She struck again, guessing where the creature might be. Her blade hit true, encountering resistance as her sword dug in. The thing issued a hissing noise, and then it backed up, threatening to take her sword with it. She yanked back on the blade in desperation.
Whatever it was, it had had enough. The upper hatch suddenly flew open, and she thought she saw a strange distortion around the egress. Leaping to her feet, she slashed once more with her sword, but the blade scrapped across the creature's hide, like a knife across stone. A moment later, a flapping sound broke the quiet, and then silence. She poked her head through the upper hatch, but all was quiet. She climbed through, swinging her sword about experimentally, but the creature had fled.
Leaning out over the top of the bell tower, she called down to Hayley, "Did you see anything?"
"No," replied the ranger. "Why? What happened?"
"We found it," Beverly replied, "but it managed to get away."
"What about Gerald?"
"I don't know yet, we're still looking, you might as well come back inside." She climbed back down into the room. Levina was lying on the floor, unmoving, while Revi cast a spell.
"How is she?" asked Dame Beverly.
"She's had the wind knocked out her," replied the mage. "She'll be bruised, but should make a full recovery."
"What was that thing?" she asked.
"I don't know," confessed Revi, "but of more import to us at the moment is what these things are." He indicated the mounds of mud.
Arnim poked his head through the lower hatch, "Is it safe? The princess wants to come up."
"The creature's gone," said Revi, rising from his place beside Levina. "I think it's safe to say there's no danger up here."
"What are those," asked Arnim, pointing to the mounds.
"I have no idea," the mage replied. "They appear to be made of mud, though now that I can see them clearer, they seem to have fibres in them, much like paper. I've seen this somewhere before."
Soon, Anna was staring at the mounds, trying to make sense of them. "Get Hayley," she said, "perhaps she knows of a creature that might make something like this."
Revi had withdrawn a dagger and was scraping a small piece of the mud away from a mound. "It's a strange composition," he observed. "I suspect the creature excreted this material."
"Are you saying we're looking at shit?" asked Arnim.
"No, I'm suggesting it excretes this material from a gland, possibly from its mouth. It likely regurgitates it. My guess is there's something inside this."
"Could it be Gerald?" asked Anna. "We have to get him out!"
"We can't just carve into it, Highness," offered the mage. "We have no idea what kind of condition he might be in. We might injure or even kill him if we're not careful."
"Do what you must, Mage," said Anna, "but be quick about it."
Revi poked the dried mud and walked around it, using his globe of light to illuminate his examination.
Aubrey and Hayley arrived, and now the small room was feeling positively claustrophobic. "We should get Levina downstairs," suggested Aubrey.
"Yes, yes," agreed Revi. "See to it Aubrey, I've much to examine here."
Aubrey went about her task. Luckily, Levina had regained consciousness and was able to facilitate her exit. The other knights below helped her down.
Revi had completed his examination. "These mounds are one of two things," he stated. "Either the creature uses them to keep his victims imprisoned, much like a spider, or they're cocoons, holding the creature's young."
Beverly was looking about the room, "I think they're more likely to be victims," she stated.
"What makes you say that?" the mage testily replied.
"There's no sign of bones here. If it lairs here, wouldn't it likely eat here as well?" She looked to Hayley for confirmation.
"I agree," offered Hayley, "the creature must eat something. I suggest these cocoons are its victims."
"Are they still alive?" asked Anna.
"I wish I knew, Highness. Had my training been complete, I'd be able to tell you."
"What does that mean?" asked Beverly.
"It means that Andronicus would have taught me how to detect life, a most useful skill for a healer. As it is, I have no idea how to incant that spell."
"Then how do we proceed," asked Anna.
"We cut into one of the mounds very carefully," suggested Beverly. "We'll start at the top and try shaving off layers until we find something."
"Do it now," commanded the princess.
Revi stepped back while Hayley and Beverly began using their daggers to dig through the mud and fibres. Aubrey watched with great interest as they made slow but deliberate progress. Finally, as Hayley drew her knife across the top, a portion of the structure collapsed, revealing a hollow interior. Revi immediately took notice, floating the ball of light over the opening.
Hayley peered into the dark cavity. "It appears to be a body," she stated, "a child, by the looks of it. It's collapsed to the bottom."
"Let's cut away to the top half," said Beverly, "and we can get a better view."
She drove her sword into the cocoon and began sawing away with it. Soon, they had the top removed and were looking at the exposed body.
"It's terribly shrivelled," offered Hayley, "as if all the moisture's been drained."
"It's called mummification," explained Revi, "though I've never heard of a creature doing this sort of thing. I would suspect it lives off the moisture, or at least the life force."
"How long would it take to make a body like this?" asked Anna.
"I would suspect some time," replied Revi. "I would suggest this body was desiccated over a period of a week or more."
"Open up the rest of these husks," ordered the princess. "If Gerald's here, he's likely still alive."
They began their work, but it soon became apparent that their friend's body was not among those they found.
Twenty-Five
Chaperone
Autumn 960 MC
Prince Alric sat in the foyer, waiting for his brother. He had been summoned here, to the earl's estate, and now he wondered what was of such urgency. The cavalier, Jack Marlow, sat opposite him, glancing up and down the hallway as if expecting some great revelation.
"How did your day go yesterday, Highness?" he asked.
"It was fine, Jack. I took Brida to the tournament field. She was most impressed."
"I was there two days ago with Princess Anna," offered Jack, "it was most entertaining. Naturally, I regaled them with my past accomplishments."
Alric smiled, "Oh yes? And how did the princess find that?"
"She loved it," said Jack. "Though I daresay she was a little upset with you."
The young prince sat forward, "Did she say why?"
"She seemed to think you were snubbing her."
"That's a little rich," Alric observed. "She's the one who was entertaining in her rooms."
Jack stared back at him in disbelief, "Are you sure, Highness? I find that hard to believe. She's still a young innocent."
"I saw it with my own eyes, Jack. A young man answered her door. He was...partially undressed. He said she was indisposed."
Jack shook his head, "And you believed it?"
"Of course, I saw it with my own eyes."
"Your Highness, we've travelled with these Mercerians for some time now. Do you think that the old man would allow that?"
"You mean Commander Matheson? I very much doubt it."
"There has to be more to it, Highness. Think for a moment, if she was looking for a sexual escapade, wouldn't she pick me? After all, I am very good looking."
Alric laughed at the jest, "You have a point, Jack, but where does that leave me?"
"You never actually saw the princess or her maid, did you?"
"No," Alric admitted.
"I suggest someone took advantage of you, Highness."
"I would rather it was so," Alric said, "but who would do such a thing?" As soon as
the words came out of his mouth, he knew the answer. "It has to be my brother, or Brida herself. Cuthbert's made no secret of the fact that he wants me married to the Clan Chief's daughter."
"There, you see? You've figured it out, but what will you do now?"
"I shall have a rather frank discussion with Cuthbert. It's a dangerous game he's playing, interfering with the Mercerian delegation."
"How so?" asked Jack.
"Who do you think poses a bigger threat, Jack? Militarily, I mean."
"I should think the army of Merceria is much more dangerous than the raiders from the Clans."
Their discussion was interrupted by a door opening. Cuthbert stood looking at his younger brother, "Come along, Alric, let's get this over with."
Alric entered the room, but Jack was stalled by a hand from Cuthbert. "You wait out here," he simply said.
The elder prince pointed to a chair and then fetched a bottle from the table, talking as he poured its contents into glasses.
"Tell me, Brother, how has the Princess Brida been doing?"
"She's been fine," said Alric, on the alert for his brother's trap.
"I will tell you why you're here, Alric, but please bear me out. I have much to explain before we get to any grievances you may have."
"Very well, Cuthbert, pray continue."
"As you know, there was panic in the court when we learned that an army had crossed from our border into Merceria. It set into motion a whole host of actions. Father was concerned that we might face an unbeatable war."
"We've faced that before," objected Alric, "why is now any different?"
"The difference is that this time most of our troops were tied up along our western frontier because of the Clans. If we were to have any hope against a Mercerian invasion, we would need to free them up. Father sent me to the west to secure a peace treaty with the Clans. Now I've returned with a solution, provided you marry Princess Brida."
"Isn't it equally important that we make peace with Merceria? Surely they are the greater threat?"
"You forget, Brother, Merceria recently had an uprising. They are in no position to invade us."
"Which leaves me wondering why this western alliance is so important?"
"The Clans are powerful, Alric. Imagine what we might do with them as our allies. There wouldn't be an army in the land that could stand against us."
"You want to invade Merceria?" Alric was stunned by the revelation.
"Oh, come now, Alric. They've threatened our borders for almost a thousand years. Do you really believe they mean peace?"
"But they sent us the princess," objected Alric.
"Who is illegitimate, Brother. Do you think King Andred gives two shits about her? She's nothing but a pawn."
"She saved their kingdom, even helped fight off a raid in the north."
"A ruse, Alric, meant to gain favour with us."
"You forget, Cuthbert, I was with her at Norwatch! I can't believe we're even having this discussion."
"Grow up, Brother. You're not a child anymore. This alliance is going to happen, whether you like it or not. Father has given me free rein on this. You'll marry Brida, whether you want to or not."
"I won't," declared Alric.
"Listen, you little shit," yelled Cuthbert. "You'll do your duty, and you won't complain about it."
Alric smiled. This was the second time he'd been called a little shit in the last year. The first time, Gerald had been concerned about Anna dying from her wound. He knew the old man had meant well, he had even apologized for it afterwards, but now, as he stared back at his brother, he saw no regret and no concern for his welfare. Cuthbert had always been the headstrong one, but since the fight in Norwatch, Alric had matured significantly. Perhaps it was the influence of the Mercerians, but his mind was made up. He was about to object, but knowing his brother would protest, he changed his tactics.
"Very well," he said, in a polite tone.
Cuthbert was taken aback by the sudden switch in his brother's demeanour. He took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "Glad to see you've come to your senses."
"Oh, I have, Brother, I have indeed. Shall I be on my way? I'm supposed to take Brida around the town today."
"Yes, of course," Cuthbert agreed, "and thank you, Alric."
"Whatever for, Brother?"
"For seeing the wisdom in this. I know it's not something you wanted."
"You might be surprised at what I want, Cuthbert, but likely you'll never know."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing," mused Alric, "nothing at all. I shall be on my way."
Alric returned to the hallway to find Jack waiting for him.
"My prince," commented the cavalier, "that went well."
Alric spoke as they left, "How much did you hear?"
"Pretty much everything, Highness. Is your brother serious?"
"I'm afraid so. Tell me, what do you think, Jack? Is marriage a good thing?" He could almost see Jack cringe at the question.
"Well, I can't say I would be happy at the idea of marriage myself, after all, I'd be depriving all those women of my comfort. Then again, you're in a different position. Purely from a political point of view, it makes perfect sense. What do you think?"
"I don't want to get married," said Alric. "And if I did it wouldn't be to a woman I hardly know. What do we have in common? What is there to keep me interested in her?"
"Her body," replied Jack. "That's the most comforting thing about them."
"What about her mind?" asked Alric. "I'd at least like to be able to carry out a decent conversation with my wife."
"You don't know much about her," the cavalier responded.
"Exactly my point, the woman keeps the conversation about me. I can't recall learning anything about her or her home."
"Give it some time, Your Highness. Get to know her a little better, and then make a decision. It's not as if the entire fate of the kingdom was in the balance. Oh, hold on a moment, it is, isn't it."
Jack's advice was causing Alric more than a fair share of anxiety. "No more, Jack. I can't deal with this right now. Let's just get going on this tour."
"Tour?" said Jack.
"Yes, we're taking her around the city."
"We?"
"Yes, Jack. You're my bodyguard now. It's only proper you accompany me."
Jack smiled, "'Mad Jack' Marlowe, prince's bodyguard. I could get used to that. Do we have a particular destination in mind?"
"I thought we might start with the gardens," said Alric.
"Didn't we just go there?" Jack complained.
"That was with Anna," the prince retorted.
"This'll be easy," offered the cavalier.
"Why do you say that?"
"Simple," said Jack. "You've been showing Princess Anna all over town. All we have to do is repeat the process with Princess what's her name."
"Brida," Alric said.
Jack, ignoring the correction, continued, "What do we do about Princess Anna?"
Alric fought with his conscience. He liked Anna, but knew his duty was to the crown. Would she understand that his royal duty came first? "I'll write her a letter explaining everything and have it delivered."
"I see," said Jack, "so you're taking the coward's way out."
Alric bristled, "What's that supposed to mean?"
"You're not telling her face to face."
He had to admit the cavalier was right, but Alric couldn't stand to see the look of disappointment on her face when he told her. Alric suddenly realized he had grown fond of Anna and looked on her as a friend. He owed it to her to speak to her in person. He resolved to do so immediately and set off for the Citadel.
* * *
Prince Alric rode over to the Citadel only to be told by Lady Nicole that Anna was going into town. He wanted to find out more, but Brida had appeared as if by magic. He was beginning to wonder if she didn't have agents watching his every move. She was accompanied by her bodyguard. The man was
a head taller than Alric, one of the tallest men he could recall. He was wearing a chain shirt, but his arms were bare, revealing huge muscles that could easily wield the broad-bladed sword which hung from his belt.
Brida was wearing a low cut, pale blue dress which threatened to expose her assets if she bowed too low. Alric dismounted to greet her, but it was Jack who saved the day. As she began to bow, he grasped her hand, holding it high enough that she couldn't lower her height.
"Pleased to see you again, Highness," he said, in a silky smooth tone.
"Yes," agreed Alric. "Shall we proceed?" He held out his arm, and she walked forward, grasping it in her own. Once again the strange scent wafted over him, and he struggled to keep his head clear.
"I thought we might take a stroll," he said at last.
"A wonderful idea, my prince," she replied, and then she smiled coyly at him.
Being raised in the court, he was quite used to this behaviour, but something was different about Brida. He struggled to explain it and then it came to him; she was a woman. He realized with a start that he was no longer the lost young prince. She was the same age as him, and she was a fully developed young woman. He felt the need to protect her, and he stood up a little straighter as he took her arm.
"Come along, Brida," he said, "and I shall show you the Celestial Park."
* * *
As they wandered through the park, Alric found the Clanswoman to be cultured and refined. They strolled and talked about all sorts of things. Life at the Weldwyn court, tournaments, the cavaliers, all topics that Alric found fascinating. They left the park, continuing through town and Alric was watching the people as they strode by. He was reminded of his visit to town with Anna, and he wondered how the search for Gerald was going.
"Are you good with that thing?" she asked.
Alric felt guilty for having let his thoughts wander; now he faced the embarrassment of acknowledging it. He tried to bluff it out, "I think I do all right with it," he replied, not sure what she was talking about.
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