Crown Conspiracy

by Michael J. Sullivan

  Braga sat back down and stretched out his feet to the fire. “If I help you obtain the marchland from Lanaklin, and you throw your allegiance to me, Melengar will replace Warric as the strongest kingdom in Avryn. Similarly, Greater Chadwick will be its most powerful province.”

  “That’s assuming Ethelred doesn’t declare war,” Archibald warned. “Kings often frown upon losing a quarter of their realm, and Ethelred is not the type to take such an action without retaliation. He enjoys fighting. What’s more, he’s good at it. He has the best army in Avryn now.”

  “True,” Braga said, “but he has no able general to command it. He doesn’t have anyone near the talent of your Sir Breckton. That man is gifted when it comes to leading men. If you broke with Warric, could you count on his loyalty to you?”

  “Breckton’s loyalty to me is unwavering. His father, Lord Belstrad, is a chivalrous knight of archaic dimensions. He beat those values into his sons. Neither Breckton nor his brother—what’s his name, the younger Belstrad boy who went to sea—Wesley, would dishonor themselves by opposing a man they have sworn their allegiance to. I do admit, however, their honor can be an inconvenience. I remember once a servant dropped my new fustian hat in the mud, and when I commanded Breckton to cut off the clumsy oaf’s hand in punishment, he refused. Breckton went on for twenty minutes explaining the code of chivalry to me. Oh yes, my lord, he is indeed loyal to House Ballentyne, but I would rather have a less loyal man who simply obeys without question. It is entirely possible that should I break with Warric, Breckton might refuse to fight at all, but I’m certain he would not oppose me. Personally, I would be more concerned with Ethelred himself. He is a fine commander in his own right.”

  “True,” Braga acknowledged, “but so am I. I would welcome him engaging me personally. I already have a standing veteran army and a number of mercenaries at the ready. I will be able to muster superior numbers should that prove necessary. The result will be that he would lose all of Warric, and that could provide me the keys to the rest of Avryn and, perhaps, all of Apeladorn.”

  This time Archibald chuckled. “My, but I do appreciate your ability to think big. I can see there would be many advantages to my joining with you. Do you really have your sights on the title of Emperor?”

  “Why not? If I am poised to conquer, the Patriarch will be eager to throw his allegiance to me just as the Church did with Glenmorgan. If I promise certain rights to the Church, he may even declare me the heir. Then no one will stand against me. In any case, this is for another day. We are getting ahead of ourselves.” Braga turned his attention toward the bishop. “I want to thank you, your grace, for arranging this meeting. It was very educational. But now it is nearly midmorning, and I think it is time to get Arista’s trial underway. I would, however, like to invite you to stay, Archibald. As it turns out, I think I may be able to offer you a gift to show you my commitment to you as a newfound friend of Melengar.”

  “I’m flattered, my lord. I’d welcome the opportunity to spend time with you, and I’m sure whatever gift you may have will be a generous one.”

  “You mentioned the thieves who spoiled your move against Victor Lanaklin called themselves Riyria?”

  “Yes, I did. Why do you ask?”

  “Well, it appears we share a common interest in these two rogues. They have also been a rather painful thorn in my own side. As you already discovered, they pay no respect to people who hire them and are willing to turn against their employers. I, too, hired them for a task and now find them working against me. I have reason to believe they may be coming here today, and I have set plans in motion to capture them. If they do indeed make an appearance, I will try them along with Arista. It is quite possible all three will be burning at the stake by early evening.”

  “You are, indeed, most generous, my lord,” Archibald replied, with a nod of his head and a smile on his lips.

  “I thought you might enjoy that. You mentioned when you arrived that Alric is dead and that is indeed the notion I’ve been circulating. Unfortunately, it is not so…that is not yet. Arista actually arranged for those thieves to smuggle Alric out of this castle on the night of Amrath’s death. I believe he has hired them and they will attempt to save her. Evidence indicates they used the sewers to exit the castle so I’ve taken extra precautions there. The grate in the kitchen has been sealed, and Wylin, the castle’s master-at-arms, waits with his best men hidden to close the river grate behind them. I even failed to post guards near there to make it more enticing. With luck, the fool of a prince might actually play the boyish hero and come with them. If he does—checkmate!”

  Archibald nodded with obvious pleasure. “You really are very impressive.”

  Braga raised his glass in tribute. “To me.”

  “To you,” Archibald drank to Braga’s health.

  There was a loud pounding on the door. “Come!” Braga called irritated.

  “Lord Chancellor!” One of Braga’s hired soldiers burst into the room. His cheeks and nose were red, his armor dripping wet. On his head and shoulders a small bit of snow remained.

  “Yes? What is it?”

  “The wall guard reports foot prints in the snow leading to the river near the sewers, my lord.”

  “Excellent,” Braga replied draining his glass. “Take eight men and support Wylin from the river. I don’t want them escaping. Remember, if the prince is with them, kill him on sight. Don’t let Wylin stop you. Either way, I want the thieves alive. Lock them in the dungeons and gag them as before. I will use them as further incriminating evidence against Arista and burn the whole lot together.” The soldier bowed and left hurriedly.

  “Now, gentlemen, as I was saying, let’s join the magistrate and the other nobles. I’m anxious to get this trial underway.” They all stood and, walking three abreast, they exited the large double doors as one.

  — 2 —

  The morning sun magnified by the snow entered the river grate as a stark white light. The wintry radiance splintered along the glistening subway ceiling, revealing ancient stone caked in mildew and moss. The light reflected off the frozen sweat of the sewer walls, bouncing back and forth until at last it scattered into the all-consuming darkness. In the gloom, the soldiers waited, crouching and cold. Their feet were ankle-deep in filthy cold water, which streamed between their legs running from the castle drains to the river. For the better part of four hours, they lingered in silence, but now they could hear the sound of footsteps approaching. The sloshing of the dirty water echoed off the sewer walls, and the distant movement of shadows played upon the stone.

  With a motion of his hand, Wylin ordered his troop to hold their position and maintain their silence. He wanted to be certain the rearguard was in place, and his prey was in sight before he made his move. There were many avenues in the sewers where two men could run and hide in the dark. He did not want to be chasing the rats through a maze of tunnels. Not only was it unpleasant down there, but Wylin knew the archduke wanted the thieves for the morning festivities and would not be pleased with a long delay.

  Soon they came into view. Two men, one tall and broad, the other shorter and slimmer, each dressed in warm winter cloaks with hoods pulled high rounded the corner slowly, pausing from time to time to look about.

  “Remind me to compliment His Majesty on the quality of his sewers,” one of them mentioned in a mocking tone.

  “At least the slime is warmer than the river,” the other replied.

  “Yeah, too bad this is happening on the coldest day of the year. Why couldn’t it be the middle of summer?”

  “That would be warmer for sure, but could you imagine the smell?”

  “Speaking of smell, do you think we’re getting close to the kitchen yet?”

  “You’re the one leading; I can’t see a thing in here.”

  Wylin waved his arm. “Move in, now! Take them!”

  The castle guard rushed from their positions in an adjoining tunnel and charged the two men. From behind, more soldiers rac
ed forward, blocking any retreat. The troops encircled the two, swords drawn and shields at the ready.

  “Careful,” Wylin said, “the archduke says they are full of surprises.”

  “I’ll show you surprises,” one of the soldiers from the rear said and stepping forward struck the tall one with the pommel of his sword dropping him to the ground. Another used his shield and the second man fell unconscious.

  Wylin sighed and glared at his ranks then shrugged. “I was planning on letting them walk, but this works too. Chain ’em, gag ’em, and drag ’em to the dungeons. And for Maribor’s sake, get their heads up before they drown. Braga wants them alive.” The soldiers nodded and went to work.

  — 3 —

  “This hearing of the High Court of Melengar has been assembled in good order to review allegations made against the Princess Arista Essendon by the Lord Chancellor, the Archduke of Melengar, Percy Braga.” The strong voice of the chief magistrate boomed across the chamber. “Princess Arista stands duly accused of treason against the crown, the murder of her father and brother, and the practicing of witchcraft.”

  The largest room in the castle, the Court of Melengar had a cathedral ceiling, stained-glass windows, and walls rimmed in emblems and shields of the noble houses of the kingdom. Bench seats and balconies were overflowing with spectators. The nobles and the city’s affluent merchants pressed in to see the royal trial of the princess. Outside, many common people had been gathering since dawn and waited in the snow as runners reported the proceedings. A wall of armor-clad soldiers held them at bay.

  The court itself was a boxed set of bleachers composed of tiered armchairs where the ranking nobles of the kingdom sat. Several of the seats were vacant, but enough had arrived to serve Braga’s purpose. Still frosty with the morning chill, most of the court wore fur wraps as they waited for the fire in the great hearth to warm the room. At the front of the court stood the empty throne, its vacancy looming like an ominous specter before the court. Its presence was a stark reminder of the gravity and scope of the trial. The verdict could decide who would sit there next and control the reins of the kingdom.

  “This judicial court, comprised of men of good standing and sound wisdom, will now hear the allegations and the evidence. May Maribor grant them wisdom.”

  The chief magistrate took his seat and a heavyset man with a short beard wreathing his small mouth stood up. He was dressed in expensive looking robes that flowed behind him as he paced before the jury, eyeing each man carefully.

  “Lords of the Court,” the lawyer said addressing the bleachers with a dramatic sweep of his arm. “Your noble personages have by now learned that our good king Amrath was murdered seven days past in this very castle. You may also be aware Prince Alric is missing, presumed abducted and murdered. But how could such things as these happen within a king’s own castle walls? A king might be murdered, a prince might be abducted, but both in the same night one after the other? How is this possible?”

  The crowd quieted as they struggled to hear.

  “How is it possible that two killers slipped inside the castle unnoticed, stabbed the king to death, and, despite being caught and locked in the dungeon, were able to escape? This in itself is incredible, because the cell in which they were locked was heavily guarded by skilled soldiers. Not only were they imprisoned, they were also chained by their wrists and ankles to the wall. But what is beyond amazing, what is beyond belief, is that after managing their miraculous escape, the two did not flee! No, indeed! Informed while in captivity that they would be drawn and quartered at dawn—a most painful and gruesome death to be certain—for their most heinous crime, these two killers remained in a castle filled with hundreds of soldiers ready to thrust them back into their cell. Rather than flee for their lives, instead they sought out the prince, the most heavily guarded and high-profile personage in the castle, and kidnapped him! I ask you again, how is this possible? Were the castle guards asleep? Were they so totally incompetent as to let the killers of the king walk out? Or could it be that the assassins had help?

  “Could a guard have done this? A foreign spy? Even a trusted baron or earl? No! None of them would have the authority to enter the dungeon to see the killers of the king much less free them. Nay, gracious lords, no person in the castle that night had the authority to enter those jails so easily, save one—Princess Arista! Being the daughter of the victim, who could deny her the right to spit in the faces of the men who murdered her father so brutally? Only she wasn’t there to defile the killers, she came to help them finish the job she started!”

  The crowd murmured.

  “This is an outrage!” an elderly man protested from the bleachers. “To accuse the poor girl of her father’s death, you should be ashamed! Where is she? Why is she not present to dispute these claims?”

  “Lord Valin,” the lawyer addressed him, “we are honored to have you with us today. This court will call the princess forth shortly. She is not here for the presenting of facts as it is a tedious and unpleasant matter, and this court does not want the princess to endure it. Likewise, those called to testify can speak freely, without the presence of their future queen, should she be found innocent. And there are still other, more unpleasant reasons of which I will elaborate upon in due time.”

  This did not appear to change Lord Valin’s mood, but he made no further protest and sat back down.

  “The court of Melengar calls Reuben Hilfred to testify.”

  The lawyer paused as the big soldier still dressed in ring mail and the tabard of the falcon stood before the court. His stance was proud and straight, but his expression was anything but pleased.

  “Hilfred,” the lawyer addressed him,” what is your position here at Essendon Castle?”

  “I am personal bodyguard to Princess Arista,” he told the court in a loud clear voice.

  “Tell us Reuben, what is your rank?”

  “I am sergeant-at-arms.”

  “That’s a fairly high rank, isn’t it?”

  “It is a respected position.”

  “How did you attain this rank?”

  “I was singled out for some reason.”

  “For some reason? For some reason?” the lawyer repeated, laughing gaily. “Is it not true you were recommended for promotion by Captain Wylin for your years of consistent and unwavering loyalty to the crown? Moreover, is it not true that the king himself appointed you to be his daughter’s personal bodyguard after you risked your life and saved Arista from the fire that killed the queen mother? Were you not also presented with a commendation for bravery by the king? Are not all these things true?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “I sense in you a reluctance to be here, Reuben. Am I correct?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “It is because you are loyal to your princess, and you do not wish to be a part of anything which might harm her. That is an admirable quality. Still, you are also an honorable man, and as such, you must speak truthfully in your testimony before this court. So tell us, Reuben, what happened the night the king was murdered?”

  Hilfred shifted his weight uncomfortably from one foot to the other and then took a breath and spoke. “It was late, and the princess was asleep in her bed. I was on post at the tower stairs when the king was found. Captain Wylin ordered me to check on Princess Arista. Before I reached her door, she came out, startled by the noise.”

  “How was she dressed?” the lawyer asked.

  “In a gown, I am not sure which.”

  “But she was dressed? Was she not? Not in a robe or night clothes?”

  “Yes, she was dressed.”

  “You’ve spent years guarding Arista. Have you ever known her to sleep in her gowns?”

  “No.”

  “Never?”

  “Never.”

  “But I assume you’ve no doubt stood outside her door when she went to dress for meals or to change after traveling. Does she have servants to help her dress?”

  “Yes.”

 
“How many?”

  “Three.”

  “And how long is the fastest you recall her dressing?”

  “I am not certain.”

  “Make a guess, the court will not hold you to the exact time.”

  “Perhaps twenty minutes.”

  “Twenty minutes with three servants. That is actually quite fast considering all the ties and toggles that require lacing for most ladies’ clothing. Now how long would you say it was between the discovery of the king’s body and the time the princess came out of her room?”

  Hilfred hesitated.

  “How long?” the lawyer persisted.

  “Perhaps ten minutes.”

  “Ten minutes, you say? And when she came out of her room, how many servants were with her?”

  “None, that I saw.”

  “Amazing! The princess woke up unexpectedly in the dark and managed to dress herself fully in a lavish gown in ten minutes without the help of a single servant!”

  The lawyer paced the floor, his head down in thought, a finger tapping his lips. He paused with his back to Hilfred. Then, as if a sudden thought occurred to him, he spun abruptly.

  “Tell us, how did she take the news of the king’s death?”

  “She was shocked.”

  “Did she weep?”

  “I am sure she did.”

  “But did you see her?”

  “No.”

  “Then what happened?”

  “She went to Prince Alric’s chambers to find him and was surprised he wasn’t there. She then—”

  “Please stop there just a minute. She went to Alric’s chambers? She learns her father is murdered and her first inclination is to go to her brother’s room? Did you not find it odd she didn’t immediately rush to her father’s side? After all, no one suggested any harm had come to Alric, had they?”

  “No.”

  “What happened next?”

  “She went to view her father’s body, and Alric arrived.”

  “After the prince sentenced the prisoners to death, what did the princess do?”