The Duchess and The Warlock

by Michael O'Gara

  Patrice turns to Falstaff and Dunnel. She says, “We will go inside. I have urgent tasks for you both.”

  Once they are in Patrice’s private library, she says, “Falstaff, what is the status of my troops.”

  Falstaff answers, “Ma’am, the training goes well.”

  “How many can we field effectively?”

  Falstaff says as he calculates in his head, “Two hundred and fifty three from here including squires who are fully trained. The counts and barons can bring another three hundred well trained men of various abilities. If necessary, many conscripts can be called upon. You can field almost as many troops as the king. I fear the king may become alarmed.”

  Patrice does not say that she does not fear the king. The queen will soon be the real power, if she is not already. Patrice intends to support her when the king dies.

  Dunnel says, “The queen knows the strength and number of your troops. Your Grace, it seems that the dukes, except for Delmoz, have not made the rebuilding of their forces as high a priority.”

  Patrice says, “Perhaps it is because they cannot afford to.”

  Dunnel says, “There are rumors.”

  Patrice says, “The queen has told me the king’s situation and it is troubling. He has a pox. The queen has told me that his mind is already becoming feeble and his body is deteriorating.”

  Patrice looks at Dunnel.

  He says, “It will soon not be a secret that can be kept.”

  Patrice nods and says, “I worry for the queen.”

  Dunnel says, “It is reported that she has not lain with her husband for some years. It is possible that she is unaffected.”

  That was not what Patrice meant, but she leaves her concerns of an attempted coup go unspoken. She is certain that Dunnel has come to the same conclusion.

  Dunnel adds after a pause, “There is always the danger of a coup if the king dies.”

  “The queen can depend on me and Delmoz.”

  Dunnel says, “Then the queen should be secure against rebellion for you and Duke Delmoz could alone overcome the other dukes. The queen’s troops added to yours and those of Delmoz would make the loyal force overwhelming.”

  Patrice says, “It would be utter chaos if something were to happen to her.”

  Patrice looks and Dunnel. From his countenance she can tell he has come to the same conclusion. She says, “Perhaps it is time we took the risk of having spies in the royal court.”

  Dunnel says nothing but just nods agreement.

  Patrice says, “Falstaff, increase the number of my troops by whatever means possible.”

  Falstaff asks, “By how much?”

  Patrice says, “At least two hundred and more if possible. I fear war is coming.”

  Falstaff seems surprised by the number that Patrice has quoted.

  Dunnel says, “All the signs point to it, Your Grace.”

  Chapter 12

  Edmur is finishing his session with his man when they hear the sound of a horse coming. Edmur hides his sword and nods to let Palst know that he should take a defensive position.

  One of his father’s messengers rides up and bows from the saddle. He says, “Your Highness, your father summons you. You are to come straight away.”

  Edmur says, “I will be there directly. Go on ahead.”

  The messenger rides away and Edmur grabs his sword, puts it in its scabbard, and hands it to Palst who hangs it from his saddle. They mount up and head for the castle.

  When they arrive, Edmur goes into the room where his father is waiting for him. His brothers are glaring at him. Edmur knows they hate him and his foreign friend, Palst. They dare not challenge Edmur without cause, for Edmur could have his champion Palst fight for him. His brothers fear his friend and oath man.

  Edmur bows and says, “Majesty.”

  The king turns to his other sons and says, “You may leave me.”

  They leave the room and the doors are shut.

  Edmur’s father, the grand duke, says, “I have news, my son. Your sister has arranged for you to meet the prospective bride. I am told she is a beautiful woman, rich, and capable. I want you to go meet her. She may be useful and hers is one of the duchy’s you will be ruling. It would be a good first step in the implementation of my plan.”

  Edmur says, “As you command, father.”

  The king says, “You will depart in the morning. You may leave me.”

  Edmur bows and leaves. Once out of his father’s hearing and out of range of prying ears, Edmur says to Palst, “I doubt the woman I am to meet is either beautiful or capable.”

  Palst says, “But there it is less likely you will have a confrontation with one of your brothers and so will be able to carry out the plan.”

  Edmur says, “It will appear that I am being banished by my own father.”

  Palst, the voice of reason in Edmur’s sphere, says, “Perhaps many will see it as your father protecting you from your brothers.”

  Edmur says, “As though I need protecting from them.” He changes the subject, “We have to prepare to leave on our mission.”

  Palst adds, “It would be prudent.”

  The next morning, Edmur leaves the castle along with twelve trusted knights, their squires, Palst, four man-servants, and a string of pack animals. Edmur’s journey takes weeks and is uneventful. Edmur’s servants are making camp only a day’s ride from their destination when they see three riders come into view.

  Edmur goes to the edge of the camp and watches. Palst comes and joins him.

  Palst says, “One is a woman.”

  “Yes. Still, we must be careful.”

  They do not go out to challenge the riders. Edmur’s men know what to do. They appear to be occupied with tasks, but in reality they are ready to jump into battle if necessary.

  The woman and the two men with her stop a few yards from Edmur. She calls out, “Will you provide food and drink to us. We pledge to cause you no trouble.”

  Edmur says, “Dismount and come in. I give you my hospitality.”

  As the woman dismounts, Edmur notes that she has a sword strapped in a sheath on her back. He has never seen such a thing. It is a large sword and would be difficult to wield. Edmur wonders if it is just a hilt in the sheath to make a show.

  The woman comes forward and says, “I am the daughter of Baron Williston.” It is a true statement as far as it goes. Patrice asks, “Who gives us hospitality?”

  “I am Edmur and my friend here is Palst.”

  Patrice says, “Hail, Palst.”

  Edmur says, “My Lady, the food is not yet prepared, but you may join me for wine.”

  Patrice asks, “Will you assure my safety and that of my men.”

  “I will, on my honor.”

  Patrice says, “Lead on.”

  Edmur leads Patrice to the center of the camp. Her two companions follow her. Edmur’s servants spread a blanket on the ground. Patrice sits on it cross legged. One of her men sees to the horses while the other keeps an eye on her.

  Patrice knows what she is doing may be dangerous. Edmur orders wine.

  Edmur asks, “What are you doing about.”

  Patrice says, “Riding. I fear we I have wandered too far from home.”

  Edmur says, “You may stay with us tonight.”

  Patrice looks at Edmur.

  Edmur says, “I have given my word. You will not be molested here. We are all honorable men.”

  Patrice is handed a goblet and then Edmur is. A servant pours wine into both their goblets. In doing so, he demonstrates the wine is not drugged. Still, Patrice waits for Edmur to take the first drink and he does.

  Patrice says, “You are not from this region. What brings you here?”

  “The prospects of an arranged marriage bring me here.”

  Patrice says, “You do not seem very enthusiastic.”

  “My father has ordered it.”

  Patrice says, “Has the prospective bride also been commanded.”

  Edmur thinks a
nd says, “I suppose so. It may be that we are both bound by duty.”

  The sentry raises an alarm. Edmur gets up and goes to the edge of camp. Patrice is beside him. It is obvious bandits are coming at the run to attack the party. Patrice recognizes that Edmur’s men know their business.

  Patrice suspects that, though they are outnumbered two to one, they will easily triumph.

  Edmur thinks that this fool of a woman should know enough to stay back.

  When the attackers are just three or four yards away, Patrice gives a war cry, draws her sword, and charges forward. She kills two of the attackers with one sweep of her sword and reverses and kills another. She looks around. There are no attackers alive that are not engaged in combat. She watches Edmur dispatch his opponent.

  Patrice realizes the queen either misled her or didn’t know that her brother was an accomplished warrior. It seems Edmur has secrets. Edmur looks at Patrice.

  Patrice says nothing.

  Edmur sighs and says, “You are a beauty beyond reasoning, but I will honor my word and my duty to my prospective bride, as well as my sister who is matchmaker.”

  Patrice nods. She looks at her companions Kresmer and Culst saying, “We ride.”

  Edmur watches as they gather their horses and ride off into the dark.

  Palst says to Edmur, “She is a terror with a sword.”

  Edmur says, “And her companions fight like knights. Let us see who attacked us.”

  It does not take long for Edmur to realize that the attackers are oath men of both his older brothers.

  Palst says, “They were after the treasure.”

  Edmur says, “It seems so.”

  The following day, Edmur’s group arrives in sight of Patrice’s castle in late afternoon.

  Palst says, “It is a rich place. This castle is as large as your father’s.”

  Edmur says, “It has been my experience that the richer the woman, the less appealing her appearance.”

  Palst says, “There is more than appearance to consider.”

  Edmur grins and says, “That is true. There is wealth.”

  Edmur rides to the gate of the castle and is challenged.

  Falstaff is there and watches.

  Edmur answers the challenge, “I am Prince Edmur, and I am here at the invitation of my sister, your queen, and the Duchess of Consar.

  The guard sergeant calls out, “You may pass, Highness.”

  Edmur rides into the castle courtyard where Falstaff is waiting.

  Falstaff bows to Edmur, but just his head in a military manner. He says, “Welcome, Your Highness. I am Captain Baron Falstaff.”

  Servants come rushing to take the horses of the men with Edmur and help his servants.

  Falstaff continues, “May I introduce you to Dunnel, the duchess’s steward. He will see you to your lodgings. The duchess is holding a banquet tonight in your honor. My officers will show your men to quarters.”

  Edmur looks at Dunnel and says, “I will require lodgings for Captain Count Palst close to mine.”

  Dunnel replies, “I will see it done, sir.”

  Edmur says, “I had expected to be greeted by the duchess.”

  Falstaff says, “Her Grace is not yet ready to entertain company.”

  Edmur does not reply, but merely looks at the placement of the sun in the sky. It is accusation enough. Falstaff does not laugh, though he is tempted to.

  Dunnel says, “This way, Your Highness.”

  Edmur follows Dunnel to his quarters. Palst is put in a room adjoining Edmur’s small apartment. Servants bring Edmur’s belongings, including three heavy locked chests, to his apartment.

  After the servants leave, Palst comes to the open door of Edmur’s rooms.

  Edmur is sitting and thinking.

  Palst says, “My Prince, I think you are troubled.”

  “What kind of woman is not up and about by this time?”

  Palst says, “One should not jump to conclusions but wait for the truth to reveal itself. There are worse things than a wife who likes to stay up late.”

  Edmur smiles, “You always know how to cheer me.”

  Palst smiles, “Thank you, My Prince.”

  Edmur sighs, “I fear the die is cast. We cannot go backward or we will defy monarchs in two realms and without gain. I must go forward.”

  Chapter 13

  That evening, Edmur is shown to the banquet hall. Everyone in the hall stands and bows or curtsies. Edmur is escorted to his place of honor. Edmur notes that the chair he takes is of the same size and manner as the one he presumes is reserved for the duchess. Palst and Edmur’s knights are scattered throughout the hall.

  Edmur is a little put out that the duchess is not here to greet him. He considers it an insult.

  Everyone in the hall with the exception of Edmur stands and bows or curtsies. The action brings Edmur to be conscious of what is happening. Edmur looks to the entrance and sees her. She is a vision of beauty gliding across the floor as gracefully as a swimming swan. She is wearing a crimson gown and fine jewelry. Her long hair is down. Edmur stands in shock. It is the woman from the battle.

  Patrice comes to her seat and Edmur stands and greets her with, “It is good to see you again, Duchess.”

  Patrice says, “Thank you, Edmur.”

  They both sit. Everyone else in the hall does as well.

  Dunnel makes the welcome announcement and the knights, squires, and minor nobles present pound the table in agreement while the ladies sit quietly. The serving starts.

  Edmur says to Patrice, “You greet me with casual address.”

  Patrice answers, “Would you have me be more formal?”

  Edmur says, “I have a feeling to do so would make your welcome less warm.”

  Patrice smiles at Edmur, “Your Highness is very astute. Besides, I thought you were here to court me.”

  Edmur says, “Edmur, please.”

  Two servants simultaneously put a plate in front of Patrice and Edmur. Another pours wine for them. They start eating and talk as they dine.

  Edmur says, “My sister said you are both beautiful and capable. I have seen the proof of both for myself.”

  Patrice takes a sip of wine before saying, “Your sister thinks you are not a warrior. She is misinformed.”

  Edmur says, “Her spies report what is castle gossip. I have my reasons for keeping secrets.”

  Patrice takes a dainty bite of her food. She finishes it and says, “I understand. Were the men who attacked you sent by your brothers?”

  It is at this point Edmur realizes just how intelligent Patrice is. He recognizes he is with a dangerous woman. It is one thing to have a rich and beautiful wife, but one who is also intelligent is a danger to his ambition. Still, she is the most intriguing woman he has ever met, although she is very young.

  Edmur says, “They were.”

  Patrice says, “Then they were after your treasure.”

  Edmur asks, “What makes you think I brought treasure?”

  Patrice says, “You could hardly leave it behind.”

  Edmur takes a bite of his food rather than answer. He finishes it before speaking.

  He says, “I will enjoy ruling here once we are married. It is a rich land.”

  Patrice looks at Edmur and says firmly but calmly, “You suppose too much. I rule here and I have not agreed to marry you.”

  Edmur says, “You have no choice. I am your queen’s brother and she has commanded it.”

  Patrice smiles, “The queen has not commanded it and your status here is one of courtesy. You are, after all, a foreigner in this land.”

  Patrice sees the anger on the prince’s face. She knows it is taking all his will power to suppress it.

  Edmur says, “Suddenly, I am feeling ill. I will retire.”

  Patrice says, “As you wish.”

  Edmur gets up and leaves, throwing his napkin on the table.

  Patrice ignores him. She continues to enjoy her meal. Things are going as she had antic
ipated. Edmur has revealed his motives. It occurs to Patrice that he is impetuous, dangerously ambitious, and easily provoked.

  After the banquet, Patrice meets with Dunnel privately.

  Dunnel says, “It is done, ma’am.”

  “What did you find?”

  “The chests contain treasure and mostly gold. It may be as you fear.”

  Patrice says, “Well done. I will need riders with extra horses to take a message to the queen. Have them prepared while I write a note to the queen. It is to be given into her hand only.”

  Patrice pens a letter. She knows she must be diplomatic in stating her observations. She writes, “Your Majesty, I write this quickly for I fear your brother is a danger to you. Edmur is not the man you think. By deception, I have learned firsthand the truth for myself that he is a very competent warrior. The reason for this being kept a secret, I can only surmise. He also brings a significant fortune in treasure. It is more than a non-inheriting son’s treasure and your father, the grand duke, is not dead. I worry that the wealth is part of some plot to take advantage of your present circumstances. The amount of treasure seems to indicate your brother may have ambitious plans to implement, perhaps at his father’s orders. I am sure he has ambitions for we had hardly met than he stated he looks forward to ruling the duchy for it is rich. It may be that his slip was not related to marrying me, but to some plot he is involved in. With all respect, I caution you. I will be willingly at your command if you need me. I am your loyal subject, Patrice, Duchess of Consar. ”

  Patrice seals the letter and when Dunnel returns, she gives it to him. She says, “Tell the dispatch riders to make haste.”

  Dunnel nods and says, “Ma’am, I will impress the importance of the matter on them.”

  The next morning, Patrice is up early. She is eating in her private dining room when Edmur enters. He takes a seat without being invited to do so.

  Patrice says, “Good morning.”

  Edmur says, “No apology has been given.”