Warrior King, page 1
And so it begins…
Ludwig stared out the window, watching as the noonday sun chased away the shadows in the city streets below. Years ago, in an ill-conceived plan to escape his father’s influence, he’d fled north, seeking to start a new life. Now, here he was, a decade later, the newly crowned king of the very kingdom he’d abandoned!
Nobody could’ve predicted the chain of events that would bring him here. After King Morgan assumed the Throne, the ruler ceased listening to reason and began purging nobles. With the aid of nearly half of the realm’s barons, Ludwig waged a military campaign that ended with the death of his predecessor. Although he’d never been one to seek power for its own sake, Ludwig assumed the role of king, hoping he could repair the damage caused by the civil war.
“Having regrets?”
He turned to see his wife, Charlotte, moving towards him, a smile playing over her lips. She was in high spirits today, which he was thankful for. Neither knew when the lethargy would overwhelm her, requiring her to withdraw to the seclusion of their room.
He matched her welcoming smile. “How different things might’ve turned out if I’d remained in Hadenfeld instead of travelling north.”
“But then you wouldn’t have met Sig and Cyn.” She paused, looking into his eyes. “Something is bothering you. Not me, I hope?”
Ludwig smiled. “No. Never.”
“Then what is it?”
“When I returned to Hadenfeld all those years ago, I wanted only to settle down and live my life in peace. Now, here I am, the ruler of a realm ravaged by two civil wars in a span of only five years.”
“That’s not your fault. Had King Morgan been wise enough to listen to your advice, we wouldn’t have had to remove him from the Throne.”
“But I killed him.”
“I hate to correct you,” replied Charlotte, “but your archers were the ones who finished him off.”
Warrior KIng
Power Ascending: Book Eight
Paul J Bennett
Contents
Map of Eiddenwerthe
Map of the Petty Kingdoms
Map of Hadenfeld
Map of Deisenbach
1. The Crown
2. Struggles
3. Titles
4. Emissary
5. Trouble Brews
6. The South
7. The Capital
8. Mirantha
9. The Archprior
10. Udenacht
11. Harlingen
12. Diplomacy
13. Home
14. Envoy
15. Trouble in the East
16. Temple General
17. Threats
18. Consultation
19. Temple Knights
20. Demands
21. Eisen
22. Kurslingen
23. War Clouds
24. The Army Assembles
25. The March North
26. The Crossing
27. Skirmish
28. Flanked
29. Battle
30. Victory
31. Winter
32. Spring
33. Rebuilding
34. Waiting
35. Wargames
36. Ill Winds
37. News
38. Old Friends
39. Reinforcements
40. Old Enemies
41. Danger
42. March to Battle
43. Eve of Battle
44. The Battle of Tormaline
45. Triumph
Epilogue
Ashes - The Frozen Flame: Book One
Also by Paul J Bennett
About the Author
Map of Eiddenwerthe
Map of the Petty Kingdoms
Kingdom of Hadenfeld
Kingdom of Deisenbach
1
The Crown
Spring 1105 SR* (*Saints Reckoning)
With the spring buds bursting forth on the trees, and the days growing warmer, the nobles of Hadenfeld would soon descend upon the Royal Keep in the capital, eager to win favour with its new rulers.
Ludwig stared out the window, watching as the noonday sun chased away the shadows in the city streets below. Years ago, in an ill-conceived plan to escape his father’s influence, he’d fled north, seeking to start a new life. Now, here he was, a decade later, the newly crowned king of the very kingdom he’d abandoned!
Nobody could’ve predicted the chain of events that would bring him here. After King Morgan assumed the Throne, the ruler ceased listening to reason and began purging nobles. With the aid of nearly half of the realm’s barons, Ludwig waged a military campaign that ended with the death of his predecessor. Although he’d never been one to seek power for its own sake, Ludwig assumed the role of king, hoping he could repair the damage caused by the civil war.
“Having regrets?”
He turned to see his wife, Charlotte, moving towards him, a smile playing over her lips. She was in high spirits today, which he was thankful for. Neither knew when the lethargy would overwhelm her, requiring her to withdraw to the seclusion of their room.
He matched her welcoming smile. “How different things might’ve turned out if I’d remained in Hadenfeld instead of travelling north.”
“But then you wouldn’t have met Sig and Cyn.” She paused, looking into his eyes. “Something is bothering you. Not me, I hope?”
Ludwig smiled. “No. Never.”
“Then what is it?”
“When I returned to Hadenfeld all those years ago, I wanted only to settle down and live my life in peace. Now, here I am, the ruler of a realm ravaged by two civil wars in a span of only five years.”
“That’s not your fault. Had King Morgan been wise enough to listen to your advice, we wouldn’t have had to remove him from the Throne.”
“But I killed him.”
“I hate to correct you,” replied Charlotte, “but your archers were the ones who finished him off.”
“Still, my assault on the capital led to his demise.”
“You know as well as I that his survival would’ve only made things worse. His death spared you the need for a public trial.”
“True,” said Ludwig. “But by now, news of his demise will have spread across the Petty Kingdoms like wildfire, and the other rulers will view me as a pretender—an upstart who seized the Throne through force of arms.”
“Most couldn’t care less,” replied Charlotte. “And, in any case, you had the support of the Church, which legitimizes your rule to many of them.”
“It wasn’t the Church, merely one order of Temple Knights.”
“To a king, it’s the same thing. Trust me, I heard it back in Reinwick enough times to know what I’m talking about.”
Ludwig smiled. “You always know how to help me see sense.”
“That’s my magic.”
He laughed. “You’re not a mage.”
“No, I’m not, but I’m aware of what’s in your heart, and that’s what makes us such a good match.”
“Agreed.”
She shifted her gaze to the streets below. “Have you finally decided what to do with the army?”
“I have, but I fear it won’t be a popular choice.”
“Do you mean to remove it from the barons’ control?”
“I do,” replied Ludwig. “The current method worked to our advantage during the war, but I can no longer permit each lord to command their own men. It’s an open invitation for my enemies to oppose my rule.”
“Then you must make efforts to bring our former adversaries once more into the warm and welcoming embrace of the Crown.”
“Any suggestions about how we might do that?”
“The Duke of Reinwick would invite all his nobles to court on a regular basis. Reinwick isn’t as large as Hadenfeld, but the principle is the same. When people gather together, they form bonds, which, in turn, leads to a greater sense of loyalty.”
“I like the idea, but I must confess that’s not my area of expertise.”
“Then it’s good I’m here to look after things. I’ll ask Gita and Alexandra to help me organize everything.”
“Then I shall leave it in your capable hands.”
A soft knock came from the door, followed by Captain Gustavo’s voice. “Majesty?”
“Yes?” replied Ludwig.
“My apologies, sire, but the Royal Council awaits your arrival.”
“I shall be there directly.”
“Yes, Majesty. I’ll inform them at once.”
Ludwig grinned. “It seems I’m now in trouble with the Royal Household for being late for a meeting I myself arranged.”
Charlotte grinned. “Welcome to the life of a king.”
* * *
Ludwig assumed the seat at the head of the table, flanked by Cyn and Sigwulf, with Lords Merrick and Emmett beside them. Rounding out the group was Father Vernan, representing the Church of the Saints.
“Good day, everyone,” said Ludwig. “I hope you’re all well?”
“That sounds a tad formal,” noted Cyn, cracking a smile. “Are you certain you’re feeling well?”
“I’m fine,” replied Ludwig. “It’s only that we have some serious business to attend to today.”
“He means real work,” offered Sigwulf, shifting uncomfortably in his seat.
“Problem, Sig?”
“It’s these chairs. They’re not made for the likes of me.”
Ludwig turned to a servant standing nearby. “Let’s see if we can find a chair with no arms, shall we?
“Don’t let me hold up the meeting.”
Ludwig nodded. “I’ve called this assembly to discuss the army. Where do we stand regarding numbers?”
“We’re down significantly since the war’s end,” replied Merrick. “We currently have twelve hundred men under arms, but it’s draining our treasury. I’m afraid we’ll need to make further cuts unless you have a way of increasing funds?”
“I wish I did,” said Ludwig, “but Morgan drained the coffers dry. As it stands, we’ve barely enough for the day-to-day running of the realm.”
“We could raise taxes,” offered Emmett.
“I wouldn’t advise that,” replied Father Vernan. “There is already considerable resentment towards Ludwig’s rule; that might be enough to push people into action.”
“You think they’d rise up?”
“If our recent history taught us anything, it’s that those unhappy with a monarch can force change at the point of the sword. I’m not saying I agree with it, but I keep a close eye on such things, and I assure you that I’m not exaggerating.”
“No new taxes, then,” said Ludwig. “I’m afraid we’ll have to trim the fat a little more. If it helps, we can tell everyone it’s meant to be a temporary measure.”
“How temporary?” asked Merrick.
“The Royal Treasury needs refilling. I’m not suggesting it needs to be overflowing, but presently, there are no reserves. If we faced any sort of emergency requiring extra funds, we’d be unable to cope.”
“And against this backdrop, you propose reorganizing the army?”
“We can’t afford another civil war,” replied Ludwig, “and the only way to prevent that is to place all soldiers under the direct control of the Crown or its designated generals.”
“Generals?” said Merrick.
“Yes, that reminds me. Sig, Cyn—you’re both promoted to the rank of general.”
“Nice,” replied Cyn. “Does that come with any extra coins?”
“Eventually, but I’m afraid for the moment, it’s strictly a volunteer position.”
She shrugged. “That’s fine. I can make do. How about you, Siggy?”
The great northerner grinned. “General Sigwulf. I like the sound of that. Now, would that be Lord General Sigwulf or General Lord Sigwulf? I’m never sure where the titles fit in.”
“It would actually be General Marhaven,” said Ludwig. “We use last names in Hadenfeld, and your position as Baron of Verfeld is of secondary importance in terms of commanding the army.”
“I can live with that.”
Lord Merrick cleared his throat. “You appear to have some thoughts on the matter of the army, sire. If we are to make cuts, what troops do you want remaining?”
“I’d like at least half to be foot.”
“And the rest?”
“Three hundred bow, the remainder horse. Is that possible?”
“Most certainly. I’ll arrange for the armour and weapons of those dismissed to be stored in the Royal Armoury.”
“Excellent. And ensure that each person we dismiss receives a letter documenting their service. Once our treasury is restored, we’ll be looking to increase numbers, and they’ll be the first people we contact.”
“Anyone in particular you want to retain?”
“Plenty, but I’ll leave that up to Cyn and Sig.”
Ludwig surveyed the room, his gaze coming to rest on an ostentatious portrait taking up a good portion of the wall. His predecessor had expensive tastes, and the king needed to demonstrate to his subjects that he was willing to do his part. “I believe it’s time we cleared out this keep of all these excesses, don’t you?”
“Excesses?” replied Merrick. “Are you suggesting you wish to return to King Otto’s more barren tastes?”
“Perhaps not quite as severe as his, but I’d like to avoid the more obvious displays of wealth.”
“What would you have us do with all these paintings?”
“Sell them off. I’m certain there are plenty of wealthy people who’d love to get their hands on them. Having said that, we should be careful not to cause a panic, so let’s keep our current financial situation to ourselves. I don’t want anyone outside our circle here asking questions.”
“We’ll still have to address the reduction of our army,” said Emmett. “How do you wish to explain that?”
“If anyone asks, we’re concentrating on quality over quantity, and right now, we lack the facilities to house a large army.”
“Good answer,” said Father Vernan. “I see you’ve given this considerable thought.”
“Not really. It only just occurred to me.”
“Might I beg a question, sire?” said Emmett.
“Of course,” replied Ludwig, “but only if you stop calling me sire. This is not court, and this assembly is one of mutual respect and friendship. Therefore, Ludwig will do fine. What’s your question?”
“It concerns Eisen. It was formerly the capital of Neuhafen, but with reunification, there’s no direct lord ruling over it. Are we to make it a barony or keep it operating as a Royal Holding?”
“For the short term, we shall leave it in the Crown’s hands, but I’m open to suggestions about the best long-term solution. Creating a new barony is a valid consideration, but I’d prefer to hear some other ideas before I decide.”
“You could designate it a free city,” offered Cyn. “Like they did with Malburg?”
“Or give it to the army,” added Sigwulf, “allowing us to maintain a garrison in case Zowenbruch decides to invade again?”
“Both excellent ideas,” replied Ludwig, “but to make that decision, I’ll need a lot more information. Cyn, see if you can dig out the original charter for Malburg, and we’ll have Father Vernan consult with Temple Captain Hamelyn to determine what it would take to upgrade the facilities to house more men.”
“Why the Temple Captain?” asked Emmett.
“With the numbers we’re proposing, we’ll need something along the lines of a commandery. I assume he has access to plans for those?”
“Most definitely,” replied Vernan. “Though I must warn you; building a structure like that takes years.”
“We have to start somewhere.”
“Agreed. I shall seek out Temple Captain Hamelyn once we’re finished here.”
“Where are we in terms of loyalty?” asked Sigwulf. “I know the barons all pledged to serve you after the coronation, but who can we actually trust?”
“Most of the eastern provinces are good,” replied Emmett, “but that’s hardly surprising, considering they supported your efforts to win the Crown.”
“Most of?” said Vernan. “I’m afraid you’ll have to explain that one to me.”
“When Ludwig called for aid, the barons of Arnsbach and Udenacht didn’t respond. At the time, we thought it was their way of remaining neutral, but they’ve apparently developed close ties to Bruggendorf.”
“That was to be expected,” said Ludwig. “If you recall, they were implicated in Lord Jurgen’s plot to start a war with Hollenbeck.”
“Also true,” added Emmett, “but we saw no indication of their men fighting against us.” He swivelled to face Sigwulf. “You fought in the south. Did you run across any of their men?”
“We did at Arnsbach,” replied the huge northerner, “but we never made it to Udenacht. Mind you, it’s not as if the barons’ men wore any distinguishing colours. For all we know, we may have been fighting men from any of the southern baronies, save for Luwen. Lord Meinhard would’ve been one of our staunchest defenders had he lived. I can’t imagine his men fighting for Morgan, can you?”
