“I think you counted that one already,” the young woman said, giggling.
Arnaud could not stop staring at her. “I do believe you’re right.”
“So, you’ve been king for a day, how does it feel?”
Arnaud considered for a moment. “It felt horrible.”
“Felt? Does that mean it doesn’t anymore?”
Arnaud nodded silently.
“What changed?”
“I met you. Had I not become king this morning, I never would have met you.”
Zara blushed and tried to think of something to say. She was suddenly thankful for the darkness. She caught sight of Calyssia through the window and the older girl beckoned with a wave of her hand.
“I’m sorry,” Zara said, “I have to go.”
“But…” Arnaud began.
“I am sorry, it has been a wonderful night, thank you for the dance. I do believe you’ll make a wonderful king.”
She got up and disappeared, leaving Arnaud feeling very much like a prince in a fairy tale. He sat alone staring in the direction she had gone long after she had disappeared from sight. He sighed, knowing that the dream had been too good to be true, and ruing its abrupt end.
“I don’t even know your name,” he whispered softly into the night.
CHAPTER
TWENTY
Arnaud woke up reluctantly, acutely feeling the unfairness of it all. Morning had come far too quickly for his liking. He had dreamed of being crowned king and then dancing with the most beautiful woman in the land, who had disappeared before he could muster the courage to ask her name. Upon waking in the luxurious kingly apartments, he had realized the events of the previous day had not been a dream. This put him in a rare temper, of the kind he had never experienced before. He growled at the people who came to wake him and waved away their attempts to help him dress. He dressed in the plainest of his clothes, full of a purely spiteful hankering to see the looks of shock on their faces. When one of them handed him his crown he refused to wear it, disregarding the looks of dismay.
“Sire! You must wear your crown!”
“Why?” Arnaud asked grumpily. “It’s my crown, isn’t it? I decide whether or not to wear it.”
“It…but...” the servant bowed low. “Please, Sire.”
“No, and stop bowing after everything you say. I won’t have that sort of ridiculous custom in my house.”
“B-b-but, Sire, that is the way things have always been done!”
“I don’t care!” Arnaud growled impatiently. “I’m about to change the way things have always been done, so get used to it!” He waved away whatever else the man had been about to say, turned and left his room, slamming the door behind him for good measure. Then he set out to find the smaller dining room where Brant and Scelwhyn were waiting. Getting lost twice before he finally found it did nothing to improve his mood.
“Arnaud,” Scelwhyn said sternly as he entered the room. “You really should not terrorize the poor servants like you did this morning.”
Arnaud stared. “How did you... who told you...?”
Scelwhyn waved his hand. “I have my methods of keeping an eye on you and I am asking you to please reconsider the way you acted. You must realize that many of these servants have worked here their whole lives. They are good at their jobs, they are paid well to keep the palace running smoothly, and they take pride in their skills. They are also used to things being done a certain way and in a certain order, and if you try to change that you hurt their feelings.”
“Hurt their feelings?” Arnaud exclaimed. “Well, what about my feelings?”
“Arnaud, when you try to change the way things are around here, you are telling the servants that they are not doing a suitable job, can’t you understand that?” Brant asked, cutting in to the conversation. “They aren’t slaves, it’s not like they don’t have other options, they’re here because they have earned the right and the privilege to be here. As you have a responsibility to serve your countrymen, they take great pride in their service to you.”
Arnaud sighed. “I suppose you’re right, but still…”
“I’m not asking you to get things perfectly the first day,” Scelwhyn went on. “Nobody is. They understand your situation, and many of them empathize with you. I’m merely asking you to try. You need the goodwill of your staff every bit as much as you need the devotion of your warriors and the hearts of your people. You are the king, and that means your life is no longer your own. There will be no more of this ‘my things’ or ‘my house.’ You will dress according to your station and you will wear your crown. If you don’t respect the symbols of your office, others will not respect you. Do you understand?” Scelwhyn’s eyes blazed with intensity.
Arnaud nodded, feeling abashed and remorseful as he realized how much of a spoiled brat he must have appeared. “Yes. I am sorry. I will apologize to Sten, Belinda, and Everett after breakfast.”
Scelwhyn’s angry expression faded. “I am pleased to hear that you already know your personal servants’ names, that is a start in the right direction. Though it may not appear so, I do understand how you must be feeling; it cannot be easy, I’m sure.”
“It’s still no excuse, Aunt Euphie trained me better than I acted and if she’d seen me this morning she would have sent me to my chores without breakfast and Uncle Barr would have tanned my hide.” There was silence for a moment, and then Arnaud spoke very politely, “I do have questions. I have no idea what is required of me, but it certainly can’t simply be ceremonies and celebrations. If that is my role, then you have the wrong man. I am a farmer and a worker, so let’s begin. If I am allowed, I would like for Brant to be at my side throughout my training as I trust his judgment, and more importantly, his friendship.”
Scelwhyn inclined his head in approval. “Where would you like me to start?”
“The castle,” Arnaud said without hesitation, “if I am to live here, I need to know my way around. I want a detailed map that I can study and commit to memory. If I am to lead and serve my staff, I need to know this building. If I am to lead and serve my people, I need to know our place in this world. If I am to lead and serve our defenses, I need to know my army. I must know the ground, the seed, the expected crop, and the weather. Without this knowledge I have no hope for a successful harvest.”
“We will begin now, then,” Scelwhyn said. “You have answered the question of why a farmer has been chosen to be king.”
Arnaud turned to Brant. “I want you to teach me how to use that throwing knife you gave me. Also, will you help me pick out a sword and teach me how to use it?”
“Uh...” Brant was startled, but Arnaud continued.
“And then take me to the armory and select for me anything else that is needed, and for yourself as well. I certainly have no understanding of these things, but I am entrusting these concerns to you.”
“Arnaud? How do you… I mean, what makes you think that I… what would I do with…?” Brant trailed off, uncertain of what to say.
“The throwing dagger you gave me was your own,” Arnaud held up a hand to forestall Brant’s protest, “no, don’t deny it. I’ve never found a tool you haven’t handled with skill. You’ve been wearing a sword since the morning we departed with Scelwhyn, and while I know nothing of swordsmanship I can see that you carry yours like one who does. I will need you to train me in weaponry as your regard for me and my kingship is not based on my prowess with a weapon, but rather on the devotion of a true friend. I would not have my military commanders look upon me with disdain, nor as a student. There is no one else, and there is no one better who can teach me.”
Brant’s startled look changed to one of quiet respect and he nodded. “It would be an honor.”
Scelwhyn exchanged a sly glance with Brant. “Our young king certainly doesn’t miss much.” He turned his attention back to Arnaud. “Is there anything else you have planned?”
“After I get somewhat settled i
n here, I need to walk the country and meet our people. This castle may be where I live, but it is not where I serve. If I am to serve the people best, I must know their needs. I must know them.”
“Many may resent your intrusion into their lives,” Scelwhyn cautioned. “A grand tour with a huge entourage of servants and soldiers may be more of a burden to them than a blessing.”
“Who said anything about a grand tour?” Arnaud asked innocently. “There will be no fanfare, no announcements, no preparations. Just yesterday, Scelwhyn, you yourself asked me to swear that I will lead my people fearlessly. I have never feared my countrymen, and I am not starting now. I will travel anonymously, and Brant will be the only companion at my side.”
Scelwhyn looked askance at him. “Are you sure that is wise, Your Majesty? Leaving the throne unprotected so soon after your coronation could be dangerous.”
“You’ll still be here, won’t you?” Arnaud asked. Scelwhyn nodded cautiously and the young king continued, “Then before I leave, I want you to teach me as much as you can about the kingship and my duties. I need to know exactly what is expected of me and your opinions on how to best go about fulfilling them. After that, I will depart on my journey and you will keep my throne safe for me until I return. When I do return I will release you from your responsibility to me as my advisor and you may go wherever you please and do whatever suits you. If I remember correctly, King Jairem said something about you wishing to leave; however, I need to know as much as I can before you do, and right now, you are the only one I can trust to safeguard my throne, as Brant will be otherwise occupied safeguarding me.”
Arnaud spent the rest of the day learning. Scelwhyn, Brant, and all the rest of the castle’s inhabitants found his mood suddenly changed. He was determined to work hard and do his best in his new role. He stopped arguing with his servants and resigned himself to allowing them to do things as they had always done.
After breakfast, Scelwhyn gave him a map of the castle, which included detailed descriptions of every chamber and corridor, including all the secret passageways and hidden rooms.
“This is the only copy of this particular map, for security reasons,” Scelwhyn told him. “Keep it locked up when you aren’t using it.”
Arnaud determined to memorize the map and go exploring later. Then he officially met the entire palace staff and spent hours learning everything he could about them.
The next day, Scelwhyn gave him a tour of the palace, showing him how to open several of the more difficult hidden doors. Brant proved to be fairly adept at spotting hidden doorways before Scelwhyn pointed them out. Arnaud noticed this, but kept his thoughts on the matter to himself. Scelwhyn also briefly explained some of the more obscure historical facts about Aom-igh.
After lunch, Arnaud met his army and learned the names of many of his men. Some of the knights were off patrolling the borders, and Arnaud made sure to find out when they would be back so that he could meet them and learn their names as well.
After a few days Arnaud decided it was time to begin his lessons in swordsmanship. As he had promised, Brant helped Arnaud pick out a suitable weapon from the armory and then taught him the basic moves of defense and attack. After several hours of that, Brant allowed Arnaud to put into practice what he had learned in a sparring match against him. Finally, Brant called a break.
“Well,” Brant commented as they got some water, “another couple of lessons and you’ll be able to hold your own against anyone. Of course, true mastery of the sword takes years to accomplish, but in a few months you at least won’t look like a beginner anymore.”
Arnaud dunked his head into the bucket of water and came up with a splash, his hair dripping down his face. “Does that mean I’m doing well?”
“Better than most, are you sure you’ve never done this before?”
“Never…”
Brant noticed a hesitation in Arnaud’s voice and looked at his friend quizzically. “What?”
“Well…” Arnaud chewed on the inside of his lip for a moment. “I watched you practicing sometimes.”
“When?”
“Back at home. I heard you leave one night and I wondered what you were doing, so the next night I followed you. After that I kept following you because I thought I might learn something. I’ve always wanted to learn how to use a sword, but Aunt Euphie would’ve had a fit if I’d asked.”
“I’m impressed. I never even heard you following me. I must be slipping.”
“I followed fairly far behind. And I always went back to the house before you were finished practicing. The first night was the hardest, after that it was easy since you always went back to the same spot,” Arnaud admitted. “And you weren’t expecting to hear me following you.”
“Well, you certainly picked up a lot just by watching. You seem to have a natural talent for it, in any case. I have worked by your side for the past three years. I know you are strong and a hard worker. I have no doubts that you will soon master whatever you put your mind to mastering.”
“What about knife-throwing?”
“Perhaps tomorrow, I don’t know about you, but I’m tired!”
“Yeah, me too. I was just wondering if it takes as much effort?”
“No, but it takes more concentration, at least until you get good at it, then it’s all reflex.”
They sat there in the dying light of the Dragon’s Eye in comfortable silence enjoying the feel of the cool breeze on their hot faces. After a moment, Brant spoke again.
“At the celebration last night…”
Arnaud looked up, a splash of red across his face. “Yes?”
“Who was that girl?”
“Which girl?” Arnaud suddenly became very interested in the hilt of his sword.
“The one you danced with all night! Surely you can’t have seen any others!”
“Well… I’m not sure.”
“Not sure of what?”
“I didn’t exactly catch her name when she introduced herself,” Arnaud admitted.
Brant was incredulous. “You already know the names of the palace staff and your knights, but you danced and talked to that girl all evening and you never caught her name?” Arnaud nodded miserably as Brant attempted to stop laughing, though he found the attempt futile. “Well, you’ll find her again, I’m sure of it.”
“It got to the point where it would have been too awkward to ask!” Arnaud explained. “I do hope I find her again.”
Dinner was a quiet affair. Brant, Arnaud, and Scelwhyn ate together at a small table. Arnaud had requested that the servants only use the table in the Great Hall when entertaining guests. He had no way of knowing that Jairem had done the same thing, and was therefore surprised at how little resistance he was met with. This table was just off the kitchen, and it suited Arnaud just fine. He ate slowly, allowing himself the luxury of being tired. His arms ached from the sword training, but it was a feeling he enjoyed. It was reminiscent of the ache he had after spending a long day in the fields.
Though the days at the palace began slowly, a steady routine began to form. Soon there was more than enough to keep both Brant and Arnaud busy. Scelwhyn had full days planned: instructing Arnaud in matters of state, protocol, and policy, and introducing him to Jairem’s advisors and officials under his rule. Much time was spent in consultation and dialogue. Penetrating questions were asked and sober replies were given. Everyone soon learned that Arnaud was not only a young man of good will, but of good judgment as well.
There were also preparations to be made for Arnaud’s personal tour of the country, and the daily instructions from Brant regarding the skills of knighthood, which both men found to be their favorite part of each day, even if scheduling required them to hold their lessons late into the night or in the earliest morning hours. Arnaud was a willing and eager student, and Brant found that he enjoyed teaching. Brant also continued to practice and hone his own skills. He began sparring with the other knights, and soon a challe
nge began to grow among them. Brant proved to be so good that they started holding unofficial contests to see if any of the knights could bring him down, or who could last the longest against him. They challenged him to every sort of contest they could think of, but Brant remained undefeated.
Whenever he could, Arnaud came to watch these contests; he would stand with the other knights along the sidelines and cheer loudly for his friend. In this way, he also began to form friendships and respect with many of his knights. Outside of his palace and away from the fine clothes and crown they began to see him for what he was, someone who did not consider himself above any man, but seemed to enjoy himself with every man, especially his warriors. More than his growing skills with weaponry, this preference for their company instilled into his men a pride in and a love for their king that burned in their hearts like embers, ready to be fanned into flames if necessary.
When the knights who had been on patrol returned home, they came to the palace, curious about their new king. They had heard the stories that told of how he trained alongside his men and was not afraid to lose or get dirty. Arnaud met each one of the returning knights and learned their names. Shortly thereafter, Arnaud and Brant made the final preparations for their quiet tour of Aom-igh.
At first everyone except Brant and Scelwhyn was resistant to the idea. The servants protested that he could not go on a tour until he had a proper entourage and the knights protested that he could not leave without a proper escort of guards to protect him. Arnaud spent more time than he would have liked explaining that he was going in disguise and that he was going alone with the exception of Brant. When it was made certain to the knights that Brant would accompany the king, their protests ceased. If the knights had grown to love Arnaud, their admiration for Brant’s superior skills as a warrior was unquestioned. If Brant was to accompany the king, then that was enough for them.
Second Son (The Minstrel's Song Book 2) Page 35
