Defender of the Crown

by Paul J Bennett

  "I suppose that's true," said Anna, "but in any event, it doesn't matter, we're here now because of our ancestors. Nothing we do can ever change that."

  "True," said Aubrey, "but we can influence what comes after us."

  "Wise words," noted Gerald. "Of course, first we have to meet the Norland king. What was his name again?"

  "Halfan," said Anna.

  "Strange name, that," said Gerald.

  "It's actually quite a common name," noted Anna, "or at least it used to be. A lot of the Mercerians that supported the uprising were of Vikovian descent."

  "Vikovian?" said Gerald. "Never heard of it."

  "They were a powerful kingdom back on the Continent. Some of our original ancestors were of Vikovian descent."

  "Interesting," noted Gerald, “I had no idea. Maybe we'll see more of them in Norland."

  "Now that," said Anna, "would be interesting indeed."

  * * *

  By mid-morning, they were approaching Brookesholde, a small village that lay north of Wickfield. They didn't stop, contenting themselves with riding around the perimeter of the place rather than moving through it. Gerald noted the farmers out in their fields, but he could have just as easily been looking on Wickfield or Mattingly, so similar were the views.

  They camped that night on the open plain, some distance from their Norland escort. Once guards were posted, Gerald made sure they were alert, for the last thing they needed was an attempt on Anna's life.

  As it turned out, their precautions were not needed, and the next day they resumed their march. The road led them directly from Brookesholde to Oaksvale, the next village on their route, which they reached two days later.

  Here, they were informed that they were almost halfway to Galburn's Ridge, a fact that surprised Anna. Aubrey, for her part, had taken to making notations in her sketchbook, along with a working map, but the relatively short distance to the Norland capital surprised everyone.

  Early the next morning, they marched out of Oaksvale, the Norland warriors once again in the lead. Gerald rode up to Beverly, who led the Guard Cavalry. He nodded to her as he drew alongside.

  "You look wide awake this morning," she noted.

  "It reminds me of the old days, back in Bodden," he said, "though I can't say I feel comfortable with all these Norlanders before us."

  "At least they're not behind us," she said.

  "Tell me, Beverly, what do you make of our hosts?"

  "Do you mean the earl or his troops?"

  "Both," said Gerald, "but let's start with his soldiers."

  Beverly thought for a moment before answering. "They're better equipped than those he sent against Bodden," she said, "and they seem more disciplined. I suspect these are the cream of his troops."

  "That would make sense," said Gerald. "After all, he's escorting a queen, he likely wants to make a favourable impression. Anything else you've noticed about them?"

  "Yes," said Beverly, "they have quite a few warriors wearing chainmail. I was under the impression they were poor in iron, but the state of the earl's forces tells me otherwise."

  "Perhaps they've found a new source?" said Gerald.

  "Possibly," said Beverly. "They have had a lot of time to explore this land."

  "And their earl?"

  "Lord Hollis seems to know his way around a horse, and he certainly displays his wealth, but I have no clue as to his competency."

  "Even after all the raids against Bodden?" said Gerald.

  Beverly turned to him. "We don't know how long he's been the earl," she said, "or if he's even aware of the attacks on Bodden. Maybe he has followers that carry out the raids?"

  "I hadn't considered that," said Gerald. "I just assumed Hollis was the earl all along."

  "Aubrey was telling me that she chatted with him earlier. He indicated that the earls hold all the military power in Norland. If that's the case, we should mind our manners. Even this small escort could cause us problems if they became hostile, and we have no idea how many other troops might be in the area."

  "I'll keep that in mind," said Gerald, "and we'll make sure Lady Aubrey is close to the queen at all times. How long does it take her to cast her spell of recall?"

  "Long enough," said Beverly, "but don't worry, the guards could buy her the time needed if it becomes necessary."

  "Let's hope it doesn't come to that," said Gerald. "In the meantime, let's not mention this to the queen. She's got enough on her plate to worry about at present."

  "Agreed," said Beverly. "Anything else?"

  "Yes," he continued, "keep the sentries alert tonight. I'll check them myself just before dusk, and then you check them some time after darkness falls."

  "I always do," she replied, "why? Are you expecting trouble?"

  "It occurs to me that a diplomatic incident at this point in time could easily ignite a war."

  "You think someone might try to kill the queen?"

  "I wouldn't put it past our host," said Gerald. "From what I heard from those Norland refugees, the earl is not a pleasant man."

  "He seems polite enough," said Beverly.

  "That's because we're still of use to him. I can't help but feel he's got some ulterior motive."

  "Good, I was beginning to think I was the only person that thought that," said Beverly.

  "You know what they say," said Gerald, "never trust a Norlander that's out of sword reach."

  Twelve

  In the City

  Fall 964 MC

  * * *

  Harry Hathaway looked once more at the address he had written down. It was odd to be in this part of the town, among the well-to-do, but he was confident his information would be of value. A soldier, one of the local Wincaster garrison, ambled down the street, and Harry instinctively moved into an alleyway, waiting until the man had passed. He chided himself for his overly-cautious demeanour, reminding himself that he was on legitimate business for once in his life.

  As his target drew closer, he stepped from the shadows, striding purposefully towards the front door. It was a modest house for the area, but compared to the slums that Harry called home, it was a palace. Knocking on the door, he waited nervously.

  Moments later, a dour-looking servant answered the door. "Can I help you?" she said.

  "Good afternoon to you," said Harry. "I am here to speak with Lady Nicole Caster. Might she be available?"

  "That depends," she said, "on who you might be?"

  "I am Harry Hathaway, and I would be forever in your debt if you would tell your mistress that I am here to see her on a matter of...shall we say, business?"

  The woman was about to reply when the cry of a baby echoed from behind her, to be joined, moments later, by that of a second.

  "Now look what you've done," she said, "you've gone and woken the twins. You'd better come in. You can wait in the foyer."

  Harry crossed the threshold as the woman ran up the stairs. It was a pleasantly furnished house with an entranceway that was larger than his own rooms back in the slums. He swept his gaze over the furnishings with appreciation, for not so long ago he would have loved the opportunity to purloin many of these belongings, but he quickly shook the feeling, for this was the house of one of his oldest acquaintances, and he would never betray that friendship with theft.

  The sound of mewling babies soon died down and then he heard footsteps at the top of the stairs. He looked up to see Lady Nicole, dressed in a stylish outfit, her hair neatly arranged, but the old Nikki was still there, as evidenced by the smile that broke out upon seeing him.

  "Harry!" she called out as she ran down the stairs and hugged him, then held him out at arm's length. "For Saxnor's sake, Harry, you look so thin."

  He shrugged, "What can I say, Nik, the pickings aren't so good these days."

  "Well, we must feed you, Harry. Come in, and I'll get Marrianne to prepare something."

  She led him into a small side room where seats waited.

  "You've done well for yourself," said Har
ry.

  "I'm a lady now," she said, "as well you know."

  "How's Arnim doing?"

  "He's in the north, travelling with the queen," said Nikki, reverting to her old pattern of speech. She moved to a side table, "Something to drink, Harry?"

  "Certainly," he replied, taking a seat.

  She poured him a goblet, handing it to him before taking a chair opposite.

  "It's good to see you, Harry. Tell me, what have you been up to?"

  "You know, the usual," he said. "I had a fair run at a visiting lady from Shrewesdale, but her father showed up and ruined everything."

  Nikki laughed. Harry was a notorious rogue, an expert at charming the jewellery off a woman, but the laughter died when she suddenly realized that she was now one of the very women he would target. The thought sobered her.

  "So what brings you here?" she asked.

  "Information."

  "I take it you're selling?"

  "I am," he replied, "assuming the price is right."

  "That depends on the information, Harry. I assume this is something of interest to the crown?"

  "It is."

  "All right," said Nikki, "tell me what you know, and I'll see what I can do. That's all I can promise for now."

  "Fair enough," said Harry. He took a sip of his wine, a smile creeping over his face. "This is quite good," he said, "is this local?"

  "Get on with it, Harry."

  "There's been a lot of talk in the slums."

  "What kind of talk?"

  "Someone's been sowing discontent," said Harry, "bad-mouthing the queen and the nobility."

  "What of it?" she said. "You and I did the same thing all those years ago."

  "Yes," he admitted, "but this time it's different. Someone's spreading around a lot of coins to encourage it."

  Nikki leaned forward. "You have my attention. Are they foreign coins, perchance?"

  "No," said Harry, "good old fashioned Mercerian crowns. I get the impression someone's trying to organize something. Whoever is behind it has contacted several of the gangs. I thought at first it might have been you, but then again, you benefit more from your new position at court."

  "It wasn't me, I can guarantee you that," said Nikki. "What else can you tell me?"

  "Not much at this point in time," said Harry, "but I know the Hawtrey gang is involved, and I shouldn't have to tell you what that means."

  "The Hawtreys? Are you sure?"

  "Positive," said Harry. "I witnessed Igran Hawtrey recruiting down at the Three Rings, passing out shillings quite freely."

  Nikki knitted her brow. The Hawtreys were notorious strong-arms, willing to beat anyone for the right price. If they were recruiting, it could only mean one thing, something big was brewing.

  "You think it might be riots?" she asked.

  "I don't know," Harry replied. "There's no shortage of food, and the local town watch hasn't been particularly brutal of late."

  "That's due to the queen's reforms," said Nikki. "The town watch now falls under the rangers' jurisdiction. Have you noticed anything else?"

  "The slums have been peaceful of late," continued Harry, "but you know how it is, there's always some new gang trying to gain dominance."

  "Are there any new players I should know about?"

  "In terms of gangs, no," said Harry. "The territories have shifted a bit since you were there, but it's still the same players."

  "And yet someone has an influx of funds," mused Nikki.

  "Precisely," he said, getting to his feet and setting down the empty goblet. "I should get going, I just wanted you to know. It's up to you if you want to pass things on."

  "Wait a moment, Harry," said Nikki, "I have an idea."

  "Go on then," he said.

  "How would you feel about a quick trip to the Palace?"

  "I thought the queen was up north?"

  "She is," said Nikki, "but Lady Hayley is the Queen's Steward while she's away. I'd like you to tell her what you told me."

  "And you think that might help?" he said. "She's the high ranger, isn't she?"

  "She is," said Nikki, "but she's well aware of the assistance you provided during the war. I'll guarantee your safety, providing you don't pinch anything from the Palace."

  "You have my word," said Harry, "though I'm hardly dressed for a visit."

  "Don't worry about it," said Nikki, "we'll go in the back entrance. It's probably better, for your own sake, if people don't see you there."

  "Very well," said Harry, "when do you want to do this?"

  "Right away," said Nikki, "just give me some time to change. I don't want to draw unwanted attention."

  Harry sat back down. "Very well, though I may need some more of that wine to fortify myself. It's not every day that a man of my standing goes to meet the high ranger."

  Nikki chuckled, "Help yourself, Harry, and I'll get some food into you before we leave. I can't have you passing out from hunger."

  "Now, there's the Nikki I used to know," said Harry, "always looking after yourself."

  She turned on him in surprise, stung by his words. "I'm not that person anymore," she said. "I've got a family now, and friends, including you."

  He looked down at his goblet in shame. "Sorry, Nik. I suppose I'm just a little bitter. The war didn't work out for all of us."

  "We'll rectify that, Harry," she said, "I promise you."

  * * *

  Lady Hayley Chambers, the High Ranger of Merceria, sat at her desk, staring at the mass of papers before her.

  "Are you sure I need to read all of these?" she asked.

  Prince Alric nodded. "Anna routinely reads these reports."

  "How often?"

  "Every day," he responded. "She generally pores over them as she eats breakfast. Usually, Gerald is here with her, so she can pass on anything to the army if needed."

  "I think I'll need your help with these," Hayley said. "Do you think you can read through them and pass on anything that needs my immediate attention? I still have to deal with all my ranger duties."

  "Of course," said Alric as he gathered up the papers. "I'll have Jack give me a hand, and then provide a summary for you."

  "Thank you, Your Highness," said Hayley.

  "None of that," said Alric. "While you're in this office, I think we can be less formal. Now, where's that aide of yours?"

  The door opened. "You called?" came the deep baritone of Gorath.

  "Were you listening?" asked Alric.

  "Of course," said the Orc, "how else would I anticipate your requests?"

  "I keep Gorath informed of everything," said Hayley, "in case he's needed to take over."

  "Shall I summon a servant to help you with those?" asked Gorath.

  "It's fine," said Alric, "I have them." The prince turned back to Hayley, "I'll have a summary for you by noon. Until then, I shall leave you to your duties."

  Gorath stepped aside, letting Alric through the door. His footsteps echoed down the hall, then the Orc stepped in, closing the door quietly behind him.

  "Something up?" asked Hayley.

  "You have visitors," said Gorath.

  "Oh?" said Hayley.

  "Yes, Lady Nicole Caster and another one I'm not familiar with. Lady Nicole says it's important."

  "Then send them in," said Hayley, glancing down at her now-empty desk. "It appears I've freed up some time."

  The Orc ushered them in, then took up a position by the door. Nikki sat, indicating that Harry should do likewise.

  "Lady Nicole," said Hayley, "this is a bit of a surprise. How are the twins?"

  "They are well," replied Nikki, "thank you for asking."

  "I take it that's not why you're here."

  "Indeed not," said Nikki. "This is Harry Hathaway, no doubt you've heard his name before?"

  "So this is the infamous Handsome Harry," said Hayley. "I'm told he was very helpful during your escape from Wincaster, before the war."

  "He was," said Nikki, "but now he brings news f
rom the slums. I was hoping you'd hear him out."

  "By all means," said Hayley, turning her attention to the man. "What is it you've discovered, Harry?"

  Harry leaned forward slightly, talking in a quiet tone. "Someone has been hiring muscle in the poorer sections of Wincaster," he began. "There's a lot of coins flowing and someone's seeding discontent with the crown."

  "What, precisely, are they saying?" asked Hayley.

  "People are accusing the queen of wasting away the kingdom's treasury, holding lavish parties, and giving out huge sums to her friends and allies."

  "I can assure you she's not," said Hayley, "I've seen the accounts."

  "That's not the point," said Nikki. "Someone wants people to believe it and coins are a strong incentive to those that have little."

  "I'm familiar with the concept," said Hayley. "After all, my father spent years trying to earn a living as a poacher."

  "Your father was a poacher?" said Harry. "And now you're the high ranger?"

  "Yes," said Hayley, "strange, isn't it? Whoever would have thought that such a thing was possible."

  "What of the slums?" interrupted Nikki. "Surely we can't let this go unchallenged?"

  "We need more information," said Hayley, "and I can't just send in the town watch to arrest people. Our jails would never be able to handle the overcrowding."

  "Then what do we do?" asked Harry.

  "That depends on you," said Hayley.

  "I'm not sure I follow," said Harry.

  "Tell me, Harry," Hayley continued, "would you be willing to investigate this further?"

  "I don't know," he said. "I'd be putting my life in danger, and besides, no one likes a snitch."

  "You wouldn't be a snitch," said Hayley, "you'd simply be working for a new gang boss."

  "And who would that be?"

  "Nikki," Hayley replied, "provided she's interested, of course."

  "You can't be serious," said Nikki. "I'm a new mother, not to mention the wife of a viscount."

  "What if you operated from the shadows? You keep Harry here as your sole contact, but pull the strings, so to speak?"