Defender of the Crown

by Paul J Bennett

  "We shall see," said Lord Wilfrid. "After all, I'm here at the behest of my king. I shouldn't like to detract from that duty."

  Beverly led them upstairs. "We are now at the second-floor guest suites. This entire section has been allocated to you and your people. These guards will be here night and day, and can summon servants when needed."

  The knight opened the door, revealing the opulent room beyond. "I hope you find the rooms to your satisfaction, my lord," said Beverly. "I shall send word when the queen is ready to receive you."

  "Most generous of you," said Lord Wilfrid. "In the meantime, do you think some food might be arranged?"

  "I shall have the kitchen send something up," she replied.

  The Norlanders entered the room, closing the door behind them.

  Beverly turned to the guards. "Sir Preston is the official point of contact," she said. "Send word to him of any requests they make. The only other people you are to answer to are me, Marshal Matheson or the queen. Is that clear?"

  "Yes, Commander," replied the guards.

  "Now, I'm off to see the queen. I'll send Sir Preston when she's ready."

  * * *

  Anna sat behind her desk, poring over reports from her couriers while Gerald sat in a sturdy, well-padded chair, looking over a ledger of some sort. She looked up from her work to see Gerald squinting at the pages before him.

  "Something wrong?"

  "I seem to be having trouble reading this," he said. "I'm afraid my eyes aren't what they used to be."

  "Time for another treatment," she said. "I'll have to get Aubrey to cast regeneration on you. How have your legs been? I noticed you had trouble at the wedding."

  "I'm just old, Anna," he stated.

  "So you are," she agreed, "but there's no reason you have to put up with all these troubles. Aubrey's magic can cure you, remember?"

  "I feel so guilty," said Gerald. "Surely there are others that need it more?"

  "I'm the one that should feel guilty," said Anna. "I want you around for years to come."

  "You have other things to worry about than me," said Gerald, "like your new husband. Where is he, by the way?"

  "He's visiting with his father," said Anna.

  "I still think you and he should get away for a few days. Why don't you go to Uxley?"

  "We will," she replied, "but I have to meet with the Norland delegation first. Once I've dealt with them, we'll take a nice trip to Uxley, I promise."

  "Good," he said, "then I can get some work done instead of spending all my time with you."

  "You won't get out of it that easily," she said.

  "What do you mean?"

  "You're coming with us to Uxley."

  "Why would I go there?" he said. "I'm the marshal, and I have duties here."

  "First of all, you're my family, and I know how much you like Mrs. Brown's cooking."

  "Well," he admitted, "she does make a very nice Mercerian Pudding."

  "Then it's settled," she said. "Don't worry, we'll take one of the mages with us so we can return to Wincaster quickly once we're done. Eventually, I'd like to put a magic circle there, but I'm afraid other cities must take priority."

  "Remind me, how many circles do we have at present?" asked Gerald.

  "Four, if we include the two in the Whitewood. The Hawksburg circle is quite old. Aubrey thinks it was made in the time of her great grandmother, though it may be even older."

  "So which circle is to be built next?"

  "I was thinking Kingsford," she replied. "It would allow lesser mages to make the trip to Summersgate in two stages."

  "Lesser mages?"

  "Yes," said Anna, "those with less power."

  "We only have four mages, Anna."

  "For now, but we must plan for the future."

  "Speaking of the future, what's happening in the search for Revi?"

  "Albreda has returned from Summersgate," she replied.

  "And?"

  "She brought back a Weldwyn mage, an Enchantress named Gretchen Harwell. She has some ideas on how we might proceed."

  "Interesting," said Gerald.

  "Yes, by allowing the Weldwyn mages to have access, we've more than doubled the number we can call upon for assistance. I've given them permission to learn the circle in Wincaster."

  "It only makes sense," said Gerald, "but I'm worried that now too many people might have access."

  "I've already considered that," said Anna. "King Leofric and I met only this morning concerning that very thing. He and I agreed that we should both have approval on who is allowed time to study each circle. In that way, we can limit who has access to them."

  "I see you've been busy," he said.

  "Yes," she replied, "in fact, I've already granted permission for two of them."

  "Anyone I might know?"

  "You remember Roxanne Fortuna," she said, "she was the Life Mage that healed me when I was attacked."

  "I remember," said Gerald. "I think I lost ten years that day, worrying over you. Who's the other?"

  "Aegryth Malthunen, she's an Earth Mage. Albreda said she was instrumental in researching how to create the magic circle in Wincaster."

  "I suppose we'll also have to add this Enchantress to the list," he said.

  "Yes," she said, "assuming she's willing to abide by our rules, of course. Oh, did I mention that Kraloch can now use the spell of recall?"

  "That makes three," said Gerald. "What about Kiren-Jool and Aldus Hearn?"

  "They're on the list, but they've been kept busy trying to find Revi."

  "Let's hope this Weldwyn Enchantress can be of help," said Gerald.

  He set his ledger down, then reached across to the edge of the desk where a tankard sat. He lifted it, only to find it empty.

  "Shall I send for some more?" said Anna.

  "No, that's all right," he said, "I'll go and get some. How about you, do you want some more cider?"

  "I have plenty," she said, "though maybe Tempus might like to stretch his legs."

  Gerald looked at the great mastiff. "What do you think?"

  In answer, Tempus let out a bark and wagged his tail.

  Anna laughed, "There's your answer."

  Gerald rose, letting out a grunt as his muscles complained.

  "And while you're at it," she said, "find Aubrey and get her to cast a regeneration spell, that's an order! I can't have my marshal grunting and groaning all over the Palace."

  With an exaggerated bow, he acquiesced, "Your wish is my command, Your Majesty."

  * * *

  Gerald wandered into the Palace kitchen, where the staff were hard at work.

  "Can I get you something, Your Grace?" asked one of the cooks.

  "Some cider, if you'd be so kind, Linette."

  She refilled his tankard as Gerald took in the view. Food was cooking in preparation for a great feast to welcome the Norlanders, and the smell made his stomach growl. He looked down at Tempus, who was licking his lips in appreciation.

  Linette returned the tankard. "Here you are, Your Grace," she said.

  "Thank you," he replied. "Tell me, is all this for the feast?"

  She looked across the kitchen to where dozens of people were preparing food. "Yes," she replied, "would you like a sampling?"

  "I'd be lying if I said no, but I don't want to detract from the preparations."

  "It's no bother," she replied. "Hold on, and I'll scrounge you up something."

  Gerald turned his attention back to Tempus, petting the gentle creature's head. In reply, the mastiff turned to him, licking his hand. Moments later, Linette presented him with a plate full of tasty morsels.

  "All this for me?" he said in surprise.

  She briefly looked at Tempus, who wagged his tail. "Well, for the both of you," she said, "unless you want some more for the queen?"

  "I don't think she's hungry just yet," he said. "She had a late breakfast. Has anyone seen Lady Aubrey of late?"

  He looked around, but everyone was sh
aking their heads.

  "Well," said Gerald, "I'd best be off then, thank you for the food."

  "You're quite welcome, Your Grace," said Linette.

  Gerald wandered back into the hallway, tankard in one hand, plate in the other. He was looking for a room to sit and eat when he spotted a familiar face.

  "Kraloch," he called out, using the Orcish tongue.

  "Marshal," replied the Orc, "I didn't expect to see you wandering about the place."

  In answer, Gerald looked at his plate. "Care for some food?" he asked, switching back to the common tongue.

  The Orc slowed as he approached, looking over the plate.

  "What have you there?"

  "An assortment from the kitchen," Gerald explained.

  Kraloch chose a piece of cheese, taking a bite.

  "This is very good," said the Orc. "Nothing like the cheese that we have back home in the Artisan Hills, though."

  "It's a Stilldale," said Gerald, "one of my favourites."

  The Orc laughed, a low resounding rumble that Gerald recognized. "I hear every cheese is your favourite."

  "True enough," said Gerald, "though I prefer sausages."

  He set the plate down on a nearby table, freeing up his arm to select a piece for himself. "You haven't seen Lady Aubrey by any chance?"

  "Not this morning," said Kraloch. "Why, do you need her for something?"

  "I'm supposed to have her cast regeneration on me," he said.

  "I can do that," said Kraloch, "or did you forget how I regenerated your teeth during the dark time?"

  "Dark time?"

  "Yes, when you were fugitives of the crown," said the Orc.

  "Ah, yes, of course," said Gerald. "I could hardly forget that."

  "Let us finish this repast," said the Orc, "and then I shall cast the spell."

  "An excellent idea," said Gerald.

  Two guards marched down the hall. Gerald half expected them to halt before him, so used to being the marshal was he, but they simply shifted their gait to try and get past.

  "I'm sorry," said Gerald, "I suppose we're blocking the hallway."

  "Not at all, Your Grace," said one of the guards.

  Gerald moved to the side, allowing them to pass.

  "Should we adjourn to another room?" suggested Kraloch.

  "Good idea," said Gerald, searching the hallway for some sign of an empty room.

  It was Tempus that found what they were looking for. He sat before a door, his tail wagging. Gerald moved closer to the mastiff while Kraloch grabbed the plate and followed. No sooner had he reached the faithful hound than the door opened, revealing a surprised Jack Marlowe.

  "My lord," said the cavalier, "were you looking for me?"

  "No," said Gerald, "Kraloch and I were simply looking for somewhere to eat and chat."

  "Come in, Gerald," called out Prince Alric.

  Gerald peered past Jack to see the young prince sitting at a table, a platter of food before him.

  "I don't want to interrupt," said Gerald.

  "Nonsense," said Alric. "Show them in, Jack."

  The cavalier stood to the side, bidding them enter. Gerald took a seat, with Kraloch taking up the one opposite.

  "Your Highness," said Gerald, "I don't think you've met Kraloch, have you?"

  "No," said Alric, "though I've heard of him, of course. Welcome, Kraloch. I'm Prince Alric of Weldwyn."

  "Of Merceria," corrected Jack.

  "Ah, yes," the prince agreed, "I suppose I'll have to get used to that now."

  "Greetings, Your Highness," said Kraloch. "It is an honour to meet you."

  "You speak our language quite well," said Alric. "Much more so that I would have thought."

  "Our tribe lives in the hills near Eastwood," said Kraloch. "We have traded with Humans for generations."

  "Interesting," said Alric. "The Orcs in Weldwyn have little contact with us."

  "There has always been some animosity between our races in the Western Realm," explained Kraloch.

  "I'm sorry to hear that," said Alric.

  Kraloch shrugged, a very Human habit. "It is often so between Humans and Orcs."

  "And yet you get along with us in Merceria?" said Gerald.

  "We do now," said the shaman, "but it was not always so. Even on the Continent, we are perceived as wild savages by most."

  "People often fear what they don't understand," said Alric.

  "Anna doesn't," said Gerald, "it's what sets her apart. When we first learned of the Orcs in the Greatwood, she wanted to meet them. It was the whole point of us visiting Norwatch all those years ago."

  "The Greatwood?" said Kraloch.

  "Yes," said Alric, "it's what you call the Netherwood."

  "A much more interesting name," offered Jack, "don't you think?"

  "I'd have to agree with you there," said Alric. "So tell me, Kraloch, how do you find working with the Mercerians?"

  The Orc took another piece of cheese, staring at it a moment as he composed his thoughts.

  "I think it has been beneficial to both our races," he said, then popped the morsel into his mouth.

  Alric chuckled, "That's a very tactful answer. Are you a diplomat?"

  "I am a shaman," said Kraloch, "and we represent the collective wisdom of our race."

  "The Orcs can talk to their ancestors," explained Gerald.

  "Surely not?" said Jack.

  "It's true," said Kraloch, "we are masters of Spirit Magic."

  "Spirit Magic?" said Alric. "I don't think I've ever heard of it."

  "It's a specialized form of Life Magic," said Gerald, "or at least that's what Aubrey told me."

  "Fascinating," said Alric. "I'd love to learn more, but I'm afraid my other duties will be keeping me busy for a few days, at least."

  "What duties are those?" asked Gerald.

  "I'm accompanying my father as he makes his way around all these functions. That reminds me, will the guard be ready for inspection this afternoon? I thought, with Beverly away, that we might have to put it off."

  "She's back," said Gerald. "Didn't anyone tell you?"

  "No," said Alric. "I take it she arrived with the Norland delegation?"

  "She did."

  Alric stabbed down with his fork, attempting to skewer a piece of bacon. It crumbled beneath his attempt, eliciting a sigh of frustration from the young prince.

  "You're supposed to eat it with your fingers," said Gerald.

  "You Mercerians, always overcooking your bacon," noted Jack.

  Gerald laughed, "And in Weldwyn, you always undercook yours. I suppose that's what makes things so interesting."

  "What does? Bacon?" asked Jack.

  "No," said Gerald, "a lot of our culture is the same, but little things, like bacon, illustrate how different we can still be."

  Alric smiled, "You're becoming quite the philosopher, Gerald."

  "You know," said Gerald, "if you want your bacon undercooked, you have only to mention it to the staff."

  "I'm a Prince of Merceria now," said Alric, "I should learn to appreciate your food."

  "If you must, my prince," said Jack, "but I'll stick to traditional Weldwyn cooking."

  "Have you no sense of adventure, Jack?" asked Alric.

  "I'm always up for excitement," the cavalier responded, "just not in my food."

  Alric returned his attention to their visitors. "What kind of food do you like, Master Kraloch?"

  "We eat much as you do," said Kraloch, "though I find your use of metal instruments quite strange."

  "Metal instruments?" said Jack.

  "He means your fork," explained Gerald. "Orcs tend to use knives when eating."

  "And here I thought they ate raw meat," said Jack.

  "No," said Gerald, "as Kraloch said, they eat similarly to us. They even use plates, though maybe wooden platters might be a better description."

  "You seem to be quite knowledgeable about the subject," said Alric.

  "I led the army during the rebel
lion," said Gerald. "I'd often sit with my troops as they ate, including the Orcs."

  "So of all the races," said Jack, "who has the strangest sense of taste?"

  "I'd have to say the Elves," responded Gerald. "When they're on the march, they eat these very strange wafers."

  "Wafers?" said Jack. "I'm not sure I understand."

  "They're like very dry biscuits. They're filling, but they always leave me thirsty."

  "And the best?" pressed the cavalier.

  "The Orcs," Gerald replied, "on account of the generous helpings."

  "We are physically larger," added Kraloch, "and thus need to consume more than Humans."

  Alric put down his fork and emptied his tankard, tipping the golden-hued wine down his throat.

  "Well," he said at last, "as much as I'd like to sit and chat, I have to meet with my father."

  He rose, leading Jack to do the same.

  Gerald stood, bowing slightly, "Your Highness."

  "Please," said Alric, "call me Alric in private. After all, we're family now."

  "Of course, Your Majesty," said Gerald with a grin.

  * * *

  The throne of Merceria most often resided within the great hall, but with a banquet being prepared, it had been moved to one of the smaller rooms. Here Anna sat, waiting for the arrival of the Norland visitors.

  She looked at Beverly, who stood nearby. "Did you learn anything of use during the trip?"

  "I'm afraid not," replied the knight. "Lord Wilfrid was not the most verbose individual."

  "He's being careful," said Anna, "and doesn't want to give anything away. I shall have to watch him closely."

  "You really think they want peace?" asked Beverly.

  "Even if the chances are slim, it's still worth pursuing."

  "Sir Preston should have them here shortly," said Beverly, "he's very punctual."

  "He's made an excellent addition to the Knights of the Hound," said Anna. "We need more like him."

  "I'll keep my eyes open," said Beverly, "but men like that are few and far between."

  "I think my knights must be the smallest order in the known world," said the queen.

  "For now," said Beverly, "but their quality makes up for the quantity, and we still have the Knights of the Sword."

  The door opened, and Gerald peered in. "Are they here yet?"