"She's dancing with the prince," said Gerald. "Why, whatever's the matter?"
"We've received news from Merceria. The princess needs to hear it."
"Let them finish their dance," said Gerald. "She deserves to enjoy this moment."
They waited in silence, though Hayley kept shifting her feet in agitation. The music ended, and Alric gallantly escorted Anna back to where the rest were waiting.
"I return her to you, Commander Matheson," he said, bowing.
Anna smiled at the compliment, and then noticed the ranger, "Hayley? Is something wrong? I thought you were on duty?"
"I was, Highness, but we've received news from Merceria."
"Speak freely, Hayley. We have no secrets from Prince Alric."
"I'm afraid your mother, the queen, is dead."
If Anna was upset, she didn't show it. "Do we know how she died?"
"The letter said she had a very short illness and then passed away in her sleep. We've only just received the news. I'm afraid it took weeks just to get here."
"What will you do, Anna?" asked Alric. "Will you return to Merceria?"
Anna looked around at the small group before answering, "No, I shall remain. She's been dead to me for years. These people are my family now, and this is where I need to be."
Twenty-Eight
Tivilton
Spring 961 MC
Winter was mild that year, and soon the cold weather made way for the warmer days of spring. They had wintered in Loranguard, much as Gerald had predicted, and now they were travelling south toward Riversend and the sea.
Alric rode with Anna in the carriage while the Royal Train, which had grown significantly since their last trip, was trailing along behind. Anna had placed Gerald in charge of the entourage, and he had, at the prince's suggestion, coordinated the efforts with the cavalier, Jack Marlowe. It had been quite the job, but Anna had seen little of the details for she had spent most her time with Prince Alric.
"Isn't it glorious?" she mused, looking out the window.
Alric was sitting across from her and smiled. "It's a lovely part of the country," he agreed.
"I'm so glad you came with us," she said. "I've grown very accustomed to your presence."
"And I with yours," he agreed, "though it took some doing to arrange this."
"Whatever happened to Brida?" she asked.
Alric looked a trifle uncomfortable. He shifted in his seat before answering, "She went back home, to the Clans."
"She didn't stay? I thought she wanted to marry you?"
"She did, but I refused. It was all part of Cuthbert's plan, you see, and I didn't want any part of it."
"What plan?" she asked, growing concerned.
"I suppose it doesn't matter if I tell you now. My brother wanted an alliance with the Clans."
"That doesn't sound so bad," she remarked. "Wouldn't that bring peace to the border?"
"Oh, there's a lot more," he warned. "He wanted them to help invade Merceria."
"Surely not! Doesn't he realize how powerful we are?"
"He was convinced that you were weak from the uprising. Thought it would just be a matter of marching. He had information that your father is not a popular ruler; perhaps they would incite another uprising."
"I'm sure that wouldn't work, not after what happened to the last rebels."
"He said he had the blessings of my father, but I didn't believe him. My father would never support someone usurping a rightful king. He said as much when we were approached by the Earl of Eastwood's man."
"They came to you for help?"
"Yes, but he was thrown out of court for it."
"So what did you do about your brother?"
"I wrote to the one person who could sort out this whole mess," he replied.
"Your father?"
"No, my mother. She's the sensible one and the king's closest advisor, if the truth be known."
"What did you tell her, exactly?"
"I suggested that the future of Weldwyn lay with Merceria, not the Clans."
"Was that because of me, Alric?"
"Partially," he replied, and then smiled. "The Clans often fight amongst themselves, there's no guarantee an alliance or treaty would be honoured by all."
"What makes you think it would work with Merceria?" she asked, a look of mischief in her eyes.
"You do delight in challenging me, Anna," he replied. "I thought perhaps a Royal Marriage would cement an alliance. What do you think?"
"Are you proposing, Alric?"
"I'm afraid it's not up to me, Anna, or you, for that matter. We are both bound by our duty to our respective kingdoms. These things take time, but they're not beyond the realm of possibility. It would be years before a decision were made, and you're still young."
"I would be happy to wait for such a thing if it were to happen," she said.
"You say that now," observed Alric, "but when you've returned to the Mercerian court, and young nobles are fawning all over you, you might change your mind. You'll probably forget all about me."
"I will never forget about you, Alric. You're a true friend."
* * *
They sat quietly for a while, watching the green fields as they passed. It was Alric who finally broke the silence, "I think you'll like the sea."
"I hear it's quite fascinating," she said. "How much further have we to go?"
Alric chuckled, "Quite a while yet. We've passed Walverton but we still have to go through Tivilton, and that's just over half way."
"Tivilton," mused Anna, "that's an interesting name. Who rules there?"
"A baron by the name of Lord Parvan Luminor."
"It sounds Elvish," she said.
"He is. He's been the baron for hundreds of years."
"Is the entire town full of elves?"
"No," Alric replied, "but there's a lot of them there. Centuries ago the elves lived in the Draenor Wood. During the founding, they helped King Loran, and as a reward, the elves were given a seat on the council."
"So the elves live in the woods?"
"No, they moved into a town when Humans began showing up. It's quite remarkable, really, Elves and Humans working together. I wish other races could get along so easily."
"They can," Anna remarked. "We worked with Elves and Dwarves during the uprising. It's not their races that are problematic, it's people's attitudes."
"I suppose you're right," he agreed.
"Will we see the baron do you think?"
"I see no reason why we might not visit him, although we might want to send a rider ahead to warn him we're coming."
Anna perked up, "Let's do so, immediately. I'd love a chance to use some of my Elvish."
"You speak Elvish?" he asked, a look of incredulity on his face.
"As a matter of fact, I do. It's one of several languages I've managed to pick up."
"What other languages do you speak?" he asked.
"I'm now fluent in Saurian," she replied, "and I know quite a bit of Elvish and a smattering of Dwarf. I'd love to learn Orcish someday."
"You astound me, Anna, how do you find time for such things?"
"I have an active mind," she replied. "I'm always thinking about things, and I love planning. Gerald says it's my gift."
As the wagon began to slow, Anna sat forward, peering out the windows. "It looks like they're preparing to water the horses. I suppose it would be a good time to send a rider ahead.
Alric made an exaggerated bow, "I shall do as Your Highness requests."
* * *
It took a further two days to reach Tivilton, but by the time the carriage arrived the baron was prepared for them. They pulled up in front of a keep located at one end of the town. It reminded Anna of Bodden, but on a much larger scale. The baron greeted them with a deep bow as they exited their carriage.
"Greetings, Lord Prince, Your Highness," he said.
"It is a great honour to meet you, most noble Elf," Anna said in Elvish.
The look of surprise on Lord
Parvan's face told Alric all he needed to know. He might not understand the Elven tongue, but he saw the effect the compliment had on the Elf.
"You honour me, Highness," the baron responded. "It is a great honour to host you as our guest. Shall we proceed to the hall? I have gathered the notables to welcome you."
"Notables?" whispered Anna to Alric.
The young prince leaned toward her to whisper, "Yes, people who have proved their worth. More than just nobles or rich people. It's an Elven tradition, I hear."
"It's true," offered the baron, his keen hearing picking up on their conversation. "We Elves do not have the same class structure you have in Human society."
"And yet," observed Anna, "you are still called baron?"
"I am," he acknowledged, "though it is more of a Human affectation. I prefer to be called simply Lord Parvan."
"Tell me, Lord Parvan, do you know Lord Arandil Stormcloak?" asked Anna.
The Elf stopped to look her in the face. "I do, though I haven't seen him for centuries. I'm surprised you know his name."
"He helped us stop an invasion," she replied. "He was of great assistance to us."
"Indeed?" replied the baron, resuming his walk. "You are full of surprises for one so young. You must tell me more of this, later."
"I would be delighted," she replied. She looked at Alric whose face wore a smile. "Shall we proceed, Your Highness?"
Just then the second carriage pulled up. Out climbed Revi, Lady Aubrey, and Lily. The Saurian was chattering on in her own language when the baron suddenly wheeled upon hearing the noise.
"What is this?" he enquired.
"This is Lily," offered Anna, "she's a Saurian. We found her in Merceria."
"It cannot be," observed the baron, "for the Saurians are extinct."
"Apparently not," volunteered Alric. "What do you know of them?"
The baron composed himself, resuming his earlier state of calmness, "They died off long before I was born."
"As you can see," corrected Anna, "they still exist."
"That much is readily apparent," said the baron, "however, it matters not. We have made preparations for your arrival, Highness, shall we proceed?"
Alric nodded, "By all means, Baron."
They were led into the great hall where tables had been set in anticipation of their arrival. The servants came in to usher people to their assigned seats. Anna was placed to Lord Parvan's left, with Gerald beside her, while Alric sat to the baron's right-hand side. Anna was surprised to see a small mat beside her chair and realized it was for Tempus. The great dog trotted in with Sophie and then lay down, dwarfing the tiny mat with his bulk while Sophie was shown to a chair further down the table.
Once they were seated, the baron rose to his feet, holding his goblet before him. "It is with great honour that I welcome his most Royal Highness, Prince Alric to our fair city of Tivilton," he announced, "and that of his guest, Princess Anna of Merceria. May they live long and healthy lives."
There were cheers all around and then the baron sat, waving his hand in a circle above his head. Anna was about to ask the purpose for such behaviour when some music started. It was played on a harp, the sound echoing in the great hall, lending an other-worldly beauty to the place.
"Such a haunting refrain," commented Gerald. "Tell me, Lord Baron, what is this tune?"
"It is an Elven lament, called the Lost. If you prefer, I can have them play something more cheerful? We normally play this first to remember our brethren."
"Why is it called the Lost?" asked Anna.
"Many centuries ago, before the coming of man, a great fleet set forth on a voyage of discovery. What became of them is unknown to us, but it is said that even today, when Elves scan the seas, they are looking for the return of their lost cousins."
"I had no idea Elves went to sea," commented Anna.
"Oh yes," said the baron, "the sea Elves of Telethor are the stuff of legend."
"Were you around when this happened?" asked Anna.
"No, I was not," the baron replied, "even Elves don't live forever."
"I thought Elves were immortal," said Gerald.
"Immortal? No, but we live a very long time compared to Humans. I, myself, have lived over a thousand years, though I am considered old by my race."
"Well," commented Gerald, "you don't look a day over five hundred." He raised his cup in salute, touching goblets with the baron, who laughed at the compliment. Gerald gaped at the meal placed before him, for it was rich with succulent meats and heaps of vegetables. The baron ate sparingly, but his guests dug in with gusto.
* * *
Gerald was beginning to feel the effects of the food, for his belt had tightened significantly. He was about to say as much to Anna, but when he turned to speak to her, he saw an Elf in fine clothes approach the baron. The messenger stooped to whisper in the baron's ear while Lord Parvan nodded his head.
"Is something wrong, Baron?" asked Alric.
"Nothing that need concern Your Highness," the baron replied. "Let us continue this feast."
The room fell silent for a moment, and then individual conversations arose, once more. Gerald whispered to Anna, "The baron doesn't look happy."
"I suspect," she replied, "that he received some bad news."
"You'd think if it was that bad, he'd be running off to see to it," said Gerald.
"He's an Elf," she said. "They have a much longer view of things. I've read that they'll sometimes take years to make a decision."
"That's probably why Humans were able to drive them back into the woods."
"That may be true, Gerald, but let's not forget they smashed the cities of the Orcs into the ground, forcing them to take refuge in the far reaches of the land."
"I suppose that's true," he confessed. "I'm glad they're on our side."
The meal seemed to carry on forever, and it was well past midnight by the time it started to break up. Gerald was now recovered from his overindulgence of food and escorted Anna to her room.
"The baron has asked for a meeting tomorrow," she said, "so try to get some sleep."
"I think I had plenty of that after the meal. I slept through most of the speeches. Did I miss anything important?"
"Only the part where they complained about your snoring," she replied.
"What?" he said, his face growing red in embarrassment.
"I'm kidding, Gerald, no one saw you sleeping, except me. I thought you needed the rest."
"I'm fully recovered from Loranguard, Anna," he said defensively.
"I know, Gerald. You just looked so peaceful after the heavy meal; I didn't have the heart to wake you."
"That's nice of you," he relented, "but now I'm wide awake."
"You could take Tempus for a stroll; he's a little restless. He hasn't had much exercise today."
"I'll take you up on that offer," he replied. "A nice walk in the cool evening air would do wonders for me. I'll bring him back in the morning, I wouldn't want him to wake you up."
"An excellent idea," she replied, "and that way I'll know you have someone to look after you while you're walking around."
* * *
The grounds of the baron's estate were quite elaborate. It was decorated in an Elven style, with high, slender columns covered with vines and other plants. The entire area looked almost like a forest glade, save for the spots where the great stone of the house was exposed. Wonderful as the estate was, Gerald found it stuffy and unearthly. He wandered across the grounds heading in the direction of the town, intent on seeing more common architecture. They had been told that Humans came to the city after the baron was appointed and he was glad to see the buildings in town looked more like what he was accustomed to. Being late at night, the streets were mostly empty, but as he walked Tempus, he heard the sounds of voices and altered course. In due time he came across the source; an old tavern that was packed with locals. When he drew closer, the voices grew more distinct, and he soon heard an argument.
"The bar
on will do nothing, I tell you," a man was yelling.
"Then we must talk to the prince, surely he'll help," a woman's voice replied.
"Lord Parvan won't permit it, you know it's illegal to enter the wood," the first voice stated.
Gerald moved closer and opened the door to the tavern, eliciting a loud squeak from the hinges. The warmth of the room washed over him as he stood in the doorway, surveying his surroundings.
"Good evening," he said to the suddenly quiet room. "I couldn't help but overhear your conversation. Is there something I can help you with?"
A rather large man in a dirty brown tunic stepped forward, "Be welcome, stranger," he called out. "Can I get you a drink?"
As Gerald stepped forward, the eyes of the crowd went wide when Tempus followed behind him. "Don't mind him," Gerald offered, "his name's Tempus. He's friendly, more or less."
A dark-haired woman spoke up, "Are you here with the prince?" she asked.
"I am," he confirmed. "I'm actually here with Princess Anna of Merceria. Our party is the guest of His Highness, and we are travelling through here on our way south."
"Perhaps," she rasped, "you may be able to help us."
"I would certainly like to try," he replied. "What seems to be the trouble?"
Emboldened by the response, the woman stepped forward. "Something in the Draenor Wood has been killing our livestock and needs to be tracked down."
"Surely," said Gerald, "that's something better brought to your baron's attention, isn't it?"
"The baron won't listen," she said, "and it's forbidden to enter the woods. Only the baron and his guards go there."
"Why is that? Surely you hunt?"
"He won't allow it, it carries the penalty of death."
"Doesn't that seem a tad extreme for going into the woods?"
"Now you see our dilemma," the woman complained. "We're not allowed in the woods, and yet the creature that kills our animals wanders free."
"Perhaps," offered Gerald, "there is a reasonable explanation. He might be concerned for your welfare? How long has the woods been off limits?"
Heart of the Crown Page 29