Anna looked at the other two guests. They were both well-dressed women, one perhaps sixteen or so, the other somewhat older.
"And who do we have here?" she asked. "Did you get married during your absence?"
Revi blushed, and it made Gerald laugh.
"No, Highness. Permit me to introduce Lady Aubrey Brandon, daughter to Lord Richard Brandon, Baron of Hawksburg."
The younger woman bowed, "Pleased to meet Your Highness," she said.
"And this," he indicated the slightly older woman, "is Lady Nicole Arendale. She's been sent by your father to be your Lady-in-Waiting."
"My Lady-in-Waiting? I have Sophie," Anna sputtered.
"The king," continued Revi, "thought it best you have someone with breeding to advise you."
"You talked to the king?"
"No, but I have a letter with his seal here for you," he rummaged through his voluminous robes, withdrawing a small scroll case. He untied the top, withdrawing an ornately written parchment.
Anna took the paper, while Gerald looked at Lady Nicole. He sensed something out of place here, perhaps an agent sent to spy on them? He hated living this life of intrigue and deception, but held his tongue.
The princess handed him the paper while she continued, "Welcome, Lady Nicole. I've never had a proper Lady-in-Waiting before, so you'll pardon my manners if I don't utilize you to your full potential."
The woman curtsied, as was the new fashion. "Your Highness is free to use me as you see fit," she replied. "I am at your service."
"Lady Aubrey," Anna continued, "you are cousin to Lady Beverly, are you not?"
"I am, Highness," the young woman replied.
"Are you here to attend me as well?"
"No, Highness," she replied.
"I took Lady Beverly's advice," said Revi, interrupting the conversation.
"Which was?" asked the princess.
"Lady Aubrey is my new apprentice. I've already started training her."
"Congratulations, Lady Aubrey," offered Anna, "though perhaps I should say commiserations. I think Revi might be a handful."
"Very funny," said Revi, reddening. "I see Gerald's behaviour has started to rub off on you."
"Is my cousin here, Highness?" asked Aubrey. "I would love to see her."
"She's out training some of the knights," offered Gerald. "Shall I go and find her?"
"Let's all go," offered Anna. "I think I should like to see how they're doing."
They filed out of the hallway, heading toward the back of the house.
Dame Beverly struck, and the defender's shield flopped to the side. The brunette on the other end of the blow cursed, yet again.
"This is hopeless. Can't I just get back to using my bow?"
"No, Hayley, this is important, it could save your life someday."
"But I'm useless like this. I feel like I weigh twice as much as I should. This armour is weighing me down."
"You're a knight now and you need to get used to the weight. One day it'll likely save your life. Now lift the shield higher, this time grip the handle a little tighter and allow the blow to glance off."
She struck again, and the shield moved only slightly. "You see? The blow is deflected so it doesn't travel up the arm."
The ranger smiled, "You're right, let's try it again."
"For Saxnor's sake, Hayley," cursed Dame Celia, "just get on with it will you, or we'll be here all day."
Beverly turned on Celia, "You have something better to do?"
Duly chastised, the knight looked down at her feet, "No, Dame Beverly, sorry."
"Now," said Beverly, "let's try it one more time, then we'll work on your swordplay. The rest of you pair up and go through your drills."
Groaning was heard all round as the knights began to take up their positions.
"What of Sir Arnim?" asked Levina. "Is he not to join us?"
"He's busy seeing to the guards," explained Beverly, "so the rest of you should continue without him."
"But that makes an uneven number," objected Dame Abigail. "How do we do that?"
"Simple," replied Beverly, "Celia will defend while both you and Aelwyth attack."
"Two on one? That doesn't seem fair," complained Celia.
"Do you expect an enemy to play fair?" asked Beverly. "I once had to fight three men at the same time, but I didn't complain."
The grumbling grew quiet to be replaced with half-hearted sword strikes and blocks. Soon, they would get into it, Beverly thought, and then they would see the wisdom in it. It's not that they were a bad bunch, but few had seen combat in years. They had grown soft with peace and needed honing. Hayley, of course, had seen battle at Eastwood, and she was an excellent archer. Beverly thought it unlikely that the young ranger should accompany a cavalry charge, but she needed some basic skills to defend herself should the need arise.
She was taking up her stance again to strike Hayley when a voice rang out, "Cousin!"
Turning in surprise, she saw her cousin Aubrey Brandon, no longer the young girl she so remembered. "Aubrey? What are you doing here?" She strode over, scabbarding her blade.
"I'm the new apprentice," she exclaimed. "I'm learning magic!"
They embraced and Beverly, for the first time since leaving Bodden, felt a heartfelt hug. "It's so good to see you," she exclaimed. "How are things in Hawksburg?"
"The family is well, so much has happened. We'll talk about it later."
"I think," offered the princess, "that you've done enough for today. Why don't you go play catch up with Aubrey?"
"But what of the knights, Highness?" She protested.
"I can take care of them," offered Gerald, "if you think they could learn anything from me."
Beverly made an exaggerated bow at Gerald, "It would be my honour to allow you to train the knights," she said, straightening. "Train them hard, Gerald, like you used to train me."
Gerald smiled, "It will be my honour, Lady Beverly."
"Hayley needs some work with the shield and Celia weakens her guard. Sir Barnsley has an issue with-"
"I know how to train soldiers, Beverly. I can handle it."
"Of course you can," she responded. "With Your Highnesses, permission, I shall steal Aubrey away for a while."
"Of course," said Anna. "Why don't you take her into town?"
"Marvellous idea!" added Gerald. "There's a tavern nearby called the Old Goat."
"I shall give it a try," offered Beverly. "Is the food good?"
"Oh, yes," offered Gerald. "They have the most excellent cheese. Just like Hawksburg Gold!"
He laughed as she shook her head. It was nice to see Beverly in a good mood.
* * *
The expedition, as the princess liked to call it, was ready to move, and now they waited only for the arrival of their escort to begin the trip north. Anna had elected to ride for the first few hours, leaving her guests to travel in the Royal Carriage. Lily sat with Tempus, the dog now showing his age more than ever. With them rode Lady Nicole, displaying obvious discomfort with her two strange companions. Aubrey had elected to ride a horse as well, and now rode beside Beverly, the two chatting amiably as they prepared to follow just behind Anna and Gerald.
"Where in the Afterlife are they?" fumed the princess. "Don't they know we have a lot of ground to travel today?"
"I'm sure they'll be here soon, Anna," offered Gerald. "These are Westlanders remember, they can't organize anything quickly."
Anna laughed. "I suppose so."
"And it's not like we're really in that much of a hurry," offered her old friend. "A few hours here or there won't really make much of a difference."
The clattering of hooves drew their attention; Dame Hayley was approaching.
"News?" asked Anna.
"Yes, Highness," the brunette responded, pushing a strand of hair from her face. "They're almost here. Prince Alric is riding with someone at the head of their column."
"How many, do you think?" Anna queried.
"I s
hould say about a hundred men, plus wagons."
She looked at Gerald with a sour expression. "Do they mean to send an entire army with us?"
"They can't very well have a foreign force marching through their kingdom unaccompanied, can they?" advised Gerald.
"No, I suppose not." She turned to watch the road and soon saw the column coming into view. "Who's that with Alric?" she asked.
"I was told it's someone named Jack Marlowe," Dame Hayley supplied.
"Who's that, I wonder," muttered Gerald.
Hayley continued, taking Gerald's remarks as a question. "Not sure, but from the way he's dressed, he's likely a noble."
"Oh great, just what we need," he cursed.
"Now, now, Gerald," the princess said, trying to placate the frustrated warrior. "Let's not make rash conclusions. He's likely a friend of Alric's. Let's keep an open mind. Shall we go and meet them?"
They rode over to the column with Beverly, Hayley and Aubrey following. As they approached the Westlanders, the column halted, and Prince Alric rode forward with his companion.
"Princess Anna," he began, "may I introduce, Lord Jack Marlowe, son of the Viscount of Aynsbury."
The man bowed his head solemnly, "Please, call me Jack." He raised his head to reveal a large smile.
"Pleased to meet you, Lord Marlowe. This is Gerald, Dame's Beverly and Hayley, as well as Lady Aubrey Brandon." She pointed to each as she named them.
The man's eyes locked on Beverly for some time. "A lady warrior, I am enchanted," he said, once again bowing deeply, but before Beverly this time.
Beverly frowned, and Gerald could almost feel her sense of loathing for the man.
"Shall we begin moving, Your Highness," Gerald asked Prince Alric.
"By all means," he responded. "We have many miles to cover."
"I thought your men might bring up the rear since we're already formed up," offered Beverly.
"Certainly," responded Alric, "though perhaps Jack and I might join your company near the front?"
"Of course, Highness," responded Anna.
Gerald grumbled. It was beginning to look more and more like this nice country ride would be poisoned by the politics of court.
* * *
The weather was most pleasant as they rode out through the northern gate of the city to the green countryside beyond. The rich pastureland of Weldwyn reached to the horizon. Gerald was surprised to see that more of it was not under cultivation.
Alric rode to one side of Anna, with Gerald to the other. The young prince was pleasant enough and included them both in the conversation. Gerald hated to admit it, but he was growing fond of Alric. He had proven to be a capable organizer, the column notwithstanding, and the more he relaxed around the princess, the easier it was to get along with him. Jack had fallen back behind him and was now riding beside Lady Aubrey, while Beverly rode to the other side.
"Tell me, Alric," asked Anna, "how many mages are in Weldwyn?"
"That's hard to say, Anna," he replied, falling into the more familiar address now that they were on the road. "The Mages Council oversees all that. Why do you ask?"
"They're exceedingly rare in Merceria, but there used to be more. I was wondering if the same was true in your kingdom."
"We have a rich history of magic," he countered. "It dates back centuries. The mages were instrumental in helping defeat the invaders," he said, blushing slightly.
"You mean us, of course," offered Anna.
"Yes, sorry. The master of all magic at that time was the high mage, Weldwyn."
"I assume the kingdom is named after him?"
"Yes," he assured her. "He was instrumental in the war, but died at the final battle, sacrificing himself to win. He was King Loran's closest advisor."
"And so the mages helped form the kingdom?" she asked.
"Yes and no. It was Weldwyn's belief that magic be kept separate and distinct from the crown. Even before the final battle he and the king had made plans. Mages have their own rules. They may never sit upon the throne, it's enshrined in their pledge."
"Pledge? What's that?"
"Each potential mage must swear an oath to become an apprentice."
"So they can't sit on the throne. What else can't they do?" she asked.
"They advise the king, but they have no votes on the Earls' Council and must renounce any title to assume the role of a mage."
"Does everyone agree to that willingly?"
"Magic takes a lot of time to learn. A noble has duties that would preclude studying the arcane arts, or so I'm told."
"It seems to be a well thought out process," she offered.
"Yes, it was planned out centuries ago and has held sway over them for generations."
"Tell us about this Jack Marlow fellow," interrupted Gerald. "What do you know of him?"
"Mad Jack?" confirmed Alric. "He's a cavalier, perhaps one of the best."
"So he participates in the tournaments?" enquired Anna.
"Yes, he's the reigning champion. He took down all his opponents this year."
"He looks a bit young," commented Gerald.
Alric chuckled, "He is. He's the youngest cavalier to ever win the title."
"What's his background?" enquired Anna.
"As I mentioned earlier, his father's the Viscount of Aynsbury, famous for their horses. They say Jack's the finest horseman in the kingdom."
"Who says?" asked Gerald.
"Well, mostly Jack himself, if you ask him. He's certainly good. You should have seen him at the last tourney, the man's amazing."
"I'd put my coins on Beverly any day," offered Gerald.
Alric turned in his saddle to look behind him, "The redhead? Surely not."
"You'd be surprised at what she can do with that horse of hers," Anna responded.
"There's a big difference between riding a big horse and handling one," offered Alric.
"I think it's you that would be surprised," challenged Anna. "Perhaps we'll arrange a demonstration sometime in the future.
"I would enjoy that," said an eager Alric. "Perhaps a wager?"
"It wouldn't be seemly to place bets against a foreign prince. Perhaps a friendly challenge, no more. I wouldn't want to embarrass you."
Alric appeared pleased with this and Gerald observed how comfortable these two royals were becoming in each other's company.
Beverly kept her eyes to the front, trying to ignore Lord Jack but the man wouldn't, or couldn't stop talking.
"Tell me, dear sweet Aubrey, what has brought you here to so brightly enlighten us with your presence?"
Aubrey, riding a smaller horse, more fitting to her height, nodded at him in acknowledgement. "You have a way with words, Lord Marlowe."
"Please, call me Jack," he insisted.
"Very well, Jack. Tell me, do you compliment all the ladies with this silvered tongue of yours?"
"Only when the voice enraptures the heart like a warm summer's day," he responded.
"Oh, please," said Beverly, "enough of this drivel. Shouldn't you be riding with Prince Alric, Jack?"
"It wounds my heart to know that I have upset you, Dame Beverly. I shall vacate this position immediately." He spurred on his horse, catching up to the prince.
Aubrey and Beverly looked at each other and burst out laughing.
"Is he real?" asked Aubrey.
"I'm afraid so," countered Beverly. "Watch out for that one, he's bad news."
"Surely not," said Aubrey. "He's a bit flowery-"
"He's only interested in one thing, Aubrey, and I shouldn't have to tell you what that is. He'll likely be using the same line on the other knights later."
"You're just jealous," Aubrey teased, "because Aldwin isn't here." Beverly was about to retort when her cousin cut her off, "I'm just kidding, Cousin. I wouldn't tell anyone else about Aldwin. It's your secret to share."
Beverly relaxed in the saddle. "How's your training going? Is Revi treating you well or do I have to knock some sense into him."
> "Master Revi is perfectly fine. I'm trying to learn my first spell, but it's proving difficult."
"Your first spell? I thought you'd have to be an apprentice for years before learning spells."
"Normally, yes. But Revi said I've mostly mastered the basics, and he's eager to get me casting."
"So what is he starting you with?"
"He let me pick, so I decided to go with healing. It's very tricky, you have to mentally focus on the letters while you perform these intricate manoeuvres with your hands. It's most challenging."
"Letters?"
"Yes, the magical letters, some call them runes. Each letter has a proper way to say it along with a physical movement. In addition to that, you have to form the correct mental images. It's the hardest part of casting, I'm told. It would be similar to what you do, riding, fighting and taking in all the surroundings at the same time."
"It took me years to master that," stated Beverly.
"Precisely. That's why it's so difficult, but I love it. The sense of manipulating things using these unseen forces is quite exhilarating."
"I understand that," Beverly replied. "I get the same feeling after battle, though I hope you never have to kill anyone."
"Not me, I want to be a healer. Imagine all the good I could do making people better."
"You seem to have found your calling."
"It's all thanks to you, Cousin. You're the one that gave my name to Revi."
"Did I? I thought I recommended you for a maid's position."
Aubrey laughed, and it reminded Beverly of that visit, all those years ago, when she first met her cousin. "Say, once we stop for the night, what say we go out on a little ride, just like old times?"
"I would like that," said Aubrey. "I'll tell you all about the family, and then we can talk about the loves of our lives."
Beverly looked to her cousin, "Are you in love, Aubrey?"
Aubrey laughed, "No, but you are. Now, I'll race you to the head of the column." She spurred her horse forward, and Beverly laughed; no one could outpace Lightning.
* * *
The course had been picked out when they set up camp for the afternoon. While the cooks started preparing the meal, the rest gathered near an empty field where the challenge would be duly carried out.
Heart of the Crown Page 13