Chapter 7
“Are you hurt, Lord Teddy?”
Teddy opened his eyes, startled. Above him, Fury’s face came into view.
“How – am I in Blevny? I thought I was too old,” he said, rolling over and coming to a stand. “I’m really here?”
“As you see,” Fury replied.
He looked around and saw he was on the edge of the woods, and the cyclone was across the field from him.
“I thought a tornado had to happen for me to get here.”
“I do not know what conditions cause you to appear. But I am glad you have come.”
“I guess there are a lot of changes.”
“King Alexander is quite old. He speaks of you often. Hilda is quite old as well. Taurek died two years past. Sven has four sons. Altha’s daughter and sons are nearly grown.”
“How are Prince Erik and Prince Ranulf?”
“Erik gains the approval of the people daily. He executes his father’s commands with the kindness of his father and grandfather.”
“And Ranulf?”
“Ranulf is a lone wolf. He chafes at being the younger son, and causes trouble wherever he goes.”
“Why does he do that?”
“They believe he has a weak mind, but there is no way to prove it. If he commits a crime something can be done.”
“Isn’t there a third child?”
“Yes, Princess Gildalen. She has grown into a beauty. She is of an age to take a husband.”
Teddy climbed onto Fury’s back and they trotted through the woods to the village. People who saw Teddy cheered and the main street became too clogged with well-wishers for Fury to go farther.
The young man slid off Fury’s back.
Sven came out of his house to greet Teddy, a young boy on his shoulders.
“You’ve returned to us, Lord Teddy,” he said.
“I am glad to be here. I thought your children would be grown.”
“I had a son and daughter who died of a wasting sickness. My other daughter, Branna was spared. She is 10. And this is Taurek, three years old today.”
“Greetings of the day, Taurek,” Teddy said.
Sven took Teddy into his house – the same house Taurek and Hilda had lived in. Hilda sat in a corner near the fire, an ancient lady, while Sven’s wife, Freya, made bread at the table.
“Good cheer to you all,” Teddy said. Hilda looked at him and smiled. He approached and kissed her cheek. “It is good to see you, Hilda.”
“You’ve come home,” she said, her voice soft.
Sven set little Taurek on his feet and gave Teddy a proper greeting.
“Have you come to stay?” Sven asked.
“I would like to. This is all quite a surprise to me. I didn’t expect to be here since I’ve already turned 18.”
“So, this is your last trip.”
“I have little enough to lure me back to my world. Both my parents were killed in a tornado strike.”
Sven grasped Teddy’s shoulder.
“But you survived?”
“I was away when it happened. Still, I don’t know what I need to do to stay.”
“The king will know. But you can’t see him on an empty stomach. I will fetch Altha. She would wish to see you.”
He left, only to return a few minutes later with Altha and her daughter, Birgid, who was now about as old as Teddy, and as lovely as any girl he’d ever seen. If she wasn’t as beautiful to others, Teddy didn’t know why.
Birgid was nearly as tall as Teddy, with light hair like Sven’s and eyes like emeralds. She smiled and blushed, but said nothing.
“This is my daughter,” Altha said. “Do you remember her?”
“I do. She was tiny when I saw her last,” Teddy said, then looked at the girl. “Do you have a boyfriend, Birgid?”
“No, sir. They say I’m too bookish.”
“There’s no such thing. They say the same of me,” he said. She looked at him in wonder.
Altha and Sven gave each other knowing looks.
Altha’s husband, Aris, arrived from the smithy, and they all sat down to dinner. The adults reminisced about other times Teddy had visited. Aris had been one of the boys he had played with when Altha and Sven were still children.
“How can that be?” Birgid asked. “You look no older than I.”
“Other worlds move time differently,” Teddy said. “I am 18 now. But I knew your grandfather when he was younger than your father is now. If I stay, I suppose I’ll age as you do.”
They spent an evening reminiscing about Teddy’s other visits, and then went to bed.
In the morning Teddy went to see the king. Alexander was delighted to see him, as was Erik.
“I remember your kindness in not defeating me soundly when we bouted,” Erik said.
“Who told you that, Your Highness?” Teddy asked, looking at the king.
“Even then I knew. You bested me soundly enough in the first try.”
“But I didn’t let you run away with it.”
“As I said, you were kind.”
They discussed changes in the kingdom and hopes for the future.
“And what of Ranulf?” Teddy asked, when the other prince wasn’t mentioned.
“He is not as I would have wished, Lord Teddy. He is ever angry. He does not think before he acts. I fear for what may have to be done.”
Teddy didn’t ask more. He didn’t really want to know what might be done with Ranulf.
As they prepared to have lunch, Ranulf stormed into the dining room.
“So, the reports were true,” he said, glaring at Teddy.
“You remember Lord Teddy,” the king said.
“As if anyone could forget. Is he not the son you wished you had?”
“That is uncalled for, Ranulf. We were of an age to be brothers when we first met. He has always been a friend to the realm.”
“What are your intentions, Lord Teddy? Will you stay?” Ranulf’s question sounded like an accusation.
“I wish to stay, if that is possible.”
“And then vie with our family to be the king?”
“Ranulf!” Alexander said.
“King? Why would I wish to be king?”
“My grandfather was from your realm.”
“Ranulf doesn’t seem to know his history. My mother was the only child of the previous king. When she married my father, she created him king to help her rule. She left many powers to him once she had children. That was her way. My father did not usurp the throne.”
“No, but now that Lord Teddy is here, he will look for a wife. My sister –”
“I’m 18. I’m not looking for a wife just yet. And I would never be worthy of a princess.”
“How noble! You would expect to marry well,” Ranulf continued.
“If I ever marry, it will be for love, not power.”
“Enough, Ranulf!” Alexander said. “What Lord Teddy does is no concern of yours, and I make decisions concerning who your sister marries. Now, if you intend to eat with us, sit down.”
Ranulf sat with a thud and began eating without another word.
Princess Gildalen entered the room quietly and approached her father. She looked very like her brother, Erik, her hair golden, eyes blue. She was nearly as tall as Erik, too. Teddy thought she was beautiful, but like a sculpture. He did not fall instantly in love with her as Ranulf appeared to expect.
Gildalen spoke quietly to her father.
“Gildalen, I would like you to meet Lord Teddy. You were not yet born last time he was here.”
Teddy stood and bowed to her. Gildalen curtsied. “I am pleased to meet you, Lord Teddy. I’ve heard many good things about you.”
“It is good to meet you also,” he replied.
She curtsied again and left the room.
Although he said nothing, Ranulf stared angrily at his food as he finished eating. Teddy noticed, but Alexander and Erik chatted as if nothing was wrong.
When the meal ended, they left
the room and returned to the audience hall. Erik had to leave then. He had duties to the realm. The king also had business, so he took his leave of Teddy.
As Teddy walked down the corridor to the entrance, Ranulf caught up with him.
“I remember you were a good fencer, Lord Teddy.”
“Yes, I am.”
“Would you compete against me? A friendly competition.”
“I don’t think you feel all that friendly toward me.”
“So you’re afraid I might defeat you?”
“I don’t know what your skill is, but I am not afraid to fence you.”
Ranulf smiled. It didn’t look friendly.
“I’m sure you’re tired from all you’ve done today. Shall we meet tomorrow morning?” Ranulf suggested.
“If you wish,” Teddy said.
“Perfect.”
Teddy returned to the village.
“Do you think it is wise to fence with Ranulf?” Fury asked on the way.
“He isn’t friendly, but I don’t think he’d seriously harm me.”
“Don’t trust him, Lord Teddy.”
“Not at all. But if he’s as good a fencer as his brother, I know I can defeat him.”
“Whatever the outcome, you must respect that he is a prince. Still, it would be better if you did not compete against him.”
“Then he’ll call me a coward. And I’m not afraid.”
“It would be better to be thought a coward than risk what might befall you.”
“I understand, Fury, but this way I can put his threats to rest once and for all. If he defeats me, he can be satisfied that he bested me fairly. If I defeat him, he will understand it isn’t worth having me as an enemy.”
Fury said no more. Teddy was determined, as young men his age often were, to prove himself through competition.
Teddy spent his afternoon and evening in the company of Birgid and her brothers, Garth and Leif. The boys were fascinated that Teddy had such access to the king, and that he was to compete against Prince Ranulf.
“Will you defeat him, do you think?” Birgid asked.
“I hope so. But whatever happens, I hope it will end his dislike of me. I have done nothing to him, yet he seems convinced that I wish to be king or that I wish to marry his sister.”
Birgid turned red then pale.
“And do you?”
“No. I have no claim to kingship. Alexander is the rightful king, and Erik after him.”
“And what of the princess?”
“She’s a confection. Beautiful, but that sort of beauty you appreciate from afar, like a painting or a sculpture, not the kind you long for – at least I don’t. As I’ve only briefly met her, I know nothing about her.”
“But you might come to love her?”
“As a sister, perhaps. She’s not to my taste. Besides, I’m too young to think of things like that.”
“But when you do – what sort of girl inspires you?”
It dawned on him what she wanted to know, and he wasn’t sure whether he should say, “You, Birgid” or simply give generalities that would hint she might be the kind of girl who would interest him.
“I think someone who has a bit of daring, someone who isn’t empty-headed, someone I can talk to and who has good insight.”
“Do you think you will stay here and marry?”
“Yes. I have no reason to return to my own world. My parents are dead. I have no brothers or sisters.”
“No girlfriend?”
“No girlfriend.”
“But friends – surely you have friends?”
“A few. No one who would miss me. I had a friend, Kenny, who wanted to come here with me. But I think he might have ridiculed the people here. I don’t think he would understand the society here. Still, his family was kind to me when my parents died.”
“I’m glad he wasn’t able to come, then.”
“We will make up for his loss,” Garth said.
“Will you have children?” Birgid asked.
“People do, don’t they?” Teddy replied. “More than one, though. I think I lost something not having brothers or sisters.”
“What will you do for work?” Leif asked.
“I don’t know. I had plans to become an architect in my world.”
“You could have that here,” Birgid said. My father knows members of the builder’s guild.
Teddy had known Birgid’s father when they were children. He had befriended Teddy. He would speak with him once things were settled.
The day grew late. Teddy and Birgid parted ways. Before she left she ventured to kiss his cheek. Trying to be gallant, as people in the novels he read were, he kissed her hand. She blushed and ran off to her home.
“You and Birgid make a nice couple,” Sven teased when Teddy entered the house.
“When the time comes for me to marry, she would make a good wife,” Teddy replied. “But it may be several years before I’m ready.
Sven smiled and patted his shoulder.
The next morning dawned bright and sunny. Teddy washed and dressed. Freya made him breakfast.
When he finished, he left for the castle. The townsfolk had heard of the match between Lord Teddy and Prince Ranulf, and all wished him good luck.
Fury told Teddy of Ranulf’s weaknesses.
“He is easy to distract, but he is easily angered. Both can be to your advantage, but beware his anger. And it has been said he is less than honest.”
“I’ll remember,” Teddy said, briefly remembering Hilda calling Fury a gossip.
Teddy felt nervous. He knew he was a good fencer, but if he soundly defeated Ranulf, he wasn’t sure how the king would react.
Erik greeted Teddy as he arrived at the castle.
“Your fencing gear has been laid out for you, Lord Teddy, and there are several epees for you to choose from.”
So, it was to be epee. Teddy had thought Ranulf would prefer sabers.
“I cannot help you, you understand, because if anything ill were to befall you, I would be blamed in foul play, as your opponent’s brother.”
“I would not blame you. But this is a friendly match, so I expect nothing ill to befall any of us.”
Erik became serious. “Teddy, you know that it is not friendly. Ranulf is disturbed and sees you as no friend. The rest of us do not agree with him. And my father sends a message: fight with all of your skill. There is to be a fair contest, not one for your pleasantries. Ranulf is skilled. I trust you know what he means?”
“I do.”
“Luck to you, then,” Erik said, and they parted ways.
Although Fury had already returned to the stables, he maintained a mental contact with Teddy.
Teddy dressed in fencing gear, chose two weapons – one in the event the first one broke – picked up his mask and entered the fencing room.
At each end of the fencing strip was a table with a goblet and a pitcher of water. In the middle, off to one side of the fencing strip stood three men. They would judge the hits and keep score.
Ranulf entered at the end opposite Teddy. The king sat a little distance from the middle of the strip at the side opposite the judges, his chair on a raised platform. Several people stood near the king to watch. Alexander stood.
“This is to be a friendly bout between peers. This is not a battle. I expect you both to do your best and engage in fair play according to the rules amongst gentlemen. The ruling of the judges is final. It is to be a best-of-three competition. When it is concluded, there is to be no enmity on anyone’s part. Begin.”
He sat and the two opponents saluted and put on their masks. Then they stood on their en garde lines. At the judge’s signal, they began.
Ranulf was impetuous. He charged down the strip at Teddy. Teddy was more cautious, watching, weighing his movements He quickly scored the first point. Ranulf was no slower on the second try, but slowed as he reached Teddy. He tested Teddy’s reflexes, beating on his weapon to see how he reacted. He waited too long, and Teddy
made a quick move and scored a second point.
Ranulf remained calm. Teddy’s moves gave him answers just as his did for Teddy.
The next two touches went to Ranulf, and he strutted too confidently to the en garde line. The next time he came forward too quickly, and Teddy made a decisive touch to his wrist. Again, Teddy found an opening and made the touch. Ranulf lost his composure, rushing toward Teddy and coming in for a forceful touch that was parried away. Teddy’s riposte came quickly.
“First bout to Lord Teddy,” the judge announced.
They took a pause for water, then stood ready for the second bout. Ranulf was a different fencer in the second bout, fast yet cautious, calm, his attacks well placed. He easily had the first three touches, and Teddy struggled to land a touch on Ranulf. The second bout ended in a victory for Ranulf, five touches to Teddy’s two.
The second break was a bit longer. The fencers wiped sweat from their brows, taking long draughts of water before returning to the fencing strip.
Ranulf was a raging monster in the final bout. He attacked with all his strength, his parries practically disarming Teddy. In one attempt to beat Teddy’s weapon away, Ranulf hit with such force he was too far to the side to make the touch. Teddy was able to flick the point of his weapon under Ranulf’s to score. The score quickly became four to two in Teddy’s favor. One more touch and he could be done with this beast.
Teddy drew Ranulf out, making him believe a false attack. Ranulf attempted to parry, but Teddy disengaged his blade and came in for the touch. Ranulf counter-parried so quickly and so hard he did disarm Teddy, and made his third touch before anyone realized Teddy’s weapon had left his hand. But Ranulf’s touch was as uncontrolled as his parry, and he hit with such force he broke his blade and knocked Teddy off his feet.
Ranulf stalked off to get a second weapon, and one of the judges helped Teddy to his feet. Teddy was wary now. That touch had hurt and he knew he’d have a bruise. Ranulf toyed with him now, trying to time his hit. But Teddy had often faced opponents who played that game. He pretended not to know what Ranulf was doing, watching for an opening, hoping Ranulf would make the sort of mistake he’d made in the first bout.
The moves back and forth seemed to go on forever. Finally, Ranulf made a move that looked like a mistake. Teddy thought it might be a trap. He came in with a feint attack and discovered his suspicion was correct. Ranulf attempted to trap Teddy’s blade, but he flicked it past Ranulf’s and hit him in the hip.
Fury: The Wind Unicorn (The Unicorn Tales Book 2) Page 7
