by Sigrid Kraft
“What, no suggestions?”
Lady Chrystell drummed her fingertips against each other in an affected manner, as if to underline her pointed “No.” Then the lecture began: “This, Your Lordship, is politics. Noble houses are united to form an alliance. You must therefore decide with whom you would wish to ally yourself.
With no one.
Lady Chrystell added: “As a woman, I have no interest in politics.”
Taken by surprise, the Prince was now trying to form an opinion.
How should I know who would make a good match for her? It is a difficult choice. I certainly don’t want to rush young Estell towards disaster: even if I have my doubts she is indeed my daughter. I know little of young noblemen; the ladies distracted me. The thought made him smile. A marriage is truly an alliance. Do I really want someone begging me for help just because my daughter has married into his family? The whole business is a terrible trap.
Lady Chrystell had tired of waiting for an answer. “I will withdraw if I may, and leave you to consider this most pressing matter. Oh, and by the way, you need not worry about fulfilling your conjugal duties today. I am not in the mood.”
Let’s hope she stays that way for as long as she is here... or I’ll be needing a strong dose of the Circle of Violet.
Eryn and Ravenor’s special assignments began after breakfast the next day. They then went their separate ways. Quiet Estell went to her room, and Ravenor stood guard by the door.
Ariel on the other hand plagued Eryn with her requests:
“I’m bored! It’s sooo boring here because I have no one to play with. Go and find someone befitting my rank. I had hundreds of friends at King Vicerion’s court, all of them from noble houses.”
Hmm, I won’t find such little ladies in Naganor.
Before Eryn had a chance to speak, Ariel noticed Rhyenna and three other girls in the courtyard and vehemently demanded: “There are other girls! Go bring them to me! I certainly can’t go myself, as that would be improper behavior for a princess – Mother says so!”
So Eryn went to ask the children on noble Ariel’s behalf if they would like to play at being court ladies for a princess. The three commoners, maidservants’ daughters, were overjoyed, but Rhyenna turned up her nose. “There is only room for one princess In Naganor, and that’s me!”
Eryn was very persuasive: “Rhyenna, the other little girl only wants to play. She just didn’t explain it properly. Besides, she isn’t a princess of Naganor, but comes from far away. And it might be fun. So don’t be so miserable and come up to play. You still owe me because of what happened before... You know what I mean, Princess?”
Rhyenna gave in graciously: “Very well, but only because you are Ravenor’s friend.”
Eryn strolled back to the little Highness with the children in tow. Then Ariel took over and dictated snobbishly: “Hello, I am Ariel, a noble Princess, and we are going to play at being my royal household. I will assign each of you an important duty.” This duty turned out to consist of carrying Ariel’s dolls whilst following the princess in a procession around the courtyard. Ariel strolled in front and the others followed at a respectful distance. Eryn stood to one side, yawning and enjoying doing very little. He only needed to keep an eye on the girls and let them play, as they seemed to get along together quite well.
All went smoothly until Rhyenna grew bored with the stupid game and said as much.
Ariel immediately began to scream, demanding: “You have to do as I say! I’m the Princess!”
As the other girls were refusing to obey her, Princess Ariel turned and stomped away indignantly. The argument caused Eryn to watch them more closely, which is why he noticed the spell catching at the hem of Princess’s dress, snagging it to the ground. Oh curses! Eryn tried to intervene, but it was too late. Ariel stumbled and fell, cutting her knee on a paving stone.
Eryn rushed to the bawling child and picked her up, glaring at Rhyenna accusingly. Ravenor’s half-sister merely batted her eyelids innocently.
Eryn first healed the wound, then took the little Princess to her room, as she insisted – luckily – on being alone for a while. So Eryn stood guard at the door, which was fine, because Ravenor was standing outside the adjacent room.
“Hey, mate! Everything all right?” Eryn asked, to break the ice.
“Yes,” Ravenor answered curtly.
Eryn ambled across the corridor and looked out of the window, while Ravenor guarded the closed door like a true hero.
“You stand there like you’re expecting a whole army to attack. Come on, relax a little! The girls are in their rooms and we’ve got nothing to do.”
“I’m on duty.”
Blimey, that’s a turn up for the books! That’s weird coming from Ravenor. Perhaps he thinks we’re being watched. Eryn checked all around, to be on the safe side.
“Ravenor, it’s just us. There aren’t any magic eyes spying on us. And I reckon that Prince Raiden is far too busy coping with that nag of a wife of his. No time to be bothered with us, I’m sure.”
His friend Ravenor was unconvinced, however. “I’m doing my duty as commanded and don’t want to give the Prince any excuse to use me as a doormat again.”
Eryn cast an air spell which lightly tapped Ravenor on the head. That too failed to provoke any kind of reaction in Ravenor.
He laughed at me when I wasn’t involved in all the shit he was up to, and called me a coward. But now that he’s had his backside kicked good and proper, he’s a scaredy cat. So I wonder how he would have liked being tortured in the citadel dungeon.
Now Eryn was annoyed and bored. I don’t even have any of my books with me. Standing guard here is so useless. Eventually he started practicing some easy spells.
Prince Raiden went to the great hall expecting luncheon, but when he arrived, he could not believe his eyes. Instead of a warm meal, he was confronted by Lady Chrystell. His wife, surrounded by servants – his as well as hers, was busy redecorating the hall. The sight made him forget his manners.
“What the hell is going on?!”
Lady Chrystell stopped directing the servants and approached Prince Raiden. “Darling Husband, you must agree that this hall needs some modern flair. Walls full of weapons: it’s so barbarous! It’s a wonder you don’t have some severed heads as well!” Her ill-disguised disgust was apparent.
There’s one severed head that would brighten up the place no end! Prince Raiden thought grimly.
“I have no desire to have my hall redecorated,” he replied with determination, casting an impressive spell that put everything back in its usual place in an instant.
His servants quietly took to their heels, while the Lady’s servants formed a tight group around her.
“Very well, continue dwelling in this barbarous environment, dear Husband,” she hissed, but then quickly changing the subject: “As for Estell? Have you come to a decision yet?”
Oh, don’t nag me with that now! “I still think it is too early,” he parried, but his wife was not to be discouraged.
“Such matters need preparation to allow them to slowly come to fruition. Which houses are you considering? In Ardeen or Gelderon or somewhere else entirely?”
The Prince felt cornered. I haven’t thought of anything yet, so quickly did I fall sleep last night. Perhaps I should ask Lord Boron for his advice. “The decision requires much thought.”
Looking for an escape route, Prince Raiden swiftly changed the subject: “I gather Gelderon is rather volatile at the moment. People are saying that civil war is possible. Why so?”
Fortunately Lady Chrystell took the bait. “I already told you that politics do not interest me. So I know very little; only that Lord Berington is attempting to seize the throne.
It is something to do with taxes and land that was given to another Lord. So Lord Berington insulted the King, and now His Highness is demanding official satisfaction plus substantial compensation for the Crown, which would cost Lord Berington dearly – in pride as wel
l as money. Instead of submitting, Lord Berington has aligned himself with the other discontented lords, and now the battle lines are drawn. If fighting breaks out – and that’s what most people believe – I will probably have to extend my stay here in Naganor.”
This last sentence almost gave Prince Raiden a heart attack. He quickly replied:
“It would certainly be much more comfortable for you at King Danian’s court in Arvon than here in my barbarous citadel.”
“It almost sounds as if you wish to be rid of me, so soon after my arrival too!”
They both knew that this was the truth, but Lady Chrystell could not resist the temptation to provoke him, and so the Lord of Naganor was forced to lie: “Not at all, my Lady. My only concern is for your comfort.”
Princess Ariel had recovered by noon and deigned to play outside with the other children once more.
They seem to be friends again. So I can quickly pop off to the little boy’s room. Look, I’m already starting to speak like a toff! I mean, I really need a piss.
When Eryn returned, the girls were running around wildly, and the courtyard was filled with joyous laughter.
So, all is well. Eryn relaxed, but a second glance revealed that something was not quite right. Ariel was running madly back and forth, and then Eryn noticed that she was chasing a chicken. The bird was cackling loudly, escaping time and again, while the other children cried with laughter. Ariel was loudly shouting: “Loveliest chicken, I long to kiss you! I love you more than any other chicken in the whole wide world! Let me hug you and hold you tight!”
Eryn rushed to the girls and grabbed Rhyenna by the arm, demanding:
“What have you done to her?”
“Ow! You’re hurting me!” Eryn held fast and eventually she said: “I didn’t do anything to her. Nothing that she doesn’t deserve anyway. Look how she loves her darling chicken!”
“Undo it!” Eryn insisted, but Rhyenna paid no heed.
“Undo it yourself, great mage!”
He would dearly have loved to do this, but he knew nothing about the Circle of Violet, which was obviously the source of this magic.
If I’ve learned one thing so far, it’s that you should never mess around with magic.
He threatened, promised and pleaded, but Rhyenna shouted wickedly:
“No, no, and once again: No!”
Should I give her a thrashing? Eryn rejected that thought at once. From what I know about Prince Raiden’s character, that would probably make his brat Rhyenna even more stubborn.
So he let go of Rhyenna and instead grabbed the chicken and then Ariel. First he took the Princess and her beloved chicken to her room, ensuring that the window was securely locked so that neither could escape.
The last thing I need is for the chicken to jump through the window and the bewitched Princess to jump out after it.
Ravenor was still keeping watch in the corridor outside, and Eryn asked him at once:
“Ravenor, help me! Rhyenna has bewitched the Princess and refuses to break the spell. Talk to her and get her to listen to reason!”
Ravenor replied curtly, as before: “Sorry, but I’m on duty.”
“Come on, she’s bound to listen to you! You talk to her, and I’ll stay here on guard.”
For some reason this was a day when everyone was immune to his persuasive skills.
“I won’t leave my post. I told you that this morning. Now, please, leave me in peace!”
It’s a wonder he didn’t say: “Otherwise I will have to tell on you”.
“Brilliant! Thanks for all your help! But don’t think you can come to me the next time you have one of your little aches and pains!” He mimicked Ravenor’s voice: “Oooh, Eryn, heal my scratch here! And a refreshing spell would be nice too...”
His fair-weather friend looked straight ahead, as if he were alone. Furious, Eryn punched the wall with his clenched fist.
So he too refuses to help me. Damned curse! I need to sort this out. Should I go over to the garrison, where Masters Lionas, Harkon and all the other mages are? They could certainly break such a spell safely. But the news would get back to Prince Raiden anyway. So I can spare myself the trouble and swallow the bitter pill at once.
Eryn entered the citadel with the Princess and the chicken. It did not take him long to find the Prince engaged in a meeting with Lord Boron. As he had feared, His Highness was not at all pleased to hear Eryn’s report. First of all he was dealt a magical smack on his right cheek, accompanied by an annoyed: “Nurin!”
But then the Black Prince undid the spell and freed little Ariel from its power.
The girl began complaining bitterly at once: “These girls are awful! Especially that one with the black hair. She pretends to be a princess too!”
Eryn was astonished that Prince Raiden acted more calmly than he had expected: “Yes, that’s true. An orphan of the horse people. Her mother was a princess. But those girls are unsuitable company for you. Perhaps Lord Boron can send for his daughters? One of them is Ariel’s age, is she not?”
Lord Boron agreed, and the Prince went on: “Bring Rhyenna to the garrison. She will stay with Master Lionas until further notice. I do not want to have her in the citadel while Lady Chrystell is visiting.”
He then turned to Ariel again: “It’s best if you go to your room now. Play with Estell until Lord Boron’s daughter comes to be with you.” He ran his hand over her hair, but the gesture seemed rather stiff. Eryn stood watching, still holding the chicken, as he now came to the Prince’s attention.
"And you, Nurin, take the chicken away!"
Eryn obeyed immediately, if only to get out of the foul-tempered Prince’s presence. Princess Ariel was already leaving, and he hurried after her.
His Highness watched them leave and remarked to Lord Boron: “With the chicken in his arms, he looks rather like a court jester. Do you think he is playing the fool on purpose?”
Lord Boron grinned. “I think not, my Prince.”
They then resumed their discussion about possible marriage candidates.
The Prince later spoke with Lady Chrystell about the results of this consultation, but she found fault with each and every candidate. By this time, Prince Raiden’s emotional state was far in excess of what might be termed “enervated”.
Whatever I say, she knows better, finds the idea disgusting and argues against everything. If I try to pass the decision on to her though, she refuses and says it is my duty. Perhaps I should cast a spell on her. Silence, deep sleep, absolute agreement...
He was restrained by his own vanity. It can’t be that I’m unable to deal with this – my – woman!
“The roads to Gelderon - how secure would you say they are?” he asked slyly.
“Why do you suppose I brought so many guards with me? There are gangs of men roaming around with blades out there. The King is raising an army, and Lord Berington is doing likewise.”
Out of interest, the Prince enquired: “Will King Vicerion ask for Ardeen’s support in the conflict?”
“There was no talk of that when last I was at court. Why do you ask? Are you afraid for your precious Guard, my Husband? Is one of your glorious titles not “Protector of the North”?”
Why does she insist on provoking me?
The one thing protecting her from harsh punishment was the fact that she was a woman. Prince Raiden had a chivalrous nature and could not bring himself to harm women. Severe words were appropriate, however:
“I could easily end this quarrel in Gelderon by using magic – slaughtering the people and burning down the towns. The dead no longer fight and nor can they harm their neighbors any more, by drawing them into some stupid conflict, for example. And I could do all of that without sending my precious Guard, my dear. If tensions increase, you would prefer that I only send the Guard, because human soldiers are a little more discriminating in matters of friend and foe than a magical firestorm.”
Prince Raiden thought these words would silence Lady Chrystell,
but she did not appear very impressed and, despite her protestations of being completely apolitical, she now showed a certain interest in his plans.
“So you are still thinking of dispatching the Guard?”
This subject is as annoying as the marriage business.
“We shall see.”
“And you yourself? Do you really intend to leave your beloved Naganor to take part in the conflict?”
Why does she care about that anyway?
“Do not trouble yourself on my account. I remain within the safety of my stronghold. And now, would you excuse me? I am required at the garrison. Duty calls!”
This was untrue, for the Prince had never before been to the garrison to deal with matters there. It was nevertheless a convenient excuse to help him escape from Lady Chrystell’s presence.
The same day, Danian called his brother via the artifact. After some words of greeting, the King was eager to hear what Prince Raiden had done so far:
“What progress have you made in the Gelderon affair?”
Raiden had to admit shamefully: “To be honest – absolutely nothing. I’m still working on plans.”
Danian would never accuse or threaten him, but reminded him of the urgency and begged his brother to help.
The Black Prince tried to dispel his brother’s concerns: “You are taking this Gelderon affair too seriously. Let them knock their heads together, and be happy if there are fewer lords afterwards. That will weaken Gelderon and then we won’t need to give them another thought for the next fifty years. Not that we should waste time on them now either.”
The King responded in his usual thoughtful manner: “Preventative action secures peace and wealth. I am trying to evaluate the situation, but the more information I receive from Gelderon, the more inconsistent and nebulous my understanding of the current situation becomes. Some of my most trusted informers have disappeared without a trace.
I would therefore be extremely grateful if you could just send the Guard to the border to gather information. Having a presence there is the main thing. Everybody knows that the Black Guard is under your command and that if your men were drawn into fighting, the aggressors would have you to deal with. Believe me – there is no one who does not fear the Towerlord of Naganor.”