Defender of the Crown

by Paul J Bennett

  "I believe you're right," said Fitz, "though I never really thought about it before. You know, I promised Evelyn on her deathbed I'd look after Beverly."

  "And you've done a fine job of it," said Gerald. "Anyone would be proud to have her for a daughter."

  "Thank you, my friend. Now, what say we go down to the Queen's Arms and get some of that stinky cheese?"

  "And sausages!" added Gerald.

  The baron smiled, "You read my mind!"

  * * *

  Alric stretched out his legs, setting them onto the footstool.

  "I feel like I've been walking all day," he said.

  Anna laughed, "You're getting old."

  "I'm serious," he said. "I'm exhausted."

  "We have kept you quite busy of late," mused Anna. "Between visiting with your family and meeting the Norland delegates, I'm surprised you've held up so well. I half expected you to fall asleep."

  A gentle knock on the door caught her attention. "Come in, Gerald," she called out.

  The door opened, revealing a very surprised marshal.

  "How did you know it was me?"

  "You have a rather distinctive knock, Gerald," said Anna. "Is this a social call or business?"

  "A bit of both, to be honest," said Gerald.

  "Come and sit down then, and tell me all about it."

  "I don't want to interrupt anything," he said, looking at Alric.

  "You're not," said Alric, "we're just relaxing. It's been a long day."

  "I'm afraid tomorrow promises to be no better," said Gerald. "The Norlanders would like to meet King Leofric. Do you think you could arrange such a thing?"

  "By Malin's tears, why would they want that?" asked Alric.

  "I think they got wind of our alliance," explained Gerald. "They're likely seeking support for their endeavour."

  "But we've already decided to go," said Anna.

  "Yes," Gerald agreed, "but we haven't told them yet, at least not officially."

  "A fair point," said Anna.

  "Don't worry, Gerald," said Alric, "I'll take care of it first thing tomorrow morning. Do you think they'd be up to an afternoon meeting?"

  "I'll get Sir Preston to speak with them," said Gerald, "but I think they'll be amenable to it."

  "Amenable?" said Anna. "What's happened to you, Gerald, you're using fancy words?"

  "I'm afraid it's Alric's influence," said Gerald. "All that Royal Breeding is starting to rub off on me."

  Alric chuckled. "Well, it suits you, Gerald. We'll make a duke of you yet."

  "He's already a duke," said Anna, "and I quite like him the way he is. Ignore what he says, Gerald, you just be yourself."

  "I didn't mean to start an argument," said Gerald, blushing slightly.

  "You're not," said Alric, "just some good-natured ribbing. I hope I haven't caused offense?"

  "Not at all," said Gerald, though if truth be told, he wasn't entirely sure.

  "How are you doing, Gerald?" asked Anna.

  "Quite well," the old warrior replied. "The training is going well, and we've been working hard to integrate the Orcs into the army."

  "No," said Anna, "I've read your reports about the army. I want to know how YOU are doing."

  "Me?" said Gerald. "I'm fine, why?"

  "I think you're working too much," she said. "Did you manage to see Aubrey the other day?"

  "No," said Gerald, eliciting a frown from Anna, "but I did run into Kraloch, and he used a regeneration on me."

  "Good," said Anna.

  "A regeneration?" said Alric. "Are you injured, Gerald?"

  "No, merely suffering from a lifelong malady."

  "Which is?" asked the prince.

  "Old age," declared Gerald.

  "Really?" said Alric. "I would have said you look quite spry for your age."

  "And there you have it," said Gerald. "'For my age'. It's always the same with you young folk."

  "You were young once, weren't you?" asked Alric.

  "Of course," said Gerald, breaking into a grin, "and I was just like you."

  "Really?" said Alric. "You were a prince of a foreign realm?"

  "Well, no, of course not. But I was full of life and ready to take on the world."

  "Whatever happened to change that?" asked Alric.

  Gerald fell silent, leaving Anna to explain.

  "His parents were killed by Norland raiders," she said, "and then he was taken back to Bodden to serve Baron Fitzwilliam."

  "Lord Richard?" said Alric. "I knew the baron was old, but I had no idea he was that ancient."

  "His father was the baron at the time, Alric," said Anna. "But it was a young Richard Fitzwilliam that found Gerald wandering in the woods."

  "I'm sorry," said Alric, "had I known, I wouldn't have teased you."

  "That was many years ago," said Gerald, "and a past I left behind long ago."

  "So you have reason to hate the Norlanders," said Alric.

  "That's not the half of it," said Gerald. "You see, years later, they killed my wife and daughter."

  "I don't know what to say," remarked Alric. "I can't imagine something so heinous."

  "I swore to make them pay," said Gerald, "and dedicated my life to becoming a warrior for that sole purpose."

  "And yet somehow, I don't see that in you," noted Alric.

  "I came to realize that not all Norlanders are raiders," said Gerald. "A Norland farmer taught me that if you can believe it."

  "A farmer? Really?"

  "Oh, yes," said Gerald, "but it's a long story, better told another day. As for me, I'm off to bed. I have a full day tomorrow."

  He rose, eliciting a word from Anna.

  "Gerald," she said, "why don't you take some time off? Maybe you need a rest? It sounds like you've been run off your feet. You can always delegate some of your responsibilities to others, it's not like you don't have people you can trust."

  "I can still do my job as marshal," defended Gerald.

  "I'm not saying you can't," said Anna, "but we all need a break from time to time, Saxnor knows I'd like one."

  "I'll think about it," said Gerald, "but there likely won't be an opportunity until this Norland business is over with. That reminds me, I'd like Prince Alric to take on some more responsibility within the army if you have no objections?"

  "I think it a marvellous idea," said Anna, "don't you, Alric?"

  "I do," said the prince. "What did you have in mind, Gerald?"

  "I thought," said Gerald, "that he might serve as my aide so he can learn how we do things. Unless, of course, you think that beneath him? He would, in fact, be a prince reporting to a commoner."

  "No," said Anna, "he'd be reporting to the Duke of Wincaster. What do you think, Alric?"

  "I think it a terrific idea."

  "Good," said Gerald, "but I'll need a few days to work out responsibilities and such."

  "That works well for me," said Alric. "Father will be leaving in a few days, and that should free up my time by a considerable degree."

  "Very well," said Gerald, "we'll start once your parents leave."

  Anna rose, giving him a hug. "Good night, Gerald."

  "Good night, Anna," he said, "and to you also, Your Highness."

  "Please," said the prince, "you must call me Alric in private. We can't be formal all the time."

  "Very well, Alric," said Gerald. “Pleasant dreams to you both." He left, closing the door behind him.

  "I'm worried about him," said Anna.

  "He'll be all right," said Alric, "he's just feeling his age."

  "But he had a regeneration spell, he should feel better."

  "It's not only his body that's ageing, Anna, his mind is as well."

  "I shall have to talk to Aubrey," said Anna. "Hopefully, she has a way of making him feel better."

  "I know a way that would help," said Alric.

  "You do?"

  "Yes, let's give him some grandchildren!"

  Anna flushed slightly, holding out her ha
nd to him. "Let's go then," she said. "You know it takes a lot of practice to get it right."

  * * *

  The morning mist rolled across the lawn as Alric looked out the window. When a servant announced the arrival of the Norland delegation, he turned to see them being ushered in.

  "Lord Wilfrid," said Alric, "so glad you could make it."

  "Thank you," the Norlander replied. "I don't think I've formally introduced my entourage. Allow me to present Commander Frederick Cole, my military advisor."

  "How do you do?" said Alric, shaking the man's hand.

  "Glad to make your acquaintance, Your Highness," Cole replied.

  "And this is Edmund Taffington," Lord Wilfrid continued. "He's my personal bodyguard."

  "Greetings," said Alric.

  Taffington nodded, "Highness."

  "And lastly," said Lord Wilfrid, "we have Lord Rupert of Chilmsford. He's here to advise on matters pertaining to Merceria."

  "Glad to make your acquaintance, Highness," said Lord Rupert. "I fear we have little knowledge of Westland."

  "We prefer the name Weldwyn," advised Alric.

  "Of course," said Lord Rupert, "forgive me if I've given offense."

  "That's quite all right," said Alric, "there are still many Mercerians who use their old name for us."

  "Something we must all learn to overcome if we are to see a peaceful way forward," said Lord Wilfrid.

  "I have arranged a carriage," said Alric, "though the embassy is but a short distance."

  "Do you think we could walk?" asked Lord Rupert. "The weather promises to be fair this day."

  "An excellent idea," added Lord Wilfrid. "That is if Your Highness has no objection?"

  "None at all," said Alric.

  "Shall you summon your bodyguard?" asked Lord Wilfrid.

  "Jack?" said Alric. "I hardly need him to walk me the few blocks to the embassy."

  "Do all the lords of Merceria travel without protection?" asked Lord Rupert.

  "Of course," said Alric. "Is it not so in Norland?"

  "I'm afraid we have a much more...volatile society," explained Lord Wilfrid. "It has become commonplace for nobles to always be accompanied."

  "I have soldiers that always follow at a discreet distance whenever I leave the Palace," said Alric, "but I've never had any problems here in Wincaster."

  "Very well," said Lord Wilfrid, "shall we begin then?"

  Alric led them out of the Palace and through the courtyard, where three soldiers fell into place a few paces behind.

  "It is quite the city these Mercerians have built," noted Lord Wilfrid.

  "Was it not here when your people fled north?" asked Alric.

  "Oh, no," said Lord Rupert. "Wincaster was founded shortly before the war that saw the split, but it was little more than a military camp at the time. It was built to fight the Elves, you know."

  "Was it now?" said Alric. "I suppose that explains the cool relations they've always had with the Elder race."

  "I was surprised to see an Orc at our meeting with the queen," noted Lord Wilfrid.

  "The Orcs were instrumental in the recent war," said Alric. "Why? Is that a problem?"

  "We have had our own issues with the greenskins over the years," said Lord Wilfrid, "but it is not something that would jeopardize our quest for peace."

  "I have to tell you," said Alric, "that the queen will insist that the Orcs are included in any peace talks."

  "Surely not!" declared Lord Rupert. "They are nothing but vagabonds and thieves."

  "They are an ancient race," said Alric, "and have been a great ally to Merceria. Do not expect the queen to abandon them."

  "You have given me food for thought," noted Lord Wilfrid. "I shall have to give it my attention."

  "You think that might be a problem?" asked the prince.

  "I think that King Halfan will see reason on this matter," said Lord Wilfrid, "though it may take him by surprise. I shouldn't worry too much about it, we'll have months to prepare him."

  "You will?" said Alric.

  "Oh, yes," said Lord Wilfrid, "we shall be returning to Norland soon."

  "I thought you'd be riding with the queen," said Alric.

  "No, we have much to do to prepare for her arrival. We shall, however, rendezvous with Her Majesty's group once they enter Norland territory, to provide a fitting escort."

  They were halfway down the block when the mist that had lingered for so long began to burn off with the heat of the rising sun.

  "That's the embassy, just up on the left," said Alric.

  "Interesting," said Lord Rupert. "Tell me, Highness, how is it that you came to possess such a building in the first place?"

  "It was a gift from the crown," said Alric. "It was owned by the Duke of Wincaster, but he gave it to Weldwyn to use as an embassy."

  "Then, where does the duke live?" asked Lord Wilfrid.

  "At the Palace," said Alric.

  "The Palace?" said Lord Rupert. "That's unusual, isn't it?"

  "Not as strange as you might think," said Alric. "The duke is like a second father to the queen."

  They drew closer to the Weldwyn embassy and Alric noted the presence of a trader of some sort, arguing with one of the guards.

  "What's going on here?" the prince called out.

  "This man claims to have a delivery, Highness," the guard responded.

  "Let me see," said Alric. He stepped closer as the Norlanders watched, their interest sparked. The trader held forth a heavily weighted sack.

  "It's one of my best hams," the man said.

  "There's a trades entrance around back," said Alric.

  "The note said to deliver it to the front door," the man insisted.

  Alric, suddenly alert, stepped back. "Arrest this man," he commanded, "and search him for weapons."

  The guards seized the tradesman by the arms, taking the sack from his hands. One of them opened it, then turned to show Prince Alric the ham that lay within.

  "I don't understand," said Alric.

  A piercing cry erupted from the Norland delegation, and Alric turned to see Edmund Taffington bleeding from a knife wound. Alric's own guards were rushing down the street in pursuit of a man dressed in everyday clothes.

  "What happened?" said Alric, crouching by the wounded bodyguard.

  "He came out of nowhere," said Lord Rupert. "He tried to stab Lord Wilfrid."

  "Yes," the other lord agreed, "if Edmund hadn't moved quickly, it would be me lying there."

  "We need a Life Mage," announced Alric, turning to one of the embassy guards. "Is Roxanne Fortuna still here?"

  "She is, Your Highness," the guard responded.

  "Then get her immediately," ordered Alric as he pressed his hand to the wound, desperate to stem the flow of blood.

  "That's a gut wound," said Lord Rupert, "he'll not survive."

  "You've obviously never heard of Life Magic," said Alric.

  "We believe in the real, not the mystical," said Lord Rupert.

  "Surely, you have mages in Norland?" said Alric.

  "Very few," said Lord Wilfrid, "and those we do have only deal with the four base elements."

  Alric held the wounded man, a pool of blood growing beneath him as his associates looked on in dismay. Alric's own guards soon arrived, but their news was not helpful.

  "I'm afraid he eluded us, Highness," one of them reported.

  The door to the embassy opened, and a group of people issued forth. Chief among them was an elderly woman, her greying hair worked into braids.

  "Mistress Roxanne," said Alric, "this man has been stabbed. Can you help him?"

  She came closer, crouching by the injured Edmund.

  "We shall see," she said, closing her eyes as she held her arms before her, palms upward. She began chanting. The air around her filled with an electrical charge, causing the hairs on Alric's arms to stand on end, and then her hands began to glow. The moment Mistress Roxanne touched Edmund Taffington, the colour transferred from her fingers
to his body, lingering where the wound existed. Moments later, his eyes fluttered open.

  "My lord?" said Edmund.

  Lord Wilfrid knelt, tears coming to his eyes. "By the Gods, man, we thought we'd lost you."

  "He will have to rest," said Roxanne, "but he will make a full recovery.

  "That was incredible," said Lord Rupert.

  "She is one of our most gifted healers," said Alric. "It's lucky she came with the king, else your man would have died."

  "Do the Mercerians have such magic?" asked Lord Wilfrid.

  "They do," said Alric. "Lady Aubrey is a Life Mage, but judging from his injury, there would have been scant time to summon her from the Palace."

  Nine

  Repercussions

  Summer 964 MC

  * * *

  Lord Alexander Stanton, Earl of Tewsbury, paced the floor while his visitor, Roland Valmar, watched from an oversized, padded chair.

  "Oh, do sit down, Alexander," said Valmar. "You won't solve anything by pacing."

  In answer, Stanton wheeled around, looking his companion in the eyes. "Was this your doing?" he demanded.

  Valmar held up his hands. "I had nothing to do with the attack on the Norlanders," he said, "and why would I? What could I possibly gain from such an act?"

  "War with Norland!"

  "I may disagree with the rulership of this kingdom," said Valmar, "but the last thing I want is a foreign invasion."

  "I wish I could believe you," said Stanton, "but I know you have your own agenda."

  "We both do," said Valmar. "Let's not deceive ourselves. In any case, it is to our advantage for the visit to Norland to proceed."

  "It is?

  "Think about it for a moment," said Valmar, "all the principal people will be away from Wincaster. There'll never be an opportunity like this again."

  "I might remind you that the queen is leaving people behind to look after things."

  "Yes," said Valmar, "a mewling prince and an ex-poacher."

  "What of Fitz?" asked Stanton.

  "What of him?" countered Valmar.

  "He is not a man I would discount so quickly."

  "I might remind you," said Valmar, "he spends most of his time in Bodden, and that is quite some distance away."

  "What of his witch?"