Heart of the Crown

by Paul J Bennett

  "When did you become a ship expert?" he asked.

  "Alric told me all about it," she answered.

  They stood in silence, watching the tiny ship trying to make progress. Their solitude was interrupted by a yell off to the side, and they turned to see Revi Bloom approaching. He was saying something, but the wind ripped the words away.

  "What was that?" called Gerald, as the mage drew closer.

  "I was saying I've just been to the manor."

  "How's the earl?" asked Anna.

  "He's doing well. He had another bout of indigestion this morning but seems to be making a full recovery. He's quite active for such an old man."

  "You'd be surprised what an 'old man' can do," complained Gerald.

  The mage ignored his comment, "I've used some healing magic on him, just in case, but there doesn't seem to be anything wrong with him. I suspect he's just been overwhelmed with all the festivities being planned."

  "I'd still feel better if you kept an eye on him," said Anna. "There doesn't seem to be a healer in these parts."

  "I noticed that," replied the mage. "I thought there'd be more of them around. There's certainly quite a few in the capital."

  "They're likely training," offered Gerald. "Much like a soldier seeks out a mentor to train, a mage would likely seek out a more powerful magician to learn their art."

  "It's a silly way to do things," offered the mage.

  "Silly?" countered Anna. "You, yourself are using the same technique with Lady Aubrey."

  "Yes," he agreed, "but it's very inefficient. It takes years to train an apprentice and then they have to take on an apprentice of their own. If one person down the line dies, it messes with the whole system. It's one of the reasons there are so few mages in Merceria."

  "What are you suggesting as an alternative?" asked Gerald.

  "I'm not sure," he responded, "but there must be something better."

  "We used to train soldiers in groups," said Gerald.

  "You need an academy," realized Anna.

  "What's that?" asked Revi.

  "A school where you can teach more than one person at a time."

  "How would I do that?" he asked. "I have little enough time to train Aubrey."

  "You would need help," she said, "perhaps a group of mages might band together to share their knowledge."

  "An interesting concept," Revi mused. "I shall have to give it some thought."

  "Other than telling us about the earl," said Gerald, "was there something else you came here for?"

  "What? Oh, yes, I almost forgot. The earl has decided to put together a little party tonight. Not a formal affair, I'm told, but some dancing and such. He said it was more of a friendly visit with some entertainment."

  "Is the earl up to it?" asked Anna.

  "I'm sure he will be," proclaimed Revi. "He was in fine form when I left him."

  "Then please tell him we gratefully accept," she said.

  Revi looked back at her as if he'd been slapped, "Can't you send a messenger?"

  "Do you see a messenger up here on the wall, Master Bloom?" she said.

  "Well, no, but I'm far too busy to carry a message all the way back to the manor."

  "But you were going there anyway," accused Gerald.

  "I was?" said Revi. "What for?"

  "You're the Royal Mage, Master Bloom, we can't have just anyone delivering our acceptance. What else have you got to do?"

  "I'm quite busy," Revi responded.

  "Doing what, exactly?" asked the princess.

  The mage looked confused and slightly panicked. Gerald saw him struggling to make sense of the conversation. Finally, he slumped his shoulders, "Very well," he acquiesced, "I shall deliver your message."

  He turned and trotted off down the ramparts, clutching his robes to stop them from blowing about.

  "I never know what to make of our mage," commented Gerald.

  "I know what you mean," said Anna. "He's a good man, but he tends to be a trifle confusing at times."

  "Yes," agreed Gerald, "but you can count on him when you need to. You're lucky in that respect."

  "I prefer to think it's more planning than luck," she said. "I've gathered friends about me, that's not luck."

  "True, I suppose," he returned, "but what brought these people all together at this point in time?"

  Anna smiled at the thought, "You're getting quite philosophical, Gerald. Perhaps you should become a mage."

  "And give up the sword? No thank you, I'll stick with what I know."

  "Have it your way," she said, "but regardless, we need to get back. Revi didn't tell us what time this little get together is, and we'll likely have to change."

  "He did mention it's tonight," offered Gerald.

  "Yes, but what time? Did it include food, or are we to eat before we go? Who, precisely is invited? There are many questions that need to be answered."

  "Very well, Your Highness," he said, bowing low, "let us unravel this mysterious invitation in a less...windy place."

  The music swelled as the dancers performed their delicate moves. Each pair perfectly in step with the steady strum of the instruments as they built to a crescendo, and when the music stopped, the dancers bowed deeply to each other.

  The audience clapped in appreciation as the entertainers exited the room.

  "Quite the show," exclaimed Revi, "though I'm surprised people would learn such moves."

  "Why do you say that?" asked Beverly.

  "I see no purpose to it," he countered.

  "The purpose," said Hayley, "is to entertain people. Were you not entertained?"

  "I suppose," he admitted, "but surely there are more important things for them to do?"

  "Careful, Master Mage, you're beginning to sound like Beverly," warned the ranger.

  "Hey!" exclaimed Beverly. "I know how to have fun on occasion, you know."

  "You do, do you?" mused Hayley. "Give me an example?"

  Beverly was at a loss for words, but as luck would have it, the earl was approaching. "Your Grace," she said, bowing.

  "Dame Beverly," said the earl, "I've been told that in your hometown they have a rather unique dance."

  "The Bodden Jig?" she asked. "It's not really a dance, just people swinging around moving on the dance floor."

  "I thought you might demonstrate it for us?" he pressed.

  "Yes, go ahead, Beverly," goaded Hayley. "You should demonstrate it for us."

  Beverly wanted to object but knew she couldn't back down now. "Very well, Your Grace, I shall be honoured to demonstrate. Can your musicians play something with a lively step?"

  "Of course," he replied.

  She looked to Hayley. "Wish me luck," she said, and walked across the dance floor toward the opposite side of the room. Jack saw her coming and moved to intercept, but she ignored his offered hand, instead making her way toward a rather surprised Gerald.

  "It seems," she stated, "that for the honour of Bodden we must dance the jig. Would you condescend to be my partner?"

  Gerald smiled and was about to laugh but saw the look of seriousness on her face. He looked at Anna, but all she did was smile back and nod.

  "Very well, Lady Beverly," he replied, "I shall be honoured."

  They walked out to the middle of the room which had now been cleared of dancers. He stood facing her, holding her hands as they waited for the music to start. "Are you sure about this?" he asked.

  "I have to, Gerald. I've been dared. Why? Is there a reason you don't want to dance with me?"

  "I haven't seen you dance for years, Beverly. Not since we left Bodden. I thought you only danced with your father?"

  "I did, but he's not here. Surely you remember the jig?"

  "Of course, not that there's much to it."

  The music started, and they began moving sideways, bouncing along as they did so, taking about a dozen steps. Repeating the same technique, they returned to where they started, then began haphazardly wheeling around the room to the muted s
ound of applause. Dame Levina then grabbed Sir Barnsley and joined them on the dance floor. Once the audience realized there were no rules to this dance, they flooded the area in pairs. People were bumping into one another, laughing as they did so. The nobles here were so enthralled by the experience that by the time the song was done they were shouting for more.

  Gerald bowed before Beverly, who smiled back.

  "Thank you, Gerald, you've been a most pleasant companion."

  "My pleasure, Beverly," he replied. "Now I must get back to the princess."

  "Why, is something wrong?"

  "No, but there's a chair over there with my name on it. I'm afraid you've worn me out."

  Beverly returned to Hayley who had been watching intently. "There," said the ranger, "that wasn't so bad, was it?"

  "It's been years since I've done that," she confessed.

  "Lady Beverly," interrupted a voice, "may I have the honour?"

  Jack was standing beside her, holding out his hand.

  "No, Jack, you may not. My dancing is done for the day, but I thank you for the offer."

  The cavalier bowed gracefully, "As you wish," he said with a twinkle in his eye, "though I daresay you do not know what you're missing."

  "Oh, I'm pretty sure I do," she said, under her breath.

  "Pardon?" he asked.

  "Nothing, Jack. Enjoy yourself, I wouldn't want to deprive the other ladies of your company."

  Jack made his way back onto the crowded floor.

  "That was interesting," commented Hayley.

  "He never gives up," said Beverly.

  "That's not what I meant," the ranger returned.

  "Then what's so interesting?"

  "You didn't bite his head off," mused Hayley. "You're actually becoming diplomatic. There's hope for you yet."

  "I didn't see you dancing," said Beverly, "Why don't you go and give it a try?"

  Hayley peered through the crowd as if searching for someone. "I think I shall," she commented. "Wish me luck," she said as she disappeared into the crowd.

  Beverly edged around the room, avoiding the centre mass of dancers. She noticed the princess was deep in conversation with the earl, who was petting Tempus' head. His Grace appeared enamoured of the great dog, and the animation on their faces told her they'd been talking at some length.

  She spied Aubrey, watching the dancers, and edged her way toward her.

  "Cousin!" called Aubrey. "That was quite the performance."

  "Thank you," replied Beverly. "I would have danced longer, but I didn't know if Gerald could take it."

  They both chuckled at the warrior's expense. "It's good to see you relaxing," observed Aubrey. "The last few months have been quite taxing."

  "They have, haven't they," replied Beverly. "It seems like ever since we started this trip, trouble's followed us."

  "I don't know about that," offered Aubrey. "That creature in Loranguard was there long before us, and the drake in Tivilton had been giving them trouble for years."

  "So you're saying it's fate?" asked Beverly. "I didn't think you believed in that."

  "I don't think it's fate. I think we're the type of people who like to investigate problems. As a group, we don't like things remaining the way they've always been. We strive to make change."

  "I think the princess is rubbing off on you," said Beverly, "or maybe it's Revi's influence. I hope he's not making improper suggestions."

  "Who, Revi? Don't be absurd, he's been the perfect gentleman in that regard."

  "Where is he? I thought he'd be over here with you."

  "He's on the dance floor," she said, pointing.

  Beverly followed her finger to spy him across the room, dancing and twirling with a brunette. The view was blocked for a moment and then she saw his partner; it was Hayley!

  "Well, I never..." she lost her train of thought.

  "Who would have thought," added Aubrey.

  "Certainly not me," said Beverly.

  "I bet Aldwin would be able to dance like this," said Aubrey, a wisp of a smile escaping her lips.

  "Yes," agreed Beverly, "he definitely would. Wait a moment, whose guarding the princess?" She was looking around, counting her knights, but they all appeared to be on the dance floor. "I better get over there."

  "I'm sure she's fine," added Aubrey, as her cousin disappeared through the crowd.

  The earl held out his goblet while a servant refilled it. "Such a magnificent beast," he said. "I've never seen one up close."

  "Didn't the Kurathians use them when they attacked the city?" Anna asked.

  "No, they're primarily used against cavalry. Not much good in the city streets. They need space to bring their prey down. I've never seen them in action myself, but I've read about their use; terrifying on the battlefield."

  "And they can actually bring down a horse?" she asked.

  "Oh yes, they go for the legs, you see. Their powerful jaws clamp down on them, breaking bones and rending flesh. They're trained to bring down a horse and then go for the next one. Usually, the Kurathians bring in foot troops to finish off the riders."

  "That sounds grim," she observed.

  "Oh, it is," he replied. He opened his mouth to say more and then clutched his stomach letting out a moan of pain.

  "Are you all right, Your Grace?" Anna asked.

  He doubled over, falling from his chair while shouts of alarm erupted nearby.

  Revi had seen him fall and was soon there, beside him. "Let's get him to somewhere he can lie down," he ordered the servants.

  The room erupted into confusion. Soon, Aubrey was there as well, and the two mages followed the servants as the earl was carried away.

  Beverly and Gerald both arrived at Anna's side. "We should get you to safety," urged Beverly.

  "The earl has had an attack," said Anna. "We must do something."

  "The mages have it in hand," coaxed Gerald, "but we can't rule out poison. We need to get you to safety."

  "Where's Alric?" asked the princess, looking around. "Is he all right?"

  "He's fine," soothed Beverly. "Jack has him. He'll meet us upstairs in the visitors wing."

  "Very well," she acquiesced, "lead on."

  Troops had entered the room, likely to keep order and for a moment Gerald wondered if it was a plot to seize power, but Captain Fraser addressed the assembled guests, assuring them that all was well, asking everyone to take their leave.

  They made their way to their rooms, to find Hayley had already set Knights of the Hound to watch the hallways. Things calmed down quickly, and Anna sent word for her advisors to gather in her room. Soon, they were all assembled, save for the two mages. They stood around while Anna related all that had transpired.

  "Isn't this a little bit of an overreaction for indigestion?" asked Arnim.

  "There's something else going on around here," explained Anna. "This is too much of a coincidence."

  "Meaning?" asked Hayley.

  "We arrive in Riversend, and barely two days later the earl has collapsed? That strikes me as odd."

  "Hasn't he had this problem for a while?" asked Beverly.

  "He has," agreed Anna, "but Revi used magic on him. He should have gotten better. If it was simple indigestion, wouldn't he have had to have eaten something? They hadn't served the food yet!"

  "It was likely his lunch," offered Arnim. "We don't know what the earl eats. Perhaps he's had some bad fish."

  "Possibly," admitted Anna, "but I have a feeling something is happening here. I just can't put my finger on it."

  A knock on the door was dutifully answered by Sophie who opened it to reveal Aubrey. The young woman looked fretful, and upon entering the room, the light revealed tears in her eyes.

  "The earl is dead," she announced.

  Thirty-Three

  Mourning

  Spring 961 MC

  It was a sombre morning. The flags had been lowered to half-mast in mourning for the earl while the whole manor had taken on an air of gloominess. Al
ric knocked on Anna's door, and Sophie opened it to bow deeply.

  "Is the princess available?" he asked.

  "Yes, Highness," replied Sophie. "She's just finished dressing. Would you like to come in?"

  "Thank you," he replied, entering the room.

  Anna stepped through the bedroom door to join him. "Alric," she said, "I assume you're heading down to pay your respects?"

  "Yes," he admitted, "though I wondered if you would accompany me."

  "I should love to," she said, "but I'm not clear on your customs in this regard."

  "The earl's body will be laid out on a table so that people can pass him and say a prayer."

  "Isn't that a bit ghastly?" she asked. "He's only been dead for a few hours."

  "His body is set to be interred later today. We don't keep bodies around for long in Weldwyn. We believe that once their soul has left, the body is just a vessel."

  "Then why display the body?" she asked.

  "It's an old tradition. Originally, it was to prove the death so that people could accept it. They dress the body in fine clothes and make it look as presentable as possible."

  "What if they met a grisly end?" she asked.

  "If the body were un-viewable, they would pass by one of his treasured possessions, or possibly his widow, if he had one. Have you no such traditions in Merceria?"

  "No," she admitted. "However, bodies are examined to make sure they're dead before cremation or burial. There's no public display, though."

  "What if a king dies? Or an earl?"

  "That's a little different. They'll take the body in a coffin to the cathedral for interment, but the body isn't on display. Only the coffin is visible."

  "Perhaps you should stay here," he suggested, "I wouldn't like to make you feel uncomfortable."

  "Nonsense," she replied. "I've seen my share of dead bodies in the past, I'm not squeamish."

  "Very well," said Alric, "shall we?" He held out his arm for her to hold.

  "Sophie," she said, taking the arm, "would you look after Tempus for me? And please send word to have Gerald meet us downstairs?"

  "Certainly, Highness."

  They made their way down the corridor to the great staircase and paused to look upon on the long line of visitors waiting to see the body.