"I'll bear that in mind, Grand Arcanus," said Alric, remembering to use the proper title. He had never really dealt much with mages before; they were a class unto themselves. By their own rules, they were banished from the politics of court, offering only advice or counsel when requested. They were a powerful force but kept entirely apart from the world of the Royal Court.
Alric felt a strange sensation over his entire body, like there was a vibration in the air and then, as it subsided, he felt refreshed as if he'd just woken up.
"That's incredible," he muttered, more to himself.
"Remember, the effects will force you to pay a price later. Don't get too used to it," warned Aegryth. "Now, you must be on your way."
"But the healer," uttered Alric.
"Is right here, Highness," said Roxanne as she entered the stables. "Now, we must ride like the wind."
Anna shifted slightly in her sleep. Tempus raised his head, looking longingly at his sleeping mistress, and then put his head back down. He was lying on the end of the bed, and it shifted slightly. Sophie wrung out the cloth, dipped it back in the cool water, then laid it gently on the brow of the princess.
The door opened quietly, and Gerald peered in, "How's she doing?"
"She's no better," the maid returned, "though no worse. She spends the time asleep."
"Perhaps it's better this way, at least she's not fidgeting. I was afraid she'd reopen the wound."
It had taken two days before they had decided to move her and then another day to get her to the village of Kinsley. The baron had immediately made his manor house available. Anna had been carefully placed in the great bed, and now there was little they could do but wait and see. Gerald hoped the young princeling had managed to get help. Prince Alstan had posted a guard, but Gerald had insisted that only Mercerians be allowed in the building. Now the Knights of the Hound vigilantly stood guard.
"Gerald," uttered Sophie, "she's awake!"
Gerald moved to the side of the bed as the maid gave way. He grasped Anna's hand, "Anna, can you hear me?"
She squeezed his hand lightly. "I'm here," she said.
Gerald breathed a sigh of relief. "You had us worried, Anna. How are you feeling?"
Her other hand reached out, and Tempus crawled forward, placing his head beneath it. "Weak, it feels strange. I almost imagine myself floating."
"Resist it, Anna," begged Gerald, "it's the Afterlife calling you."
"Well, it'll have to wait a while," she said, managing a slight smile. "I'm not ready to leave yet, you still need me."
"I'll always need you, Anna," said Gerald, choking on the words.
"Typical, isn't it?" she mused.
"What is?"
"That I need a healer the one time Revi isn't around. All those months travelling together and I didn't need him once. Now, here I am, lying in agony."
Gerald was at a loss for words. By Saxnor's beard, he would make sure the mage was around in the future. "I've sent a messenger back to Merceria, Anna, though it'll likely be some time before we get a reply."
"What happened to the man who attacked me?" she asked.
"Beverly killed him. Prince Alstan has promised to look into the matter, but I can't say that fills me with confidence. There's the very real possibility that they're behind the attack."
"I doubt that," responded Anna. "My death would likely cause a war. I don't imagine our king would be too pleased."
A rumbling noise interrupted her, and she looked down at her body, covered by the blankets. "It appears my stomach is hungry."
"Sophie, here, will feed you some soup, only broth though, we don't know how badly you're wounded."
A yell from outside brought Gerald to his feet, and he made his way to the window, opening the shutters to let in some fresh air. He spied a small group of riders approaching down the roadway and yelled out, "Hayley, can you make out the riders?"
"Yes," the ranger replied, "it looks like the prince has returned. There's a woman with him and a couple of guards."
"It must be the healer," Gerald yelled. "Bring her up straight away."
"Of course," she replied.
Gerald turned back to Anna, "It seems the Life Mage has arrived.
"Revi?" asked Anna.
"No, one from the capital. We'll have you up and about in no time."
"Don't exaggerate, Gerald. Remember when you were injured in that bandit attack? You still had to rest for days afterwards."
"Well, yes. But at least I was able to move."
A commotion below interrupted their conversation as the door was thrown open and then footfalls rushed up the stairs. Hayley stepped into the room, holding the door for their visitors.
An elderly woman, perhaps a little younger than Gerald, made her way into the room. "You must be Anna," she said in a pleasant voice. "How are you feeling?"
"Much better now that you're here," she replied. "Are you the Life Mage?"
"Yes, Highness. I'm Roxanne Fortuna, a Life Mage. I'm going to cast a spell, and you'll feel a little strange, but the feeling will pass. Are you prepared?"
"Yes, I've seen healing before."
"Excellent. Now hold still and try to relax."
She raised her hands in the air and began to chant. Gerald had no idea what the words meant, but soon the air around him began to buzz, and he felt the hairs on his arms stand straight up. He had seen Revi use spells in the past, but this time the effect was more pronounced. The mage's hands began to glow and then she placed them on Anna's stomach. Even through the covers, he saw the light leave her hands, penetrate the blanket, and for a brief time, he saw Anna's entire body enveloped by the glow. It lingered for only a moment and then dissipated as Anna let out a breath of air.
"How do you feel?" asked Roxanne.
"It doesn't hurt anymore," stated Anna. "I feel quite well, just tired."
"That's to be expected, you've lost a lot of blood. It will take several days before you'll be on your feet again."
The mage peeled back the blankets to examine the wound, untying the bandages that were present. "Ah," she uttered, "I see you've used warriors moss." She looked up to Gerald, "Was that your doing?"
"Yes," he replied. "I hope that didn't cause any problems."
"Problems? No, you saved her life. You kept her alive long enough for me to heal her, you should be proud. Have you slept?"
"A little," Gerald lied.
"Very little," added Hayley.
"Then I suggest you get some rest. I will remain here until she can move, then I'll travel with you back to the capital."
"I'm not leaving Anna," he declared.
The princess beckoned him over, then had him lean over to whisper to him, "Go and rest, Gerald. I will need your counsel later, and I need you healthy."
Her friend straightened himself. "It appears I need rest," he said, defeated. "Where's Beverly?" he asked next.
"She's downstairs," offered Hayley. "Why?"
"There are arrangements to be made," he said. "We can't leave the princess unguarded."
"And who do you think's been looking after her while you slept?" asked Hayley.
The blank look on Gerald's face said everything. "Beverly?"
"Of course," added the ranger, softening her tone. "Now get ye to bed, young man." She pointed at the door.
"I suggest," said Roxanne, "that we let the princess rest. Her maid will stay, along with her dog, but everyone else: out!"
"I have to guard her," protested Hayley.
"Very well, but do it quietly, near the door. She needs her sleep."
Alric had sat down in a chair in the entranceway, having found himself too tired to stand. He saw Gerald coming down the stairs and wanted to say something, but his mind was fogged with fatigue, so he mutely watched as the old man approached him.
"Your Highness," Gerald began, "I very much wanted to apologize for the harsh words I used after the attack. I should have used proper manners and addressed you accordingly. I will accept any p
unishment you deem necessary."
Alric could hardly believe his ears and struggled to answer. "Nonsense, Gerald, you were acting in the best interest of the princess. There's nothing to forgive."
A look of relief crossed the old man's face, and, for the first time, Alric truly recognized the look of concern that had been present. Was this the effect that his Royal Personage had on people? Were they afraid of him? He thought back to Beverly's words; he had no real friends, and yet he saw these strangers holding together like a family. He resolved then and there, to make a concerted effort to truly care about these visitors.
"Your Highness is most gracious," said Gerald, who then turned to leave.
"Wait, Gerald," called out Alric, struggling to stand.
"Your Highness?"
"I know I haven't been the most...gracious of hosts, but I want to tell you I'll be more attentive in future. Your visit here is important, to both our kingdoms, and I'll make every effort to ensure you are kept safe. You can rest assured that we'll get to the heart of this assassination attempt. My father will not stop until this conspiracy is uncovered, I give you my word."
"Thank you, Highness, I'm sure the princess will appreciate it."
Dame Beverly strode down the path toward the gate; the metal structure was the only entry point to the estate. She had issued orders for two knights to be stationed here at all times to watch for intruders and keep the princess secure. Now, as she approached, she saw Dames Juliet and Celia in their assigned positions, talking between themselves. As she came within earshot, Beverly could hear their discussion.
"It's a good thing the prince got here in time," Dame Celia was saying. "If she'd died we'd be stuck here in hostile territory, miles from home."
"Do you think it would have been war?" asked Juliet.
"Don't you? Imagine if, say, Prince Alric were visiting Merceria, and he was attacked and killed. Don't you think King Leofric would be furious?"
"Of course, but enough to start a war? I think cooler heads would prevail. War is to be avoided at all costs."
"Nonsense," retorted Celia. "War is the natural state of Humans. Our kingdom's been at war for almost its entire existence; it allows the strong to rise to the top."
Juliet was about to refute this statement when Beverly intervened, "If you two have finished arguing, I need to speak with Dame Juliet for a few moments."
"We're not arguing," stated Celia, "just musing. I'll wander back down the road and give you some privacy, shall I?"
"That would be appreciated," responded Beverly. She waited until Dame Celia was out of earshot before continuing, "Dame Juliet, when we met, you told me you didn't want to reveal your family name."
"Yes," Juliet confessed, "but I sense that is no longer possible."
"Considering the attack on the princess, I think it would be best if you were to confide in me. We can't afford to have any more secrets."
Juliet nodded her head in agreement. "I suppose I should have known I couldn't keep it hidden forever. My father is the Earl of Tewsbury."
Beverly's eyes revealed her shock, "You're full of surprises, I didn't see that coming. I take it the countess was not your mother?"
"No," she agreed, "my mother was a servant. The earl carried on a relationship with her for years, until she died."
"I'm sorry," said Beverly, "I know how difficult it can be, not having a mother. Were you close before she passed?"
"Yes," said Juliet, "though as I grew older, I grew more rebellious."
"How did you take up the life of a knight?"
"With the death of my mother, there was no place for me at the estate. The earl suggested it would be better if I left, and then settled a yearly remittance on me to stay away; he's been very generous in that regard. Since I couldn't live in Tewsbury any longer, I headed west and settled down in Kingsford. I was rather lost, not really knowing what to do with my life. When I heard the Duke of Kingsford was sending troops to Wickfield, I volunteered to go."
"Didn't they object to your sex or lack of training?"
"They did, but there was such a shortage of volunteers they agreed to take me. Women fighters might be rare, but they're not unheard of."
"True enough," continued Beverly, "but being a soldier is not the same thing as being a knight. How did that come about?"
"The duke was travelling with us to the east, intending to continue on to Wincaster when we headed north. One night there was a commotion in his tent while I was on guard, a clang of swords, and I rushed in to find someone trying to kill the duke. His Grace was prone on the ground with his attacker ready to strike the final blow. I took down the assassin, stabbing him through the back. The duke was so thankful he recommended I be knighted.
"It seems there are two nobles with an interest in your future," mused Beverly.
Juliet shrugged her shoulders, "I should have refused the honour. As a knight, I was an outcast. The Duke of Kingsford had no use for me, and I couldn't go to Wincaster for fear of running into the Earl of Tewsbury."
"How were you inducted into the Order of the Sword?" asked Beverly.
"By Royal Proclamation, there was no ceremony. I still have a copy of it, if you'd like to see."
"That's not necessary. Does the Earl of Tewsbury know about all of this?"
"No," said Juliet, "I've always been careful not to reveal his name. As far as anyone knows, my father was a soldier who died in the border wars. If the Earl of Tewsbury found out about my position, he might cut off my remittance."
"I can imagine," offered Beverly. "He has a son, doesn't he?"
"Yes, though I've always managed to steer clear of him. I've kept myself away from the capital for that very reason."
"Well, you've certainly given me something to think about."
"Will you tell everyone about me?" asked Juliet.
"No," Beverly replied. "The only people that will be informed are the princess and Gerald. None of the other knights needs know of this, at least for now."
"Thank you for your discretion," said Juliet, "it means a lot to me."
"Just make sure you continue to loyally serve the princess, and there won't be a need for another private conversation between us."
Thirteen
The Capital
Autumn 960 MC
Anna's health recovered quickly, and a week later they resumed their journey to the capital, Summersgate. Autumn weather had decided to make itself known and the cooler evenings were seen as a blessing. As the Grand Mage had predicted, King Leofric had sent more troops to escort them, and now the column that entered the city's gates numbered more than three hundred. Anna, however, kept her guards even closer and had taken to wearing her Dwarven sword at all times. Gerald was ever present, and even Beverly and Hayley seemed to spend more time in the princess's company.
As the carriage rumbled through the gatehouse, a deafening roar burst forth, and Gerald looked out the window. "It seems the people of Summersgate have decided to turn out to welcome you."
Anna looked out the carriage window. Prince Alric was riding nearby, so she beckoned him over, "What's going on?"
"My father has arranged a welcome for you, Highness. All you have to do is follow my men, we'll lead you to the Palace where my father and mother will meet us."
Anna looked at Gerald, "I don't like this."
Gerald shrugged, "We'll keep you safe, Anna. We won't let anyone get close to you. Do we really have much of a choice? We came here to help with relations between our two kingdoms; we can't just ignore their hospitality."
Anna pursed her lips, "Any word on Revi? I'd feel much more comfortable with him here."
"No reply as of yet, but if he were coming, he'd likely not get here for another month or two."
She looked out the windows to either side; the ever-present proximity of Beverly and Hayley reassured her, and she visibly relaxed, falling back into the soft cushioning of her seat.
"How much further do you think?"
As if on cue, B
everly leaned over in the saddle and knocked on the window. Gerald lowered it to hear her. "We're almost there. I can see the Palace just up ahead."
Anna sat up again, instantly alert. Even Tempus, at her feet, suddenly raised his head in expectation.
"You know the drill?" asked Gerald.
"Don't worry, Gerald," Beverly responded, "I've got it. We'll all be in position."
The carriage rolled up to Summersgate Palace. Unlike Wincaster, this Palace wasn't fortified but formed a large estate, with lush gardens. The carriage halted, and they waited while the Knights of the Hound dismounted. Commands were issued, and then Beverly opened the carriage door. Her knights were formed to either side, presenting a safe corridor for the princess to walk.
Anna stepped from the carriage, with Gerald just behind her. She waited until he had completed his egress and then held onto his arm while Tempus took up a position to her left. Now, safely between her two best friends, she made her way forward, the knights walking in step with her, forming a protective wall to either side.
Ahead, was King Leofric along with Queen Igraine. Beside them were Alric and Alstan, along with two young girls, one roughly Anna's age.
The Knights of the Hound halted while Anna and her small party continued making their way forward, foregoing the protective cocoon. The nearby crowd gasped as they did so, and it took a moment for Gerald to realize it was Tempus who was causing the stir.
"They seem to like your dog," he remarked.
"That's cause he's such a good dog, aren't you boy," she said, stopping to pat his head. The great dog seemed to smile back at her.
King Leofric stepped forward, a breach of etiquette that made his guards nervous. He walked towards them with purpose, ignoring the complaints from his officers and held out his arms.
Heart of the Crown Page 10