The Duchess and The Warlock

by Michael O'Gara

  Patrice says, “Thank you.”

  Delmoz says, “I do not think you have to worry in the short term. The king will be very busy and is unlikely to visit any of the duchies.”

  Patrice nods. She watches Delmoz stride to his horse and mount it. Patrice watches as the king, what remains of his army, and the other dukes with their men, leave the castle. When the senior nobility are out of the castle, Patrice goes inside.

  She goes to the Duke’s library and to his private chest. She pulls out his papers and reads them. Few men can read and no woman is known to. Patrice has learned to so that she could read her sacred parchments. She does not learn from reading the Duke’s papers what she wanted to. She does learn about the duchy’s finances. It is well past noon when she hears a knock on the door.

  Patrice puts the papers away and says, “Come.”

  Dunnel comes in and gives a head bow, “Your Grace, would you like food brought.”

  Patrice said, “Soon. First, sit.”

  Dunnel does as he is ordered.

  Patrice asks, “Who knows of the duke’s spies.”

  Dunnel said, “I do.”

  Patrice now knows that Duke Consar had trusted Dunnel. She asks, “Anyone else have knowledge of the matter?”

  He answers, “No, ma’am.”

  Patrice says, “Tell me and go slowly.”

  Dunnel says, “’Ma’am, it will take some time. I suggest you eat.”

  Patrice asks, “Have you eaten?”

  “No ma’am.”

  “Have food brought for both of us. I have many questions.”

  Dunnel says, “Yes, ma’am.”

  Chapter 8

  Patrice is at the head of the column of thirty knights and their squires. They leave the castle in early morning. Patrice wears a dress that has been altered to allow her to ride like a man. Patrice wears a thin hooded cloak, over which hangs her sword in its scabbard. Her bow and quiver hang from her father’s warhorse. Patrice has designed her outfit to fit the heroic image that had been spread far and wide about her. She knows she is no warrior and does not intend to try to match her past deeds. Well, she intended not to unless she was “inspired” by a dream-vision or forced by events.

  Falstaff is with the company. As they ride, he says, “Ma’am, your plan of patrol is well thought. You go to the closest county to your castle. I suppose you will visit each of the baronies in the closest county first?”

  Patrice smiles, “You anticipate my intent.”

  Patrice thinks that it is obvious Falstaff has reasoned that she was not yet fully recovered. Her plan will provide opportunities to return to her castle to rest and recover between trips.

  Falstaff says, “The count here and his only brother were killed along with their families. This baron of this barony fell in the defense of your castle.”

  “What of the baroness at the manor we are headed to?”

  Falstaff answers, “It is reported that she is not well.”

  Patrice says in a gentle tone, “Be clear, Falstaff.”

  He says, “Yes, ma’am. It is reported that she is not of sound mind. She was left behind and endured hardship when the castle was overrun.”

  Patrice just nods. She knows that Falstaff means that she was raped. The company arrives at the closest barony in mid-afternoon. The manor gates are open and it appears there is no one guarding the estate.

  Patrice says, “I suppose we should send some men to investigate before entering.”

  Falstaff adds, “It could be a trap, ma’am.” He gives orders and sends four knights ahead to scout the castle.

  Patrice is sore and dismounts to stretch her legs and rest from the pressure on her wound which is not fully healed.

  Falstaff motions and the company dismounts, but the knights stand by their horses. Some use the opportunity to drink some water. Fifteen minutes later a knight rides from the manor to give his report. He gives Patrice a head bow from the saddle.

  Falstaff asks, “Well?”

  The knight reports, “The castle is deserted but for the baroness, sir. She is sitting in the great hall of the main building.”

  Patrice mounts and says to Falstaff, “We shall enter and I will meet with the baroness.”

  The company rides into the manor yard unchallenged. Patrice thinks the place has an eerie feel about it. The evil almost hangs in the air. Patrice dismounts and gives her horse’s reins to a knight’s squire. Patrice marches toward the main hall.

  Falstaff motions and six knights fall into line with him. They follow Patrice. The doors to the main hall are open and Patrice can see the baroness.

  Patrice says, “Wait here.”

  Falstaff nods. Patrice walks casually into the hall and up to the baroness. Patrice assesses the woman. She looks as though she has ceased taking care of her person and she is very pale. She appears sickly. As well, her clothes are disheveled and her hair uncombed. Still, it is obvious the baroness is an attractive woman.

  As Patrice approaches, the baroness asks, “Who are you?”

  “I am Duchess Patrice of Consar.”

  The baroness says, “I know of no such person.”

  Patrice says “Show respect or I will have you beaten.”

  The baroness looks alarmed. It lasts only a moment and she slouches into a corner of the chair she is sitting in. She says, “Do what you will with me. I no longer desire to live.”

  Patrice says, “Stiffen your backbone, woman! We have all suffered loss to our person and families. You are not alone in that.”

  The baroness said, “Not as I have. My person has been violated in the vilest way by the red haired the chief of the invaders.”

  Patrice recognizes the description and says, “You have your revenge for he died by my sword at the battle at my castle.”

  The baroness looks at Patrice and then the sword hanging on her back. She sighs, “Still, the warlock’s apprentice has put a curse on this place and my husband’s vassals have fled. They fear magic.”

  Patrice says, “I do not fear his magic.”

  The baroness asks, “But can you remove the curse?”

  Falstaff comes into the room and says, “Your Grace, there is a man here seeking an audience. He says he is an apprentice of Maslak and brings a message.”

  Patrice says, “Bring a dozen of the knights into the hall and then allow him in.” Patrice looks at the baroness and commands her, “Get up and come with me.”

  The baroness hesitates.

  Patrice says forcefully, “Now!”

  The baroness gets up and follows Patrice. Patrice sits on the barony’s throne. Patrice sits and motions for the baroness to sit next to her. The baroness sits in the chair next to the barony throne.

  The man comes into the hall with an attitude as though he is the one who rules. Patrice studies him. He is a tall skeleton of a man who has a long unkempt beard and sunken eyes. Patrice assesses that he is young, but he looks much older as the magic is taking a toll on his soul. She knows it will not be long before the dark art eats him from the inside. He wears fine clothes and in his left hand he carries a staff with many knots. Patrice smiles at the showmanship the man displays. Still, Patrice knows he is dangerous. He is enveloped in dark power.

  Baroness Angela hears Patrice mutter something in a foreign language. It was like none she’s ever heard. It seems to Angela that the duchess is not afraid.

  The man stops in front of Patrice and says, “You must leave this place.”

  Patrice says, “Who is it that dares to command me in my own duchy?”

  “I am Woork, senior apprentice to the great warlock Maslak. Maslak orders it.”

  Patrice looks at one of her knights and says, “Thrash this man for he has not given me proper respect.”

  The knight starts forward and Woork reaches his right hand out and makes a choking gesture. The young knight falls to his knees struggling for breath.

  Patrice thinks, enough of this. She jumps up and strides toward Woork. The apprentic
e turns his attention to Patrice. He moves his hand toward her and makes the choking motion. Patrice says something only Woork can hear. All color drains from Woork. His spell is not working.

  Woork says, “I will curse you.’ He says in a language only Patrice understands, “In the name of the great dragon…”

  He does not finish his curse. It happens so fast that it seems to those observing that Patrice’s sword just appears in her hand. She sweeps it so fast and clean that, when she has finished her movement, it appears that nothing has happened.

  Patrice thinks about putting her sword away. Her body seems to do it effortlessly, smoothly, and as fast as an arrow in flight. The soldiers have strange looks on their faces and are looking at Patrice in disbelief. Patrice moves forward and reaches out with her left hand. With her forefinger she pushes on Woork. His body tumbles backward and his head falls off and rolls across the floor.

  There is dead silence in the room. The darkness leaves the corpse like black smoke and dissolves in the air.

  Patrice goes back to the throne. She sits down and says, “Baron Captain Falstaff, have the manor secured. Have someone impale Woork’s head on a pole in the village square and spread the word that I command the manor staff and men-at-arms to return. Have the body burned and the ash and bone thrown in a cesspit. We will stay here tonight.”

  Falstaff says, “Yes, ma’am.” He gives the orders.

  Ten minutes later, Sir Kresmer leads five knights out of the manor yard toward the village.

  One of his companions says, “I would not have believed it if I had not experienced it myself. I thought the apprentice warlock would choke me to death.”

  Kresmer says, “You owe the duchess your life.”

  Sir Culst responds, “I did anyway. It’s just that I will serve her with more enthusiasm now. She kills great warriors and evil sorcerers with equal enthusiasm.”

  Kresmer laughs.

  The knights ride in silence to the village square. When they stop, almost immediately a curious crowd starts gathering. Kresmer takes the canvas bag tied to his saddle horn and rides up next to the public whipping pole. While still on his steed, he takes Woork’s head out of the bag and impales it on the top of the post. No posting is needed and the folk cannot read in any event.

  Kresmer announces in a loud voice, “This foul warlock was slain by the hand of Duchess Patrice of Consar, widow of the late duke. The manor servants and men-at-arms are commanded to return to their duties.”

  Kresmer turns his horse and rides off with the other knights following.

  While Kresmer is away, Patrice takes charge of the baroness. Patrice says, “Take me to your apartment.”

  The baroness gets up and leads Patrice away without a word. Patrice follows the baroness a few feet behind, assessing her. The baroness is half shuffling and half walking as though she is torn as to what to do. Patrice observes that the woman moves along looking at the floor and her back is bent like that of a very old woman. Patrice knows the woman is gripped with despair.

  Patrice follows the baroness into the outer room of her apartment. There are clothes strewn about. Patrice figures the woman just doesn’t care.

  Patrice says “Sit.”

  The baroness throws a dress on the floor in order to sit in a chair. Patrice slides another chair close to and in front of the baroness. Patrice moves the clothes that are on the chair and sits down. She leans forward and looks directly at the baroness.

  “Baroness Angela, you must get a grip on your emotions.”

  Angela is still looking at the floor. She says, “Why? I am ruined.”

  Patrice says gently, “Surely you have suffered, but you live.”

  Angela answers, “What is there for me?”

  “There is life.”

  Angela responds, “What type of life? I am soiled and mutilated. It was not enough they raped me, the red hair mutilated me with a dagger. No man will have me and I have no prospects.”

  Angela breaks down completely and starts sobbing. She slips from her chair to her knees and wails. Patrice kneels beside her and hugs her. Angela cries for quite some time and Patrice just holds her. Finally Angela stops.

  Angela says, “I was sure I would bleed to death, but I did not. Then that warlock apprentice came and ordered me to leave. When I refused, he cursed me and this place.”

  Patrice says, “He is no more and neither is the curse. The evil is lifted from here.”

  Angela says, “I am not able to rule like my husband did and all of his line who could inherit are dead. I have no purpose and no family. They killed the children.”

  Patrice says, “I will give you purpose.”

  Patrice gets up and sits down and Angela follows her example.

  Angela says, “What purpose is there for one like me? I cannot be a proper wife and I cannot rule. I have no children to live for.”

  Patrice sits back. Patrice thinks that sometimes two broken pieces can be mended together to make a whole. She says, “Those who suffer most are most sympathetic to those who need comforting. There are many of those. There are men who are as scarred as you are. The war has left the land ravaged. I will give you a useful purpose at my court.”

  Angela shrugs and says, “There is nothing for me here.”

  Patrice orders, “Clean up. You will dine with me.”

  Angela says in almost a whisper, “I will obey.”

  Patrice is encouraged. This agreement is the first time Angela has shown any hope. Patrice leaves the room wondering if Angela will survive with her mind intact. Perhaps she will heal with time.

  Patrice leaves the apartment. Two knights are standing guard in the hall.

  Patrice asks, “Where is Captain Baron Falstaff?”

  One answers, “Your Grace, he is in the courtyard.”

  Patrice says, “Stay and protect the baroness.”

  Patrice starts for the courtyard. When she goes into the sunlight, Patrice squints. She realizes the manor is dark. Patrice looks over her shoulder. The window coverings are closed. Patrice supposes the darkness suited the baroness’s mood.

  Patrice finds Falstaff sitting on a retaining wall at the courtyard garden’s edge. Patrice watches Falstaff rise. Patrice sits and motions him down.

  Patrice asks, “What did you find?”

  Falstaff answers, “Ma’am, it seems most of the valuables were not touched. I suppose people reckoned taking something from here would bring the curse with it.”

  Patrice makes the observation, “Most people in the duchy seem very superstitious.”

  “Aye, they are that, ma’am.”

  Patrice says, “We will need to leave someone in charge here until I appoint a new baron. What is your advice?”

  “Sir Kresmer has a good head on his shoulders, but he is my second. Culst could do it.”

  Patrice says, “Then it will be Culst. We will leave three others with him.”

  Falstaff asks, “May I speak to this?”

  “Yes.”

  Falstaff says, “Five would be better.”

  Patrice smiles at Falstaff, “Four will remain with him.”

  Falstaff also smiles and says, “As you command.”

  Patrice says, “The baroness and the treasure will be going with us. She is in no shape to ride a horse. Have someone see if there is a carriage or wagon here.”

  “It will be done, ma’am.”

  That night, Patrice spends some “special time” alone. When she finally goes to sleep she experiences a dream-vision. It seems they are becoming quite a regular occurrence. Patrice knows her Master has plans for her.

  Chapter 9

  Patrice and her party are a half day’s ride from Consar Castle on open ground when they appear. Falstaff is riding next to Patrice, but it is Patrice who sees them first. She points and says, “Wolves approach.”

  Several dozen beasts are coming. The number is too large for a normal pack. Falstaff knows it is magic at work.

  He asks, “Are they demons?”
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br />   Patrice answers, “They are wolves that can be killed and your armor will protect you. They are sent with a purpose, but we can destroy them. Dismount for if you are on horse, the beasts will use the panic of the horses against us. Tie the horses and unhitch the carriage team quickly.”

  Falstaff starts giving orders.

  Patrice dismounts and takes her bow and quiver off her mount. As she strings her bow, a squire comes and takes her horse to secure it. The carriage horses are quickly unharnessed and tied to a tree.

  Patrice goes to the carriage window and says to the baroness, “Stay inside!”

  Patrice climbs on top of the carriage. She knows she must show the knights that these beasts are mortal and can be killed.

  By the time the large wolf pack is a hundred yards away, the twenty five knights have formed a perimeter and their squires have made a second ring of defense. They stand ready with spear and shield.

  As soon as the wolves are in range, Patrice lets an arrow fly. It hits a wolf and the beast tumbles to the ground. The knights now know these beasts can be killed. Patrice fells four more of the beasts before they reach the perimeter.

  Patrice watches as the knights and their squires dispatch wolves with spears and then swords. Several knights are knocked over. Their armor saves them. Patrice bides her time and lets an arrow fly every time she has a clear shot.

  The largest beast, the giant pack leader, gets inside the perimeter and heads for the carriage. Patrice has used all her arrows. The wolf charges toward the carriage door. It leaps at the carriage window opening but the opening is too small. The wolf only gets its head inside and Angela screams.

  Patrice draws her sword, leaps from the top of the carriage onto the beast’s back driving her sword through the beast with all the weight of her body. The beast screams. Patrice is on top of the beast hanging on to her sword as the animal’s body shakes violently in its death spasms. The few surviving wolves slink away, limping because of wounds.

  Patrice struggles to her feet and tries to pull her sword out of the huge beast. She cannot withdraw it. She stands on the giant wolf’s back and pulls with all her strength. The blade comes out. Patrice looks around. The knights and the squires are looking at her.