Heart of the Crown

by Paul J Bennett

  "Why is that?"

  "Coins don't buy happiness."

  "So, you're a philosopher now, Gerald?" teased Hayley.

  "No," he admitted, "but chasing down wealth has been the ruin of many. Better to enjoy the simple pleasures of life."

  "Which are?"

  "Friendship and family," Gerald affirmed. "That's all we really need."

  "What about sausages?" the ranger remarked.

  "Yes, those too, along with an occasional scone," he said, his face breaking into a grin.

  The hall was now in sight, and the townsfolk had gathered to gape at the trophies of their encounter. Alric watched their faces, saw the happiness and relief and felt at peace. He had been hesitant to act contrary to the baron's desires, but now that it was done, he knew, deep inside, that they had done the right thing. All that remained was to return to Lord Parvan and show him their prizes.

  If he was expecting a warm welcome, he was sorely disappointed. As the procession arrived, Lord Parvan was not there to greet them, neither was there any of his advisors to thank them for their success. Alric dismissed the men, leaving the mage, Revi Bloom, to look after the heads. He asked Anna to join him, and together they made their way to Lord Parvan's audience chamber.

  Jack and Gerald dutifully fell in behind them as they walked through the high ceilinged halls. Their boots echoed in the silence and Alric was struck by the idea that they were about to face some sort of judgement. He hadn't felt this way in years, not since he was a little boy, brought before his father for destroying his mother's flower garden.

  Anna, as if sensing his unease, grasped his hand and squeezed it. He turned his head slightly to look at her, but her gaze remained fixed firmly ahead of her. He took comfort in the feeling and squeezed back as the doors to the audience chamber opened before them.

  The Elven Guard stood to either side, lining the hall like a processional. The small party had paused as the doors swung open, but now they stepped forward in unison, to make their way down the marble-floored room. The guards snapped to attention, holding their spears vertically by their sides. The discipline of Elven warriors was legendary, but Alric began to wonder if they had walked into a death trap.

  Lord Parvan Luminor sat upon an elegant chair. He rose as the party drew near, bowing respectfully as they came to a halt before him.

  "Greetings, Highnesses," he said.

  His face was unreadable; the Elven features locked into a rigid stare. Alric found it intimidating at first, but the more he stared, the more he became annoyed by it.

  "Lord Parvan," he finally spoke in greeting, "we return bearing great news. We have slain the drakes that have troubled your barony these last few years."

  "So I have heard," the baron replied neutrally.

  "We found them nested in the wood," Alric continued, "and at great risk, battled them. I lost eight good men today, and it would have been worse had it not been for the efforts of the two Life Mages."

  The mention of the Life Mages seemed to catch the baron off guard. Alric saw him flinch and wondered why it might upset him so.

  "I see," said the baron. "And what are your intentions now, Lord Prince?"

  "With your permission, we will continue on our way," Alric announced, "for we are travelling to Riversend."

  "It seems my permission was not required to enter the wood," commented the baron, "and yet now you seek it?"

  Alric, annoyed by the baron's attitude, spoke freely, "I am being polite, Lord Parvan. It is quite clear that you didn't want us here and yet it is my sworn duty, as a prince, to protect my people. That protection includes all who swear fealty to the crown, including your own barony, whether you like it or not."

  "And so the young prince grows a spine," the baron returned. "How interesting. Pray, tell me, Lord Prince, what did you find in the wood, aside from the drakes?"

  Alric was taken aback. Did the baron know? Perhaps Lord Parvan knew of the drakes home for some time?

  "What did you expect me to find?" he countered.

  If the baron was surprised by his answer, he didn't seem to show it. Alric had heard that Elves were notoriously difficult to read.

  "I know exactly what you discovered," said Lord Parvan. "Did you think that anything could happen in my wood without my knowledge?"

  "And yet you did nothing to protect your people. Our people!"

  "There are more important things in life that need protection, Lord Prince," he countered.

  "So you would sacrifice the safety of your people to hide a ruin?"

  "You know it's much more than a ruin. Imagine the power if it fell into the wrong hands."

  Alric was confused by his words and looked to Anna, but she, too, looked startled by the Elf's declaration.

  "You lied," accused Anna.

  "I have told the truth," defended the baron.

  "That's not entirely true," she accused. "You told us you were a thousand years old."

  "And what of it?" Lord Parvan enquired.

  "You're actually older, far older in fact."

  Alric looked at her in amazement, "What are you saying, Anna?"

  "You forget, Lord Parvan," said Anna, "we Mercerians worked with Lord Greycloak. We travelled with him for months, got to know him quite well. He told us Elves are immortal. They live forever."

  "Forever?" said Alric in disbelief.

  "Oh, they can still die due to disease or war, but their natural lifespan is endless."

  Lord Parvan, for once, looked surprised, "What is it you are accusing me of?"

  "It's an interesting ring you wear, my Lord Baron," she continued. "If I'm not mistaken, that's a Saurian rune emblazoned on the top."

  The baron's sudden attempt to hide the ring beneath his other hand was all the proof she needed.

  "You were there, weren't you? You were present when the temple was destroyed."

  "I said nothing about a temple!" he exclaimed.

  "No, you called them ruins, but what you don't know, is that we've found proof of other Saurian Temples. I've actually been inside one. The secret you speak of, the power you're so afraid of is the eternal flame, isn't it?"

  Lord Parvan paled, "How can you possibly know of such things; you're just a child?"

  "I'm not a child anymore," Anna responded, "and I have surrounded myself with friends. Friends who have all sorts of knowledge and abilities. You destroyed the Saurians because you feared them, didn't you?"

  "You understand nothing of the past," the baron accused. "Your pathetic race is too young to grasp such things."

  "Is that why the Elves broke the Orc cities? Were they getting close to the secret of the flames?"

  Alric was stunned. Where had this come from? How had Anna put this together?

  She turned to face the Weldwyn prince. "I only just realized this, Alric, sorry for not informing you sooner. We found an ancient temple back in Merceria. Lily helped us understand it. I'm sure Revi could tell you more if you were to ask him. Lord Greycloak was a trusted ally, but this baron of yours puts the Elves in a bad light. I rather suspect that he has witnessed dark magic first hand, though I doubt he's used it himself."

  "That's quite the accusation, Anna," Alric replied. "How can you be so sure?"

  "I don't forget things, Alric. I remember almost everything; I've been this way all my life. I have devoured every book I can find. You'd be surprised what you can put together from scattered information."

  "She's making the whole thing up," accused the baron, "and I find it most insulting."

  "Isn't' it a bit late to play the insulted card, Baron?" accused Anna. "I should think righteous indignation would fit you better. Your very behaviour confirms what I've said. Unlike Prince Alric, I don't have to sneak around the subject. I'm a Mercerian, we value strength above all, and you lack strength of character. You can't hide from your past, Lord Parvan, it will always catch up with you. The truth always wins out in the end; I truly believe that. It's not my place to judge you, but I can make sure that y
our story is told. What you do after that is beyond my control. I will pass to the Afterlife knowing that Saxnor will welcome me for doing what is right."

  "I don't have to stand here and listen to this," the baron spat out.

  "No, you don't," agreed Alric. "You are free to leave, but if you value your position within the kingdom, you will report to the king at court and lay all in front of him, before I do."

  Lord Parvan sat down in his chair, too stunned to speak any further.

  "We are done, Baron," said Alric, "and so we take our leave of you. I look forward to hearing my father's view on all this. I truly wonder what he will make of it all."

  Alric bowed slightly, then Anna mimicked his actions.

  "Come, Anna," he said. "It's time we were away from this place."

  Thirty-One

  Riversend

  Spring 961 MC

  Anna looked out the window as the fields passed by, absently petting Tempus' ears as she did so, and the great dog let out a gigantic yawn.

  "Tempus is tired," said Gerald, sitting beside her.

  "Yes," she agreed, "he's getting old, he likes his comforts."

  "He's not the only one," commented Revi. "I saw Gerald nod off earlier."

  "I was thinking," the old warrior defended himself.

  "Stop it you two," said Aubrey. "Honestly, Master Revi, sometimes you can be really cruel."

  "I'm only pulling his leg, Lady Aubrey," the mage confessed. "I meant no offense."

  "Let's get onto other matters, shall we?" said Anna. "I didn't invite you into the carriage to pick on Gerald."

  "Of course, Highness," said Revi. "What is it you wish to speak of?"

  "I told you what happened in Lord Parvan's hall. I wanted your opinions."

  "Where do I start?" asked Revi.

  "Master Revi can get off track," explained Aubrey. "Perhaps if you were more specific?"

  "Yes," agreed Anna, "let's start off with the Saurians. What do we really know about them?"

  "Well," mused Revi, "we know they had a huge trading empire, although they were never a numerous people."

  "What does that mean, exactly?" asked Gerald. "It's well and fine to say they have an empire, but how can they do that if there's not a lot of them?"

  "I see your point," responded the mage. "We know they traded with all the races, except for Humans, of course."

  "Why not Humans?" asked Gerald.

  "They weren't around in this part of the world at the time. The first Humans didn't come into the land until centuries later. We don't know exact dates, of course."

  "Yes," agreed Aubrey, "the land was isolated from the rest of the world through geography. The great Sea of Storms blocked approach by sea and the mountains by land. The first Humans came through the passes to find an untamed wilderness."

  "Untamed, yes," agreed Revi, "though not uninhabited. The ruins of ancient Orc cities were still around, but the Saurians had long since left. We didn't know anything about them until centuries later. We've likely discovered more about them in the past few years than for generations before. Lily is the only living Saurian that we know of."

  "And yet," observed Gerald, "if she lives, there may be more."

  "Yes," Revi agreed. "I suspect there are many more. A whole city full, in fact."

  "All right, Revi," prompted Anna, "spit it out. What is it you're hiding?"

  "Me? Hiding something? What makes you say that?"

  "The grin on your face. You always do that when you know something that we don't," said the princess.

  "The ruins in the Draenor Wood revealed many things to me. I still have yet to fully comprehend the details, but I believe I have found the secret of their trading empire."

  "Which is?" prompted Gerald.

  "I think they discovered the secret of disapparation," he smiled, waiting for his announcement to have an effect.

  "They learned what?" asked Gerald.

  "He means they could teleport," explained Aubrey. "That is to say, travel large distances by use of magic."

  "Isn't that impossible?" asked Anna.

  "It was always thought so," confessed Revi. "Mages have been trying to perfect that type of magic since the beginning of time, but have never succeeded. I suspect Andronicus was working on such a spell just before he died."

  "Did he succeed?" asked Anna.

  "I believe it drove him mad," confessed Revi. "He was never fully aware in his final days."

  "We know the Saurians were masters of magic," explained Aubrey, "and we think they used portals to send their goods to distant lands. There's certainly no indication they used ships or trade caravans, and yet somehow they traded goods."

  "It makes sense from a certain point of view," said Gerald, "but how do we know they didn't have caravans?"

  "There are no mentions of them," confessed Aubrey, "and they would have been ripe for plunder by bandits and such."

  "Would that explain why the Elves destroyed them?" asked Gerald.

  "Knowledge of teleportation would change the balance of power," said Revi. "That's why it's been so sought after. Perhaps the Elves thought they could seize the magic for themselves?"

  "I remember reading something about the temples being great sources of information. Could that be related?" enquired the princess.

  "Yes," agreed Revi, "though I suspect the word power would be more appropriate."

  "Whatever do you mean?" asked Anna.

  "Our knowledge of magic comes primarily from the Elves," admitted Revi. "Over the years Humans have built on that knowledge and explored the boundaries of our abilities. Some of the wisest minds in the three kingdoms agree that the power of magic flows from within. Based on that, there is a finite amount of power that can be called upon."

  "What does that mean?" asked Gerald. "I don't understand."

  It was Aubrey that offered an explanation, "Our bodies contain the fuel that powers magic. Much like wood is needed for a fire, except that this magical energy replenishes itself over time. If you've only got two logs for your fire, you can only build a flame of a certain size."

  "So you're saying that even a powerful mage has limitations?" asked Gerald.

  "Precisely," agreed Revi, "but here's where it gets interesting. What do you remember about Ley Lines?"

  Anna spoke before anyone else could, "They're magical lines of force that cross the land."

  "Yes," Revi responded, "precisely. I suspect that the Saurians found some way to tap into the magical potential of them. With that type of power at their disposal, they would be capable of all sorts of things."

  "Like teleportation?" said Gerald.

  "Precisely!"

  "But how does that lead you to believe there's a city somewhere?" asked Gerald.

  "Let me put it this way; if you could teleport and your city was attacked, what would you do?"

  "Teleport to safety?" interjected Anna.

  "Exactly!"

  "So where is this city you speculate about?" asked Anna.

  Revi sat back in his chair, "I'm afraid I don't know."

  "Well, that's a bit of a disappointment," said Gerald. "I thought you knew everything."

  "I know a lot," the mage admitted, "but I never said I know everything."

  "Agreed," offered Aubrey. "He doesn't even know how to cook."

  "I know how to cook," he defended, "I just choose not to."

  "So where does that leave us?" interrupted Anna.

  "I'm sure I can crack this once we return to Merceria. I have books that might shed some light on it."

  "You shouldn't have long to wait," offered Gerald. "Summer's just around the corner, and then we're on our way home."

  Anna fell silent while Gerald looked at her, understanding her mood. "Perhaps the prince might come and visit us in Merceria?" he offered.

  She smiled before answering, "That would be nice," she confessed, "but I don't think it will happen. King Leofric will want to keep him close; he knows a lot about us, and therefore he'll be a valu
able source of information to the court."

  "Still," he persisted, "he's developed a mind of his own. He may decide to visit anyway?"

  "Perhaps," she mused. "We can only hope."

  The city of Riversend was located at the mouth of the Loran River, the same river that hosted Loranguard further to the north. Unlike that city, however, Riversend was situated on the western bank, for the eastern side was occupied by an enormous cliff which overlooked the city for miles. The road ran along the base of these cliffs, turning abruptly to meet with a stone causeway that led across the river into the city. It wasn't until she was halfway across that Beverly realized it was a draw-bridge that allowed the river traffic through.

  She rode across the bridge to come up to the far side, where a trio of soldiers stood, watching her approach. Two of them had been sitting at a small table, tossing dice but their companion alerted them, and now they all stood, intent on their new visitor. Beverly halted her mount, waiting for the inevitable challenge.

  "Who are you?" asked the tallest man.

  "I am Dame Beverly Fitzwilliam," she answered, "Knight of the Hound. I am here to announce the arrival of Princess Anna of Merceria and Prince Alric of Weldwyn."

  Anna's name had carried no weight here, but the mere mention of Alric girded them into action. The tall man's eyes appeared to bulge slightly as he stammered out a reply, "We had no word of the prince's coming. We shall send word to the earl immediately."

  The tall guard turned to talk to his companions, and one was soon racing into town while the remaining two stood to attention and tried to look official.

  "They shall be here shortly," Beverly warned, "with a large entourage."

  "It won't take long to get word to the earl," the tall guard replied, "there's horses billeted close by. I suspect the earl himself will be back here shortly, this time of day he's drilling the troops."

  "The earl trains his own troops?" said Beverly. "Does he not have a Sergeant-at-Arms?"

  "Not sure what that is," the man confessed, "but the earl likes to do things himself."

  "His Grace sounds like a most interesting man. Has he always been so dedicated to his men?"