Defender of the Crown

by Paul J Bennett

  "His witch? You mean the druid?"

  "Yes," said Stanton, "she has some powerful magic. She's a wild mage, you know. They say those are the most dangerous."

  "Mages are powerful," said Valmar, "I'll give you that, but only against individuals. When we strike, we shall have numbers on our side. By the time the queen realizes what we've done, it'll be too late."

  "I hope you're right," said Stanton, "for if we fail in this, it'll mean both our heads."

  * * *

  Anna leaned forward, grasping the hand of Edmund Taffington as he lay in his bed.

  "Lady Aubrey tells me you'll soon be well enough to travel. How are you feeling?"

  "I am doing much better. Thank you, Your Majesty."

  "You make sure you rest properly," she commanded as she patted his hand, then straightened.

  "We must thank you again," said Lord Wilfrid. "If it hadn't been for the timely intervention of your mage, we would have lost him."

  "It was a Weldwyn mage that healed him," said Anna, "not ours."

  "Even so, we are thankful for the effort you've gone through on our behalf."

  "When will you leave for Norland?" asked Anna.

  "At the end of the week, Your Majesty. We have much to discuss with our king before your arrival."

  "Did they capture the man responsible for this attack?" asked Lord Rupert.

  "Not yet," said Anna, "but we've made some progress, and the merchant is still a prisoner."

  "What will happen to him?"

  "He will be executed if he is found guilty of conspiring to kill you," said Anna.

  "If?" said Lord Wilfrid. "Isn't his role plain enough for all to see?"

  "We don't make judgements on appearances alone," said Anna. "We have enquiries to make yet, and it may turn out that the merchant was duped and used unwittingly."

  "And you would have the man set free?" asked Rupert.

  "Only if he is innocent," said Anna.

  "I must insist he is punished," demanded Lord Rupert.

  Anna turned to him, her face a mask. "We follow the rule of law in Merceria," she said. "It may not be perfect, but we assume innocence until guilt is proven."

  "That's a very noble sentiment," said Lord Rupert, "but the real world doesn't work that way."

  "It does here," asserted Anna, "and our courts will render no penalties without a fair trial."

  "A trial?" said Lord Wilfrid. "You mean to make this attack public knowledge?"

  "I could hardly prevent it," said Anna. "By now, talk of the attack will have already spread throughout Wincaster. It won't take long for it to reach the border regions."

  "Have you any ideas who might be behind it?" asked Lord Rupert.

  "There are many in Merceria with cause to hate your people," said Anna.

  "The death toll has been equally as egregious on our side," Lord Wilfrid responded.

  "Let us not let this sabotage our plans," said Anna. "With your permission, we would still like to make the trip to Norland."

  "I am sure King Halfan would agree," said Lord Wilfrid.

  "Good," said Anna. "We shall arrange for extra protection until you reach the border. I'd hate to see a recurrence of this attack."

  Lord Wilfrid bowed his head respectfully, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

  "Now," said Anna, "I've had two guards posted on his door, and all visitors will have to go through Sir Preston. I would suggest we let the patient rest peacefully."

  "As you wish, Your Majesty," said Lord Rupert.

  They exited the room, the queen pausing as the door was closed.

  "I'm sorry you never got the chance to talk to King Leofric," she said.

  "We can try again tomorrow," said Lord Wilfrid.

  "I'm afraid that won't be possible," said Anna, "his entourage left this morning."

  "Then I shall look forward to meeting him at some time in the future," said Lord Wilfrid, bowing yet again.

  * * *

  Arnim Caster looked over the table at the man sitting across from him.

  "Is that all you have to say for yourself?" he demanded.

  "It's true, I swear it," the man responded. "He was most insistent that I deliver it to the front door."

  "Did you not think that strange?" asked Arnim.

  "Of course," the merchant agreed, "but the fellow paid in advance, including a hefty bonus!"

  "And you say this individual was of average height?"

  "Yes," the merchant replied. "As I said earlier, with dark hair and a rough beard."

  "You've just described half the population of Wincaster," said Arnim. "That's of no help to us."

  "Perhaps if I took you to the store, it might help?" offered the merchant.

  "I don't see how," said Arnim.

  "He paid in fresh coins," the man said.

  "What do you mean, fresh?"

  "Newly minted ones. I've never seen their like before."

  "Go on," urged Arnim.

  "I'm not one to forego payment just because of a few foreign coins. Saxnor knows we get enough Weldwyn shillings in our purses, but these were different."

  "Different how?" said Arnim.

  "I figured some new King of Weldwyn must have had them made. His head was on the coins, you see."

  "King Leofric?"

  "No," said the man, "I would have remembered that. It were something else, started with an H."

  "Halfan?" said Arnim.

  "Aye, that was it." The man sat back, a look of relief flooding his face.

  "Why didn't you mention this earlier?" pressed Arnim.

  "I'm but a simple merchant, a butcher by trade. I didn't know it was important."

  "I'd like to see those coins," said Arnim. "I shall take you to your shop and exchange them for Mercerian ones."

  "And after that?" the butcher asked.

  "After that, you're free to go," said Arnim, "but if I discover you were involved, it won't go well."

  "I can assure you I'm innocent," the man professed.

  "We shall see," said Arnim, "we shall see."

  * * *

  "Are you sure about this?" asked Anna, examining a coin.

  "Positive, Your Majesty," said Arnim. "I had Nikki reach out to some of her contacts. Apparently, someone's been passing coins like these all around the city. I suspect the would-be murderer was a local hire. Nikki's been trying to track the man down, but we have little to go on."

  Anna passed the coin to Gerald. "What do you think?"

  "It's a Norland coin all right," he said. "I'm afraid there can be no doubt."

  "It changes nothing," said Anna.

  "On the contrary," noted Alric, "it changes everything, don't you see? If Norland coins were behind the attempt on Lord Wilfrid, they likely have their own problems at court. Someone wants this attempt at peace to fail. They've already tried to kill one person, who's to say they might not try again?"

  "I have to agree with him," said Gerald. "This whole trip could turn disastrous."

  "Even so," said Anna, "I have to take the risk, even if there is the slightest chance of ending this war."

  "Then let us at least take extra precautions," said Alric. "Let me go with you."

  "You can't," said Anna. "I need you here, in Wincaster, to keep an eye on things while I'm away."

  "But now your life's in danger," he pleaded.

  "I shall have Gerald and Beverly with me," said Anna, "not to mention Tempus."

  "Don't worry," said Gerald, "at the first sign of trouble, I'll have Aubrey bring her directly back here."

  "Very well," said Alric, "but I'm not happy about it."

  "Nor am I," added Gerald, "but you know how Anna can be once she makes up her mind."

  "You know I'm still in the room," interjected the queen.

  "They're just worried for your safety, Majesty," said Arnim.

  "When will we leave?" asked Gerald.

  "We'll stick to our original schedule," Anna replied. "Once the delegation departs, we'll travel to Uxley
for a week or two. I think I need to get out of the city for a bit."

  "Fair enough," said Alric. "I've been looking forward to seeing the place of your birth."

  "I wasn't born there," said Anna, "but it is where I spent my youth."

  "It's also where she first met Tempus," added Gerald.

  "He's not the only person I first met there," corrected Anna. She smiled, "Gerald came to Uxley to work as the groundskeeper."

  "We'll have to take you to the Old Oak," said Gerald.

  "What's that," asked Alric, "a giant tree?"

  "It's a tavern," said Gerald, "though there is a large tree outside that gave the place its name. I think you'll find the ale there quite to your taste."

  "Ale?" said Alric. "I usually favour wine."

  "That's all right," said Gerald, "you'll learn to appreciate a good ale once you settle in as my aide."

  "Is that mandatory?"

  "No," said Gerald, "but it does endear one to the troops."

  Alric sighed, "Very well, I shall try this ale you speak of. If it's half as good as you say, it might turn out to be quite passable."

  "There," said Anna, "then it's all settled."

  * * *

  Lightning shifted his feet, causing Beverly to take note.

  "I know," she soothed, "you're eager to be on the way. I can't say I blame you. These Norlanders are taking forever to get moving."

  She looked up to where the carriage was just beginning to roll forward. The Guard Cavalry led the way, twelve strong, while another dozen followed along behind. She tried to urge her mount forward, but Lightning refused.

  "What is the matter with you?" she said. "It's not like you to be so stubborn."

  In answer, Lightning turned his head, looking towards the Palace. A lone horseman was approaching, and Beverly broke out into a grin.

  "Aldwin," she said. "Did you come to see me off?"

  "No," her husband replied, "I came to join you."

  "I can't take you to the border," said Beverly, "it's far too dangerous. There's already been one attempt on Lord Wilfrid."

  "I thought I might accompany you as far as Hawksburg," he said. "I have to spend some more time studying the circle there."

  "That's an excellent idea," said Beverly. "Then, I can meet you back there after we've dropped this lot off at the border."

  "There, you see," said Aldwin, "I found a way for us to spend more time together."

  "Are you sure you'll be comfortable riding all day?"

  "I'll get used to it. I did ride all the way from Bodden to Hawksburg once, don't you remember?"

  She smiled. "Of course I do," she replied. "Now, let's get going, shall we?"

  She urged her mount forward into a slow walk as Aldwin brought his own horse alongside hers.

  "Lightning knew you'd be showing up," said Beverly.

  "He did?"

  "Yes, he wouldn't let me start moving until you arrived."

  Aldwin smiled, "Lightning's a smart horse, he was probably picking up on your emotions."

  "Emotions?" said Beverly.

  "Weren't you just a little bit sad that you wouldn't see me for weeks?"

  "Of course," she replied.

  "Well then, there you have it."

  "Lightning doesn't read minds," said Beverly. "He's a horse, remember?"

  "I wouldn't be so sure," said Aldwin.

  She stared at him, watching as a smile crept across his face, a smile he was desperately trying to suppress.

  "Come on," she said, "out with it. What did you do?"

  He looked at her, finally breaking out into a grin. "I might have talked to him early this morning."

  "You can't talk to horses," declared Beverly.

  "No, that's true, I can't," he said, "but Albreda can."

  "So you had Albreda tell him to wait?"

  "I did," he admitted. "I hope you're not upset with me."

  "Not at all," she said, "I think it's very romantic."

  * * *

  Gerald made his way through the Palace, Tempus trotting along at his side. He paused for a moment at the door to the Royal Suite, then knocked respectfully.

  "Come," came the answer.

  He pushed open the door to see Prince Alric pulling his tunic over his head.

  "Sorry to interrupt, Highness," he said.

  "Nonsense, Gerald," the prince replied, "we were just dressing for breakfast."

  "I take it Anna's in the bedroom?"

  "She is," said Alric, "I'm sure she'll be out any moment now."

  "Is that Gerald?" came a familiar voice.

  "It is," said Alric.

  "Just a moment," Anna called back.

  She came out of the bedroom, her blonde hair looking scraggly. Tempus barked and ran over to his mistress, who crouched to give the great dog a pet.

  "Shall I send for Sophie?" asked Gerald.

  "Please do," said Anna, "I can't go down to eat with my hair like this."

  "Oh, I don't know," said Alric, grinning, "I think it suits you."

  "You'll have to excuse my husband," said Anna, "these Weldwyners have a strange sense of decorum."

  Gerald smiled, pleased to see Anna in such a good mood.

  "Married life seems to agree with you," he said.

  "So it does," she said, "but you didn't come here to tell me that."

  "No," Gerald agreed, "I came to tell you that the Norland delegation is on the way back home. They left early this morning."

  "Good," said Anna, "that means we can start planning our trip to Uxley."

  "You're a little late for that," said Alric.

  Anna turned to the prince in surprise. "What's that supposed to mean?"

  "It means," said Gerald, "that Alric and I have already made all the necessary arrangements."

  "Oh, you have, have you?" said Anna. "I can see how this is going to work, the two of you conspiring against me." She grinned, lessening the blow. "Very well, when do we leave?"

  "Right after breakfast," said Gerald, "or even later, if you wish, but we do have to make The Gryphon's Rest before nightfall."

  "In that case," said Anna, "fetch Sophie, and have my food brought here. I shall dine in my room. Have you eaten yet?"

  "No," admitted Gerald, "I was busy making preparations."

  "Well, we can't have you going hungry," said Anna. "Have them send up lots of food, and you can join us."

  "I don't want to impose," said Gerald.

  "Nonsense," said Alric, "the company would be welcome."

  "Very well," said Gerald, "I shall return promptly."

  He left the room, leaving Tempus with his mistress.

  "I've been looking forward to this," said Alric.

  "Breakfast?" said Anna.

  "No, surprising you," he said.

  "Well, you succeeded," said Anna. "How long have you been planning this?"

  "Close to a week," he replied.

  "A week? Why so long?"

  "We sent word to Uxley that we'd be arriving, and then we had to arrange rooms at the Gryphon's Rest."

  "And what's so difficult about that?" Anna asked.

  "You're the queen now. We can't just rent a regular room."

  "Why not?"

  "Well, for one thing, your entourage is too large. You can't travel without guards. You're the queen, for Saxnor's sake."

  "Why, Alric, you just invoked Saxnor. There's hope for you yet!"

  "I'm taking my role as Prince of Merceria seriously," he said, though his grin told a different story.

  "And how did you solve this problem?"

  "Gerald and I discussed it at length before we came to a solution. We looked at how many people were to be in the column and then calculated how many rooms we'd need."

  "Column?" said Anna. "Are we to be a military convoy now?"

  Alric blushed, "In a manner of speaking, yes. You are, after all, a warrior queen."

  Anna smiled. "I like that, Anna of Merceria, the Warrior Queen."

  "It suits you."r />
  "As do you," said Anna. "So tell me, what was your solution?"

  "We simply booked the entire inn."

  "I'm sure that made Master Draymon happy."

  Alric looked at her in surprise. "How do you know the innkeeper's name?"

  "I've stayed there before," said Anna, "when I was younger. Of course, he didn't know who I was back then, we travelled incognito."

  "I should like to have met you back then," said Alric.

  "Really?" said Anna. "I don't think I would have impressed you. I hadn't travelled outside of Uxley at that point in time."

  "I assume you were travelling to Wincaster?"

  "We were," said Anna. "Gerald and Sophie were with me, along with Tempus, of course. It was an exciting time."

  "And now you're bored?" asked Alric.

  "Hardly," she replied. "I'm far too busy to become bored."

  "The whole point of this visit is to relax," Alric reminded her.

  "And so I shall," said Anna, "but that doesn't mean sitting around and doing nothing. I intend to visit my friends in the village. I've got a new husband to introduce, don't I! Did I ever tell you about Mrs. Brown?"

  "The cook?" said Alric. "Yes, I believe you've mentioned her once or twice."

  "Wait until you taste her scones!" said Anna.

  * * *

  Albreda stepped through the door, calling out as she went. "Is anyone there?"

  "Up here," came the voice of Aldus Hearn. "We're in the casting room."

  Albreda ascended the stairs, finally arriving to see Kiren-Jool, Gretchen Harwell, and Aldus Hearn.

  "Found anything of interest yet?" she asked.

  "Not yet," said Gretchen, "but we have several more combinations to try."

  Albreda walked around the mirror, admiring its construction as the others discussed the runes surrounding the glass.

  "Don't let me interrupt," she said.

  "We're trying to identify this rune," said Gretchen. "Are you familiar with it?"

  Albreda came around the front of the mirror to examine the carved border in more detail.

  "I can't say that I am, but didn't Master Bloom discover some additional runes at one of the temples?"

  "He did," said Aldus Hearn, who had sat down at a small table they had set up and was flicking through the pages of a book. "Aubrey left us some notes, but I see nothing that matches this one."