The Duchess and The Warlock

by Michael O'Gara

  “He has perhaps fifty men on foot and twenty or thirty knights. There are several wagons filled with spoil from the queen’s castle.”

  Patrice looked at Falstaff, “Summon Sir Kresmer.”

  Falstaff gets up and leaves.

  Delmoz said, “The realm is now yours. No one has the force to oppose you.”

  Patrice said, “It is not mine to take. I have no claim?”

  Delmoz says, “It seems you are honorable.”

  Patrice says, “I am pained that you doubt it.”

  Delmoz says, “If you were in my place with so much treachery abounding, would you not be careful?”

  “I see your point.”

  Delmoz nods. He adds, “Someone must take charge.”

  Patrice says, “Why? We can rule our duchies and cooperate.”

  Delmoz says, “I admire your optimism.”

  Patrice says, “I have seen the vision of two coming out of one.”

  Delmoz does not respond.

  Sir Kresmer arrives, “Your Grace, you summoned me.”

  Patrice says, “I have an important mission for you.” She explains what he is to do. He is to go with knights and armored warriors to intercept the prince, capture or kill him, and bring the queen’s treasure back.

  Delmoz says, “The queen’s castle has undoubtedly been looted. Your castle is closest. We should hold up there.”

  Patrice nods and says, “Your men are weary. We will camp here tonight.”

  Delmoz has finished eating and says, “My men do need to rest.”

  When he is gone, Patrice says to Falstaff, “Send riders to confirm the story.”

  Falstaff nods and goes to see it is done and to have camp set up.

  Patrice’s tent is being erected when seventy mounted knights and warriors head out to intercept the prince and his company.

  As dark falls, the guards around Patrice’s tent hear her singsong voice saying things in a foreign tongue they do not understand. They smile for they think their duchess is making incantations of protection for them. How else could one explain the great victory over so many of Maslak’s demon followers?

  Chapter 16

  Sir Kresmer and his company catch up to the prince’s wagons late in the afternoon of the next day. He and his men rode long and hard. They rested out of the saddle for six hours without making camp. One of the two scouts with the company reports sighting the prince’s company. It is not long until Kresmer and his men are within sight.

  Kresmer looks at his second, Sir Culst and says, “They are a sad looking lot.”

  Culst says, “Still, desperate men are dangerous.”

  Kresmer says, “Perhaps some will flee and make our work easier.”

  It is obvious to Kresmer that his company has been spotted. It is obvious that near panic has set in among the fleeing column. Kresmer gives the signal and his men spread out in battle line at the trot. As they close, many of the prince’s men on foot make a run for the woods. Kresmer does not care about their escaping. His mission is to return the wagons and their cargo.

  As they close, Kresmer and his knights move to a gallop and charge into those standing to protect the wagons and their treasure. Two of the wagon drivers try to whip their teams to speed away, but the loads the horses are pulling are too heavy to pull at more than a walk.

  The fight is over almost as soon as it starts. The enemy soldiers who stand and fight are outnumbered two to one by Kresmer and his company. Kresmer and his men are armored and better warriors. It does not take long for the enemy to be killed. No prisoners are taken.

  Kresmer goes looking for the prince. Culst calls out to him from beside a wagon. Kresmer goes to him and looks in the wagon. The prince lays there badly wounded and his bandage is soaked in blood.

  Culst says, “He is almost dead.”

  Kresmer says, “He is not long for this world.”

  Culst says, “We should kill him.”

  Kresmer smiles, “It is better that we let him die naturally. It is not good to have the blood of a royal on our hands.”

  Culst responds, “As you say.”

  The company strips the enemy dead of arms, armor, and anything of value. They put the loot on the already overloaded wagons. The company sets out. They travel for an hour before a knight comes to Kresmer to advise him the prince is dead. The company stops and buries the prince.

  Meanwhile, Delmoz is meeting with Patrice while their men are making ready to leave for their castles.

  Delmoz says, “I suppose the queen’s treasure and the realm are now yours. You have the troops to take control.”

  Patrice sighs, “I have no ambition to rule as queen. We should split the realm between us and be allies for mutual protection.”

  Delmoz says, “There is no one left in the line of succession, so your plan makes sense. What is your thinking?”

  Patrice says, “I am not greedy and I would have a better life for those we rule. We will need the assent of those minor unaligned nobles or there will be more war. I must work to make the vision I had a reality.”

  Delmoz says, “You have the greatest force and I suggest you call the meeting.”

  Patrice says, “I think we should send the invitation under both our seals.”

  Delmoz smiles at Patrice and says, “I agree.”

  “Then that is how we will do it.”

  Delmoz adds, “There is still the matter of Maslak.”

  “His days here are numbered.”

  Delmoz asks, “It will be a dangerous undertaking.”

  Patrice says. “He has meddled in the affairs of normal men once too often.”

  “So you will kill him?”

  “He is already dead and he knows it.” Patrice knows that Delmoz is unlikely to understand what she is saying. She thinks he probably doesn’t want to know.

  Three weeks later, Delmoz and Patrice are meeting again. This time it is with the great majority of the unaligned nobles whose dukes and most senior nobles have been killed in the rebellion. The meeting is taking place at Consar Castle.

  Delmoz says to the meeting, “The duchess and I are in agreement and have formed an alliance.”

  One of the minor nobles stands, “How will the land of the former duchies be divided, Duke Delmoz?”

  Delmoz looks at Patrice who says, “We will divide the lands equally between us. We have prepared a map of how it could be done.”

  Another man rises and looks at Patrice, “Your Grace, you can force us to be your subjects. Why do you consult us?”

  Patrice answers, “All Delmoz and I want is order and peace. We are concerned for the prosperity of all. There has been enough bloodshed.”

  The man who asked the question sits and another rises.

  “What if we refuse to accept another ruler? Will you trample us underfoot?”

  Patrice looks at Delmoz who says, “There is no need. You will not be protected from Maslak or raiders. Your enemies prowl around like predators looking for the weak to devour. There is strength in the alliance between me and Duchess Patrice. Without our support, you will be overcome, but not by us. After you are overcome, we will drive out those who have taken your lands.”

  The nobleman says, “We could form our own alliance.”

  Delmoz says, “In an alliance of so many there will be discord and you have not enough troops between you to fend off a determined enemy or protect yourselves from Maslak. Duchess Patrice and I will have no reason to protect you.”

  Another stands and asks, “And if we agree, what of Maslak?”

  Patrice says, “He will be driven far away or destroyed.”

  The nobleman asks, “At what cost to us?”

  Patrice answers, “Your fealty will be the cost. For this work, I do not need your swords.”

  The answer results in a long and hard debate. There is little talk of Patrice’s ability to overcome Maslak. The news of Patrice’s defeat of Maslak’s demon minions has been spread far and wide. She knows some have gone to inspect the
bones of the vampires to ensure that the stories are true.

  Patrice and Delmoz watch with interest as the debate continues. After several hours, Patrice calls for wine to be brought for her and Delmoz. They sip their wine as they watch.

  Delmoz says, “They are working through what it means for them.”

  Patrice responds, “It seems so.”

  The debate goes on long into the night and a few blows are traded but no swords are drawn. Patrice has left the hall twice to relieve herself and now it is Delmoz who must answer the call. He is just returning when the hall goes quiet.

  Vizer, an unaligned count, stands and says, “I would be duke in place of Duke Wyles, who is with me?”

  The nobles look around at each other. Vizer’s reputation goes before him. He is known to be an ambitious, harsh, easily angered, and greedy man. Most of those present do not want to be under his rule. Two of the barons he rules do stand. It is obvious that Vizer had anticipated more joining him. No one else does. They all know they will fare better under either Patrice or Delmoz.

  Delmoz says, “You three are free to leave.”

  The men realize they have been ordered to leave. They do. Vizer stomps out of the hall. Patrice and Delmoz know he will be trouble.

  Patrice says, “How say you the rest?”

  Baron Crush stands and says, “Your Graces, it is clear most of us agree with your plan. May we have time to consider the division and may we give our advice.”

  Delmoz looks at Patrice who nods agreement.

  Delmoz says, “Consider carefully. We will meet again tomorrow after midday.”

  Patrice rises and Delmoz follows her lead and they leave the hall.

  Patrice asks, “Would you care to join me for a meal?”

  Delmoz smiles at Patrice and says, “I would.”

  They go to the dining room to order food.

  As they sip wine while waiting for the food to be brought, Delmoz says, “You have done well, Patrice. Your father would be proud of you.”

  She looks at Delmoz and says, “You are kind.”

  Delmoz says, “I am quite taken with you. You are beautiful and wise. You would make a good partner in love as well as politics.”

  Patrice looks coyly at Delmoz. She replies, “It seems my options are limited.”

  Delmoz sips some wine and then says, “I am quite taken with you.”

  Patrice suddenly feels out of her comfort zone. She does not want to be married to another beast like her first husband. He had no thought for her pain or suffering, just his own lust.

  As if he knew what she was thinking, Delmoz says, “You have suffered and endured much hardship. I admire you and find that I have developed a deep affection for you.”

  Patrice asks gently, “Is it really affection or is it ambition?”

  Delmoz says, “Do you really think so little of me?”

  “No. I think you are a man of honor. My experience with marriage has not been pleasant.”

  Delmoz says, “It seems so, for you push me away; perhaps it is defensive to protect yourself from further hurt?”

  Patrice says, “Perhaps.”

  Delmoz says, “My experience has been the opposite. It has been pleasant. Though our marriage was arranged at a very young age, my wife was easy to live with and I came to have great affection for her. It is now time to leave the past.”

  Patrice asks, “What was she like?”

  Delmoz smiles as he recounts, “She was pretty, though not beautiful like you. She was pleasant and gentle, showing no leaning to contention. She was, I think, a little slow witted. She led a simple life and was content in it. She was a fragile woman and weak of constitution. I treated her gently and with kindness, so she came to accept me. I think her upbringing created barriers to her being able to love. She saw marriage as a duty and she fulfilled her role with a pleasant demeanor but little enthusiasm.”

  Patrice says, “So you had affection for her, but she did not return it?”

  Delmoz sighs and says, “That about sums it up. It was enough that she treated me well and with respect.”

  Patrice thinks Delmoz could be easy to love and she is attracted to him in spite of his age. Patrice is about to say as much, when two servants come with the food. They put it on the table and leave.

  Delmoz continues, “I think life with you would be different.”

  “How would it be so?”

  Delmoz is cutting his food and stops to say, “You are intelligent. You would be a partner and not a dependent. I think you are capable of love. I have seen the way you loved your father. I envy that kind of love.”

  Patrice says, “He was worthy of my love.”

  Delmoz asks, “What did you love about him?”

  “He was a man of honor and of gentle heart, though fierce in battle. He encouraged me and accepted my unusual ways without condition. He loved me without expectation, so he was easy to love. He treated me with dignity and respect.”

  Delmoz says, “In return, you loved him back.”

  “I did. He was easy to love. Besides, he was my father.”

  Delmoz says, “I will treat you with dignity and respect, as well as gentleness.”

  “You always have.” It dawns on Patrice that what she has just said is true. Delmoz has been good to her, even when she had not yet proven her worth. She realizes her father had thought highly of Delmoz.

  Delmoz asks, “I take it your husband was not gentle with you.”

  “He was not.”

  Delmoz says, “William was always selfish and thought only of himself.”

  Patrice answers, “I agree.”

  “Then why did you marry him.”

  Patrice responds, “I saw in a vision that I would marry him and soon after be widowed.”

  Delmoz looks seriously at Patrice but says nothing. He takes a bite of his food.

  Patrice asks, “Do my strange ways cause you to be concerned?”

  Delmoz says, “They do not, because my intentions are true.” He pauses before asking, “Have you had a vision about me?”

  Patrice says, “I do not think I should answer that.”

  “So you have had a vision about me.”

  Patrice says, “The food is getting cold.” She takes a bite of food as Delmoz laughs lightly.

  He asks, “Will you allow me to court you?”

  “Are you not already doing it?”

  Delmoz smiles, “I am.”

  “It seems you do not need my permission.” Patrice smiles at Delmoz. She is enjoying the game.

  They finish the meal making small talk.

  Delmoz asks, “May I see you to your apartment.”

  Patrice says, “To it, but not into it.”

  Delmoz smiles, “My intentions are honorable.”

  “That is as it should be.” Patrice stands and Delmoz follows her lead. Patrice puts her hand on the arm he offers and they walk from the room.

  Delmoz asks, “May we eat the noon meal together tomorrow?”

  Patrice replies, “I would like that.”

  They walk in quiet to Patrice’s apartment door with two of her guards following. When they arrive, Patrice turns to the guards and says, “Face away.”

  They do and Patrice kisses Delmoz. He kisses her back.

  Patrice breaks it off and says, “It seemed like a good idea to try it.”

  Delmoz replies, “Just because there is no passion between us now, doesn’t mean there won’t be.”

  Patrice says, “Goodnight, friend.”

  He says, “Goodnight, Patrice.”

  Patrice turns and goes into her apartment. She bars the door and does what she always does when she is troubled or does not know what to do. She spends some “special time” alone. Eventually, she will need a husband.

  An hour later, Patrice retires and has no trouble falling asleep. Once she does, she has a vision dream. The one regarding the splitting in two does not reoccur, but the two others do and a new one is added. Patrice knows what is to come an
d what she is to do.

  The next morning, as Patrice is eating an early morning meal, Dunnel enters and gives Patrice a head bow.

  He says, “Your Grace, may I have a moment?”

  Patrice nods and says, “You may sit.” When he is seated, Patrice asks, “What is it you wish to speak to me about.”

  Dunnel says, “Ma’am, I am quite taken with Baroness Angela and, for reasons I do not understand, she with me.”

  Patrice says, “I thought it might be so.” She notices Dunnel is quite taken aback. Patrice adds, “It was by plan that I made you responsible for seeing to her needs.”

  Dunnel says, “I was glad to do it.”

  A servant brings food and drink.

  Patrice says, “Dunnel, would you like some wine and food?”

  He says, “Ma’am, I would like wine, but I have eaten.”

  The servant pours wine for Dunnel and Patrice says, “What else Dunnel?”

  Dunnel says, “I would wed Baroness Angela, but she is above my station and I do not have your permission.”

  Patrice says, “If I find she is agreeable to the match with terms, I will approve the match.”

  Dunnel says, “I thank you, ma’am.”

  “Go tell Baroness Angela to attend me.”

  Dunnel says, “Yes, ma’am.” He leaves quickly.

  Patrice is not surprised when Baroness Angela enters the room almost immediately. As Angela gives a head bow, Patrice says, “I see you waited in anticipation of my decision. You may sit.”

  Angela sits and Patrice says, “You may have some wine.” Patrice takes a bite of her food as Angela pours herself wine. Patrice notices that Angela’s hand is shaking slightly. Patrice dabs her napkin at her mouth and says, “Dunnel has told me you would be wed to him.”

  Angela says, “I would, Your Grace.”

  “I need him here. You would have to stay at court.”

  Angela says, “That would please me, ma’am.”

  “Why do you want to marry Dunnel?”

  Angela sighs and says, “For love and companionship. It is likely neither of us can produce offspring because of our injuries, but we would have each other.”

  Patrice asks, “And who will manage the barony?”

  Angela says, “I plead to keep but a dowry and I will abdicate my rights to the barony.”