Renwold did as he was commanded but was clearly uncomfortable with the prospect of eating at the same table as his charge. Alexander didn’t care. He questioned him during the entire meal about the workings of the palace and the customs of Glen Morillian. Alexander was out of his element and he knew it. He needed to understand everything he could about the customs and expectations of the mountain community if he was to win the support of the people, not to mention the nobles.
Alexander found Renwold to be very knowledgeable about the traditions of the people and the nobility. Once he got the old valet talking, Renwold became much more comfortable sharing a meal with Alexander and even seemed to enjoy recounting all he knew about the traditions, beliefs, customs, folklore, and values of the people of Glen Morillian. Alexander found he rather liked Renwold once he was able to get through the stiff and proper façade that, no doubt, distinguished him as a valet worthy of a king. During the course of their lunch, Alexander learned a great deal.
Glen Morillian was established by Barnabas Cedric, who was more commonly known as the Rebel Mage. He had cast a spell calling up the impassable mountains from the forest floor to form a protective barrier around the entire valley. The idea was stunning to Alexander. He never imagined that such power could be wielded as to reshape the face of the world itself. Mage Cedric had literally made the mountain range that rose high into the sky all around.
As a result, the people of Glen Morillian felt safe and protected from the dangers of the outside world. Part of the bargain for the safety of the barrier mountain range was the oath of loyalty the nobles were required to take. They were required to swear an oath to uphold the Old Law and to support the Rangers of Glen Morillian before they became the heads of their respective houses. Their power and seat at the council table was contingent upon their fealty to the Old Law and their recognition that Glen Morillian existed for a purpose.
Over the generations, the story had been told over and over of how the one with the mark would one day come to seek the aid of Glen Morillian. The people of this little mountain community understood with the clarity of long tradition that they had enjoyed the protection of the barrier mountain range and the Rangers for the past two thousand years so they would be here to support the Marked One when he called on them. A little of the stiffness and formality returned to Renwold’s demeanor when he stated flatly that Alexander was the subject of their greatest legend and the reason Mage Cedric had established the Rangers.
It all felt so surreal. Alexander had grown up herding cows. He wasn’t a king, at least not in his own mind, and he certainly wasn’t a legend, yet here was a man who saw him as both. Not for anything he’d ever done himself, but for the things a long-dead wizard set in motion thousands of years ago. It was all so much bigger than Alexander. He didn’t have any idea how he was going to measure up to the expectations that had been thrust upon him.
He looked at the heavy gold ring with the nondescript black stone on his hand. It was a beautiful piece of jewelry. Not in a million years would Alexander have chosen to wear such a ring. He’d never been one for finery or jewels. They just got in the way of what needed to be done. So much had changed in such a short time.
“I’ve enjoyed our lunch together, Renwold. I suspect that much of what you’ve told me will be helpful in the coming weeks.”
Renwold stood, drawing a cloak of propriety and decorum around himself like a suit of armor.
“If you’re ready, the tailor is prepared to present your evening attire,” Renwold said.
Alexander grinned with a nod. Renwold was all business again. He cleared the tray and swept out of the room, sending the tailor in as he left.
The tailor was excited to present the set of clothes he’d fashioned for Alexander. He beamed while he opened his case and began removing his wares. Alexander was actually impressed. He was afraid that the tailor would make him a suit of fancy ruffled finery like those he’d seen the nobles wearing. He thought they looked ridiculous all dressed up and frilly. He was pleased to see that the tailor had better sense than that.
The tailor offered him a set of fine charcoal-black trousers with a matching long-sleeved shirt. Both were simple yet well made from the finest blend of woven wool. He presented a tunic made from a finely spun midnight-blue fabric with a fine silver filigree of ancient and arcane symbols sewn into the hem, collar, and cuffs; a set of polished, hard black leather boots that fit surprisingly well; and a wide black leather belt with a well-crafted silver buckle wrought to match the symbol burned into the right side of Alexander’s neck. Finally, he presented a full-length cloak made from the same fabric as the tunic, with similar silver filigree sewn into the hem.
Once Alexander had the entire outfit on and took a look in the mirror, he was surprised at how like a king he actually looked. The outfit wasn’t ostentatious or flashy but instead presented a subtle sense of command authority. In fact, Alexander decided, the lack of flash, frills, or ruffles added considerably to the air of nobility that his new set of clothes cloaked him in. He also noted that the mark on his neck was clearly visible. He thanked the tailor and commended the man on the quality of his work, especially on such short notice. The tailor beamed at his praise.
Renwold entered when the tailor left. “Your Majesty, Master Grace and Master Colton request an audience.”
Alexander blinked. He thought this whole thing was starting to get out of hand. He didn’t need a servant and he certainly didn’t need a doorman.
“Of course, let them in.”
Anatoly was dressed in the traditional dark brown and forest green dress uniform of the Rangers, and Jack was in a black coat and trousers with a fine white linen shirt.
Anatoly took a long look at Alexander and nodded his approval. “You might actually pull this off,” he said, grinning ever so slightly.
His grin turned to a grimace, “If I’d known the ladies were going to press me into escorting them to town for their shopping spree, I would have gladly volunteered to go to that council meeting with you.” The big man-at-arms shook his head. “I tell you what, Alexander, it was undignified. And then, to top it all off, your sister insisted that I accompany her to the banquet.” He threw up his hands in mock dismay. “How am I supposed to slip out of the thing with her on my arm?”
Alexander innocently suggested, “I’m sure Master Colton would be happy to escort Abigail in your stead.”
Jack didn’t miss a beat, “I would indeed, and I’m gratified that you would entrust your sister to my humble care, but I’m afraid that my duties will not permit it.”
“What duties?” Alexander asked.
“I will be announcing your arrival, of course,” Jack replied. “Then there is the matter of recounting the story of your travels to Glen Morillian. I must be seen as an advisor and agent of the throne rather than a guest in order to effectively play my part. In addition to these duties, I will be much better suited to gather information about the results of this morning’s council meeting if I have the freedom of movement expected of a functionary rather than the restriction of remaining at the table as is expected of a guest.”
“I’m glad somebody’s thought this all through. I just thought we were having a fancy dinner,” Alexander said.
Anatoly nodded his agreement.
“Alexander, do you remember how you acted this morning at the council meeting when you delivered your ultimatum to the nobles?” Jack asked.
Alexander nodded with a frown, his mood darkening. The nobles made him want to check his money purse.
“Do that. You are the King of Ruatha. The nobles and their petty power struggles are of no consequence. You have the weight of the world on your shoulders. Do not request, do not ask—demand with perfect confidence that you will not be denied. Power is about perception. Present yourself as a leader and others will follow.”
“You make it sound so simple.” Alexander motioned for them to sit as he lowered himself into a comfortable chair.
“Th
ese people have been waiting for you for two thousand years,” Jack said. “You have the loyalty of the Rangers without question. The people of Glen Morillian have lived their whole lives with the story of your arrival. You are a living legend. The only obstacle before you is the nobility. They are rich and comfortable and don’t like the idea of being called on to give up any of what they have. They will try every way they can to weasel out of supporting your cause, short of open refusal. You must continue to force their hand as you did this morning at council and eventually they will fall in line.”
“This all seems so frivolous and unnecessary. Phane is building his strength as we speak and we’re going to a party. It doesn’t seem quite right,” Alexander said softly, shaking his head.
“Alexander, you are building the strength you need to prevail,” Jack said. “This banquet is an important step. Once you have the commitment of the nobles, you can assume command of the Glen Morillian valley and begin assembling your army. Without the nobles, it will be a constant struggle to generate the food, manpower, and resources necessary to supply any military force. This is just a different kind of battlefield. Play the part of a king tonight and the nobles will fall in line by week’s end.” He seemed so certain.
“Alexander, I don’t like this sort of thing any more than you do, but Jack’s right,” Anatoly said. “You need the resources the nobles bring to the table. Winning them over with a fancy party is far easier than fighting them.”
Alexander felt like he was living a lie and that any moment now everyone around him was going to realize that he was really just a ranch hand. And yet, he knew that he couldn’t let the nobles see his doubt or he was doomed.
Chapter 28
Renwold entered. “Your Majesty, gentlemen, the guests have assembled and I have just received word that the banquet is awaiting your arrival.”
Renwold led them to an anteroom off the main corridor leading into the banquet hall. Abigail and Isabel were waiting for them there.
Alexander entered the room still worrying about the nobles, but when he saw Isabel he was struck speechless. Everything else faded away.
She looked even more beautiful than he’d expected. Her dress was made of deep green satin that perfectly accented the vibrant green of her eyes. It was sleeveless and the neckline was cut low enough to be suggestive but not so low that it was revealing. It flowed along her natural curves down the length of her body until the waistline where it flared slightly and hung down to her ankles in elegant pleats. She wore her chestnut-brown hair tied up with a thin gold ribbon, leaving just a few strands loose to frame her face. Over her bare shoulders, she wore a rabbit-fur shawl the color of freshly fallen snow in sunlight.
Alexander blinked and had to remind himself to say something. He bowed, offering her his very best smile. “You look beautiful,” was all he managed to say.
She smiled brilliantly and her face flushed slightly. Alexander noticed his sister smiling gently at the two of them. She wore a sky blue dress trimmed in silver. Her long silvery blond hair was brushed straight and flowed down her back and over her left shoulder.
“Did you enjoy your shopping?” Alexander asked as he took in the two of them.
Abigail smiled brightly and nodded. “Looks like the tailor was able to make you look presentable,” she said with an impish little grin.
Anatoly offered her his arm. “I guess it won’t be such a chore escorting you this evening,” he said with a smile. Abigail slapped his arm gently and rolled her eyes.
“Don’t let him fool you, my lady. Master Grace will be the envy of nearly every man at the party,” Jack said to Abigail with a wink that made her giggle like a schoolgirl.
Anatoly and Abigail left to make their entrance to the banquet hall, leaving Alexander and Isabel looking at each other and smiling.
After a few moments Jack cleared his throat, “Alexander, it’s time.”
He nodded without taking his eyes off Isabel, then offered her his arm and they followed Jack out of the anteroom.
Alexander hadn’t been to the banquet hall, so he had no idea what to expect. Most of the palace was functional with just enough decoration and ornamentation to give the place a feel of authority. The banquet hall was something else altogether.
When they arrived at the entrance, Alexander saw that the room was huge, much bigger than any room he’d seen in the palace. The giant oak double doors stood open and there was a little podium on the right side of the threshold with a man standing before it dressed the same way Renwold always dressed. Alexander presumed the man had the duty of announcing the guests. When he saw Alexander and Isabel coming, preceded by Jack, he stepped away from the little podium to give Jack his place. Jack nodded courteously to the valet and stepped up to announce Alexander. He cleared his throat and a wave of silence spread through the assembled guests. Everyone turned to see Alexander enter.
He stepped up to the threshold of the room with Isabel on his arm and tried to take in the grandeur of the place. The ceiling easily soared fifty feet overhead supported by great stone arches. Half a dozen giant crystal chandeliers hung from brass chains in a row down the center of the hall, filling the place with a rich warm light. One end of the room was raised by three stairs, creating a level where the head table could sit higher than all the other tables. The head table was easily forty feet long and sat perpendicular to the length of the room with chairs lined up along the far side so those sitting there could face the room and be seen by all. It was draped with a bright white tablecloth that hung to the floor and was set with silver utensils and delicately crafted porcelain.
The main floor of the banquet hall was lined with rows of tables nearly as long as the head table but placed in alignment with the long axis of the giant room. On the wall at the other end of the long hall was a bar stocked with every possible type of wine, ale, and distilled spirits Alexander could imagine. Directly before the bar was an open dance floor with a small stage off to the side for the minstrels.
The walls were covered with a wide assortment of fine paintings and tapestries. Each looked like a masterwork and each offered a different piece of breathtaking scenery from the Glen Morillian valley. All along the walls rested oak benches carved with intricate patterns of trees, mountains, and animals.
The room was full. Not a seat was empty and it was clear that everyone was waiting for Alexander. He scanned the room and was able to pick out a few of the nobles from the council meeting. Hanlon, Emily, Erik, Lucky, Mason, Anatoly, and Abigail sat at the head table along with a few others that Alexander didn’t know, including an attractive woman sitting next to Erik.
Jack surveyed the room calmly, allowing a sense of anticipation to build before speaking. “My lords and ladies, craftsmen and commoners, tradesmen and Rangers, Warden and Lady Alaric, it is my honor and privilege to present to you this night, his most excellent Majesty, Lord Alexander, bearer of the sacred Mark of Cedric, champion of the Old Law and rightful King of Ruatha, accompanied by the beautiful and brave Lady Isabel Alaric.”
Alexander couldn’t help feeling self-conscious. He thought Jack had gone way over the top and the assembled guests were sure to see through to the truth. He was quite surprised when every single person in the hall stood up, cheering and clapping in welcome.
He glanced at Isabel. She was pleased by the reception and smiled brightly. Alexander nodded his thanks to the guests and made for the head table and the only two vacant seats in the room. Everyone remained standing until he reached his chair. Instead of taking his seat, he picked up the wine glass from his place setting and raised it high. The room fell silent almost immediately.
“Tonight I raise my glass in gratitude to the people of Glen Morillian for your faithful allegiance to the Old Law and your unwavering loyalty to the duty Mage Cedric charged you with so many years ago.” He held his glass high in toast and the room burst into applause and cheers once again.
The moment Alexander took his seat, servants began to stream out of
the various service entrances with all manner of trays, platters, boards, dishes, pots, pitchers, and bowls, each filled to overflowing with a dizzying variety of foods.
There were platters of sliced vegetables with bowls of sauce, large boards with ham, roasted duck, pheasant, quail, beef, venison, and elk. Others held assortments of cheeses of every variety imaginable and several that Alexander had never seen before. There were large bowls of fresh green salad; casseroles of potatoes sliced thin and baked with cheese; baskets lined with finely woven and very colorful towels filled to overflowing with hot loaves of bread; fine silver tureens filled with steaming hot soups and thick rich stews; boats with gravies and sauces; huge serving bowls heaping with pasta; platters filled with little bowls of butter, sauces, dips, mustards, jams, jellies, salsas, relishes, and dressings.
Alexander was astonished at the variety and quantity of the foods proudly presented to him by the serving staff. They took pleasure in offering each new dish and seemed to enjoy Alexander’s pleasure as he sampled their offerings. Isabel didn’t eat much of any one thing but she took great delight in trying a little of everything. When she found something she liked, she insisted that Alexander try it as well. He discovered that he rather enjoyed her attentions and her tastes were excellent. She didn’t offer him anything that he didn’t find delicious. He chuckled to himself at the dread he’d felt about this evening when he realized he was genuinely enjoying himself.
The food was excellent and soon Alexander was full. He looked out over the assembled guests. Everyone took advantage of the opportunity to sample as many of the fine dishes as they could. He was beginning to understand why these people were so eager to attend the palace banquets. As he scanned the crowd, he could pick out the nobles from their finery and entourages but the majority of the guests were simple farmers, craftsmen, ranchers, traders, miners, and shopkeepers. Such an event offered them the opportunity to enjoy a meal of rich variety and an evening of music, dancing, and fine wine.
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