Defender of the Crown

by Paul J Bennett

  "I shall be helping with the army," said Alric.

  "The army? What does that mean, exactly? Will you command it?"

  "No, at least not right away. Gerald has promised to take me under his wing."

  "Take you under his wing? You're a Royal Prince, Alric, you can't serve a commoner!"

  Alric bristled, "He's not a commoner, he's a duke, and the marshal of the entire army, not to mention a veteran of countless battles. I can learn a lot from him."

  "You're obviously quite fond of the man," said Leofric.

  "As you would be if you knew him better," said Alric. "Gerald is a very humble man, and nothing I've seen has changed my opinion of him. He was a damn sight better to me than Cuthbert ever was."

  "Let us not mention your brother," said Leofric. "The mere thought of his betrayal makes me sick."

  "I'm sorry, Father. I know you took it hard when he died."

  "It was not your fault, Alric, you did what had to be done."

  The manor came into view, its well-lit gate manned by Weldwyn guards.

  "I have lived a long life," said the king, "and seen more than you can imagine. I want a long and happy life for you, Alric, but I know people. The people of Merceria might like their queen at the moment, but they can be fickle creatures, one misstep, and the whole thing will come crashing down around her. You must watch over her and keep her safe."

  "I shall be her eyes and ears," Alric promised.

  "Good," said his father, "that is all that I ask."

  As they drew closer to their destination, they noticed the two guards, wearing the blue surcoats of Weldwyn, standing watch by the gate.

  "This is the manor I was telling you about," said Alric. "I think you'll find it quite luxurious."

  "You're not coming in?" asked Leofric.

  "I'll be along later," said Alric, "I have some things to attend to first. As you know, we're preparing for my wedding, and there's lots to be done."

  "Very well," said Leofric, "but make sure you say goodnight to your mother. You know how she misses you."

  The king left him, passing the guards who stood to attention at the gate. Queen Igraine and his sisters halted before him.

  "Never mind him," said the queen, "he's just trying to be fatherly."

  "I can appreciate that," said Alric, "but by the same token, I must find my own way."

  His mother put her hand on his cheek, "You have grown so much, Alric. You're not the young lad that tried to avoid dancing at court anymore."

  Alric kissed his mother on the cheek. "Good night, Mother."

  Next, he turned to Althea and Edwina, "And as for you two, I'll see you in the morning."

  "You will?" asked Althea.

  "Of course," said Alric, "I have to show you Wincaster!"

  Five

  Word Arrives

  Summer 964 MC

  * * *

  Anna took a bite of a pastry as she relaxed on a lounge chair, her feet propped up on a cushion while a book sat haphazardly across her lap. The fireplace in the Royal Suite kept her warm along with Gerald, who sat next to her with a tankard of cider while Tempus dozed at her side.

  "What did you think of the dinner?" asked Anna.

  "It was delicious," said Gerald. "One of the finer meals I've had of late."

  Anna giggled, "No, I mean, how did the visit go, in your opinion."

  "Well," he said, "I'm no expert, but it seemed to go well. Why? Is something bothering you?"

  "I feel nervous for some reason," she confided.

  "That's only natural," said Gerald. "After all, you're about to be married. I imagine it must be quite intimidating meeting Alric's parents."

  "I've met them before, silly."

  "Yes, but that was before you were engaged. Now, you want them to like you."

  "I suppose I do," she confessed.

  "They already like you, Anna. If they didn't, they wouldn't have agreed to the wedding. That was a masterful stroke, by the way."

  "What was?"

  "Telling everyone you were tired," said Gerald.

  "I felt sorry for Alric's sisters," said Anna. "They must feel so out of their depth here in Merceria."

  "Then we'll just have to make them feel welcome."

  "Did you make sure to invite them to the wedding ball?" asked Anna.

  "I did," said Gerald, "and I went out of my way to find some other guests their ages as well."

  The door opened, revealing Sophie. "Lady Beverly to see you, Your Majesty."

  "Beverly?" said Anna. "She wasn't supposed to be back until tomorrow."

  "She said it was important," said Sophie.

  Anna looked at Gerald, who simply shrugged.

  "Send her in," said Anna.

  Sophie beckoned the knight forward.

  "Your Majesty," said Beverly, "I bring word from the north."

  "Please tell me it's not an invasion," said Anna.

  "It's not," said Beverly, "but it is strange news."

  Anna sat up, her book all but forgotten. "Strange, is it? You have me intrigued."

  "We have been approached by a Norland delegation," explained Beverly. "They wish to negotiate a lasting peace with Merceria."

  "Peace?" said Anna. "Are you sure?"

  "Their envoy was most emphatic," said the knight, consulting her notes. "His name is Lord Wilfrid, and he claims to be a close advisor to King Halfan of Norland."

  "Did he mention any details?" asked Anna.

  "He wishes to meet with you in person, Your Majesty."

  "Where is he now?"

  "In Wickfield," said Beverly. "Sir Heward is keeping an eye on him, along with his entourage."

  "We shall have to bring them to Wincaster," said Anna.

  "By using recall?" suggested Gerald.

  "No," said Anna, "let's keep that to ourselves for the time being."

  "Do you wish me to escort them?" asked Beverly.

  "Yes," said Anna, "but I'm afraid it means you'll miss the wedding."

  "Then who will lead the procession?" the knight asked.

  "I'll have Hayley take your place," said Anna. "I'd prefer you to look after things with this delegation. Have Aubrey recall you to Hawksburg, along with a few of the Guard Cavalry. From there, you can ride to Wickfield to meet these Norlanders."

  "And then I escort them back to Wincaster?"

  "Yes," said Anna, "but make sure nothing is said of the gates. How long will that take, do you think?"

  "A week to ten days," said Beverly, "depending on the Norlander's horses."

  "Very well," said Anna. "Send a rider off when you reach Uxley so we can arrange a welcome for them."

  "I'll leave immediately," said Beverly.

  "The morning will do," said Anna. "I know Aubrey will have used a fair amount of energy taking you to Hawksburg and back, best if she's had time to rest first."

  "Yes, Your Majesty."

  "I'm sorry it interfered with your visit to Hawksburg," said Anna, "I know you were looking forward to it."

  "There'll be plenty of time for that in the future," said Beverly.

  "Get some rest. It'll be a long day tomorrow," said the queen.

  Beverly bowed, then exited, leaving Anna to ponder the situation.

  "That was unexpected," said Gerald.

  "Yes," said Anna, "but I can't help but wonder if something else is going on here."

  "A trap of some sort?"

  "Possibly," Anna replied, "but the timing is interesting."

  "You don't think they knew about the wedding, do you?" asked Gerald.

  "I think it's precisely the reason for their visit," she responded. "A Merceria-Weldwyn alliance would be a threat to them. They likely want peace before we send an army."

  "Are we sending an army?"

  "No, not unless they give us cause. We will treat this envoy with all proper courtesy and respect. If it is a legitimate attempt at peace, we will welcome it."

  "And how do we tell if it's real?"

  "That's th
e difficult part," she said. "I'll have to give it some thought."

  "Is there some way we could use magic to our advantage?" asked Gerald.

  "How?"

  "I don't know. Can Aubrey use a spell to tell if someone is lying?"

  "Not that I know of," said Anna, "and in any case, we can't just have her walk up to the envoy and cast a spell. That would be seen as a hostile move. We shall have to learn the character of this Lord Wilfrid fellow."

  "And if he's a pawn?" asked Gerald.

  "Then there's little we can do about it. We'll just have to trust him."

  "That's putting a lot of trust in a stranger."

  "It is," she agreed, "but it wouldn't be the first time. We were in the same situation when we visited Weldwyn, and that turned out well for us. We'll just have to hope for the best."

  "And prepare for the worst," added Gerald.

  "See," said Anna, "I knew I could count on you to help think things through."

  Gerald smiled, "So, what precautions do we take?"

  "We shall keep our mages secret for now, and no mention of the recall spell."

  "We can't just hide them away," said Gerald, "their names are bound to come up."

  "True," she agreed, "but we'll refrain from talking about their capabilities. The less they know about our mages, the better."

  "Very well, I'll pass the word. Anything else?"

  "Yes," she continued, "we'll have them escorted everywhere they go, I don't want them poking their noses in where they're not wanted."

  "Will we put them up in the Palace?" asked Gerald.

  "No, they're not due for over a week. I have a feeling King Leofric will be gone by then, in which case we'll host them at the Weldwyn Embassy. I'm sure Alric wouldn't mind."

  "It sounds like you've thought of everything," he said.

  "Not quite," she responded, "but by tomorrow night, I'll have it all sorted out."

  * * *

  Tyrell Caracticus, High Mage of Weldwyn, sat at a table, perusing a tome that was set before him. He was in the great casting room of the Grand Edifice of the Arcane Wizards Council, better known as 'the Dome', for its enchanted copper roof.

  He was turning a page, intent on his studies when one of the runes inlaid into the stone floor suddenly glowed. Looking up in surprise, he noticed as others began to light up, and then the entire circle started to hum with energy. Suddenly, a cylinder of light sprang up, blocking his view of the circle's centre, then it dissipated, revealing a woman, who staggered slightly.

  "Mistress Albreda?" said Tyrell.

  Albreda fell to her knees, steadying herself by placing a hand upon the floor.

  "Are you all right?" he called out in concern.

  "I'll be fine," the druid replied, "I'm just short of energy."

  "Why?" he asked. "What's happened?"

  "I have just recalled from Wincaster," she said.

  "Wincaster? But that must be close to five hundred miles?"

  "More like four hundred and fifty, actually," she replied. "I wasn't sure if I'd be able to do it."

  "Come and sit down," said Tyrell. "I'll have someone fetch you something to eat. You need to replenish your strength."

  He walked over to her, offering his arm for support, a gesture that she welcomed. Albreda let him lead her to the table where she sat down heavily.

  "That was quite remarkable," he said.

  "I would have found it easier a year or two ago," she explained, "but I gave up part of my magical energy when I empowered Nature's Fury."

  "Nature's Fury?" said Tyrell. "What's that?"

  "A weapon of great power," she explained. "It now holds the magic of the earth."

  "I hope it's in the possession of someone worthy," said Tyrell. "I'd hate to think what such a weapon could do in the wrong hands."

  "Have no fear on that score," said Albreda. "Lady Beverly is more than deserving of such a creation."

  "I take it, it's a hammer?"

  "Yes," she said, "how did you know?"

  "Earth weapons always seem to be such. I think it's the Dwarven influence. Might I ask who fashioned it?"

  "A very unique smith named Aldwin," said Albreda, "who also happens to be Lady Beverly's husband."

  "How curious," said Tyrell. "Was this before or after he made Nature's Fury?"

  "They were married after," she replied. "He also helped us create the circle in Wincaster, though I now wish we'd put a higher empowerment on it. I could have used the extra boost."

  "Ah," said Tyrell, "but then the mage that empowered it would be depleted even further."

  "I suppose there is that," said Albreda. "Oh well, I shall just have to return to my studies and increase my power once more. Then again, perhaps I'm getting too old for all of this."

  "Nonsense," said Tyrell, "with age comes wisdom. Are you not the most powerful mage in Merceria?"

  "Possibly," she replied, "but I don't feel like it at this precise moment. Quite frankly, I'm more inclined to take a nap."

  "I can arrange a room for you if you like," said Tyrell, "but first tell me, why did you come?"

  "To find out about magic mirrors," she said. "Have you anyone with such expertise?"

  "You'd have to speak to Gretchen Harwell," he said. "She's the expert in enchantments. Shall I go and fetch her for you?"

  "She's here?" asked Albreda.

  "Yes, I saw her only this morning. She's been practising her recall. When I noticed the circle lighting up, I half expected her to arrive. Instead, it was you."

  "If you would be so kind," she said. "I need to talk to her with some urgency."

  "Very well," said Tyrell, "I'll send a servant to fetch you some food while I hunt down Gretchen."

  "Thank you," said Albreda, "that will do nicely."

  Tyrell made his way from the room, turning into the circular corridor that ran around the perimeter of the building. Apprentices watched in fascination as the Grand Mage rushed past, intent on some task that likely was beyond their understanding.

  Gretchen Harwell was sitting in a small study room, sipping soup from a bowl set before her. She looked up as the door opened, revealing the Dome's head administrator.

  "Something wrong, Tyrell?" she asked.

  "Albreda has returned," he said.

  "The Wild Mage?"

  "Yes," he continued, "and she wants to see you."

  "Me? I thought she was an Earth Mage? Wouldn't Aegryth be of more use to her."

  "Aegryth is with the king, as you well know," said Tyrell. "And in any case, she's here to find out about magic mirrors, not Earth Magic."

  "Mirrors?" Said Gretchen. "Now you have my attention. Lead on and be quick about it."

  "But your soup?" said Tyrell.

  "My soup can wait until later," she said. "This promises to be of much greater interest."

  She pushed the bowl away from her, then rose and smoothed down the front of her dress. "Where is she?" she asked.

  "In the casting room," said Tyrell. "Shall I take you there?"

  "I think I'm more than capable of finding my own way," said Gretchen, "unless, of course, you're interested in what she might have to say?"

  "The thought had crossed my mind," said Tyrell.

  "Well, come along then," she said, pushing past him, "we haven't a moment to waste."

  Tyrell rushed to catch up. Despite Gretchen's small stature, she set a brisk pace. They arrived to find Albreda eating some bread.

  "One of your apprentices just dropped this off," she said. "I hope you don't mind."

  "Not at all," said Tyrell. He pointed to his companion. "This is Gretchen Harwell, the Enchanter I told you about."

  "Pleased to meet you, I am Albreda, Mistress of the Whitewood."

  Gretchen stared at her a moment.

  "Something wrong?" asked Albreda.

  "Sorry, I've just never met a wild mage before," said Gretchen.

  "Don't worry," said the druid, "I don't bite...much." The look of worry on the Enchanter's face
told her all she needed to know. "Sorry," said Albreda, "it was merely a jest. I'm much like any of you. Come, sit, we have much to discuss, you and I."

  Gretchen pulled out a chair opposite, sitting and watching as Albreda rooted through a small satchel.

  "I have it here somewhere," the druid muttered. "Ah, here it is." She pulled forth a paper, depositing it on the table after unfolding it.

  "This is a sketch I had made of the mirror in question."

  Gretchen turned the paper to examine it in detail. "This is quite good," she said. "Is it accurate?"

  "Yes," said Albreda, "I had Lady Aubrey make it. It shows a mirror that was found in the residence of Revi Bloom."

  "The Royal Life Mage?" said Gretchen. "If it was his, then surely he could tell you more."

  "I wish it were that easy," said Albreda, "but the truth is that Master Revi has disappeared. We think he used this mirror to travel somewhere."

  "Where?"

  "Well, if we knew that, I wouldn't be here now. We were hoping you might give us some insight."

  Gretchen pointed at the ornate border of the mirror. "These runes are the key," she said. "If we can determine the order of activation, it should be a simple matter to follow."

  "Yes," said Albreda, "but how do we go about doing that? The number of possible combinations is unimaginable."

  "It's not quite as complex as you might think," said Gretchen. "There's usually what we call a preamble."

  "A preamble? What's that?" asked Albreda.

  "It's a small sequence of runes that wakes the magic up, so to speak. Typically, it's only three or four magical letters."

  "Are these standard?"

  "There are a few variations, but the creators of these objects often get lazy. As a consequence, there are only seven preambles, at least as far as I know."

  "Shall I get some paper and ink?" offered Tyrell.

  "Yes, thank you," said Gretchen. She returned her attention to the drawing. "This scrollwork around the edge is most unique. I don't think I've seen it's like before. What is the frame made of? Metal?"

  "No," said Albreda, "it's wood. Something called shadowbark. I'm not familiar with it myself, are you?"

  "I've heard of shadowbark, but I believe it's only found on the Continent. That being the case, I would surmise that this mirror is very old."