Defender of the Crown

by Paul J Bennett

  "No," Queen Anna, "they shall be ranked as earls, and it will be five seats."

  "Five?" said Stanton.

  "Yes," said Herdwin, "for we count the Trolls among us, even though none are currently present."

  "Then I hardly see why we should include them," stated Stanton.

  Heward was about to speak, but Chief Urgon stepped forward, drawing everyone's attention. He moved to stand beside Lord Stanton, towering over him.

  "Would you rather let your kingdom die?" he asked. "Better to share your power than be masters of nothing."

  Stanton paled. "This is all well and good," he said, "but their troops still have to march here. How can they possibly arrive in time?"

  Anna walked back to her seat, standing behind it and resting her hands on its back. "Oh, didn't I mention it? They're already here."

  "Here?" said Stanton. "In Wincaster?"

  "Just outside of it, actually," said the queen, "though Urgon's Orcs are mostly in Hawksburg at present."

  "You tricked us," accused Stanton. "Well, it won't work, I shall not submit to blackmail."

  "It's not blackmail," said the queen. "The threat we face is genuine, so much so, in fact, that I must force a vote tonight."

  "You can't," said Stanton, "it needs a two-thirds vote to change the nature of the council, and we haven't enough nobles present."

  "In fact, we do," said Anna. She held out her hand, and Sophie moved closer, handing her some folded letters.

  "I have here," she continued, "a letter from Lord Somerset, the Duke of Kingsford. He agrees to support whatever I feel is necessary to save the kingdom."

  "Still not enough," said Stanton.

  "I also hold the proxy for Lord Matheson, Duke of Wincaster."

  "And I," added Fitz, "am still acting military governor of Shrewesdale in addition to being Baron of Bodden. Who here is in favour of expanding the council?"

  Everyone, save Stanton, raised their hands.

  "That is, I believe, all the votes we need," said the queen.

  Lord Stanton's hatred was palpable as he stared daggers at Anna.

  The queen turned to face her allies. "If you would be so kind as to find a seat, we'll get down to business."

  Urgon sat next to Stanton.

  "You can't sit there," whined the earl, "that's Colbridge's chair."

  "We shall sort out proper seating another time," said the queen. "I believe we have more important matters to discuss at the moment."

  Lily sat to the queen's right, the traditional seat of the Duke of Wincaster, while Herdwin took a chair beside Lady Aubrey. Telethial cast her eyes around the room, finally settling on the spot beside Baron Fitzwilliam.

  "Now, shall we get started?" asked the queen. "Perhaps you'd like to begin, Lord Herdwin."

  "Thank you," said the Dwarf, rising to his feet.

  "Please," said Anna, "there is no need for formality here. You may remain seated if you wish."

  "Very well," he said, planting himself firmly in his chair. "My king sends his regards. He has sent two hundred Dwarven warriors, half of which are archers."

  "Ah, yes," said Fitz, "the famous Dwarven arbalests. They should prove quite useful."

  "And the Elves?" asked the queen.

  Telethial looked around the room, staring directly at each lord seated there before replying.

  "One hundred Elven archers stand ready to fight. They are camped to the southwest alongside our Dwarven allies."

  The queen turned to Lily, a series of strange sounds pouring from her lips. In answer, the Saurian replied in the same language.

  "The Saurians will appear at Uxley," Anna translated.

  "What do you mean, they will appear?" said Stanton.

  "I am not at liberty to discuss the particulars," said the queen, "but suffice it to say they shall be ready to aid us in our time of need."

  "And have we some idea of numbers?" asked Stanton.

  "I am assured there will be a sufficient number," said the queen.

  "We must know more if we are to plan an effective defence," said Lord Spencer.

  "Yes," added Stanton, "and what of Eastwood? Are we to simply surrender the city without a fight?"

  "No," said Chief Urgon. "The Orcs remaining in the Artisan Hills will come to its aid."

  "The plan," said Fitz, "is to slow them down and buy us time to defeat the army that crossed at Wickfield."

  "That's correct," said Anna. "We will deploy our forces at Uxley and make our stand there."

  "That's it?" said Stanton. "Your only plan is to fight at Uxley?"

  "There's more to it," said Anna, "but I will not discuss the details here. Prince Alric will assist Baron Fitzwilliam as they move south from Tewsbury. Lady Hayley will command the Uxley defence as she is familiar with our allies' tactics and can make the best use of their troops."

  "We are doomed," declared Stanton.

  "No," said the queen, "but we are in a perilous position. We cannot split our forces, to do so would invite defeat. Our only option is to concentrate what we have against one opponent at a time. Once the first army is defeated, we can proceed to the second."

  "IF we can defeat them," said Stanton.

  "No," said Anna, "WHEN. I shall not accept anything else."

  "Very well," said Fitz, "Hayley and I will meet with our esteemed allies immediately and begin making preparations."

  "Good," said the queen. "In that case, this council is dismissed. We will reconvene once we have defeated this Norland incursion. Lord Herdwin, if you would be so kind, I should like you to remain. We have things to discuss."

  "Of course, Your Majesty," the Dwarf replied.

  The rest of the council made their way outside, each in discussion with one or more colleagues, while Anna waited until only she and Herdwin remained before speaking again.

  "I must thank you, Herdwin. That was beautifully played."

  "I am pleased you think so, but are you sure such actions were necessary? You seemed to already have the votes, after all."

  "I needed to stress the direness of our situation," Anna said, "and Lord Stanton has been a thorn in my side since I took the throne."

  Herdwin smiled, "I would suggest you have him killed, but I understand you've passed decrees against such things."

  "I have. We are a kingdom of laws now."

  Herdwin looked closely at the queen, reading her face.

  "You're worried," he said. "Don't worry, we'll survive this."

  "No, it's Gerald I'm worried about," she confided. "He's stranded deep in Norland territory. I'm not even sure if he's still alive."

  "He is," said the Dwarf, "don't you worry."

  "How can you be so sure?"

  Herdwin chuckled, "He's too stubborn to let something like an army of Norlanders stop him."

  "I suppose that's true. Still, it would be nice to have word from him."

  "You concentrate on protecting your kingdom," he said. "The last thing you want is for Gerald to return to a conquered Merceria."

  "I suppose you're right," Anna said, "and there's so much work yet to be done."

  "Might I make a suggestion?"

  "Of course, I would welcome it."

  "Chief Urgon is returning to the Artisan Hills through the Uxley gate."

  "I know," Anna replied, "but only Saurians and Orcs can use it safely. I had thought to send soldiers with him, but it would take too long."

  "I have another solution," said the Dwarf. "We can have him deliver a message to Lord Greycloak. If an army is marching down the Eastwood road to Wincaster, it threatens his domain as much as ours. I believe he might be willing to give further aid."

  "An excellent idea."

  "Good," said the Dwarf, "because I already did it."

  "You did?"

  "Yes, I had Telethial draft it, just in case."

  Anna leaned forward, hugging the startled Dwarf.

  "What was that for?" he grumbled.

  "For being you, Herdwin," she replied. She pat
ted her scabbard. "I never told you how useful this sword of yours has been to me over the years."

  "Aye, well, I thought you were Gerald's daughter at the time, I couldn't let that go unrewarded."

  "And so I am," Anna said, straightening her back. "Thank you, you've just restored my faith in myself."

  "I did?" he said. "How did I do that?"

  "You reminded me that Gerald is a father to me and that the acorn doesn't fall far from the tree."

  "Acorn? What in the name of Gundar does that mean?"

  She laughed. "It's an old Human expression, and it means that I sometimes think like Gerald. I'm going to need that to save us from the Norlanders."

  * * *

  Aubrey stared down at the page, her mind absorbed with the details.

  "Any luck?" said Kraloch.

  "It's hard to make sense of this," the Life Mage replied. "It uses techniques I have not yet mastered."

  "Let me see what it is you're reading?"

  "One of my great grandmother's books," Aubrey replied. "She was an accomplished Life Mage, that much is clear, but I never realized just how advanced she was in her studies. This is years ahead of anything I've ever imagined."

  "This spell," the Orc said, looking over her shoulder, "it looks familiar to me."

  "You've dealt with healing the mind?"

  "No, but it is similar to another I have heard of. I learned my trade from the great healer, Shular. She was perhaps the greatest shamaness that our tribe ever produced."

  "Shamaness?" said Aubrey. "I thought the Orcs didn't distinguish between genders."

  "We don't generally, but we have found that our female healers tend to be more powerful. The title pays homage to that."

  "So this Shular, she could heal the mind?"

  "So I believe," said Kraloch. "I remember her helping a young Orc hunter once. The poor fool had been gored by a boar."

  "And his mind was gone? I find that hard to believe."

  "He went down during the struggle and struck his head on a rock. He was lucky to still be alive."

  "I take it," said Aubrey, "that he lost his wits?"

  "He was reduced to little more than grunts. Shular used magic to see into his mind."

  "She could read his thoughts?"

  "No, but she could see the cause of the injury. It enabled her to craft a spell to help him."

  Aubrey turned to look up at the Orc. "Are you saying she invented a new spell?"

  "Yes," said the Orc, "does that surprise you?"

  "I didn't think such a thing was possible."

  "Then, where do you think all our spells came from?" asked Kraloch. "Surely you don't believe the Gods created them?"

  "I suppose I hadn't thought of that," she replied. "And now that I think of it, Albreda's a wild mage. She must have created her own spells, but I'm not sure I even understand what that means."

  "The Orcs have a simple approach to magic," said Kraloch. "We believe that the effects of magic are there to discover. When one creates a spell, what they are really doing is discovering the secret of how that magic can be unlocked."

  "I quite like that idea," said Aubrey.

  "It has served us well in the past."

  "Wait a moment," she said, returning her gaze to the book. "I seem to remember something about looking into the mind, let me see if I can find it." She flipped back through the pages, quickly scanning each as they passed by. "Here it is."

  The page before her had a rough sketch that looked like a series of caves. "I think this is it."

  "The mind is not a cave," said Kraloch, "it is solid, this much we know."

  "Yes," said Aubrey, "but as a Life Mage, we must interpret the magic that we see. Our minds must present information to us in a way that we can understand. I think that's what this is referring to."

  Kraloch leaned forward, scanning the notes. "I think you are correct, I recognize some of these phrases."

  "I'd always assumed that spells were the effect of combining different magical words," said Aubrey. "Is that not true?"

  "Yes and no," said Kraloch. "Most of the spells we use from day to day are quite simple, but you, yourself, have used rituals, and they are far more complicated."

  "Ah, I see now. You're saying this description is a ritual?"

  "Yes, it would appear so."

  "Then it's time we test that theory," Aubrey said.

  "And how do you propose we do that?"

  "I shall attempt this spell. Hopefully, it will cure Revi."

  "You cannot," said Kraloch.

  "Why?" she asked. "Surely you want him healed as much as I?

  "I do," the Orc replied, "but if you go into his mind, how will you know what to look for? You must try this spell on a healthy patient first as a point of reference."

  "I suppose that's true," said Aubrey.

  "And you will need my help."

  "I will?"

  "Yes," said Kraloch, pointing at the text. "If you look here, you'll note that the spell requires the simultaneous use of words of power. The only way to do that is to use two casters."

  "Is that even possible?" she asked.

  "It is called a linked spell," explained Kraloch. "I have never attempted such a feat, but the Ancestors have spoken of it."

  "Do you think the Ancestors can give us guidance?" asked Aubrey.

  "Of course," the Orc replied, "and we might even seek the advice of Shular."

  "When can we start?"

  "Right now, if you wish, though it might be prudent to use the magic circle. It will increase the effectiveness of our spells."

  Aubrey closed the book and rose, tucking it under her arm. "Very well," she said, "let's get to it, shall we?"

  They made their way to the casting circle, halting as they approached the guards that stood watch at the door. Nodding a greeting, Aubrey led Kraloch inside, then moved to the outer perimeter of the circle where the lectern sat.

  "This will prove useful," she said.

  Kraloch lifted the stand, moving it to the centre of the casting area, then waited as Aubrey placed the book onto it.

  "We shall not need the book just yet," said Kraloch, "but let us sit. The calling of the Ancestors can take some time, and if we do manage to contact Shular, she may have much knowledge to impart."

  "Very well," said Aubrey.

  They sat facing each other, crossing their legs on the cold stone floor.

  "Ordinarily, I would simply cast a spell to communicate with the Ancestors," explained Kraloch, "but only I would be able to hear them. To solve that dilemma, we will both start by casting spirit walk," said Kraloch. "Once within the spirit realm, I shall attempt to summon the Ancestors."

  "Attempt?" said Aubrey. "Does it not always work?"

  "Much like the living, Ancestors can be a moody lot," explained the Orc. "They are not compelled to answer the call. It is entirely their choice whether they heed the summons."

  He nodded at Aubrey, and they both began casting. Kraloch finished first, his body slumping forward as his spirit left his flesh. Aubrey followed a moment later, hearing the snap as she fled her mortal form.

  "I am ready," she said, though her voice sounded strangely muted.

  "As am I," said Kraloch.

  He began chanting, a sound that reminded Aubrey of a funeral dirge. It went on and on while the world around them started to fog up until she could barely make out Kraloch's form. She moved closer until she was within an arm's length of the Orc.

  The shaman opened his eyes. "It is done," he said. "Now, we must wait to see who answers the summons."

  Aubrey closed her eyes, counting in her head. She had just reached fifty when the Orc spoke again.

  "Someone comes," he said.

  She opened her eyes and followed his gaze as a figure emerged from the fog.

  "Who has summoned me?" said a voice.

  "It is I, Kraloch, Shaman of the Black Arrow Tribe."

  The figure drew closer, revealing the aged features of a female Orc. />
  "Ah, my old pupil," she said, "it is good to see you again."

  "And you, great shamaness. I have missed your presence."

  "I see age has not taken the flowers from your speech," she said, turning to face Aubrey, "and who is this?"

  "This," said Kraloch, "is the Human, Aubrey Brandon. She is a great Life Mage."

  "Greetings, Human, I am Shular. In life, I was shamaness to the Black Arrow Clan."

  "I am honoured to meet you," said Aubrey. "Master Kraloch has told me much of your power."

  The old Orc turned back to Kraloch, raising her eyebrow. "Has he, now?"

  "Your powers are legendary, oh great one," said Kraloch.

  "Are they indeed?" said Shular. "You flatter me, former pupil, but let us dispense with these unnecessary platitudes. Why have you summoned me, Kraloch?"

  "We need your advice. Our tribe has new allies, and they are in need."

  "I am aware of the Mercerians," said Shular, "they have done much to advance our cause, but tell me, how can I help them?"

  "One of their mages has fallen ill," Kraloch continued, "with a sickness of the mind."

  Shular nodded her head. "I see. So you called me to find out how to cure him?"

  "I did," he replied. "Will you teach us the magic we require?"

  "First, tell me of this Human caster."

  "His name is Revi Bloom," said Aubrey.

  "A name I know," said Shular, "the incomplete Enchanter."

  "Incomplete?"

  "He has not yet found his mastery," said Shular. "His power will only grow stronger."

  "Then he can be cured?" asked Aubrey.

  "Yes, but the effort will be taxing. Are you sure you're ready to learn such things?"

  "I am," said Aubrey.

  "Very well," said Shular, "then let us begin."

  Twenty-Nine

  Revi

  Fall 964 MC

  * * *

  Aubrey watched as Sir Preston lay down on the bed.

  "Are you sure about this?" she asked.

  "If it will help Master Revi," he replied, "I'm all in. It won't hurt, will it?"

  "I can't say for sure, but I doubt it. All we'll be doing is looking inside your mind. You may not feel anything at all."

  The knight took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "You may begin when ready."