"Brandy?" Braga asked.
"Oh, good lord, yes," Archibald replied. Braga handed him a glass, the bottom of which was filled with a smoky amber liquid.
"I appreciate your coming, Archibald," the bishop said. "I'm afraid we won't have much time to talk just now, there is quite a bit of turmoil in Melengar today. But as I was telling Braga, I thought it might be beneficial for the three of us to have a quick chat."
"I'm always at your service, of course, your grace. I appreciate any opportunity to meet with you and the new King of Melengar," Archibald said nonchalantly. Saldur and Braga exchanged looks. "Oh, come now, it can hardly be a secret. You are the archduke and Lord Chancellor. With King Amrath and the prince dead, if you execute Arista, you'll wear the crown. It's really rather nicely done. I commend you. Murder in broad daylight, right before the nobles-they'll cheer you on as you steal their crown."
Braga stiffened. "Are you accusing me of-"
"Of course not," the earl stopped him. "I accuse no one. What care do I have for the affairs of Melengar? My liege is Ethelred of Warric. What happens in your kingdom is none of my affair. I was merely offering my sincere congratulations," he raised his glass and nodded at the bishop, "to both of you."
"Do you have a name for this game, Ballentyne?" Braga asked tentatively as both he and Saldur watched the young earl closely.
Archibald smiled again. "My dear gentlemen, I am playing no game. I'm being truthful when I say I am simply in awe. All the more because of my own recent failure. You see, I tried a gamble myself, to increase my station, only it was less than successful."
Braga became quite amused with this primly dressed earl. He understood what the bishop saw in him and he was curious now. "I'm very sorry to hear you suffered difficulties. Exactly what were you attempting?"
"Well, I acquired some letters and tried to blackmail the Marquis of Glouston into marrying his daughter to me so I could obtain his Rilan Valley. I had the messages locked in my safe in my private tower and was prepared to present them to Victor in person. Everything was perfect, but…poof." Archibald made an exploding gesture with his fingers. "The letters vanished. Like a magic trick."
"What happened to them?" Saldur asked.
"They were stolen. Thieves sawed a hole in the roof of my tower and, in just a matter of minutes, slipped in and snatched them from underneath my very nose."
"Impressive," Saldur judged.
"Depressing is what it was. They made me look like a fool."
"Did you catch the thieves?" Braga asked.
Archibald shook his head. "Sadly no, but I finally figured out who they are. It took me days to reason it out. I did not tell anyone I possessed those letters. So, the only ones who could have taken them are the same thieves which I hired in the first place. Cunning devils. They call themselves Riyria. I'm not sure why they stole them, perhaps they planned to charge me twice. I won't give them the satisfaction of course. I'll hire someone else to intercept the next set from the Winds Abbey."
"So, the letters you had were correspondences between the Marquis of Glouston and the Nationalists?" Saldur asked.
Archibald looked at the bishop surprised. "That's an amazing guess, your grace. You are very close. No, they were love letters between his daughter and her Nationalist lover Gaunt. I planned to have Alenda marry me instead to spare Victor the embarrassment of his daughter being involved with a commoner."
Saldur chuckled.
"Have I said something funny?"
"You had more in your hands than you knew," Saldur informed him. "Those weren't love letters. Those were coded messages from Victor Lanaklin carried by Alenda to Gaunt. The Marquis of Glouston is a traitor to his kingdom and the Imperial cause. With that treasure you could have had all of Glouston and Victor's head as a wedding gift."
Archibald stood silent and then swallowed the rest of his brandy in one mouthful.
"But you won't be able to obtain additional letters. There will be no more meetings at the Winds Abbey. Regrettably, I was forced to ask the archduke here to teach the monks a lesson for hosting such meetings. The abbey was burned along with the monks."
"You killed your fellow shepherds of Maribor's flock?" Archibald asked Saldur.
"When Maribor sent Novron to us it was as a warrior to destroy our enemies. Our god is not squeamish at the sight of spilled blood, and it is often necessary to prune weak branches to keep the tree strong. Killing the monks was a necessity, but I did spare one, the son of Lanaklin so he could return home and let his father know the deaths were on his hands. We can't have Monarchists and Nationalists allying themselves can we?" Saldur smiled at him. The elderly cleric took another sip of his drink, the moment passed and once more Braga observed the persona of the saintly grandfather returned.
"So, you were after Glouston, Archibald?" Braga said, refilling the earl's glass. "Perhaps I misjudged you. Tell me, my dear earl, were you more upset you lost the land or Alenda?"
Archibald waved his hand in the air as if he was shooing a fly. "She was merely an added benefit. It's the land I wanted."
"I see." Braga glanced at Saldur, who smiled and nodded. "You may still get it." Braga resumed speaking to the earl. "With me on the throne of Melengar, I will want a strong Imperialist ally guarding my southern border with Warric."
"King Ethelred would call that treason."
"And what would you call it?"
Archibald smiled and drummed his fingernails on the beautiful cut-crystal of the royal brandy glass, making it ring with a pleasant song. "Opportunity."
Braga sat back down and stretched out his feet to the fire. "If I help you obtain the marchland from Lanaklin, and you throw your allegiance to me, Melengar will replace Warric as the strongest kingdom in Avryn. Similarly, Greater Chadwick will be its most powerful province."
"That's assuming Ethelred doesn't declare war," Archibald warned. "Kings often frown upon losing a quarter of their realm, and Ethelred is not the type to take such an action without retaliation. He enjoys fighting. What's more, he's good at it. He has the best army in Avryn now."
"True," Braga said, "but he has no able general to command it. He doesn't have anyone near the talent of your Sir Breckton. That man is gifted when it comes to leading men. If you broke with Warric, could you count on his loyalty to you?"
"Breckton's loyalty to me is unwavering. His father, Lord Belstrad, is a chivalrous knight of archaic dimensions. He beat those values into his sons. Neither Breckton nor his brother-what's his name, the younger Belstrad boy who went to sea-Wesley, would dishonor themselves by opposing a man they have sworn their allegiance to. I do admit, however, their honor can be an inconvenience. I remember once a servant dropped my new fustian hat in the mud, and when I commanded Breckton to cut off the clumsy oaf's hand in punishment, he refused. Breckton went on for twenty minutes explaining the code of chivalry to me. Oh yes, my lord, he is indeed loyal to House Ballentyne, but I would rather have a less loyal man who simply obeys without question. It is entirely possible that should I break with Warric, Breckton might refuse to fight at all, but I'm certain he would not oppose me. Personally, I would be more concerned with Ethelred himself. He is a fine commander in his own right."
"True," Braga acknowledged, "but so am I. I would welcome him engaging me personally. I already have a standing veteran army and a number of mercenaries at the ready. I will be able to muster superior numbers should that prove necessary. The result will be that he would lose all of Warric, and that could provide me the keys to the rest of Avryn and, perhaps, all of Apeladorn."
This time Archibald chuckled. "My, but I do appreciate your ability to think big. I can see there would be many advantages to my joining with you. Do you really have your sights on the title of Emperor?"
"Why not? If I am poised to conquer, the Patriarch will be eager to throw his allegiance to me just as the Church did with Glenmorgan. If I promise certain rights to the Church, he may even declare me the heir. Then no one will stand against me. In an
y case, this is for another day. We are getting ahead of ourselves." Braga turned his attention toward the bishop. "I want to thank you, your grace, for arranging this meeting. It was very educational. But now it is nearly midmorning, and I think it is time to get Arista's trial underway. I would, however, like to invite you to stay, Archibald. As it turns out, I think I may be able to offer you a gift to show you my commitment to you as a newfound friend of Melengar."
"I'm flattered, my lord. I'd welcome the opportunity to spend time with you, and I'm sure whatever gift you may have will be a generous one."
"You mentioned the thieves who spoiled your move against Victor Lanaklin called themselves Riyria?"
"Yes, I did. Why do you ask?"
"Well, it appears we share a common interest in these two rogues. They have also been a rather painful thorn in my own side. As you already discovered, they pay no respect to people who hire them and are willing to turn against their employers. I, too, hired them for a task and now find them working against me. I have reason to believe they may be coming here today, and I have set plans in motion to capture them. If they do indeed make an appearance, I will try them along with Arista. It is quite possible all three will be burning at the stake by early evening."
"You are, indeed, most generous, my lord," Archibald replied, with a nod of his head and a smile on his lips.
"I thought you might enjoy that. You mentioned when you arrived that Alric is dead and that is indeed the notion I've been circulating. Unfortunately, it is not so…that is not yet. Arista actually arranged for those thieves to smuggle Alric out of this castle on the night of Amrath's death. I believe he has hired them and they will attempt to save her. Evidence indicates they used the sewers to exit the castle so I've taken extra precautions there. The grate in the kitchen has been sealed, and Wylin, the castle's master-at-arms, waits with his best men hidden to close the river grate behind them. I even failed to post guards near there to make it more enticing. With luck, the fool of a prince might actually play the boyish hero and come with them. If he does-checkmate!"
Archibald nodded with obvious pleasure. "You really are very impressive."
Braga raised his glass in tribute. "To me."
"To you," Archibald drank to Braga's health.
There was a loud pounding on the door. "Come!" Braga called irritated.
"Lord Chancellor!" One of Braga's hired soldiers burst into the room. His cheeks and nose were red, his armor dripping wet. On his head and shoulders a small bit of snow remained.
"Yes? What is it?"
"The wall guard reports foot prints in the snow leading to the river near the sewers, my lord."
"Excellent," Braga replied draining his glass. "Take eight men and support Wylin from the river. I don't want them escaping. Remember, if the prince is with them, kill him on sight. Don't let Wylin stop you. Either way, I want the thieves alive. Lock them in the dungeons and gag them as before. I will use them as further incriminating evidence against Arista and burn the whole lot together." The soldier bowed and left hurriedly.
"Now, gentlemen, as I was saying, let's join the magistrate and the other nobles. I'm anxious to get this trial underway." They all stood and, walking three abreast, they exited the large double doors as one.
– 2 -The morning sun magnified by the snow entered the river grate as a stark white light. The wintry radiance splintered along the glistening subway ceiling, revealing ancient stone caked in mildew and moss. The light reflected off the frozen sweat of the sewer walls, bouncing back and forth until at last it scattered into the all-consuming darkness. In the gloom, the soldiers waited, crouching and cold. Their feet were ankle-deep in filthy cold water, which streamed between their legs running from the castle drains to the river. For the better part of four hours, they lingered in silence, but now they could hear the sound of footsteps approaching. The sloshing of the dirty water echoed off the sewer walls, and the distant movement of shadows played upon the stone.
With a motion of his hand, Wylin ordered his troop to hold their position and maintain their silence. He wanted to be certain the rearguard was in place, and his prey was in sight before he made his move. There were many avenues in the sewers where two men could run and hide in the dark. He did not want to be chasing the rats through a maze of tunnels. Not only was it unpleasant down there, but Wylin knew the archduke wanted the thieves for the morning festivities and would not be pleased with a long delay.
Soon they came into view. Two men, one tall and broad, the other shorter and slimmer, each dressed in warm winter cloaks with hoods pulled high rounded the corner slowly, pausing from time to time to look about.
"Remind me to compliment His Majesty on the quality of his sewers," one of them mentioned in a mocking tone.
"At least the slime is warmer than the river," the other replied.
"Yeah, too bad this is happening on the coldest day of the year. Why couldn't it be the middle of summer?"
"That would be warmer for sure, but could you imagine the smell?"
"Speaking of smell, do you think we're getting close to the kitchen yet?"
"You're the one leading; I can't see a thing in here."
Wylin waved his arm. "Move in, now! Take them!"
The castle guard rushed from their positions in an adjoining tunnel and charged the two men. From behind, more soldiers raced forward, blocking any retreat. The troops encircled the two, swords drawn and shields at the ready.
"Careful," Wylin said, "the archduke says they are full of surprises."
"I'll show you surprises," one of the soldiers from the rear said and stepping forward struck the tall one with the pommel of his sword dropping him to the ground. Another used his shield and the second man fell unconscious.
Wylin sighed and glared at his ranks then shrugged. "I was planning on letting them walk, but this works too. Chain 'em, gag 'em, and drag 'em to the dungeons. And for Maribor's sake, get their heads up before they drown. Braga wants them alive." The soldiers nodded and went to work.
– 3 -"This hearing of the High Court of Melengar has been assembled in good order to review allegations made against the Princess Arista Essendon by the Lord Chancellor, the Archduke of Melengar, Percy Braga." The strong voice of the chief magistrate boomed across the chamber. "Princess Arista stands duly accused of treason against the crown, the murder of her father and brother, and the practicing of witchcraft."
The largest room in the castle, the Court of Melengar had a cathedral ceiling, stained-glass windows, and walls rimmed in emblems and shields of the noble houses of the kingdom. Bench seats and balconies were overflowing with spectators. The nobles and the city's affluent merchants pressed in to see the royal trial of the princess. Outside, many common people had been gathering since dawn and waited in the snow as runners reported the proceedings. A wall of armor-clad soldiers held them at bay.
The court itself was a boxed set of bleachers composed of tiered armchairs where the ranking nobles of the kingdom sat. Several of the seats were vacant, but enough had arrived to serve Braga's purpose. Still frosty with the morning chill, most of the court wore fur wraps as they waited for the fire in the great hearth to warm the room. At the front of the court stood the empty throne, its vacancy looming like an ominous specter before the court. Its presence was a stark reminder of the gravity and scope of the trial. The verdict could decide who would sit there next and control the reins of the kingdom.
"This judicial court, comprised of men of good standing and sound wisdom, will now hear the allegations and the evidence. May Maribor grant them wisdom."
The chief magistrate took his seat and a heavyset man with a short beard wreathing his small mouth stood up. He was dressed in expensive looking robes that flowed behind him as he paced before the jury, eyeing each man carefully.
"Lords of the Court," the lawyer said addressing the bleachers with a dramatic sweep of his arm. "Your noble personages have by now learned that our good king Amrath was murdered seven days past in this v
ery castle. You may also be aware Prince Alric is missing, presumed abducted and murdered. But how could such things as these happen within a king's own castle walls? A king might be murdered, a prince might be abducted, but both in the same night one after the other? How is this possible?"
The crowd quieted as they struggled to hear.
"How is it possible that two killers slipped inside the castle unnoticed, stabbed the king to death, and, despite being caught and locked in the dungeon, were able to escape? This in itself is incredible, because the cell in which they were locked was heavily guarded by skilled soldiers. Not only were they imprisoned, they were also chained by their wrists and ankles to the wall. But what is beyond amazing, what is beyond belief, is that after managing their miraculous escape, the two did not flee! No, indeed! Informed while in captivity that they would be drawn and quartered at dawn-a most painful and gruesome death to be certain-for their most heinous crime, these two killers remained in a castle filled with hundreds of soldiers ready to thrust them back into their cell. Rather than flee for their lives, instead they sought out the prince, the most heavily guarded and high-profile personage in the castle, and kidnapped him! I ask you again, how is this possible? Were the castle guards asleep? Were they so totally incompetent as to let the killers of the king walk out? Or could it be that the assassins had help?
"Could a guard have done this? A foreign spy? Even a trusted baron or earl? No! None of them would have the authority to enter the dungeon to see the killers of the king much less free them. Nay, gracious lords, no person in the castle that night had the authority to enter those jails so easily, save one-Princess Arista! Being the daughter of the victim, who could deny her the right to spit in the faces of the men who murdered her father so brutally? Only she wasn't there to defile the killers, she came to help them finish the job she started!"
The crowd murmured.
"This is an outrage!" an elderly man protested from the bleachers. "To accuse the poor girl of her father's death, you should be ashamed! Where is she? Why is she not present to dispute these claims?"
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