"Do you think he would assist us?" asked Kiren-Jool. "I'm not familiar with him other than by reputation, and the Elves are notorious for not sharing the secrets of their magic."
"The least we can do is ask," said Aubrey. "He served with Revi during the first rebellion, so the two have met."
"Let us hope he can be of assistance," said Kiren-Jool.
Two
The Queen
Summer 964 MC
* * *
Gerald opened the door, only to be greeted by a loud bark. Queen Anna, the ruler of Merceria, sat on a chair as her personal maid, Sophie, arranged her hair.
"Come in, Gerald," Anna said, her back to the door.
"How did you know it was me?"
"Tempus," she said, "need I say more?"
The huge mastiff rose from his position beside her, trotting over to him for a pet.
He scratched the great beast's head. "I hope I'm not interrupting?"
"You could never interrupt," she replied. "Come in and sit down. Sophie is experimenting with my hair."
Gerald moved closer, examining the ornately arranged blonde locks.
"You have a gift, Sophie," he said.
"Thank you, Gerald," the young maid replied.
"Well?" said Anna. "What do you think?"
"I think it looks very pretty," he remarked. "Is that how you're going to wear it for the wedding?"
"I haven't decided yet," she replied.
"This is the third style we've tried," added Sophie.
"Well," said Gerald, "this one looks very regal, a good choice for a young queen."
"You'd say that even if it was a mess," admonished Anna.
"True," he replied, "but in this case, I mean it."
"Tell me," she said, "did you come just to see my hair, or is this an official visit?"
"A little of both, to be honest," he said. "I came to let you know a few more delegates have arrived."
"Oh?" she said. "Tell me more."
"The Dwarves have sent Herdwin back to us as their official representative."
"Herdwin has lived in Wincaster for so many years," said Anna, "I'm surprised they'd pick him to represent them."
"It makes sense if you think about it," said Gerald. "After all, he knows you well and is familiar with the kingdom."
"I suppose that's true," she said. "Has King Leofric arrived yet?"
"No," said Gerald, "but he's expected by the end of the week. We already received word that he crossed the border at Kingsford."
"Alric will be pleased," said Anna. "He hasn't seen his father for some time."
"Not quite true," said Gerald, blushing. "He arranged for his father to pay my fine, remember?"
"Oh, yes," she added, "I'd quite forgotten that. Is he bringing the family with him?"
"Queen Igraine, certainly, and I'm led to believe that the princesses are coming as well, but he's left Alstan to look after the kingdom while he's away. I also understand he's bringing a mage or two with him."
"Likely Mistress Fortuna," said Anna, "she's their Life Mage. Any word on the Saurians?"
"Not yet, but there's still plenty of time. Aubrey delivered the invitation in person more than a week ago, so we know they received it. Lily sends her best regards, by the way."
"Lily spoke to Aubrey?" asked Anna. "I didn't know our mage could speak Saurian?"
Gerald chuckled, "She doesn't. She took the Enchanter, Kiren-Jool, with her. He used the spell of tongues."
"I can't wait to see her again," said Anna.
"Apparently, Lily's been enjoying her time in Erssa-Saka'am, learning all about her people."
"I have to admit, they were quite fascinating," said Anna. "I very much enjoyed my time with them."
"We were fleeing for our lives at the time, Anna, did you forget that?"
"No, of course not, but learning about the Saurians was fascinating, all the same. Have you any other news for me? Any word on Revi?"
"Not as yet," said Gerald, "but the Mages Council is looking into it, though I'm led to believe it will likely take some time to find him."
"How is Hayley taking it?" asked Anna.
"As well as can be expected, given the circumstances, but she knows the mages are the best equipped to find him. Aubrey is in charge of the search, and she'll report back if they find anything."
"Aubrey? Not Albreda?"
"Yes," said Gerald. "Albreda wants to go to Summersgate to see if the mages of Weldwyn can help. She was going to talk to you in person but knows how busy you are with all these arrangements you have to take care of, so she asked me to mention it to you."
"I see no problem," said Anna. "Perhaps while she's there, she can teach a few more of them to use the spell of recall." "I'll let her know," promised Gerald.
"What of the north?"
"We still have reports of people fleeing Norland," said Gerald. "It appears unrest is growing."
"Their king is old," said Anna, "and if I'm not mistaken, he is without an heir. When he dies, there'll be a bloody fight for the throne."
"Let's hope it doesn't spill over into Merceria," said Gerald. "We still haven't fully recovered our strength."
Sophie stood back, examining the back of Anna's head. "There you are, Majesty, all done."
Anna rose from her seat, moving closer to a large mirror to take a look for herself. Sophie followed, holding a small hand mirror to allow the queen to see the back of her head.
"Marvellous," Anna declared, "I think we'll go for this one."
She turned to face Gerald. "Have you seen my wedding dress?"
"No," he replied, "but I have a feeling I'm about to."
"Yes," said Anna, "come and take a look."
She led him across the room, halting at a dressing screen.
"Here it is," she declared.
He moved around the edge of the screen to view the green dress, noticing that it was richly decorated with jewels and lace.
"Mercerian green," he noted, "how appropriate." He leaned closer, examining the details. "This embroidery is spectacular."
"Isn't it, though? The lace was my idea."
"Is that Elvish script?" he asked.
"It is," she replied, "sewn into the hem, along with Orc runes and Dwarvish letters. There's even some Saurian in there."
"Nothing for the Trolls?" said Gerald.
"They don't use a written language," said Anna, "other than ours, that is."
"You seem to have thought of everything," he noted.
"I did," she said, grinning.
Gerald noticed the excitement in her eyes. "Go ahead, then, tell me what it is that has you so worked up."
"Look here," she said, pointing, "I had them embroider something special."
He examined the area to note a plant of some sort. "Is that a weed?"
"No," she replied, "it's a Weldwyn Clover."
"We feed our horses clover," said Gerald.
"Hush now," she replied, "it's featured on their coat of arms. We must get used to the strange customs of our newest ally."
"They're not our allies yet," said Gerald. "You still have to get married, remember?"
"I could hardly forget," she said. "Oh, that reminds me, have you seen Beverly?"
"The last time I saw her, she was arranging the guards for the wedding."
"I need to go over the ceremony with her. I'd like her suggestions on how we might best use the Knights of the Hound."
"Those things have all been taken care of, Anna. You need to slow down and relax a little. Are you nervous?"
"Yes," she replied, "can't you tell?"
"There's nothing to be nervous about," he soothed. "You and Alric both love each other. There's naught to worry about."
"But what if..." she said.
"If what?" he replied.
"What if we're not...you know?"
"No, I don't know," he said.
"Well, what if, as a man, he and I are...incompatible?"
Gerald laughed, "Is that what y
ou're afraid of? Don't worry, Anna, things will sort themselves out. I think you'll find that, come your wedding night, you'll figure out what to do."
"Are you sure?"
"I am," he replied, "but I think you need a woman's perspective. I'll send Beverly to see you. As a recently married woman, I think she can set your mind at ease."
"Thank you," said Anna, then she moved closer, hugging him.
"What's that for?"
"For being you and understanding," she replied, finally releasing him from her grasp. "Now remember, you are an important part of the ceremony. I want you looking your best."
"Already taken care of," chimed in Sophie. "I have a seamstress working on it as we speak."
"Ah, Sophie, thank you," said Anna. "What would I do without you?"
"It's my pleasure, Majesty," the maid replied.
* * *
Dame Hayley Chambers, Baroness of Queenston and High Ranger, pulled back on the bowstring then let fly. The arrow sailed downrange, striking the distant target.
Her aide, Gorath, looked off into the distance, his keen Orc eyes taking it all in.
"Your aim is off," he said. "You appear distracted."
"I am," she replied. "Revi has been missing for almost a week, and we're still no closer to finding him."
"These things take time," said Gorath. "You must trust that they will do all they can to help."
"I know," she said, "and I do, but I feel like I should be doing more."
"Are you familiar with magic?" asked the Orc.
"Not really," she replied.
"Then there is little you can do. In the meantime, we still have to assess this warbow."
"You're right, of course," Hayley replied. "Go ahead, let fly and let's see how you do."
The Orc raised the bow, nocking an arrow, and then drew back the string to his ear. He held it only a moment before letting it go to produce a soft whiffing noise as the arrow flew true. A distant thud announced a strike to the target, and he and Hayley began moving towards it.
"You're an excellent archer, Gorath. You're closer to the centre of the target than me."
"I have been practising," he replied, "and I find this warbow easier to use."
"Kraloch said it was designed by a Human," said Hayley.
"It is true," said Gorath. "It was first introduced to the Orcs of the Red Hand."
"I'm not familiar with them," said Hayley, "are they somewhere nearby?"
"No," said the Orc, "they are on the Continent. What you would call 'the old land'."
"I find it interesting that a Human would develop such a weapon for Orcs," continued Hayley. "There must be more to this story."
"If there is," said Gorath, "it is a story for someone else to tell. I only know that this bow was built for Orcs."
They continued their way to the target, arriving to find Gorath's arrow deeply embedded. Hayley pulled it free, grunting with the effort.
"That's quite the power behind it," she said. "I wonder how it might fare against the Elven longbows?"
"Should we talk to Telethial?" asked the Orc.
"Maybe we're better off keeping it to ourselves for the time being," suggested Hayley.
* * *
Dame Beverly Fitzwilliam watched as the cavalry rode past, stirrup to stirrup, tightly organized into their battle formation. When they reached the end of the field, they began to turn, but next came the most challenging part. The riders on the outside would have to increase their pace even as those on the inside had to shorten theirs.
She held her breath as they executed the manoeuvre, only letting it out as they flawlessly came out of the turn in unison. Beverly heard their sergeant bellowing orders, and then the column resumed its forward momentum, trotting towards the other end of the field.
As they thundered past, leaving a cloud of dust in their wake, Beverly, trying not to cough, averted her gaze and noticed a pair of familiar-looking riders approaching. She waited until they were close enough then turned Lightning to meet them.
"Your Highness," she said, "Lord Jack. What brings you to the practise field this day?"
Lord Jack Marlowe grinned, "Do we need an excuse just to see you, Dame Beverly?"
Beverly ignored the man, turning instead to Prince Alric.
"Is everything all right?" she asked.
"Everything is fine," said Alric. "We came because I was curious as to how you train the Guard Cavalry." He gazed out at the horsemen, admiring the rigidness of their lines. "Do you do this every day?"
"Whenever I can," she replied, "but that's usually only two or three times a week."
"I'm surprised you can find even that amount of time," noted Jack. "After all, you're the Commander of Cavalry, and these fellows are only one company. Do you train the rest as you do this lot?"
"No," she replied, "but the Guard Cavalry are the queen's own horsemen."
"You've done a magnificent job with them," said Alric, "and that's the real reason why I'm here."
"To train with the guard?" said Beverly.
"No," the prince replied, "but as you know, I have two companies of horsemen that my father sent from Weldwyn."
"Yes," said Beverly, "your own guard, but what has that to do with me?"
"I was hoping you might give my men some extra training. You wouldn't have to do it yourself, of course, you're far too busy for that, but I wondered if you might share your techniques."
"I'd be happy to," said Beverly, "but with your wedding so close, it will be difficult. We're practising for the ceremony, you see."
"After the wedding would be fine," said Alric, "I'm in no hurry. Eventually, I'd like to see them equipped much as the Guard Cavalry, but we'll have to wait on horses. Our Weldwyn Chargers lack the strength for such heavy armour."
"I'll have to put you in touch with my cousin," said Beverly. "Aubrey's the one raising our Mercerian Chargers these days."
"You think she'd let us have some?" said Jack.
"I'm afraid the entire herd is spoken for," said Beverly, "but possibly it's time we step up the breeding program."
"That doesn't sound promising," said Jack.
"Your men could still benefit from the training," offered Beverly, "even if they don't have the heavier armour of the Guard Cavalry."
"Excellent," said Alric, "then I'll leave it to you. Let me know when things have calmed down a bit, and we'll start making arrangements."
"Very well, Your Highness," replied Beverly.
Prince Alric wheeled around, Jack following suit. They trotted from the field, leaving Beverly to return her gaze to the company drilling before her.
"I don't see why our men need more training. They're some of the finest horsemen in Weldwyn."
"Agreed," said Alric, "but they don't fight as a cohesive unit, Jack. You saw the discipline of Beverly's troops. Think what a difference such training could make to our own men."
"They're a Royal Bodyguard. Do you really think more training is what they need?"
"We're in Merceria now, a nation of warriors. We can learn a lot from them."
"If you say so," said the cavalier, "but to be honest, some of their ideas are quite...radical."
"Why," asked Alric, "because they train commoners as heavy cavalry?"
"It just isn't right," said Jack. "They're not born to the saddle like the upper class."
"And yet they distinguished themselves during the war," said Alric. "You need to let go of your prejudices. This is not our fathers' generation."
They rode in silence, trotting down the street towards the Weldwyn Embassy.
"You like the Mercerians," declared Jack.
"I have to admit I do," the prince replied. "There's a certain vigour to them as if old habits have been brushed away like cobwebs. They're full of new ideas and not afraid to try them. It's strange to think that we feared them for so long."
"With good cause," said Jack, "they did try to invade us."
Alric chuckled, "Yes, more than once, in fact, but tha
t's all in the past now. This is a new world now, Jack. Once Anna and I are married, it will cement an alliance between our two kingdoms, and bring safety and security to both our peoples."
"I doubt that. We'll certainly be better off, of that I have no doubt, but there's still the Twelve Clans, not to mention the Norlanders, they're no end of trouble to the Mercerians."
"Yes," agreed Alric, "but now we'll be united in our defence, effectively doubling the size of our army. Who would dare invade us now?"
"The Clans," repeated Jack.
"I very much doubt that," replied the prince. "We defeated them with only a handful of Mercerians. What could they do against both our combined armies?"
"War is not always about making smart decisions," said the cavalier. "The Clans have attacked at worse odds."
"I suppose they have," said Alric, "but at least we have allies now."
"Well, we will," said Jack, "just as soon as you two are married."
Three
The North
Summer 964 MC
* * *
Sir Heward patted his mount's neck as he waited while behind him, the men of the Wincaster Light Horse mounted up.
It was a chilly morning, but he knew that come noon, the sun would have done its work, heating them up into an uncomfortable sweat. Looking north to where the great river ran to the west, he knew that just beyond its banks lay Norland, the land of his enemy. Heward's duty this day, and that of his men, was to patrol the border, watching for any sign of activity on the far side, a task he had done often enough over the past few months.
Being a Knight of the Hound, one of the celebrated few that held Queen Anna's confidence, he took his oath seriously. As commander of the northern region, he was responsible for keeping the land safe from Norland aggression, and though he could have remained securely ensconced in Hawksburg, his presence here would have a much more significant effect.
"All set, Captain?" he called out.
"Yes, sir," Captain Carlson replied.
Heward peered back down the line to see Sergeant Gardner keeping an eye at the rear of the column.
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