Servant of the Crown

by Paul J Bennett

  One day, late in the summer, they set up a stall in front of the house. The vegetables had come in rather well, and now carrots, cabbages, turnips and beans were being hauled out of the ground to be made available for sale. The townsfolk were rather a pragmatic people, and everyone used the honour system. A local might need some cabbage and would take a head, to replace it later with a coin or some item of trade. It was a good system with honest folk and Gerald shared in the level of trust these people had. The two of them were sitting out front one day when Farmer Edwards stopped by to pick up some carrots. After exchanging some words, the man left, with a promise to drop off some fresh meat he had. Gerald looked at the stall and, realizing they needed more carrots, rose from his seat and proceeded round to the back. Anna, still eating a pastry, watched the stall while Tempus dozed at her feet.

  He was digging up a new batch of carrots when he heard talking coming from out front. Curious as to what was transpiring, he crept around the side of the house to get a look.

  An opulent carriage, without any coat of arms, had pulled up and a well-dressed merchant had disembarked. He was looking over at the stand while Anna was talking.

  “And we have all manner of vegetables,” she was trying to sound like a commoner, “as you can see.”

  The man, whose wealth fairly dripped from his clothes, hummed and hawed then looked at one of the cabbages.

  “That,” proclaimed Anna, “is not just any cabbage.”

  “Indeed?” the man said. “Why is that?”

  “Those are special cabbages, Royal Cabbages.”

  The man sneered, “Royal Cabbages?”

  “Yes, are you familiar with the effect of blueseed?”

  The herb she mentioned was likely to be known, of course. Any man who wanted to improve his virility was aware of the properties of blueseed, though Gerald suspected it was all a load of rubbish.

  The man looked intrigued. “Go on…” he prompted.

  “Well,” she continued, “Royal Cabbages are said to possess the same characteristics. You’re lucky you came along when you did, we’re almost out. You know there’s a Royal Estate near here, don’t you?”

  The merchant’s face was blank as he looked at her, “Yes, what of it?”

  “Well,” she leaned in a little closer as if imparting a great secret, “the king himself uses these ‘Royal Cabbages’, and you know what they say about him and his mistress.”

  He could see the merchant’s face change. It was as if a torch had been lit behind his eyes; as if he had just discovered some arcane ancient secret. “How much?” the man said suddenly, almost too eager for the sale.

  “Oh, they’re normally quite expensive, but I’d let this one go for, let's say, a crown?” she offered.

  “A crown! How ridiculous, I’m not going to spend that much coin on a cabbage!”

  “Suit yourself, sir; it makes no difference to me. I know nobles who have no compunction about the price.”

  The man looked at her, indecision wracking his face. Gerald could tell he was under her spell, and he suppressed the laughter that threatened to erupt from within, in danger of destroying the strange tableau before him.

  A slender, feminine hand snaked its way out of the carriage window and beckoned him. “Hurry up,” said a woman's voice, “it’s getting late, and I’m longing for a warm bed.”

  “DONE!” the man yelled and worked feverishly to pull a golden crown from his purse. He looked around to make sure no one was watching then took the cabbage, trying to hide it under his cloak. Anna remained calm as a cucumber and took the coin without even flinching. The merchant climbed back into the carriage and tapped the side with his cane, signalling his driver to move on.

  As the carriage disappeared down the road, Gerald came, and asked, “What was that all about?”

  “This,” she brandished a golden coin. “I have just sold the kingdom’s most expensive cabbage.” The smile on her face said it all, and he couldn’t help but laugh.

  “Well, this calls for a celebration. I suggest we take this newly acquired wealth and put it to good use at the Old Oak. I hear they have venison this evening.”

  Tempus barked in agreement, and so the trio headed off to the tavern; eager to put their newly found wealth to use.

  Summer was almost over and the cooler days of autumn were threatening to come early. Gerald made his way to the Old Oak before Anna arrived. He was anticipating a pleasant breakfast, as had become his habit, and could smell the bacon cooking even as he approached the door to the tavern. He entered, to be greeted by the regulars, for the sun was only just up, and they would often gather to gossip before going about their business. He sat down at his usual table, the server, Molly, bringing over his customary hot brewed cider.

  “The usual?” she asked, and he replied in the affirmative. It was good to have a routine, he thought. He took a pull of the cider, and he felt the warmth travel down his throat. Life was good, he mused. He had perhaps never felt so content, at least not since he lost his family so long ago. Soon the plate came out, and his nostrils detected the aroma that his stomach so craved. He dug in, eating the bacon with gusto but taking time to taste the fresh bread that came with the meal. It didn’t take long for him to finish his meal, but he took his time with the cider, savouring each mouthful. He sat back in his chair and stretched his legs out.

  The chair beside him was pulled out, and he looked up to see Sam, his dog Jax, now a little grey around the muzzle, standing beside him.

  “Mind if I sit?” he asked.

  “Of course not,” Gerald replied with a genuine smile. “You don’t have to ask.”

  “I see you’ve demolished another pig. At the rate you’re eating bacon, we’ll run out!”

  “Ha, ha, very funny,” he replied. “Seems to me I’ve seen you eat your fair share.”

  “True enough,” Sam paused. It appeared to Gerald that Sam wanted to say something but was, perhaps, unsure of how to say it.

  “What’s up, Sam? I know that look.”

  “I don’t want to spoil your day,” Sam said at last, “but someone’s been asking around about you.”

  “And by someone you mean…?”

  “A stranger, not from around here. The man had closely cropped hair and no beard; looked like a soldier to me.”

  Gerald sat up, no longer relaxed, “Tell me more.”

  “He’s been doing his rounds. He showed up here last night, talked to Arlo, the servers and anyone else that would listen, trying to be discreet about it.”

  “What was he asking about?” Gerald’s danger sense was becoming active after being dormant since coming back to Uxley. He suddenly had a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach, and he wondered if perhaps his travails in Wincaster had caught up with him. Had Valmar sent someone to finish him off?

  “He wanted to know who you were, where you’re from, that sort of thing.”

  “What did you tell him?” he asked.

  Sam laughed, “That’s just it. I didn’t tell him anything. In fact, as far as I know, no one talked. Must have been pretty annoying.”

  “Did he say who he was?” Gerald asked.

  “No, but I’ll keep my eye out for him, let you know if he shows up again.”

  “Thanks,” said Gerald, “I appreciate it.”

  They chatted on for a while longer, and then both headed off; Sam had work to do, and Gerald needed to get back to the house to meet Anna.

  As it turned out, he needn’t have worried for Anna was late. While sitting out front, waiting for her to arrive, he began to get nervous, that pit in his stomach seemed to grow, and he knew something was up. Sometime later her carriage finally came. He heard it cross the bridge and then saw it as it passed by the Old Oak. Something looked different, and it took him a moment to register the details. It had the customary four guards, but they were more professional looking. They appeared to have been inspected and gone through a good scrubbing. Their weapons were now clean and well-kept, and so were
their faces. Gone was the customary stubble; these men had recently shaved. The carriage pulled up in front of his house, as it always did. Anna waited while one of the soldiers dropped down and opened the door for her. He detected more deference in the guard’s actions and wondered what had happened.

  Anna exited the carriage, followed by Tempus. The guard dutifully waited until the great beast had exited, keeping his distance all the while. As Tempus trotted after Anna, the man closed the door. At this point, he typically would have signalled to the others, and the four guards would have trotted off to the tavern while the driver took the carriage back to the Hall. This time, much to Gerald's surprise, the guards dismounted but took up positions overlooking the house. Owen, the carriage driver, started the horses moving again and left in his usual manner, waving to Gerald as he did so. There was something strange going on here, but he waited patiently, sure that Anna would reveal all.

  Anna came over to him, giving him a friendly hug then said, rather gruffly, “Let’s go inside.”

  He looked at her in some surprise but followed her in. Anna ordered Tempus to guard the door, and the great dog lay across the threshold, his front outside and his rear just inside the door. It would be difficult for anyone to step over him and he looked vigilant, most likely picking up on his mistress’ disposition.

  He looked from Tempus over to Anna to see her marching back and forth across the room, fuming. He had been with Anna for many years now and knew her well, but he could still be occasionally surprised by the little girl that was still in her.

  “Well?” he prompted, expecting her outburst to begin.

  “They’ve seen fit to give me a new nursemaid!” she burst out.

  “Nursemaid?” Gerald was confused with what she said, but not with her tirade.

  “No, not really, but it might as well be. They’ve sent a new captain to oversee my guards.”

  “That doesn’t seem so bad. You knew they had to send someone eventually,” he offered.

  “He’s trying to tell me what to do; said I wasn’t allowed come into the village, to see you.” Her eyes pleaded. This had struck her hard.

  “Let me get this straight,” Gerald tried to organize his thoughts. “He said you weren’t allowed to see me?”

  “Not precisely,” her voice softening a little, “he said it wasn’t a good idea, coming into town all the time.”

  “Did he order you not to come?” he asked.

  “No,” her voice was beginning to calm down, “not really, he merely suggested it might not be a good idea.”

  “What did you say?” he prodded.

  “I told him I would do what I want and that he can’t stop me.”

  That sounded like the Anna he knew. “What did he say to that?”

  “Oh, he said I could do as I wish, but he would make sure the guards would do their job.”

  “So basically, he agreed with you.”

  “Well… yes, I suppose so.” She hesitated, “But of all the nerve!”

  “Let me get this straight,” Gerald said, smiling as he talked, “he told you that you could do what you want, but the guards would stay with you?”

  “Yes.”

  “And why does this upset you?” he prompted.

  He could see the turmoil on her face. She wanted to be mad and fume, but the logic was obvious. She let out a big sigh and sat on a chair. “Oh, I guess you’re right, nothing really changed. I suppose it’s not horrible; it was just unexpected.”

  Gerald peered out the door over Tempus’ head. “Well,” he admitted, “not everything is the same. I suspect the guards won’t be tearing off to the Old Oak anytime soon.”

  He wandered back over to Anna and sat down in another seat. “So there’s a new person in charge of your guard?”

  “Yes, his name is Arnim Caster, Captain Arnim Caster. Wincaster sent him. He has orders signed by the marshal-general.”

  Gerald, who was starting to relax abruptly felt his stomach tighten again. “Valmar? Not the king?”

  “The orders said it was in the name of the king, but it was Valmar’s seal at the bottom.”

  “When did he arrive?”

  “He came late last night, but I didn’t meet with him till this morning. He kept me waiting while he talked to the guards, that’s why I was late.” She stifled a grin, “He insisted on inspecting them himself, even told some of them to shave, said they were a disgrace.”

  “Apparently this Captain Caster doesn’t like shabby looking soldiers,” Gerald mused. “Probably likes them nice and shiny like those in Wincaster.”

  “I don’t know Gerald; he looks like he can handle himself. He’s not like the knights that my sister uses. He also asked a lot of questions about you.”

  “What kind of questions?” There was that stomach again telling him something was wrong.

  “He knew I visit you all the time. He wanted to know who you were, where you came from, what you did, pretty much anything.”

  “What did you tell him?” he asked.

  “I informed him you were my friend, and if he wanted to know anything else he’d have to ask you.”

  He mulled this over. He couldn’t make up his mind if this man was dangerous or if he was just doing his job. Perhaps, he thought, he should invite this captain to have a chat and find out for himself. He was lost in thought when Tempus suddenly yawned and stretched, breaking the silence.

  “I tell you what,” he said at last. “Tell this new captain I’d be pleased to meet him. Now let’s get this sorry excuse of a dog here outside to get some exercise. I think we could all use a walk, and besides,” he looked at Anna mischievously, “I believe if we walk briskly we can make the guards sweat.”

  Anna answered back with a grin on her face, “An excellent idea.”

  The day turned out to be enjoyable despite the rough beginning, and he soon lost the knot in his stomach. Things didn’t seem that bad after all. The guards attempted to keep up, and he almost felt sorry for them. They had had it easy for quite some time, and now they had to work. They walked cross country and climbed over fences, the soldiers huffing and puffing with the exertions until they took pity on them and decided to rest for a while. The weather held, and Tempus was kept amused while they tossed sticks for him.

  Eventually, they made their way back to the house where Gerald made them some food. By the time the light was beginning to fade, Anna was getting tired. The carriage arrived at sundown to pick her up, and she and Tempus climbed back inside for the ride to the Hall. She promised to give his invitation to the new guard captain and then waved goodbye as they drove off. Gerald, not quite ready to turn in for the night, wandered down to Sam’s house and they sat out front sipping some ale, enjoying the good weather.

  It was getting late by the time Gerald returned home. He was just starting to prepare the fireplace when a knock came at his door. He put down the kindling and crossed the room, opening the door to reveal a man standing there. He was tall, with a beardless face and closely cropped hair that was dark in colour. The man was dressed in a tunic but wore no sign of armour, though a sword hung from his belt.

  Gerald took a moment to commit the man’s face to memory. “Captain Caster I presume? Would you like to come in? I’ve been expecting you.”

  The man entered, producing a bottle from behind him. “Thank you. I thought we might share some wine while we talk.” He passed the bottle to Gerald.

  Gerald looked at the bottle; it was a sweet wine, common among the middle class, not some pretentious wine of the nobility. He was suitably impressed. “Let me get some cups,” he said, moving into the kitchen area. It only took a moment to fish out tankards, then they sat down near the fire. He passed a filled cup to Arnim, who nodded his thanks, and then waited silently while he filled his own.

  Gerald was the first to talk. “So, tell me about yourself. How did you come to be the new captain of the guard?”

  A wry smile crossed the captain’s lips. “I was a member of the town watch
in Wincaster. To be truthful, I am a bit of a stickler for honesty. I was known as a man who couldn't be bribed. I think this promotion was just an excuse to get me out of the watch. I had made some enemies.”

  “Who hired you then? Someone must have offered you the job?”

  “I was summoned to the Palace by Marshal-General Valmar. He told me what a stellar job I’d been doing and said he had a job that would make more use of my talents.”

  “Guarding the princess?” Gerald prompted.

  “He didn’t mention that at first, he was rather vague. He said he had a special assignment that required someone of my skill set; told me he was looking out for me. I asked what he meant by that, but he just said that someday I might be able to do him a favour in return.” He paused to take a sip of his wine, then continued, “Of course, I don’t like being beholden to anyone, so I was a bit hesitant to accept. That’s when he mentioned it was a bodyguard detail. It was when I pressed for more information that he revealed I would command a Royal Bodyguard, at a substantial increase in pay. I didn’t know it would be here until after I’d agreed. My first inclination was to think I’d be guarding Princess Margaret.”

  “Interesting,” Gerald mused. “Did he mention Princess Anna by name?”

  “No. He said a member of the Royal Family had recently gotten into trouble and needed extra protection. She was just coming of age, he said, and therefore needed a proper guard detail. I wasn’t given her identity until one of the knights gave me my written orders. That’s when I first learned her name. I’d heard of her, of course, there was that riot back in the spring when she was attacked in the slums. It was when I got my orders that I thought to do some research. I asked about the riot, and that’s where I heard your name. You were there, weren’t you?” he asked in a non-accusatory manner.