Defender of the Crown

by Paul J Bennett

  They all started making their way from the tent, but Gerald lingered. "Aubrey," he said, "stay a moment, won't you?"

  He waited until the others had left before continuing.

  "Something wrong, Gerald?" asked Anna.

  "Just a thought," he replied. "I would suggest that Aubrey sleep in the same room as you. I'm sure they can move another bed in, space permitting, of course."

  "Isn't that being a little extreme?" said Aubrey.

  "No," said Gerald. "We can't predict what the Norlanders might get up to, and with Aubrey present, you could be recalled to safety at a moment's notice."

  "Speaking of using recall," said Aubrey, "in an emergency, how many people would I be taking with me? Aside from the queen, of course."

  "Sophie and Tempus," said Gerald.

  "I could take more," offered Aubrey.

  "I'm sure you could," said Gerald, "but you also have to travel a great distance. Better to conserve your strength where possible."

  "A good point," said Anna. "In fact, you should use your magic to take us to Hawksburg, it's even closer. We can always use a second spell to get to Wincaster."

  "True," said Aubrey, "and Kraloch could take over if necessary."

  "But what of you, Gerald?" asked Anna, concern written on her face.

  "Beverly and I will lead the others back," he said, "fighting all the way if it comes to that."

  "I can't lose you, Gerald," said Anna.

  "Let's hope all this planning is for nothing," the old warrior replied, "then we can all look forward to a nice leisurely ride home."

  * * *

  The next day they continued the march north, along the western shore of the lake. By the end of the day, the hills surrounding the capital came into view, and by the time they halted, the Royal Fortress at Galburn's Ridge looked down upon them. They camped that night within sight of its walls, the interior lit by distant candlelight.

  The next morning, as they were preparing to move, Lord Wilfrid arrived. He rode up to Anna, who had not yet mounted.

  "Your Majesty," he said, dismounting and bowing deeply. "I come bearing you welcome from King Halfan."

  "Are you to accompany us the rest of the way?" asked Anna.

  "With your permission, Your Majesty," the lord replied. "We are but a short distance away, though we must traverse the road."

  "The road?" said Gerald as he cinched his saddle.

  "Yes," said Lord Wilfrid. "The hills here are steep, making the approach to the Royal Castle difficult to navigate. As a result, the road runs back and forth, cutting into the rock itself. It's why we didn't have you attempt the trip in the dark last evening."

  "Is it dangerous, then?" asked Gerald.

  "Not unless one is under attack," noted Lord Wilfrid. "It is made that way by design."

  Gerald turned, staring at the distant castle. It protruded from the rock as though an extension of the cliff face upon which it was built.

  "An impressive structure," he noted. "How long will it take to navigate?"

  "We shall have you inside the castle by mid-morning," said Lord Wilfrid, "though I fear your horses may be tired from the effort."

  "Then let us begin," said Anna, pulling herself into the saddle. She called out for Tempus, and the great dog appeared from behind her, wagging his tail. Gerald, having completed his preparations, climbed into the saddle as well.

  They set off at a slow trot, allowing the rest of their party to organize the wagons. To their front rode a dozen Guard Cavalry, while to their rear came twelve more. The footmen, under the command of Arnim, would soon follow, keeping the wagons under their constant eye.

  They trotted through the city itself, which lay at the foot of the cliff. Someone had organized soldiers to keep the commoners at bay, but it seemed unnecessary to Gerald's eyes. The people that lived here took little interest in the newcomers, though Tempus garnered some attention.

  The city itself was not walled, for, with the castle within bow range, an army would be hard-pressed to occupy such a location. They were soon making their way uphill, the road cutting north and south in a zig-zag pattern to make it less steep. The Dwarves called it a switchback, a road formed in a series of hairpin curves. It was a solid design, for anyone on the path above them had a commanding view of those below. Gerald wondered how such a road might be assaulted, his military mind occupied with a host of details.

  Halfway up, the column halted as the horses rested. Only Lightning seemed unaffected, though Gerald doubted that even the mighty charger could make the ascent in one go. Tempus flopped down to the ground, looking thoroughly exhausted, and even Gerald felt saddle sore.

  They were by the side of the road, staring down at the city below. Tempus was lying down, Anna resting her lower back against the faithful beast while Gerald sat beside her.

  "It's quite a view," he noted.

  "It is," she agreed, "though I'd hate to have to attack the place."

  "Oh, I don't know," he said, "every design has its flaws."

  She cast her eyes upward, at the castle that loomed in the distance. "Apparently, you've given this some thought."

  "I have," he replied, "but here is not the place to address such things."

  "Agreed," said Anna, "but think on it some more. If things do go badly, you'll have to plan an escape, or at least hold out until help comes."

  "I think I can manage that," he said. He took a drink of some wine, then chewed on a sausage he'd been saving.

  "I'm looking forward to a rest," said Anna. "This whole trip has been exhausting, don't you think?"

  "Oh, I don't know," said Gerald, "it's no worse than travelling in Weldwyn. Of course, back then, you had a young prince to keep you company."

  Anna smiled, "Yes, and now he's my husband. How far we've come!"

  "Do you regret any of it?"

  "Some days, when we get very busy, I miss the time we used to have at Uxley," she admitted. "But then again, if none of that had happened, I'd have never met Alric. I know everything didn't go as planned, but we can't change the past, and quite frankly, I wouldn't want to. We have to take the bad as well as the good. You?"

  "No regrets," he said. "I've come to accept that we can't control the past, only the future."

  They were interrupted by Beverly bellowing out orders.

  "Sounds like it's time to move on," said Anna. "Are you rested enough?"

  Gerald looked back in surprise. "I'm not dead, you know, I can still ride a horse."

  She was about to apologize then saw the smile on his face.

  "Come along then, Marshal," she said, "let's get into that castle."

  * * *

  The road curved back on itself several more times, then finally led into a gatehouse where two immense towers flanked the entrance with a multitude of arrow slits. Several archers manned the tops, their bows clearly visible.

  "Longbows," noted Gerald. "I didn't even know they had them."

  Anna looked up. "They never used them against Bodden?"

  "No," he replied, "then again, most of the raiders had been mounted. It's a little hard to use them from a horse. We shall have to be careful, those things can penetrate our armour."

  "Yet one more thing to consider," said Anna.

  The gates had been swung open in preparation, and so they rode straight through the outer keep into another set of doors. These, too, Changed to - stood open, and several soldiers could be seen beyond, formed up as a welcome.

  Lord Hollis, who had left early that morning, was waiting for them, accompanied by another noble. The Earl of Beaconsgate trotted forward to meet them as they passed through the second gate.

  The Guard Cavalry had peeled away to either side, allowing Anna and Gerald entry into the inner courtyard. Tempus, trotting along just behind them, barked, the sound carrying across the yard and echoing off the high walls.

  Lord Hollis came closer. "Welcome, Your Majesty, to Galburn's Ridge.”

  Fourteen

  The Tower
r />   Fall 964 MC

  * * *

  Aldus Hearn looked up from his notes, "Ready for the next one?"

  "Just a moment," said Kiren-Jool, "we've been at this all day. I need a drink."

  The Enchanter made his way to the table, pouring himself some cider.

  "You know we have wine," said Hearn.

  "I'm fully aware," said Kiren-Jool, "but it would dampen my senses. I like to feel the magic as it flows."

  "I might remind you we have yet to get any magic to flow through the mirror, aside from viewing, that is."

  Kiren-Jool took a sip, then moved, cup in hand, to stand once more before the mirror. He activated the runes that allowed viewing, then stood there, transfixed by the image before him.

  "We've been staring at that image for days now," said Hearn. "Don't tell me you've noticed something new?"

  "It helps me think," said the Kurathian. "You know, mirrors that allow viewing like this one are quite common where I come from. An Enchanter would use one to scry distant objects, but this one is paired."

  "Meaning?" said Hearn.

  "Meaning that maybe we're approaching this all wrong."

  "I'm not sure I follow?"

  Kiren-Jool turned to face his companion. "We thought that the other mirror would have coordinates, much like the gates, but it occurs to me that we may be incorrect in our assumptions."

  "Surely, there has to be a destination to connect to?" said Hearn.

  "Yes, but it's a mirror, it can't have a set of coordinates."

  "Why ever not?" asked Hearn. "A mirror must exist in a specific location."

  "No, it doesn't, don't you see? If the mirror is anything like this one, it can be moved, changing its coordinates."

  Aldus Hearn looked at the mirror, taking in its view. "I see what you mean. There must be a single destination that links to the other end."

  "Precisely," said Kiren-Jool, "but I cannot fathom how it would work."

  "Wait," said Hearn, "what if it uses Spirit Magic?"

  "You're forgetting, Spirit Magic is a type of Life Magic, but mirrors are Enchantments."

  "You know as well as I do that the schools are simply there to allow us to understand magic. We really don't know how it works outside of casting spells."

  "So, you're postulating that the magic of the spirit realm connects the mirrors?"

  "Yes," said Hearn. "Think about it for a moment. We know the Orcs can communicate over long distances."

  "Using a spell called spirit talk, if I'm not mistaken," said the Kurathian.

  "Precisely. According to them, the spirit realm has no concept of distance. That's how they can talk to each other, despite being in different lands."

  "An interesting concept," said Kiren-Jool, "but we don't really know how that works."

  "No, WE don't," agreed Hearn, "but Kraloch does. Suppose I were to bring him here?"

  "You can use the recall now?"

  "I can," said Hearn, "I learned it just before the Royal Party left for Norland."

  "That sounds like an excellent idea, my friend, the Saints smile upon us. How long will it take to get him?"

  "That depends on how busy he is," said Hearn. "I can be in Hawksburg in no time, but I shall probably have to rest before my return."

  "Nonsense, Kraloch can bring you back. He's been able to use the circle for weeks."

  "Has he now?" said Hearn. "Nobody told me."

  "That's because you've been too busy poring over Revi's notes. You need to get out more."

  The druid frowned, "Not me, I became a druid for a reason, you know. I really don't like being around people."

  "You've been fine here," noted Kiren-Jool.

  "That's different," said Hearn, "we're colleagues."

  "In any event," said the Enchanter, "you should be leaving if you're going to find Kraloch before nightfall."

  "Good point," said Hearn. "I'll head to the Palace and recall from there."

  "You know you could travel directly from here."

  "I know," the druid retorted, "but using the circle will expend less energy. I must conserve my strength if I am to return."

  "Once again," said the Kurathian, "Kraloch can bring you back."

  Hearn straightened his back. "I am quite capable of doing it myself," he said.

  "Very well," said Kiren-Jool, "have it your way."

  "What will you do in the meantime?"

  "I shall find Albreda. I'm sure she'd like to be present once Kraloch arrives."

  "You're assuming he'll have the solution," warned Hearn.

  "He may not," confessed the Enchanter, "but he may be able to contact those that do."

  Aldus Hearn broke into a grin. "Very clever, my Kurathian friend. I never would have thought of that."

  "Precisely why I am here," said Kiren-Jool. "Now, you'd best be on your way. We have work to do."

  * * *

  Kraloch watched as the Orcs lifted the beam, settling it onto the frame. The rebuilding of Hawksburg was taking a great deal of effort, but the Orcs had grown accustomed to the Human way of building. He admired the timber frame as the workers fell to the ground in exhaustion.

  Approaching feet drew his attention, and he turned to see an Orc hunter rushing across the road.

  "Great Shaman," he was calling, "the circle has been activated."

  "Then let us see who has come visiting this day," said Kraloch.

  He followed the hunter back towards the old manor house as a new group of workers hauled wood to the construction site. They arrived in time to see the familiar figure of Aldus Hearn emerging from the circle.

  "Ah, Kraloch," said Hearn, "the very person I was looking for."

  "What can I do for you today, Master Hearn?" asked the Orc.

  "I come seeking your wisdom," said Hearn, "and your presence in Wincaster."

  "I take it this has to do with the missing Master Bloom?"

  "It does," admitted Hearn. "Kiren-Jool and I are of the opinion that your knowledge of Spirit Magic may be of some use to us."

  "I was led to understand you were working with a mirror," said Kraloch, "not something we Orcs generally empower."

  "My colleague has postulated that the mirrors use Spirit Magic to find each other. Does that sound reasonable?"

  "What makes you think that?" asked the Orc.

  "Mirrors that are paired can connect regardless of location or distance. It occurred to us that your spirit talk works in a similar fashion."

  "That is true," said Kraloch. "The ability to connect to a remote person is based on familiarity rather than distance."

  "That being the case," continued Hearn, "wouldn't it make sense that two mirrors, bound to each other, would be the equivalent of a close familiarity?"

  "I suppose that is one way of looking at it," said Kraloch, "but I would have to examine this mirror in more detail. If what you say is true, I would likely recognize patterns in the arrangement of the runes."

  "I was hoping you'd say that," said Hearn. "Would you be available to return with me to Wincaster? We have the mirror in Master Bloom's house."

  "Very well," said Kraloch. "Give me a little time to delegate my responsibilities here, and then I shall return with you to the capital."

  "Excellent," said Hearn. "That will give me some time to rest."

  "Rest?" said Kraloch. "Are you fatigued?"

  "I've been spending a lot of time studying the mirror and trying to read Revi's ramblings. He's not the best person for taking notes, and his handwriting is atrocious! It simply wears me out."

  "You can find refreshment at the main hall," said Kraloch. "I shall meet you there in due course."

  * * *

  "Would you pass me the salt, Richard?"

  "Of course," the baron replied. He lifted the bowl, passing the finely ground salt across the table. "Will you have some more wine, Albreda?"

  "I have sufficient," she replied. "I must say, your manor here in Wincaster is quite nice. Have you redecorated recently?"
/>   "I have," said the baron. "I thought since I'm spending more time here, I should spruce the place up a bit. What do you think?"

  She looked around the dining hall, taking in the weapons mounted on the wall. "It needs a woman's touch," she admitted. "It's a bit too martial for my taste."

  "Really?" said the baron. "You surprise me."

  "How so?"

  "I just assumed you would like the decor."

  "I'm a druid, Richard, I like the outdoors and nature, as you well know. I've never been one to fancy weapons and armour."

  "Oh, yes, I see what you mean." He stared down at his food, suddenly quiet.

  "Something on your mind, Richard?"

  "You have given me pause to think," replied the baron. "I wonder if you might consider taking up residence here, at my Wincaster estate?"

  Albreda smiled, "I should like that very much."

  Baron Fitzwilliam looked up in surprise. "Really?"

  "Of course," said Albreda, "and why wouldn't I? We are, after all, close friends, are we not?"

  "I should like to think so," said the baron.

  "Of course, I would need to make some changes."

  "Such as?"

  "Well," Albreda began, "for one, you can remove some of those weapons from the wall."

  "Done," he replied. "Anything else?"

  "I think it's high time we do away with separate bedrooms, don't you?"

  Baron Fitzwilliam cleared his throat. "What would they say at court?"

  "Likely that we are lovers," said Albreda, taking a bite of food. She chewed it, then swallowed, all the while watching the crimson cheeks of the baron.

  "Come now, Richard," she soothed, "surely rumours at court are of no concern to you. After all, we have been intimate with each other."

  "Well, I..." he stammered.

  "Are you ashamed of our relationship?"

  "No," he blurted out, "not at all, but I wouldn't want Beverly to hear spiteful gossip."