. “Now I understand how a scalded chicken feels.”
“I feel overdone just standing here.”
“Like I told you earlier, you clean up nice. Give us a kiss!” He laughed as Roysten swung a fist at him. “I need you to be my eyes when I can’t look. Oh, by the way, you sneaky bastard! You do court speak very well!”
“You think I’ve always been a rough and tumble soldier?”
Hadden nodded. “Have you given reason for me to think otherwise?”
To his surprise, Roysten looked thoughtful. “No, I haven’t. I’ll be happy to act as your squire. Maddox told me I had to get you out of here alive. And I will.” He looked grim.
“That’s quite the oath. I don’t hold you to it.”
“I hold myself!” Roysten looked offended.
“No offense meant. I know that success or failure rests on me.”
Roysten opened his mouth but was stopped from whatever he planned to say by the arrival of Tomas.
“Gentlemen, come with me. Smile, look confident, and go along with whatever the king says.” He spoke quietly and with great urgency. They followed him out the door.
“How is that good for us?” Roysten asked.
“The king wants all who step forth to succeed. More than any realize. He wants the same for you. Now, smile!”
They were walking past people, members of the court, if their clothing was any indication. Hadden could see why the king offered them new clothing. He would have stuck out in his soldier’s garb. Roysten sidled next to him.
“Look above it all, and if you meet anyone’s eyes, smile, just a little, and bow your head. That way, if they are of higher rank, you offend none. It also holds your rank, or lack, in question.”
Hadden nodded once to show he understood.
“Ready now, gentlemen?” Tomas stood at the door of a large hall. “Dinner is still being served. The king has prepared a place for you, Hadden, at the table. Roysten, you will stand at his chair. If you are hungry, I’ll see that something is sent up after the dinner has ended. I shall turn you over to the herald, and he’ll bring you forward. Do as the king says.”
It was amazing how the man could say so much without ever moving his lips. Tomas went into the hall and whispered to a man that Hadden assumed was the herald. The second man nodded and came to where he and Roysten stood.
“Gentlemen, if you will follow me please?” He turned quickly and made his way up the hall.
Hadden followed him, looking neither left nor right, but feeling the eyes of many upon him. He focused on the table at the head of the hall where he could see the king. Next to him sat the queen, and she was lovely. He could tell there were many young girls on either side of the king and queen, and to the side of the queen there was a young man. The walk seemed to take forever. At last, the herald stopped.
He banged his staff on the ground three times and called out, “Hadden and his squire Roysten, in the service of Lord Maddox of the Earl Constable Burleigh’s brigade!” The hall quieted as he banged his staff three more times.
“Your Majesties,” said Hadden. He executed the most precise bow he could and sent a prayer heavenward that he wouldn’t fall over on his face. He hoped Roysten was doing the same.
“Rise, Commander Hadden.” The king’s voice was deep, and pleasant.
There was no other talk in the hall, and Hadden again felt many eyes upon him. The people around him were listening so hard he felt their concentration. His neck ached. He stilled his hand from rubbing it.
“We ar
e pleased to have you in our company, Hadden. It pleases us that you bring news of Lord Maddox, a most skilled man.” The king paused. He looked around, making a point. Whatever it was, however, Hadden missed it. He focused on the king. He couldn’t look around. It was oppressive.
“Additionally, Lord Maddox sends a request, and it is one I am happy to grant.”
Maddox must have asked a boon from the king in the letter Roysten had. Out of honor, Hadden hadn’t asked his friend about it, but he was burning with curiosity as to why Maddox gave it to Roysten, and had obviously instructed him not to say anything to Hadden.
A murmur broke out around him. The king was walking along the head table, and coming out to where Hadden and Roysten stood. As he came closer, Tomas appeared seemingly out of nowhere, holding a sword.
“If you would please kneel, Hadden,” The king said pleasantly. Hadden did, feeling Roysten take several steps back. He thought he knew what was going on, but he couldn’t get his mind around it.
He felt the light touch of the sword on each shoulder. He took a breath, realizing he’d forgotten to breathe for the last several moments. He let the breath out slowly, not wanting to do anything wrong.
“Now, rise, Sir Hadden of Erimoor.”
Hadden stood, feeling as though he’d been run down by a destrier. The king had knighted him, giving him the place name of Lord Maddox’s estate. He felt light-headed. He’d been working towards being a knight for most of his life, but Maddox had said he wasn’t ready.
What had he done that proved he was ready? He could feel his face flush, which always looked brighter than normal with his fair skin and light hair.
The king stepped to the side, handing his sword to Tomas, who bowed and moved away. “Let us all welcome our newest knight of the realm—Sir Hadden!” The king raised his cup.
The hall was no longer silent, as the whispers of people to those near them began. He knew people were wondering what he’d done to be knighted by the king. One was normally knighted by the lord to whom they were vassal, with permission of the king, of course. His eyes met Roysten’s.
“Smile!” Roysten hissed over his cup.
Hadden put a smile on, hoping he didn’t look like he was baring his teeth.
“Well done, Sir Hadden. Are you ready for the next part in this charade?” The king leaned close to him to speak.
“I...I believe so, Sire. I was not prepared…”
“I know. I could see it. It makes you all the more humble, and that, my boy, is a good thing. You sure this is the path you want to take?”
“It is, Your Majesty.” On this, at least, he could find his voice.
“Very well. Stay here.” The king moved away as Hadden bowed his head. Tomas appeared at Hadden’s side.
“The king will seat himself again, and ask if there is anything you wish to say to the court. That is when you say you’ve come to take up the challenge.” Hadden nodded.
Unlike before when he’d spoken to the king, he didn’t have the sinking feeling in his stomach, or the fear his meal would be revisited. He was the equal of these people. Not only that, he’d earned it. Earned it through years of hard work. He stood a little taller, squared his shoulders.
Roysten came to stand at his shoulder. “Sir, now is it?”
“Did you know about this?”
“No, I didn’t. Makes me an esquire now, don’t it? Well, we’ll see about the slop jar,” Roysten said out of the side of his mouth.
Hadden stifled a laugh, trying not to cough as he could see the king seating himself once more.
“We welcome you to our court, Sir Hadden. You and your esquire are welcome. Pray, is there anything you wish to say before we sup?”
“Bow. Deeply,” hissed Roysten.
Hadden ignored him. He made a graceful leg, thankful once again he didn’t fall forward. Then he stood. “Thank you, Your Majesty, for the great honor you have bestowed upon me. It will be my pleasure to serve you alongside my Lord Maddox.” He inclined his head, and the king smiled.
“With all the favor shown me, I must beg your indulgence once more,” he said. Where had that come from? He almost didn’t recognize himself.
“You may ask, knight.”
“I ask to be a candidate to solve the mystery of your daughters. I will discover where they venture each night, and why their shoes are in ribbons. If it please Your Majesty,” he said, and bowed once more.
He glanced up at the head table, and actually looked at those he could see.
The king was smiling.
The queen was serene, but he saw her looking at the king.
The two daughters on either side of them looked sad.
The man his age near one of the daughters looked angry and scornful.
He couldn’t tell what anyone else thought as they were outside his range of vision. This is interesting. Something to set Roysten on.
The smile disappeared off the king’s face. “You realize the stakes to which you are agreeing? If you discover the truth of why my daughters’ shoes are ruined each morning, you shall have your pick of a bride. But should you fail to bring the information I seek, you will forfeit your life. You understand?”
“I do, Sire, and I welcome the challenge.”
“That man is staring daggers at you,” he heard Roysten whisper. “I’ll discover why.”
The king sighed. He looked sad, like the women he was surrounded by. “Very well, Sir Hadden. Take your ease tonight. Eat, and rest. We will begin the challenge tomorrow evening. Pray, be seated.” He indicated a chair to his right that had been added by a footman.
“Well, let’s go, Sir Hadden,” whispered Roysten. “Right behind you.”
Hadden made his way to the other side of the table and sat down. He immediately turned to the king. “Thank you, Your Majesty. You continue to do me great honor this evening.”
“It is my pleasure, Sir Hadden. To a point. I’d hoped you’d reconsider. As you will not, I wish for your time with us to be pleasant.”
The unspoken expectation that he would fail hung in the air like the smell of a field after battle.
“You are very kind, Sire.”
“No, I’m really not, but that’s neither here nor there,” said the king. “Please meet my daughter Adelaide, Sir Hadden.” And abruptly he turned to speak to the queen.
Hadden looked at the girl next to him. She was pretty, in a soft, flowery sort of way. Like a rose petal, her skin was pale with a delicate spot of color on each cheek. The pink spread wider over her face as he looked at her. He could hear the beating of his heart, and beyond that, the noise of the hall rise.
“Lady Adelaide, it is my pleasure to meet you.”
“Sir Hadden, and I you. Are you sure you wish to undertake this?” He could hear the worry in her voice.
Things were bad. The innkeeper had not been forthright enough. Things were very bad. A princess should not be this direct. That she was, and her father didn’t cut her off immediately, showed him just how bad.
“Is there any other way for you to be free of this?” He asked. Since she’d been so direct, he decided to pay her the compliment of doing the same.
He was not at all prepared for her response. She gasped. The girl on the other side of her gave him a look. Adelaide looked at him wide-eyed, her mouth slightly open.
“Wha…what do you mean, Sir?”
Hadden felt a thrill of satisfaction that he was now really a ‘Sir’ and it was not merely a form of polite address.
“I mean that some wicked sorcery is at work here. It must be. So my question to you is: can you be free in any other fashion?”
He had rattled her badly. “I don’t know what you mean. We are not…trapped by anything. We cannot tell anyone anything about why our slippers are ruined. There is nothing to tell.” Her words had the tinge of memorization. She also looked scared to death. It was time to stop.
“Then I must offer my apologies, my lady. Please forgive me speaking of what I know nothing. I am
but an ignorant soldier.” He inclined his head and looked down, giving her a chance to compose herself.
While he did so, he wondered at himself. In camp and in the company, he was often teased for his mannerisms and gentle behavior. He was surprised at how easily this came to him. He had spent his life in the service of Maddox, who, while noble, didn’t stand on a lot of ceremony. But here he was. He was no longer nervous or feeling like he might topple over. If anything, he was excited, as he was before a mission. Like lightening had struck him, and small crackles moved up and down his spine.
He looked up. Adelaide had composed herself. “Not so ignorant, Sir Hadden. Your lord commander obviously thinks highly of you.”
“I am fortunate in my lord. He’s had the raising of me from very young.”
It was a good choice for conversation. Adelaide took his lead. “Oh? Did your parents foster you?”
“I am an orphan, my lady. I was lucky to fall into Lord Maddox’s household, and he took me on. For good or ill, it seems,” he grinned and looked around to see what everyone else in the hall was doing.
Gossiping and watching him, apparently. He smiled at the crowd and faced Adelaide again. “I am sorry. I didn’t mean to pry.”
“You didn’t, my lady. My life is open to all,” he smiled at her.
He felt rewarded when she shyly returned his smile. Whatever he’d said that had upset her so was in the past. He’d have to make a note though to see if any of the other sisters had the same sort of reaction.
Perhaps Grizelle had told him the truth, after all. Perhaps there really was a curse.
He was in it now. He hoped she had not lied. If she had, this would be the shortest knighthood in history. In spite of that, or perhaps because of it, he was excited.
“I am sorry, my lady.” He didn’t look at her directly when he spoke. He wanted to listen to her, rather than see her. Additionally, watching the court was interesting. There sat, almost in front of him, a group of knights his age. They all looked mightily affronted. He met the eyes of one, giving him a brilliant smile. No sense in avoiding the uncomfortable.
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