"Have you tried to talk to Lan Tagjet?" He knew Cane had not communicated with the leader of the Nunari. "He can be reasoned with, can't he?"
"He does not respond to my messengers, sire. They are sent away without hearing my words. How can I start a dialogue with a man who will not hear my words? Every day more Nunari enter Eslenda. There are several hundred at the camp nearest my castle. I am not sure how many camps there are."
"Are there any camps near the coast?"
"You mean near Prince Hal's lands? No, sire. Only in mine."
"I see. Perhaps he is trying to provoke you, Cane. Did you consider that? I will think on this. I do not wish to start warfare if we can convince Lan Tagjet to move his people back north peacefully."
"How long will that take? I want him off my land now, your Highness. My vassals are wondering about my resolve in this matter."
"I understand your concern. However I am King and I will not tolerate such a tone from a vassal. Is that understood? I said I would think on it and I will. This audience is ended, Sir Howard." Cane was prepared to say more but thought better of it.
Howard Cane bowed and departed. Henry looked at the Queen who shook her head. Cane hated Lan Tagjet and hoped for bloodshed. He wanted to expand his own lands and saw the nomads as a viable way to do it. Did they not move often? One place was as good as another was for them in Cane's mind. Why not claim the land just north of the border? It was but a small bit of Nuneland. But the King knew it would not stop there. King Henry had walked this tightrope for years.
"Why did I marry Margaret to that man? Why didn't you talk me out of it?"
"As I recall, since I'm not her mother, you did not ask for my opinion and did not listen to me when I gave it anyway. In fact, I believe your response was rude."
"Don't remind me of my stupidity!"
"Father, may I talk to you in private?" asked Prince Hal, walking up to them.
Henry looked at his son and nodded.
A man bumped into Hal and they nearly stumbled to the floor. Hal's strong arms lifted the man to his feet.
"A thousand pardons, Prince Hal," said Roger Diggs, the physician. He was a small slender man, always rubbing his hands together as if they were cold. His eyes darted around at each person in the corridor. He pulled away from Hal, muttering under his breath.
"Doctor, you should be more careful," said Hal. "Or you might need a doctor yourself."
Diggs nodded and rushed off to the great hall.
"Go ahead and be seated," Henry said to Mary. "I will join you shortly.
The King watched the guests file in and take their seats. He received a cool nod from Prince Edward. At times, he could understand why Hal would engage in fights with Edward. Edward's eyes held no warmth. Henry felt for the hilt of his sword. Why did he feel the need to wear it to his own feast in his own castle? His guards were stationed throughout the room, and no one else was allowed to wear a sword to the feast except for the king. His eyes found Sir John Plucker carefully watching everyone entering the great hall. Henry counted on the huge man more than he counted on anyone else. He knew he could not share all his thoughts with the Queen because of her brother, Charles, and he needed someone to lean on. Lockwell grew cryptic with his advice over the years, focusing more on his own projects and concerns. Hal kept himself out of reach and the fool, Quink, was of no use whatsoever. Still, Henry had held back from Plucker some information that he should share. After tonight, he would give Plucker his full confidence. The man had earned it.
If his sons could have combined their good traits, he would have the heir he wanted. Hal was too thoughtful and often hesitant to move first to fight for what he believed in while Edward was reckless. How could Edward really believe Henry did not know of the plots afoot? If Hal had half the ambition of his brother, then Henry would worry about surrendering his crown prematurely.
This time Henry would make the first move, remove any threats to him, and show that he was still the power in the kingdom. He nodded to Hobber, the steward, who clapped his hands. The musicians started to play and servants brought out the food.
"Sire, may I speak?" asked Sir Plucker.
"Of course, Sir John."
"I do not feel there are enough guards in the room."
"Nonsense, Sir John. Too many guards and people would get nervous and I do not want to tip my hand. I have discovered my enemies and I have plans to undo them. Soon enough I will put events in motion but not just yet. My enemies need to relax just a bit more. But not you, Sir John. I want your vigilance to continue."
"As you say, Sire."
"Excuse for a few minutes, Hal wants a word with me in private."
Henry walked across the corridor to the room where Hal waited. Plucker watched Hal close the door. Their voices were soft murmurs. Plucker returned his attention to the great hall.
Voices rose sharply through the door. Plucker started at the sound. He did not expect Hal to create such a noise. The Prince was usually too well under control and some nobles thought his passion non-existent. The voices continued and Plucker wished he were somewhere else. Minutes passed and Plucker stood stoically by the doorway to the great hall. Faces turned toward him more frequently and he kept his face impassive. He heard a shout, but could not make out the words.
The door opened, Hal exited and slammed it behind him. He passed Plucker and entered the great hall. He muttered under his breath. He sat down, drained his wine and called for more.
Most of the guests had been served dinner but had not begun to eat. It was Henry's custom to open his feasts with a toast. Many eyes looked toward Queen Mary, sitting alone at the high table. She sipped at her wine, paying attention to no one. The minstrels sang a song and capered around the room. Still the king did not come. The musicians began another song.
"Plucker!" called Howard Cane. "Where is King Henry? We can't eat without him."
Plucker waved and went to the door where Henry and Hal had met. He knocked on the door, but no sound came from the other side. Plucker did not think Henry exited the room but he had not been watching the entire time. He opened the door and nearly fell to his knees. In the middle of a growing pool of blood, lay Henry, a dagger piercing his chest.
"Diggs!" called Plucker, rushing back to the great hall. "Diggs! Quickly! King Henry's been attacked!"
Diggs and many others jumped to their feet and rushed forward. Plucker fought to keep the crowd back as Diggs, Queen Mary, Edward, Cane and Hal squeezed through the doorway. Plucker placed his guards at the entrance to the great hall and at the anteroom where the king's body lay.
Diggs bent over Henry with Hal standing alongside him. Edward stood behind the Queen, giving her support. Diggs sighed and shook his head.
"I'm sorry, your Highness," said Diggs. "He is dead."
Queen Mary fell back into Edward's arms and he helped her to sit.
"Who could have done this?" asked Plucker. "The only ones I saw enter were King Henry and Prince Hal."
"This dagger is unique," said Cane.
"That is Hal's dagger," said Edward. "He carved the handle himself."
Hal reached for his dagger but it was not at his side. The sheath was empty.
"No!" he cried. "I did not do it."
"Plucker! Put Hal under guard," said Edward evenly.
"Prince Hal?" said Plucker.
"Do it, Plucker," said Cane. "I'm sorry, Prince Hal. It looks bad for you."
"It wasn't me. He was alive when I left him." Hal started to back away but a guard stood behind him and did not let him move further.
"You were arguing," said Plucker, his expression puzzled. He looked at Hal as if he had never seen him before. "I saw no one else. I'm sorry, Prince Hal. I must confine you to your quarters until this is sorted out. You have your dagger?"
"No. My dagger is there." He pointed at Henry.
Hal looked at Edward who grinned at him. Edward clapped his hands.
"You are a fool, Hal. To be caught so easily. Didn't you th
ink your dagger would be recognized? Or was it a fit of anger and your wits failed you?" He shook his head. "Lock him away, Plucker. This was murder, not an act of war. The crown does not go to a murderer."
"It hasn't been proved," said Diggs.
"What more do you need?" asked Edward.
"Patience, Prince Edward," said Diggs. "With Prince Hal locked up time can be taken to be sure nothing has been overlooked."
"Who made you the sheriff?" asked Prince Edward.
"He's right, Prince Edward," said Plucker. "I am in charge of the prisoner and reviewing the facts. Everyone out of the room, I will lock it and keep the key with me."
Edward led his mother back to the great hall. It was noisy as the news spread across the room. Queen Mary slumped into her chair. Her attendants fanned her and gave her wine to drink. Diggs stopped by to see how she was doing. Plucker set guards at the anteroom to keep the curious from trying the locks. Plucker stood at the entrance to the great hall with Hal, Plucker's guards on either side of the Prince.
Suddenly the far doors were forced and the room filled with Edward's soldiers who quickly overpowered the lesser force of Henry's guards. Archers positioned themselves around the far edge, their bows taunt and ready. The room was silent. Edward stood up and met the gazes of those in the room. He smiled.
"This is indeed a tumultuous day. Now is time for change in Eslenda. A time for complete and sweeping change. King Henry is dead and Prince Hal is the murderer! His line is tainted and since Hal was never king, James cannot be king. From this day forth I shall be king!" The men around him cheered as Edward's soldiers moved around the edge of the room.
"Hal is king," shouted Sir Browner. "I do not believe he killed King Henry. The facts will come out!" He gestured at Edward's guards.
"Prince Edward, you are far too well prepared for King Henry's death not to have the murder laid at your feet. If Prince Hal is not king, then Prince James is the next in line." A rival cheer rose up. Edward nodded and a dagger slit Sir Browner's throat. He fell heavily to the floor, his blood soaking the rushes. Some men tried to rush forward but Edward's soldiers held them back. Plucker reached for his sword but Hal gripped him hard and shook his head slightly.
"I am King," shouted Edward. "Those who oppose me will die here and now. Anyone not in favor of my kingship? Anyone at all? Delightful. I will deal with Hal and James soon enough. They shall hang for murder and treason against my father. Plucker have your guards take my brother and his wife to their rooms and secure them inside."
"King Edward?" said Howard Cane. "Why do you wait on justice? Hal is a threat as long as he lives."
"I know that. He lives to soften James' resolve. My nephew will be a thorn that must be plucked carefully, else you prick yourself. The matter of James allows for no mistakes. He must not have room to maneuver. I have always hated the way he smirks at me, knowing he was ahead of me in the succession. But no more!"
The Queen did not believe what she was hearing. She looked around for someone to tell her it was a joke, but her eyes met no one who could save her sanity.
"Eslenda must be strong!" shouted Edward. "We shall cast out the Nunari and seal our borders against them. We shall prepare for the Turucks from the south and cripple their army. Eslenda shall lead the world. There shall be no place for the weak." His supporters cheered.
"You are a monster!" cried Queen Mary as she tried to strike him. Sir Plucker held her back.
"It does no good at this time, your Highness," he whispered to her. "Wait."
Queen Mary allowed herself to be restrained. Blood pounded in her temples.
"I am a monster?" asked Edward. "Are you not my mother? Did you birth a monster?" He slapped her hard, her face reddened, and tears filled her eyes. He leaned close to his mother.
"Why did you never support me over Hal? You could have swayed father to send Hal away, to banish him, to give me the throne. Am I really your son?" He stared at her with cold eyes and tension in his jaw.
"Sir Plucker, I think the Queen Mother needs to retire for the evening while I host the feast," said Edward. "Plucker, I hold you responsible for her safety."
Edward turned away from the Queen to greet his supporters.
"You still will go on with the feast?" asked Sir Howard Cane with a smile playing on his lips.
"Of course, Sir Howard. Please sit near me. We must discuss your efforts to the north. We may have to re-direct your men to Far Greening. I need James under control prior to addressing the Nunari nuisance."
"With pleasure, your Highness."
Edward rearranged the seating to compliment his supporters and the meal continued. He allowed no one to depart except accompanied by his guards and those people were detained for a later audience with the new king.
"Play!" said Edward to the musicians. "Come on. Play that merry little number you were playing when my father died. It is infectious." He turned toward the doorway where Hal was staring back at him. He waved his fingers at Hal and turned to Howard Cane.
Queen Mary Islen took a long last look at her son, and then turned her back on him forever.
Chapter 4
The bolt thudded loudly even on their side of the door. Hal waited until Plucker's footsteps died away then quickly looked through their belongings but the swords and other weapons were gone. Edward's men had searched their quarters. He looked out the windows and saw archers stationed on the walkways and parapets. The red and gray colors showed they were Edward's archers. Hal opened the window and leaned out to see the entire courtyard. An arrow struck the stone above his head. Edward's man grinned and waved.
He slammed his palm on the sill and pulled the window part way closed.
He saw several of the King's Guards led to a storeroom at sword point and locked inside. He saw only one man with his own blue and white colors, but he was dead, lying near the garden path with an arrow rising from his back. For a moment he wondered who the man was and if he had a wife and children waiting for him in Far Greening
The castle gates to the city were closed and guarded by Edward's men. One of Edward's captains addressed the merchants with carts and stalls within the castle grounds, evidently explaining the law of the new king.
"He really planned this out," said Elizabeth. "How long ago did he start?"
"I don't know. He has certainly been laughing at us over the years. Even the fight this morning was part of his plan - just to show nothing out of the ordinary."
"It was risky. You might have killed him."
"Edward loves risks. Might have been fun for him to put his planning on the line versus my dagger. It probably heightened his enjoyment. I grossly underestimated him; Henry did too. Edward is more calculating than I imagined. He seemed so compulsive and hot headed, I wonder if it was a ruse all along. This was a masterstroke by Edward. Father's death at my feet and all Edward's opponents locked up. Why did I not foresee it? Am I a fool?"
"I am your wife. I cannot speak against you."
Hal laughed. "That would be the first time. You put me in my place better than any foe. Edward has us in a fix, but we shall find a way. We must wait for assistance. Fortunately, Edward does not have all my supporters under lock and key. We shall be safe here for the moment. I think Edward fears James more than me and needs us hostage to force James to submit. I cannot think of any other reason that I still live. Father would have executed me himself for such an offense. He was a stubborn fool, but I loved him."
"Will James submit to save us?"
"No." He snorted. "We will die before James submits. Duty to Eslenda runs in his veins. James will gather our people together and lay siege to this castle. If we die, Edward will die. There will be no swift attack of revenge, rather a calculated military maneuver to bring Edward to his knees. James will detach himself from the situation and make the correct decision for Eslenda without regard to his personal cost. That is why my father favored James over Edward or myself. That boy has nerves of iron and he is far smarter than Edward is. James
must take after his mother." He smiled. She kissed his cheek.
"Gathering a war host will take time," said Elizabeth. "Edward will be ready before James."
"Unless James is told today!" Hal slammed his hand on the table. His expression softened and he looked quickly around the room.
"How can we do that?" asked Elizabeth. "Neither of us can fly, unless you're keeping something from me? The archers would feather us if we tried to escape by the window. How can we send messages through the air? We have no pigeons."
"We can't, but Lockwell can. If I can get word to him, I shall ask him to send word to James. Once James has prepared the defense of the castle, he can send scouts to track movement of armies. I doubt that Howard Cane would be late to the field. He will set his soldiers upon any Nunari near the borders and he may look toward Far Greening. I know how much he was in Edward's trust; he may already have soldiers in place."
"I don't like it, Hal. You know James will take to the field himself. He must not risk himself as long as you are captive. He is the heir. He must keep himself to the castle."
"I agree. Do you think he will listen to either of us?"
"No. He's too much like you."
"Was Edward in the hall the entire time I met with father?"
"I believe so. I know he did not leave after I sat down. Who actually stabbed King Henry?"
"I don't know. It could have been a number of Edward's supporters. I do not even know when my dagger went missing."
Hal smiled his tired smile.
"We must get you out of here at least. I do know your secret."
"What?" said Elizabeth.
"I am your husband. I know your moods. I am very happy."
"Good," she said. "I wanted to wait to tell you when we returned home. I've only been sure for a few days."
"It's all the more reason to you to leave this place. If Edward knew you were pregnant he would execute you immediately."
"Well, too bad he's ignorant."
The Ghost Of Eslenda (Book 1) Page 5