The Duchess and The Warlock

by Michael O'Gara

  Patrice said, “A high cost was paid to repel the invaders.” Patrice thinks of her father and tears form in her eyes.

  Falstaff said, “You have reason to grieve, ma’am.”

  “I do. I have lost a father and husband in a short period. I had only one night with my husband.”

  Patrice thinks that the latter was fortunate. Patrice realizes she has blundered and said too much.

  Falstaff says, “You are grieving, ma’am.”

  Patrice says, “The remaining nobility in the Consar estate will compete for my attention to expand their lands.”

  Falstaff responds, “Indeed, ma’am.”

  Patrice looks at Falstaff, “I will have the opportunity to reward those who serve me well.”

  Falstaff smiles and says, “As you say, ma’am.”

  “You will see me to the banquet this evening. Send for the male servant and have him find if any of my father’s men still live.”

  Falstaff says, “Yes, ma’am.”

  That evening, Patrice is escorted to the banquet hall by Falstaff. Patrice feels somewhat out of place, but she acts as though she is used to being in a place of honor. Falstaff goes with her to her place of honor before leaving to sit with the other senior military officers. Patrice is extremely nervous, but she is determined to put on a brave front. She feels as though she is about to heave up the contents of her stomach.

  Duke Delmoz comes and sits next to Patrice. She does not get up.

  Delmoz says, “You learn quickly, Duchess.”

  Patrice says, “I must, if I am to be successful. I wish to survive.”

  Delmoz says, “Indeed.”

  Patrice knows she needs the goodwill of this man. She says, “I would appreciate your wise counsel, sir.”

  Delmoz smiles before saying, “Captain Falstaff is reliable, but prone to see all things through the eyes of a soldier. Your steward, Dunnel, is a reliable fellow, though he is somewhat dour in character. The fighting men of the duchy are well trained though they could be better equipped. The duchy is a rich one, but your husband’s father did not foresee the need to be prepared for war.” Delmoz looks at Patrice.

  Patrice says, “I will not make that mistake nor let the king down. Tell me of Consar Castle for I have seen little of it.”

  “It is built for defense and is large. It is as grand as my castle and well furnished. Dunnel sees that the castle is well kept.”

  Patrice asks, “How good a commander is Falstaff?”

  Delmoz says, “He is as good as they come.”

  Delmoz relates some of the reported bravery and skill Falstaff has displayed. He adds, “The castle would have fallen if he had not repelled the attack on the wall your husband defended before his death.”

  Patrice thinks of her father and sheds a tear.

  Delmoz says, “It seems you had affection toward your husband.”

  Patrice quickly sweeps away the tear with her hand. She says, “It seems my late husband desired my person.”

  Delmoz said, “So the king has told me.”

  Patrice changes the subject by asking, “What dangers will I face?”

  “The greatest is the Warlock Maslak. Neither he nor his minions have shown their faces since the invaders came. I find that curious.”

  Patrice says, “I am not concerned about him. What else, sir?”

  “The nobles of the duchy are likely to try to take advantage of you.”

  Patrice looks at Delmoz. “They will not succeed.”

  “I expect not. The counts are loyal, though they seek gain. You may need to use both the carrot and the stick on Count Cormer for he is hard-headed. He also sometimes drinks too much and tends to act without thought at times. To his benefit, once he gives his fealty willingly, he is loyal to a fault.”

  The conversation is interrupted as the king enters. Everyone stands and bows or curtsies. The king takes his seat and then the nobles sit, followed by all the others in the hall. One of the king’s officials stands and unrolls a scroll. He starts reading off a list of honors the king grants. It takes some time for the reading. After each reading, there was polite clapping and a few cheers. The last concerned the only female on the list, Patrice. The official reads, “By royal decree, the Duchess Patrice, widow of the late Duke William of Conroy, is hereby granted all rights of inheritance of her husband’s duchy in recognition of her display of courage in defense of the king’s realm.”

  To the surprise of the king’s dukes, the room breaks out in cheers. Patrice notes that the king does not seem surprised. The cheers are followed by a chant of “long-live the king”.

  The king picks his cup up and looks at Patrice. He holds it toward her in salute and she bows her head. The king looks at his chamberlain who stands up and calls for quiet. He motions and the servers came with the food.

  Delmoz leans toward Patrice, “You have received your first lesson from your king.”

  Patrice responds, “Which I will take to heart.”

  The meal is very good and Patrice listens intently to the conversation while she eats. It is an education in court politics. She hears enough of it to understand what was going on. Delmoz says little but when he does, the king listens. Patrice thinks that she has chosen the right political mentor.

  Chapter 7

  The morning after the banquet, Patrice wakes early. She has experienced another dream-vision. She lays there for a few minutes thinking of its meaning. When she gets out of bed, Betsa wakes.

  Patrice says, “We have a busy day ahead. I have a task for you. I need a gown for this evening’s banquet. I need you to help me find something from the Consar closets. You will arrange to have it altered as necessary. For now, help me get ready for the day.”

  Betsa smiles and says, “Good morning, Your Grace. I will find you a suitable dress.”

  Patrice says good-naturedly, “You are cheeky this morning.”

  Betsa nods, “I will do better, ma’am.”

  “Good. We will also need to find you clothes more suitable to your present circumstance.”

  Betsa smiles again, “As you command, ma’am.”

  Patrice looks at Betsa and says with a smile, “Don’t be cheeky.”

  Betsa curtsies and responds, “Yes, ma’am.”

  It is nine o’clock in the morning when Patrice goes with Falstaff to meet with the four surviving counts, the eleven remaining barons, and Dunnel. Two soldiers follow them and one carries Patrice’s sword, though he is obviously uncomfortable doing it. They enter the room where the nobles of the duchy wait.

  Patrice is concerned about the meeting for it will set the tone of her rule. She feels nervous bordering on terrified. She smiles at the thought and concentrates on controlling her emotions. She has come to realize that to overcome fear means sometimes just playing the part of a hero. At the door to the meeting room, she changes from her stride walk into the glide. A soldier opens the door. As Patrice enters, the nobles bow. Patrice goes to the place of honor and sits.

  Patrice says, “You may be seated.”

  Once the men are sitting, Patrice says, “You served my husband’s family well and have honored the Consar line. I require your fealty. What do you say?”

  Count Burgat comes forward and goes down on one knee, “Your Grace, I swear fealty to you and your heirs on my honor, life, and family.”

  Patrice says, “I accept on your honor, life, and family.”

  Counts Stylin and Wend came forward and swear fealty. Count Cormer holds back.

  Patrice looks at Cormer and asks, “Count Cormer is there some reason you do not come forward?”

  Cormer pauses. He’d had too much to drink the night before and his head aches and he is out of sorts. He thinks, “Who is this girl to challenge me?” He blurts out, “You were sick when Duke William married you. A marriage unconsummated is no marriage at all.”

  He thinks that will set the girl back on her heels.

  Patrice feels her stomach sink and her heart race. She knows she is at a d
angerous crossroads. It comes to her. It is from her vision and an inspired answer to his disrespect.

  It comes out with just the right amount of righteous anger that cuts like a sharp sword. “Cormer you insult my sovereign lord, the king.”

  Patrice springs from her chair and motions to a soldier. He hands Patrice her sword. Patrice rises holding the scabbard in her left hand and approaches Cormer striding forward and commanding, “Kneel.”

  Cormer looks around. No one is moving to aid him. He kneels. It occurs to him that this time he may have gone too far.

  Patrice says, “I can forgive you, but whether the king will or not is his to decide. The king affirmed my right to rule and who are you to question his command?”

  Cormer looks at the floor, “I did not mean any disrespect to the king.”

  Patrice says, “But you did show disrespect, regardless of your intention. You also disrespected me, Cormer. Do you not think my husband confided in the king?”

  Cormer suddenly realizes that he could be in deep trouble. Perhaps the marriage had been consummated and the king knows of it. Besides, the king had indeed affirmed the duchess’s right to rule.

  He says, “I humbly ask forgiveness, Your Grace. I give you my sworn oath of fealty on my honor, life, and my family.”

  Patrice says, “In the future you must measure your words, attitude, and actions. I will tolerate no offense against the king or my person. My mercy is not boundless.”

  Cormer says “I will be measured, ma’am.”

  Inside Patrice is relieved. She returns to her seat and says, “You may stand, Cormer.”

  Cormer gets up and takes his place with the other counts. The rest of the fealty giving by the barons goes smoothly.

  It comes time for Falstaff to come forward. He takes a knee and says, “Your Grace, on my honor and life, I give you my sworn oath of fealty and pledge my service to you.”

  Patrice stands again. Falstaff remains motionless. He knows that if his Duchess wants his life, it is hers to take. Patrice’s sword seems to leap into her right hand.

  The swiftness of her movement shocks Patrice, but she does not let on.

  Patrice says, “I confer on you the title Captain Baron Falstaff.” She touches both of his shoulders with the flat of her sword. She adds, “You may stand, Baron Falstaff of Rosh.” She has just given her father’s barony to Falstaff.

  Falstaff rises and gives a head bow, “I thank you for the great honor and generosity, Your Grace.”

  Patrice says, “You may take your place.” Falstaff does. Patrice sheathes her sword and motions for Dunnel.

  Dunnel comes and takes a knee. He says, “I freely give my oath of fealty.”

  Patrice says, “I accept it, loyal servant. You may rise.” Patrice turns to the assembly, “You all may leave me but Count Cormer.”

  The room empties and Cormer stands waiting for another shoe to drop.

  Patrice says, “Count Cormer, I would depend on you and give you the opportunity for great honor. The trouble is that after a night of drinking too much, you become a grumpy man.”

  Cormer is relieved. He cannot help himself and smiles. He bows his head, “As you say, Your Grace.”

  Patrice says in a serious tone, “It is a dangerous thing for a man in your position to do. Today I took into account your state and the stresses of recent days. Please do not test my good will again. If you had done that in the presence of the king, your life, title, and lands might have been forfeit. I do not want that. You are useful to us.”

  Cormer says seriously, “Yes, ma’am.”

  Patrice says, “You may leave.”

  Cormer leaves.

  Patrice calls out, “Falstaff.” He comes back into the room. She looks at Falstaff who raises an eyebrow.

  Patrice says, “What is your appraisal of my father’s men?”

  “Ma’am, I have made inquiries.”

  “As I thought you might.”

  Falstaff says, “They are worthy men of honor. The knights are exemplary warriors. The soldiers fight well and would be a good addition to your company.”

  “Then let us meet with them.”

  Falstaff leaves to have them summoned and Patrice remains seated. Soon after, Patrice watches as those who had been her father’s men march in. Six of the knights have survived along with twenty two of the men-at-arms. Falstaff stands beside Patrice. The men march in and take a knee.

  Patrice said, “You may rise.”

  The men stand.

  Patrice says, “You are all loyal retainers of my family. I now rule a rich duchy and am in need of replacements for the knights and men-at-arms lost in the battle to defend this castle. Captain Baron Falstaff will be taking over rule of my father’s barony, but he is needed here. There will be opportunities here for you if you wish to stay. If you wish to go back to the barony, you will serve me through Baron Falstaff.”

  Four of the knights, the youngest, asked to remain at the duchy castle with Patrice. Two have families settled on the farms of the barony and are content to return. Patrice next deals with the men-at-arms from the barony. Of the twenty two, nine want to return to the barony to serve Falstaff. The thirteen, mostly younger and less established, including Alston, ask to stay at the castle. They are ambitious. All declare their fealty. Patrice dismisses them. She looks at Falstaff.

  Patrice says, “It seems Falstaff, that you have a good start at manning your barony.”

  “Yes ma’am.”

  Patrice says, “You will stay here most of the time.”

  “With your agreement, I will arrange for the barony to be managed in my absence by my cousin.”

  Patrice says “Of course.”

  She calls for Dunnel and orders a feast prepared for the king. She then goes to her room and spends time alone preparing her spirit. She needs wisdom and inner power for what is to come. After an hour of preparation, she retires to nap before the banquet. She has a dream-vision and wakes with a start. She has a clear vision of what she is to do.

  When Patrice enters the banquet hall that evening, every head turns. The lesser nobles and the others bow or curtsy. Patrice is a beauty and the regal clothes she now wears amplifies it. Patrice walks to her place and sits next to Delmoz. The others in the hall sit.

  Delmoz says, “That was quite an entrance.”

  “You are too kind.”

  Delmoz says, “Pay attention tonight. The efforts to take parts of the vacant duchy have already started.” He pauses, “Do you want some of the land?”

  Patrice says, “I have not yet proved to the king I can rule what he has already given me. I must concentrate on that. Besides, greed often leads to downfall, just as pride will.”

  Delmoz looks seriously at Patrice, “You never cease to impress me.”

  Patrice says, “Those are encouraging words coming from my mentor.”

  Delmoz asks, “So now I am your mentor?”

  “Are you not?”

  Delmoz laughs. The king enters the hall and everyone stands and bows or curtsies. When the king sits, he motions and everyone sits. The meal is served and Patrice listens intently to the conversation. It seems Duke Dunstar is already lobbying the king.

  After the meal is finished and the tables cleared, musicians come into the room and take places. They start playing.

  The king turns to Patrice and says, “We like to dance, Duchess Patrice.”

  Patrice says, knowing a royal hint is really a command, “It would be my pleasure and honor, Majesty, to dance with you.”

  The king rises and Patrice stands. They go to the dance floor and the king says to those nearby, “Come and dance.”

  Several lesser nobles and their ladies come to the floor. The king motions for the music to start. After several dances, Patrice feels uncomfortable with the king’s attention. He is a married man and the queen is known to be as ruthless as her husband.

  When there is a pause in the music, Patrice says, “Majesty, I have not yet fully recovered from my woun
d.”

  The king says, “You are excused.”

  Patrice curtsies and says, “You are gallant, Majesty.” Patrice leaves the dance floor. She goes and sits down at the table. A servant comes and refreshes the wine in her goblet.

  Delmoz says, “What happened?”

  Patrice looks at Delmoz, “My wound has not yet fully healed. The king excused me when I requested it.”

  Delmoz smiles, “You do learn quickly. The queen shows no mercy to any woman who trifles with her husband. Perhaps to avoid pain, you should retire.”

  Patrice nods, “Good advice from my mentor.” Patrice leaves the hall and Falstaff is waiting at the door. Patrice knows then that Falstaff had been watching for her.

  Patrice says, “You anticipate me already, Falstaff.”

  “I trust that is good thing, Your Grace.”

  Patrice replies, “It is.”

  The next morning, the time has come for the king to leave for his castle. Patrice rises early to be there to see the king and the other dukes off. Patrice is standing near the king. The king steps over and takes Patrice’s hands in his.

  The gesture makes Patrice uncomfortable. The queen is a formidable woman. For her safety, the king has sent her and his three young sons to stay with the queen’s family. Now that the war is won, the queen will be returning with the children.

  The king says, “Take this opportunity to prove you are capable, Duchess.”

  Patrice bows her head and says, “I will, Majesty. Will the queen return soon?”

  The king lets go of Patrice’s hands, “Be careful, Duchess.”

  Patrice bows her head, “I will, Sire.”

  Without a further word, he turns and goes to his horse.

  Patrice wonders if the warning was general or if it was related to her question about the queen. In any event, the question seems to have diverted the king’s attention from her. She feels she will have to be careful around the king. He is obviously a womanizer and it would be dangerous to be caught between her king and his queen.

  Delmoz has heard the interchange. As the king goes to mount his horse, Delmoz says, “I will make sure the queen learns how you deftly escaped her husband’s advances.”