Heart of the Crown

by Paul J Bennett

The woman gazed at him as if dumbstruck. "It has always been so, but I forget, you're not from these parts. Perhaps you hold some sway over the prince?"

  "I think it's safe to say I know him, aye."

  "Would you bring our concerns to him? Perhaps he could persuade the baron to stop this creature, whatever it is."

  "I shall bring it to his attention immediately," Gerald promised, "though I cannot guarantee his actions."

  "That is all we can ask," she replied.

  * * *

  The walk back to the hall found Gerald deep in thought. Why would the baron forbid his people to go into the woods? Didn't they come from the woods in the first place? He thought back to the tavern and tried to recall their faces. They had all been Human; was that the crux of the matter? Was there something in the woods that the baron didn't want Humans to see? It was a far-fetched idea, but he was unable to come up with anything else.

  It was the middle of the night by the time he returned. Making his way to his room, he resolved to talk it over with Prince Alric at the first opportunity. He climbed into bed and prepared to close his eyes only to have the feeling he was being watched. Opening his eyes, he saw Tempus staring at him.

  "Lie down, Tempus," he commanded. "It's time to go to sleep."

  The dog sat, staring at him in mute reply.

  "There's no room for you on my bed, Tempus, you'll have to make do with the floor."

  The great beast lay down on the floor and let out a large yawn. Gerald smiled and closed his eyes once more.

  * * *

  Early in the morning Gerald made his way to the princess's room. Sophie was already up and carrying a tray of food as Gerald found her.

  "Let me get the door for you, Sophie," he said.

  "Thank you, Gerald," she replied.

  The door opened to reveal the princess, sitting up in her bed. She was poring over some letters, which were scattered all over her sheets.

  Tempus bounded through the doorway, eliciting a cry of joy from Anna. He jumped up on the bed, and she pat his head, shoving the letters aside.

  "What's all this?" asked Gerald, his eyes taking in the mass of paper.

  "Letters from my couriers," she replied. "Most of them have only just caught up to me."

  "Anything of interest?"

  "Quite a lot, actually. You remember Edgar Greenfield?"

  "Yes, of course. He was the first courier you hired. I haven't seen him in years."

  "He's been corresponding regularly. He has provided more details on the death of the queen."

  "Your mother? I thought she died after an illness?"

  "So did everyone else, but it looks more like she was poisoned. She did grow sick, but less than a day later she was dead. The talk in the town is that she was poisoned and rumours are it was done by Lady Penelope."

  "Rumours will say all kinds of things," offered Gerald. "What makes you think these are any different?"

  "He describes the symptoms of her illness. I should like to confer with Revi, but I suspect they are caused by warriors bane. You once said to me that there were plants similar to warriors moss, do you remember?"

  "Aye, you have to look for the flecks of blue to identify it."

  "That's true, but after you were injured, I had to prepare the moss to help you. I found a book describing warriors bane, it's very similar but without the blue specks."

  "I'm glad you did so, or I'd likely not be here today. So you think warriors bane was used on the queen?"

  "Yes, the symptoms are similar. The skin takes on an almost waxy look, with a darkening around the eyes. Edgar talked to some of the queen's servants. He remarks that they mentioned another curious side effect, a darkening of the roots of the fingernails."

  "But she'd have to have it applied to her, wouldn't she?"

  "That's what I thought at first, but then I remembered that it can be boiled into a tea, I suspect that's how it was done."

  "So it looks like the king's mistress killed the queen? I suppose it makes sense, she wants her out of the way. What do you think will happen now?"

  "I suspect she'll convince the king to marry her, after a suitable mourning period, of course."

  "You don't seem overly upset," he observed.

  "I'm not," she replied. "I know at one time I would have been devastated, but my mother abandoned me many years ago. I feel no sympathy for her."

  "Remind me never to get on your bad side," he commented.

  "You could never do that, Gerald. I value your opinion, even if we don't always agree. You shall always be able to speak your mind."

  "Yes, well, on that matter, there's something I need to bring to Prince Alric's attention."

  "What is it?" she responded.

  "When I was out walking Tempus last night we found ourselves at a tavern."

  Anna laughed, "That's just like you, Gerald. Going out in the middle of the night and finding a place to drink."

  He couldn't help but grin, "Yes, well, anyway, we ran across a group of locals. They were friendly enough, but they claim to have a big problem."

  "What's that?"

  "Something's been killing off their livestock, and the baron won't do anything about it."

  "That seems surprising," countered Anna. "Are you sure? He didn't strike me as that type of person."

  "Whatever is doing it lives in the woods, but the townsfolk are forbidden to enter it."

  "What do you mean, forbidden?"

  "Precisely what I said. The Draenor Wood has always been forbidden to enter."

  "That seems strange," said Anna, "perhaps there's something dangerous in there."

  "Of course there is, and it's killing their livelihood. Something needs to be done!"

  "Should we take this to the baron?" she asked.

  "I suspect he'll just stonewall us. It was suggested we might talk to Alric directly. Wouldn't he be able to overrule the baron?"

  "Difficult to say," said Anna. "The rules are different here than in Merceria. Were I at home I would say definitely, but here in Weldwyn there are limits to the power of the Royal House."

  "So what do we do?" he asked.

  "We'll talk to Alric," she replied. "He'll hopefully have a better idea of what's possible."

  "Do you think he'll help?"

  Anna smiled before replying, "I'm sure he will, now let me have my breakfast, and then we'll go find him." She looked down at the plate Sophie had set on the side table. "You better have the sausages, Gerald, they look a bit over-cooked to me."

  "With pleasure, Your Highness," he said, filching a link.

  Alric, standing in front of a fire as he read a letter, heard a knock. He turned to see Jack opening the door.

  "The princess and Commander Matheson are here to see you, Highness," the caviler announced.

  "Show them in, Jack," he replied.

  "News from home?" asked Anna, as she spied the paper.

  "Yes, from my brother, Alstan. It seems the queen has agreed with my decision regarding the Clan alliance."

  "I'm happy for you, Alric," she said, "but I need to bring some disturbing facts to your attention."

  "This sounds serious," he responded. "Shall we sit?"

  "Of course," she agreed, taking a seat.

  Alric sat down in the chair facing her while Gerald moved toward the fireplace to warm his hands. "There's quite a chill in the hall this morning," he commented.

  "And likely to grow even chillier with the news I bring," added Anna.

  "Now that sounds truly ominous," Alric responded. "You have me intrigued."

  "It seems the baron is keeping secrets from you, Alric."

  "We all have secrets, Anna. What specific secrets are you talking about?"

  "Gerald was out walking last night and came across some locals, Humans that is."

  "I see," the young prince responded. "And?"

  "I'll let Gerald explain," said Anna. "He was there."

  Alric turned his attention to the old commander who was briskly rubbing
his hands. "It looks like something's been killing livestock."

  "I assume, when you say 'something', you mean an animal of some sort?"

  "Aye, that's the impression I got."

  "Why don't they hunt it down?" Alric asked.

  "The creature is coming from the Draenor Wood, a place that is forbidden to enter."

  "Forbidden? Under whose authority?"

  "The baron's."

  "Has the baron sent anyone into the woods?"

  "He has gone there on occasion over the years, along with his personal guard, but no one's been dispatched to deal with this problem."

  "Has he said anything to them?"

  "He appears to be unresponsive to their requests," said Gerald.

  "We thought," added Anna, "that you might have some sway over the baron. Perhaps you might recommend a course of action?"

  "I doubt he'd listen to me," said Alric.

  "But you're the prince," exclaimed Anna. "Surely you have authority over him?"

  "This isn't Merceria, Anna," Alric explained. "There are limits to what I can do. The baron would surely take offense at any attempt to overrule him, and I daresay my father would agree. The Elves of Tivilton have always been allies of the crown."

  "So what are we to do," asked Gerald, "let them suffer?"

  "No," replied Alric, "I won't do that. I shall speak to the baron, perhaps if I reason with him, he'll do something."

  "Thank you, Alric," said Anna. "I know it puts you in a difficult situation."

  "I'm beginning to see there's a lot more to being a prince than carousing all the time," Alric responded. "I shall visit the baron this afternoon, it'll give me some time to go over my arguments. Would you care to join me?"

  "I'd be delighted," said Anna. "I've a few ideas of my own."

  "It's settled, then. Jack, if you'd be so kind, I think we'll need to make some notes."

  "Yes, Highness, I'll fetch quill and ink."

  Twenty-Nine

  Baron Parvan

  Spring 961 MC

  Baron Parvan Luminor waited in the great hall. He had been told the prince wanted to see him and so stood, dressed in his most exquisite robes. He was an imposing Elf, fully six feet tall with long, black hair and a fair complexion. He was old, by Elven standards, and yet appeared as youthful as anyone else in the court, save for the young prince himself.

  When the visitors were announced, he turned from his thoughts to see Prince Alric and his entourage arrive. He was accompanied by his bodyguard, the cavalier Jack Marlowe, but the baron was surprised to see the Mercerian visitor, Princess Anna and her advisor.

  "Greetings, Lord Prince," said the baron, with ever so slight a nod of his head.

  "Lord Parvan," said Alric, "I'm happy we have this opportunity to speak, I understand you are a very busy man."

  "I am always at your disposal, Highness," the baron soothed. "Please tell me what is so vexing that such an assembly must be required in so short a time?"

  "I understand that there have been animal attacks of late?" Alric queried.

  The baron narrowed his eyes, "Yes, there have, though it is no concern of yours, Highness. I have taken steps to rectify the situation."

  "Might I enquire what those steps are?" asked Anna.

  "Those are the concerns of Weldwyn," said Lord Parvan with a frosty stare, "and are not to be discussed with outsiders."

  "And if I ask the same question?" queried Alric.

  Lord Parvan bowed slightly, "Then I might be willing to discuss such matters, but, I fear, the present company precludes such possibilities."

  "I must insist," pressed Alric. "Princess Anna here is an ally and a friend."

  "Still," the baron persisted, "there are certain aspects which are not open for discussion."

  "And if I command you?" pressed Alric, growing red in the face.

  The baron sighed, "Very well, Highness, ask your questions, and I shall endeavour to answer them."

  "What steps are you taking to protect your people?" asked the young prince.

  "I have stepped up the patrols," Lord Parvan responded. "Though I doubt many have noticed, the Elven Guard are good at concealing their presence."

  "The Elven Guard?" said Gerald.

  Lord Parvan looked at Gerald with a look of contempt, "My own personal guard. You see, Lord Prince, I take this situation very seriously."

  "Have you tried to track down this creature?" asked Anna.

  "It is forbidden to enter the Draenor Wood," he replied.

  "Forbidden by who?" asked Gerald.

  "By ancient law," burst out Lord Parvan. "A fact which should even penetrate that thick skull of yours."

  Alric was surprised by the sudden outburst, "I know of no such law."

  The baron smiled, but looked insincere, "It is an ancient law, Your Highness, handed down through the generations. It is forbidden to enter the Draenor Wood."

  "Why?" pressed Gerald, his anger increasing. "What's there?"

  "Nothing that would interest you, Human!" burst out the baron.

  Alric was incensed, "Answer the question, Baron. What is in the woods?"

  The baron turned his attention back to the young prince. He was fighting to calm himself until a strange sense of serenity seemed to descend on him. "It is a dangerous place, Highness, full of all sorts of creatures. It was thought that the safest approach was to leave the woods to look after itself."

  "But it doesn't," said Anna, "as evidenced by the attacks."

  "Yes," agreed Alric, "how long have these attacks been going on?"

  "It has been on and off for years, Highness. It lapses in the winter and returns in the spring. The deaths are manageable."

  "Manageable? We're talking about peoples livelihoods here!" exclaimed Gerald.

  "I must agree with Commander Matheson," said Alric. "These attacks must be stopped."

  "And what would you have me do?" said the baron. "It is forbidden to enter the woods."

  "And yet," said Alric, "I have word that you have done so with your guards on several occasions over the years."

  The baron looked speechless.

  "I propose a hunting expedition," offered Alric.

  "My men will not enter the wood," stated Lord Parvan.

  "Mine will," said Alric.

  "You have no hunters," commented the baron. "They would be useless."

  "Not so," offered Anna, "we have a ranger, and my people are not intimidated by your laws."

  The baron's firm resolve began to weaken, "Very well, Highness. If you are determined to continue this quest, there is little I can do to stop you."

  "Thank you," said Alric. "We shall make plans to leave tomorrow; it's far too late in the day to organize a hunt of this size."

  "As you see fit," surrendered Lord Parvan, "but I warn you, you will not like what you discover and once you witness it, there is no going back."

  "What's that supposed to mean?" asked Alric. "Is that meant as a threat?"

  The baron sighed, "No, Highness, merely a warning. I will stand in your way no longer."

  Alric felt out of his depth. Something strange was happening here, but he couldn't quite fathom it. He turned to Anna, "We have preparations to make," he said.

  "Of course, Highness," she responded.

  They swept from the room leaving Lord Parvan wandering back and forth, deep in thought.

  "What do you think has him so riled up?" asked Alric.

  "I think," said Anna, "that Gerald managed to hit a soft spot. His true colours are coming out. He's hiding something."

  "Yes," agreed Alric, "but what? I don't want to lead us into unnecessary danger."

  "We have your guards and the Knights of the Hound," offered Gerald. "We can take care of ourselves."

  "What's our next move?" asked Alric.

  "Gerald will see to organizing the hunt. I'll send Hayley out to discover what information she can gather about the attacks."

  "Don't send her out alone, Anna," said Alric. "I wouldn't put it
past the baron to throw up barriers.

  "Well said," replied Anna. "I'll send two knights with her. Right now she's the only tracker we have."

  "Actually," offered Gerald, "I've done some tracking in my time."

  "You're just full of surprises, Commander," commented Alric. "I'm glad you're on our side."

  Gerald smiled at the compliment.

  "All right, you two," said Anna, "if you're finished with this bonding moment, we have work to do."

  The edge of the woods was clearly defined. Hayley looked up from the carcass toward the heavily forested tree line. Two Elven guards watched them from a distance, but neither interfered as she traced the prints across the ground.

  "They look to head straight into the woods," she remarked.

  "Can you tell what it is?" asked Sir Barnsley.

  "Something large," the ranger countered, "but definitely not a wolf or cat. Whatever it is has claws and teeth."

  "So it's not a gryphon?"

  "No," replied Hayley. "Why is everyone so quick to complain about gryphons? They have beaks; this creature definitely had teeth, rather large ones actually."

  "So, not a gryphon, then," said Dame Abigail. "Perhaps a dragon?"

  Hayley had to think that one over carefully before answering, "I hadn't thought of that, but I would say it's unlikely. A dragon has wings; this creature ran across the ground back to the woods."

  "That still doesn't preclude a dragon," Abigail insisted.

  "Dragons are said to be quite large, I think it's unlikely."

  "How about a wyvern?" Dame Abigail persisted.

  "They're smaller, but they still fly. No, I think this is something else."

  "I've never understood the difference between a dragon and a wyvern," remarked Abigail. "Aren't they really the same thing?"

  "No," commented Hayley, "dragons are large and intelligent. Some say they even have their own language. They fly using wings that grow from their back. Wyverns, on the other hand, have wings instead of arms, more like a bird I suppose. They also have a stinger in their tail."

  "What about a flightless dragon?" offered Sir Barnsley. "Do such things actually exist?"