Patrice says, “You did well, my brave company.”
The men cheer.
Falstaff comes over and looks at the wolf Patrice is standing on. He says, “Your Grace, that beast is a monster.”
Patrice says, “I want the fur of this one. It will make a fine cloak to taunt Maslak with.”
Falstaff looks confused.
Patrice says, “This one was demon possessed and the pack leader.”
Falstaff just nods.
Patrice says, “We should take all the wolves’ fur. They are badges of honor for my knights. Are there any injuries? Was anyone bitten?”
Falstaff asks the knights. Patrice listens. It seems the knights have suffered bruises and strained muscles, but no bites. One of the squires has been killed.
Patrice looks inside the carriage and asks Angela, “Are you all right?”
Angela says, “I am, Your Grace. I think I now want to live.”
Patrice responds, “Good.”
It is late evening when Patrice and her knights ride into the castle courtyard. Servants and squires came to help with the horses. Patrice dismounts. She is sore and stiff so she holds her side. She has exercised substantial fortitude to keep going. Now she needs rest. She knows she has reached her limit, perhaps even gone past it.
Dunnel comes to meet her and gives a head bow, “Your Grace, welcome back.”
Patrice smiles at him before walking toward the building. She says, “I’m tired from the journey. Have a bath drawn and after I will take food in my apartment. Baroness Angela will be staying with us and she is in your care. Put her in the room that I previously occupied. There are wolf furs on the top of the carriage. Have them tanned.”
“I will see it is done, ma’am.”
When Patrice gets to her apartment, which had been formerly the duke’s, she finds Alston and another soldier standing guard. They both give a head bow.
Patrice smiles and says, “Good evening.”
Alston says, “And to you, Your Grace.”
Patrice enters to find the apartment is clean, organized, and very presentable. Betsa is waiting for her.
Betsa curtsies, “You look tired, Your Grace.”
“I am exhausted. The servants will be bringing hot water for me to bathe. Dinner will be brought in. I need to rest.”
That night Patrice sleeps peacefully and wakes in midmorning. Patrice realizes that she had pushed her body to its limits. She sits up and feels a twinge of pain in her side. The wound still hurts. Patrice knows the underlying muscle as well as the skin needs time to heal. She swings her legs off the bed, gets up, and calls for Betsa to help her get ready for the day.
Patrice is finished eating her first meal of the day in the small family dining room and sipping tea when Dunnel enters and bows. He says, “Your Grace.”
Patrice asks gently, “What is it, Dunnel?”
“Ma’am, the male servants who served the duke need to be replaced with female servants. If you permit, I will find other work for the men and arrange for two women assistants to serve you.”
Patrice says, “Do find work for the men. Betsa will continue to serve me. She could use two helpers.”
“I will see to it, ma’am.”
Patrice said, “Good.”
That night, Patrice spends time alone in the dark of her bed chamber. Betsa is in her room adjacent to the duchess’s apartment. She is no longer afraid of Patrice’s practices, but the new women are. Betsa says to them, “Pay no attention. She is no threat to us or we would already be dead.”
The two new servant women, Avan and Vera, look afraid. It is Vera who voices the opinion, “Still, her murmurs stir me to fear.”
Avan says, “The rumors that she is a witch are true.”
Betsa cautions, “You’d best keep those thoughts to yourselves and anything else you hear here. Your life here will be better than otherwise.”
The women say, “Yes, Lady Betsa.”
Betsa does not correct them.
After two days of rest, Patrice and her knights are travelling again. They journey all day and as dusk starts to fall they arrived at Brightside. The company stops in front of the local inn. The sign over the door is in the shape of a bear announcing they are at Bear’s Head Inn.
Falstaff orders, “Sir Kresmer, go see if this place is fit for the duchess.”
Kresmer says, “Yes, My Lord.” He dismounts and goes in. He comes out a few minutes later and says, “It is a pigpen and not fit for man or beast.”
Patrice says, “We will set up camp on the outskirts of town near the river.”
Kresmer mounts and the company moves on. They find a defensible place near the river and set up camp. Patrice stretches her legs while the squires go about setting up camp. Patrice finds a rock to sit on and watches, lost in thought. She is tired and dozes off while sitting upright. She has a dream-vision and wakes with a start. She stands and goes to Falstaff.
Falstaff asks, “What is it, ma’am?”
Patrice says, “We will be attacked tonight. There is no need to put up my tent. It is a clear night and we will sleep in the open. Tell the men to leave the bear to me.”
Falstaff said, “Bear?”
“Yes.”
Falstaff knows there are no bears hereabout. He has lived here all his life and never seen such a thing. Still, he goes about telling the men to be prepared for an attack. He orders half the company to stand guard in shadows, half to sleep in their armor, and everyone to keep their weapons close. He also tells them to leave the bear for the duchess. The men don’t question the orders. They remember the attack by wolves.
The company eats and a one at a time half slip into the shadows while the other half retire near the fires. All sleep in the open, including Patrice. She wakes with a start and slips out of her bed roll. The fires have burned down and it is a very dark night. Patrice moves through the shadows and wakes Falstaff.
She says, “It is time.”
Falstaff does not say anything. He goes about quietly rousing the sleeping knights. Falstaff goes to a sentry and finds him asleep. Falstaff has a difficult time waking him. When the man is awake, Falstaff has the man stand and goes to another sentry post. It turns out all those standing guard have fallen asleep. Falstaff is able to wake them all before the attack comes.
The attackers come out of the dark at a dead run. Patrice is standing in the shadows. She draws her bow and aims. Her arrow flies true and straight to the target. The man wearing the bearskin with the head over his own falls to his knees. The attack falters. Patrice drops her bow and draws her sword. She runs from the shadows and lets out a piercing scream as she drives her sword into the man on his knees. The man starts to turn into a foul smelling green mist that reeks like sulfur and sewer gas. Patrice covers her nose as the gas floats into the air leaving the bearskin and the clothes behind.
Patrice yells, “Kill them all! Let none escape.”
The company goes about the deadly work while Patrice stands in the middle watching them. No longer protected by their demon leader, the attackers fall like wheat to the scythe. None of the attackers escape. It takes only minutes.
Patrice cleans the gooey mess off her sword on the garments of one of the fallen attackers. She then sheaths the sword and goes to retrieve her bow.
Falstaff comes to Patrice, “Your Grace, what was that about?”
Patrice says, “Revenge. Maslak sent them.”
Falstaff says, “Will he keep sending creatures against us.”
Patrice looks at Falstaff, “Each time we fend off an attack, he loses power. The more this goes on the weaker he gets.”
Falstaff asks, “What do we do with the bodies?”
“Hang them from the trees as a warning to others. We take the bearskin with us.”
The company packs up and heads back to the town. Patrice reins in her horse in front of the inn. She says, “I will go in with two of the knights.”
Falstaff turns in the saddle and gives orders. Two kni
ghts dismount as Patrice gets off her horse and retrieves the bearskin. Patrice goes to the inn door and says to the two knights, “Force the door open.”
One kicks the door until it gives way.
Patrice says to the knights, “Stay by the door and guard my back.” She goes in. The innkeeper is waiting. Patrice throws the bearskin in front of the innkeeper. His eyes turn red and Patrice draws her sword and walks toward him. The man backs up until he is against the wall. Patrice puts her sword edge against his throat.
Patrice asks, “What is your name?” She says something in a foreign tongue that the knights do not understand.
The innkeeper says in a voice that reverberates and sounds like three voices speaking in unison, “We are three.”
Patrice says, “Be gone from this realm or you will be cast out. You will have to share this body with many others when you come back.”
One of the demons possessing the man asks in a loud voice, “Who are you to command us?”
Patrice turns her blade sideways against the innkeeper’s throat and gets in his face ignoring the horrible smell of his breath. She says something in a foreign language. The knights cannot hear what Patrice says, but they see the demon possessed man look on in apparent surprise.
Patrice says, “Choose.”
The man’s eyes change from red to brown. He flees from the inn. Patrice turns to the knights, “Make sure everyone is out and burn the place to the ground.”
Patrice goes out and mounts her horse.
Later that day, Patrice visits another barony. She talks to the common folk before going to the manor where she is welcomed. Things in this barony seem to be in order. Patrice and her knights stay overnight before returning to her castle.
Chapter 10
It takes four months for Patrice to put the duchy in order. Her knights have come to respect and fear her. They have seen too much of the supernatural not to be a little afraid of Patrice. Most even love her for who she is, though the fear of her is always in the background.
Falstaff, at Patrice’s order, is and has been recruiting, training, and equipping new soldiers. Dunnel is expanding the spy network, for unlike the previous duke, Patrice places a higher priority on information gathering.
It is an unexpected visit. Patrice is surprised when Falstaff brings the news. He comes rushing into the room with Dunnel and they both bow.
Falstaff says “Your Grace, a royal column approaches. Scouts report they are only two hours away.”
Patrice nods and says, “Falstaff, make ready to give an appropriate welcome. Dunnel, have my personal things moved out of my apartment. Order a banquet prepared.”
Dunnel replies, “Yes, ma’am,” and he rushes out.
Patrice notices that Falstaff lingers. She asks, “What is it?”
“It is the queen coming.”
Patrice says, “Go prepare an honor guard.”
Falstaff gives a head bow and leaves to carry out the order.
Patrice is waiting the courtyard when the queen lights from her carriage. The queen comes toward Patrice and Patrice curtsies deeply saying, “Welcome, Majesty.”
The queen says, “You may rise.”
Patrice looks up as she rises.
The queen looks Patrice over and says, “I can see why my husband finds you attractive.”
Patrice does not say anything. She sees the queen’s children getting out of a carriage.
The queen speaks, “We must talk in private. Lead the way.”
Patrice says, “Yes, Majesty.”
Patrice notes that Dunnel is assisting with the moving of the queen’s baggage. She leads the queen to her small library. Patrice waits for the queen to sit.
The queen says, “You may sit.”
Patrice does. She sits with her hands clasped in her lap. The queen orders the others out. They leave and close the door behind them.
The queen says, “Delmoz told me how you evaded the advances of my husband. He is of the opinion you are both trustworthy and capable.”
Patrice remains silent. She recognizes the queen is not finished.
The queen continues, “I concur with his assessment.”
The queen obviously wants a response, so Patrice speaks, “I am honored by your assessment, ma’am.”
“Why did you deflect the king’s advances?”
Patrice says, “I will not submit to a man to whom I am not married. Besides, he is your husband. If I were you, I would not take kindly to any woman who had a dalliance with my husband.”
The queen smiles and says, “It is wise on your part for several reasons.”
Patrice waits. If the queen wants to say more, she will. Patrice knows better than to press issues with those of higher status.
The queen says, “Have refreshment brought.”
Patrice rises and goes to the door. Dunnel is waiting and Patrice tells him to have servants bring refreshments. She closes the door and walks back to sit by the queen.
The queen says, “Is it true you have slain Maslak’s apprentices and minions?”
Patrice says, “It is true, ma’am.”
“Did you use witchcraft?”
“No, ma’am, I did not. I used a sword or a bow.”
The queen smiles at Patrice. There is a knock at the door.
The queen says, “Come.”
Dunnel opens the door and bows. Two servant women come in curtsy deeply and put the refreshments on a table by the queen. One pours a little wine into a goblet and puts it in front of the queen. The queen sips it and nods.
The servant fills the queen’s goblet and one for Patrice. She hands Patrice the goblet.
The queen says, “You may leave us.”
The servants leave and Dunnel bows and closes the door.
The queen nibbles at a piece of fruit and sips her wine before saying, “My husband has a pox. I expect it is from too much whoring. It is just a matter of time until he loses his faculties and dies. His deterioration is already advanced. It is why the children are with me. I am afraid the king is going mad.”
Patrice sips a little wine. The queen is obviously waiting for Patrice to say something.
Patrice says, “How may I be of assistance, Majesty?”
“My youngest brother needs a wife of substance. He needs a wife that will be a balance to his too serious nature. He is a poor warrior, but he is wise in governance. He is of the same rank as you. He is very good looking and is pursued by the ladies at court.”
Patrice wonders how many have captured him between their legs, if only temporarily.
The queen nibbles some more of the fruit and sips some more wine. Patrice waits patiently and sips a little of the wine, but not too much. She must keep her wits sharp in dealing with the queen.
The queen says, “My brother Edmur is a harsh self-centered young man and needs taming. What do you think? Speak truthfully.”
Patrice says, “If it were not a matter of politics, and if he were not your brother, I would decline without meeting him. It seems he is likely to be poor husband.”
The queen nods. She asks, “What are the dangers you see.”
Patrice answers, “That I kill him if he misuses me and I incur your wrath, Majesty.”
The queen laughs and then says, “I see. I’d rather you didn’t kill him. He is, after all, my brother, though there is no love between us.”
Patrice notes that the queen said she’d rather her brother was not killed. It is then that Patrice realizes the queen is being diplomatic. As much as Patrice needs to stay in the queen’s good graces, the queen also needs her.
The queen continues, “If you take him, you will help to ensure an orderly transition when my husband dies, which it appears he surely will.”
The queen waits.
Patrice says, “Majesty, I will be a staunch ally in any event. I need not have a husband for that task. There must be another reason.”
The queen nods, “There is. He is under threat from my other brothers. He has insul
ted their dignity and person by being smarter than they. Either of my other two brothers would easily slay him in a duel. If he stays in their presence, it is only a matter of time before one or the other of my older brothers kill him in a duel or otherwise arrange his death. Here, he would be safe.”
The queen waits.
Patrice pauses, thinking. After a few moments she answers.
“Majesty, may I speak directly.”
The queen says, “You may.”
Patrice says, “He would be safer with you and, if he is as self-centered as you say, he may also be ambitious for your throne when the king dies. Might it not be better if he was married to a woman who does not have the resources that he could claim and use to cause you trouble?”
The queen smiles, “You make a good point. Perhaps I should keep him close and relatively poor.”
Patrice says, “Ma’am, with your permission, I will entertain your brother and take his measure. I will send him to you afterwards and I will send a message ahead to let you know what I have discovered.”
The queen says, “I agree if you guard against Maslak entering this kingdom.”
Patrice also realizes that is the real reason she wants to bind her family to Patrice. Patrice also knows her ability to rule depends on the downfall of Maslak. Her true Master requires it and he is more powerful than any mere mortal king or Maslak and even Maslak’s master.
Patrice says, “I understand, ma’am, and will do as you require. When the king passes, you are all that stands between peace and utter chaos. I would have peace. Peace is possible only if you have a strong position and I will aid you. I will eventually see to Maslak.”
The queen says, “You understand the situation.”
Patrice nods.
The queen says, “I am tired from the journey. I will retire. You will prepare a banquet in my honor.”
Patrice says, “It has already been ordered, ma’am.”
The queen starts to rise and Patrice jumps up.
Chapter 11
The queen’s stay has been short, only two days. Patrice watches as the queen’s company leaves her castle. Patrice is relieved that the queen’s visit was short for there is much yet to do. Patrice is reasonably sure her interests and the queen’s coincide. It is a safe situation, at least as safe as it can be when dealing with royals.
The Duchess and The Warlock Page 6
