Defender of the Crown

by Paul J Bennett

  "Magic circles have a maker's mark," said Albreda. "Is the same true of mirrors like this?"

  "Quite possibly," said Gretchen, "though I doubt that would help, our records from the Continent are woefully inadequate. In any case, once Tyrell gets back, I'll write down the preambles for you. It shouldn't take long to try them."

  "And then?" asked Albreda. "How do we continue?"

  "Once the preamble is complete, the runes will glow briefly. Pay attention to those whose light lingers, they will be the key runes. After that, you simply have to try them in combinations."

  "You make it sound easy," said Albreda.

  "It's still time consuming," said Gretchen, "but the number of possible combinations is greatly reduced. You also have to wait for a time before trying to activate them again."

  "How much time?"

  "It varies," said Gretchen, "but typically, the magic of the runes lingers for a little while, so you have to let it dissipate before you try another combination. Otherwise, it will think it's a continuation of the original sequence."

  "I don't suppose I could convince you to return to Wincaster with me?" said Albreda.

  Gretchen sat back in surprise. "Me? Go to Wincaster?"

  "Why not? Tyrell tells me you've been practising the spell of recall."

  "Why not, indeed," said Gretchen. "You know, I think I just might take you up on that offer, this mirror sounds fascinating. When would we leave?"

  "Not until tomorrow," said Albreda. "I used up most of my power getting here, and I need to rest and recover."

  "Then you're going to need something a little more filling than bread," said Gretchen. "Come on, I'll take you to a nice tavern that's close by. They have a delicious stew they serve about this time of day."

  "Excellent," said Albreda, as she started folding up the drawing, "then let's get going."

  * * *

  Aubrey stood in the middle of the Wincaster circle as Beverly brought Lighting in by the reins. Behind her, two men followed, each leading their own mounts.

  "Are you sure you can do this?" asked Beverly. "We've never taken so many horses before."

  "Three horses along with the riders? I should be able to handle it."

  "And if not?" asked Beverly.

  "Then the spell simply won't work. Don't worry, we don't just disappear or anything. I'll know as soon as I begin the ritual. Once we're through, I'll return and bring the others."

  "Won't that tire you?"

  "It will, but I can rest up at Hawksburg once I'm done."

  "But yesterday, you were tired just taking Aldwin and me."

  "Yes," said Aubrey, "but I'd been casting all day, I didn't have much energy left. Today, I'm well-rested and ready to go. Mind you, I'll likely end up sleeping half the afternoon away, but you'll be on your way with a small escort."

  "Very well," said Beverly, "where do you want us to stand?"

  "Bring the horses closer," said Aubrey, "and make sure they're inside the circle, or they'll be left behind."

  Once they were close enough, Lightning stood calmly, but the other two looked nervous.

  "Cover their eyes," suggested Aubrey. "It will help if they can't see the light when I cast."

  The horsemen did as they were bid, then Aubrey began casting the spell. She raised her arms and closed her eyes as the words of power started issuing from her mouth. One by one, the inlaid magic runes began to glow, and then a cylinder of light rose from the circle, blocking their view of the rest of the chamber. Moments later, it rescinded, revealing the wooden structure of the old Hawksburg manor.

  "All done," said Aubrey.

  The horsemen walked their mounts from the circle and up the ramp that led outside. Lightning, likely sensing that he was near the place of his birth, simply swished his tail and nuzzled into Beverly.

  "You're getting faster at this," said Beverly.

  "Am I?" said Aubrey. "That surprises me. I just assumed it always took the same amount of time to cast."

  "The words seemed to spill out faster," said Beverly.

  "I suppose that's just because I've cast it so many times."

  "How soon till you return?" asked Beverly.

  "I'll come up to the manor and have a light snack, then I'll return to Wincaster. I should have the other riders here before too long. Don't worry, you'll have a dozen riders by morning."

  "A dozen?" said Beverly. "But that's four trips. You'll be dead tired!"

  "Yes, cousin, but then I'll be able to sleep away the rest of tomorrow."

  "Will you be back in time for the wedding?"

  "Of course. Now go and see to your men, their horses are likely feeling a little disoriented."

  "Very well," said Beverly, "but you keep a close eye on your energy levels. I don't need you collapsing out of exhaustion."

  "Don't worry," said Aubrey, "I'll be fine."

  She waited as Beverly led Lighting up the ramp, then followed, deep in thought. As she reached the top, she noticed Kraloch. The old Orc shaman was a constant fixture here at Hawksburg, and he was bearing a small tray as he came towards her.

  "When word came that the circle was lit, I knew it would be you. Here, I have brought you some food."

  "Thank you, Kraloch," she said, picking a strawberry from the tray.

  "I take it, you have news?" asked Kraloch.

  "Yes," said Aubrey. "Beverly is riding to Wickfield in the morning, along with an escort."

  "So Queen Anna has agreed to meet with the Norlanders?"

  "She has," said Aubrey, "but we brought your concerns to her, and I can assure you that she hasn't forgotten the Orcs."

  "Thank you," said Kraloch, "that couldn't have been easy."

  "Truthfully, it was very easy," said Aubrey. "It's never been a problem talking to the queen."

  "That is because she is your friend," said Kraloch.

  "So are you," said Aubrey. "Speaking of which, how would you like to learn the spell of recall?"

  “Right now?” he said. “You surprise me.”

  "I have an ulterior motive," she said. "With you helping, I can transport the other riders much quicker."

  "Very well," he said, "where shall we begin?"

  "First, I will finish eating this," she said, taking the tray from his hands. "Then, I will show you how to commit the Hawksburg circle to memory."

  Six

  The Royal Wedding

  Summer 964 MC

  * * *

  Gerald walked down the corridor, a spring in his step, while Tempus padded along beside him. He paused at the double doors as one of the guards standing there knocked on his behalf. The door opened to reveal Sophie smiling at the sight of the old warrior.

  "Is the bride ready?" asked Gerald.

  "Almost," said Sophie, "I just have to adjust her hair."

  "Why," said Gerald, "I thought it was all done?"

  "It's the crown, it won't sit properly."

  "It's my fault," called out Anna. "I forgot all about the silly thing."

  "You'd best come in," said Sophie, opening the door the rest of the way.

  Anna sat on a low-backed chair, looking radiant in her formal wedding dress. The warrior's crown, however, was balanced precariously upon her head at an unusual angle.

  "It seems the Kings of Merceria all had big heads," said Anna, trying to straighten it yet again.

  Gerald moved closer, walking around her to examine the problem in more detail.

  "I don't suppose you could do without it?" he enquired.

  "No," said Anna, "not with King Leofric and Queen Igraine in attendance. How would it look?"

  "You'll have to change your hair, then," he decided. "Maybe, instead of piling it all up, you could somehow wrap it around the top of your head, then the crown could sit upon that?"

  "Could you do that, Sophie?" asked Anna.

  "Let's see, shall we," said the maid. She began undoing the ornate hair, carefully removing the metal pins.

  "What are those?" asked Gerald.
r />   Sophie held one up, "These? They're hairpins. We use them to hold the hair in place. Have you never seen one before?"

  "Why would I have ever seen them?" he responded.

  "He has a point," said Anna. "It's not as if he would have used them himself."

  "Yes," agreed Gerald, "and my wife would just braid her hair."

  "What was she like?" wondered Anna.

  "She was wonderful," said Gerald. "You would have liked Meredith. She was so full of life."

  Anna turned to Sophie, "She saved his life, you know."

  "I sense a story here," said Sophie as she combed out Anna's hair.

  "It's not much of a story," said Gerald, blushing. "She jumped on the back of a raider to save me."

  "After Gerald attacked the man with a knife," added Anna.

  "Well, he is a warrior," said Sophie, intent on her job.

  "Yes," said Anna, "but he was only thirteen at the time, weren't you, Gerald?"

  "That's true." He watched as Sophie laid down the brush, then handed him the crown and began rearranging Anna's hair.

  He felt the iron in his hands, noting the dents and scratches that had accumulated over the years. It truly was a warrior's crown and had been worn in numerous battles.

  "It really is quite heavy," he said.

  "Even more so when it's been in place for some time," said Anna. "I swear I must be shorter after wearing it for official ceremonies."

  "You should have a new one made," he said.

  "A new one?" said Anna.

  "Yes, there's no reason why you can't have more than one crown. This could be used for coronations, but why not make a smaller one for other occasions? Something lighter, perhaps."

  "That's an excellent idea," said Anna, "though I think it'll be some time before we can afford it."

  "I thought the treasury was doing well?" he said.

  "'Well' is a relative term," she said. "We're no longer spending more than what's coming in, but there's not much in reserve. Thankfully, trade will increase now that the river's been cleared by the Trolls, but we likely won't see any of that till next year."

  "At least we have peace," said Gerald.

  A knock on the door interrupted them.

  "Who is it?" called out Anna.

  "The Master of Heralds," came the reply.

  "I'll get it," said Gerald as he strode to the door, opening it to see the man standing before him.

  "Something wrong?" asked Gerald.

  "I was just about to ask the same thing," said the Herald. "The ceremony is waiting on the queen."

  Gerald glanced back at Sophie, who, just finishing pinning Anna's hair in place, looked at him expectantly. He wondered what was wrong.

  "The crown?" said Sophie.

  "Oh, yes," said Gerald. He stepped closer, handing it back to the maid, who placed it firmly upon Anna's head.

  "There we go," she announced, "all done, Your Majesty."

  Anna rose, looking very regal.

  "Please inform the Master of Heralds that we are ready," said the queen.

  Gerald turned to address the man, but he nodded his understanding and was already striding down the hall to announce his news.

  "Shall we begin?" asked Anna.

  Gerald took his position to her right, holding out his arm for her to place her hand upon. Sophie held the door open, while the great mastiff watched intently.

  "Come along, Sophie," said Anna. "You too, Tempus."

  Gerald led her out into the hallway, while Tempus and Sophie followed. The guards at the door stood to attention as she passed, but Anna's eyes were on the distant corridor that led to the great hall.

  The ceremony, of course, would be held in Wincaster's Cathedral, but the wedding party would assemble at the Palace first. The doors opened at their approach, revealing a small group of people. By tradition, the bride's family would have been present, but Anna, having no blood relatives remaining in Merceria, had opted to have her friends stand-in.

  Lady Aubrey Brandon was the first to greet her, bowing respectfully. "Your Majesty," she said, "you look quite lovely."

  "Thank you, Aubrey," said Anna. "It feels so good to have you here. I'm sorry Beverly couldn't be here as well, but events in the north needed her attention."

  "Understandable," said Aubrey, "but Aldwin is here, along with Lord Richard."

  "And Hayley?" asked Anna.

  "Outside with the escort," said Aubrey. "We had to make a few minor adjustments for Beverly's absence."

  Lord Richard bowed gracefully, extending his leg in the old-fashioned way. "Your Majesty," he said, "our best wishes to you this day."

  "Thank you, Baron," said Anna. "Has Albreda returned from Summersgate?"

  "She has," said Fitz, "but not, I fear, in time to greet you this morning. Rest assured, though, she will join us at the Cathedral."

  Anna moved further into the room where the grey-eyed young man looked out of place.

  "Lord Aldwin," said Anna, "I'm sorry Beverly couldn't be here. I trust you're well?"

  "I am, Your Majesty," said the smith, "though I'm still not sure why I'm here."

  "You're Beverly's husband," said the queen, "and as such, I consider you family. Don't look so worried, I shan't expect you to give a speech."

  Aldwin looked relieved, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

  "Where is Lord Arnim?" Anna called out.

  "Here, Majesty," came the knight's voice. He approached, leading his wife, Lady Nicole.

  "How are the twins?" asked the queen.

  "They are both doing well," said Nicole. "Thank you for asking."

  "I hear there was an incident at the birth," said Gerald.

  "Oh," said Anna, "do tell."

  Arnim blushed, "It was nothing, Majesty."

  "That's not what I heard," said Gerald.

  Anna turned to Nicole. "Would you care to explain, Nikki?"

  Lady Nicole beamed, "It seems my husband, fearless warrior that he is, took the birth of twins in a very unexpected way."

  "What way is that?" asked Anna.

  "He fainted!" she replied.

  Anna laughed while Lord Arnim turned beet red. "It was the shock," he mumbled.

  "And so," said Gerald, "instead of a son, you have both a son and daughter!"

  "You look very happy," Anna said to Nikki.

  "It's what I've always wanted," said Nicole, "but today is about you, Majesty, not us and our children."

  "So it is," said Gerald, "and we need to keep moving if we're to make it to the Cathedral in time."

  "Nonsense," said Anna, "it's not as if they can have the ceremony without me."

  "Might I remind you that Alric is also waiting?"

  Anna paused for a moment. "So he is," she finally said. "Very well, let us be on our way."

  Gerald nodded to the Master of Heralds, who stood nearby. At his command, horns sounded announcing Queen Anna was soon to exit the Palace. Guards opened the doors to the great hall, and they walked out into the courtyard where the carriages waited.

  Anna climbed into the most ornate of these, Tempus jumping up to sit at her feet. Gerald helped Sophie in, then climbed up to sit opposite Anna.

  "Well," he said, a tear coming to his eyes, "here we are. Who would have thought, all those years ago, that we'd end up here?"

  She leaned forward, grasping his hand. "We got here together, Gerald. I couldn't have done it without you."

  "I shall miss you," he said.

  "Miss me? I'm not going anywhere," she said. "Nor are you. You'll still be living at the Palace, and I'm just next door."

  "Yes," he said, "but you'll be married. I doubt you'll have time for me."

  "Nonsense," she said, "and besides, once Alric and I are finally married, we'll have children, and they'll need their grandfather."

  Gerald could feel the emotions welling within him, and, conscious of those around them, he coughed to hide his embarrassment.

  "I'm so proud of you," he said at last.

  "As
I am of you," she said. "As I said before, I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you."

  She sat back as the carriage began moving.

  "I wonder if Alric is as nervous as I am?" said Anna.

  "Likely," offered Gerald.

  They rolled out of the courtyard, past the iron gates that stood open. A formation of horsemen waited beyond, Hayley at their head. The high ranger gave the command, and the riders started moving, clearing the way for the Royal Procession to follow.

  "How odd to see Hayley wearing knightly armour," said Gerald. "I still think of her as a ranger."

  "And so she is," said Anna, "but she's also a Knight of the Hound."

  "Yes," said Gerald, "and she was only the second person to be inducted. It seems like a lifetime ago."

  "It does, doesn't it," said Anna.

  Cheering erupted from the gathered crowd as they made their way south. Gerald couldn't help but smile, for the people of Wincaster loved their queen. He saw the waving flags, the red bar over the green, and a thought came to him.

  "We're still flying the rebel flag," he said.

  "Yes," said Anna, "but it's our flag now."

  "But red signifies rebellion."

  "Yes, it does, and it shall always serve to remind us of the terrible cost of lives we paid to restore the kingdom. I intend to keep the flag as it is."

  He smiled, "No wonder the people love you."

  "Yes," she replied, "but as many have said before, the people can be fickle. I'm popular now, but I must keep their interests close to my heart or I might lose their loyalty forever."

  "You'll do right by them," said Gerald.

  "I'll certainly try," she agreed, "and with people like you beside me, I know we can make a difference in their lives."

  Distant horns sounded, announcing that Alric and his procession were about to leave the Weldwyn Embassy.

  "Shouldn't be much farther now," said Gerald.

  Anna peered behind them, but the procession of carriages following hid any view of her soon to be husband.

  "I think every carriage in Wincaster is here," she said.

  "Yes, and why not? It's not every day that someone gets to ride in a Royal Procession like this."