Fury of the Crown, page 13
"There is a fine line between being influential and being a pawn."
Fitz turned to the queen. "A very astute observation."
"Might I enquire as to your age?" asked Anna.
Bronwyn bristled. "I am sixteen, you?"
"Eighteen, though I suspect you are wiser than your years might suggest."
The Norland princess turned crimson. "Am I to be insulted now?"
"Not at all, it was merely an observation."
"You are very much like the queen," said Fitz. "I rather suspect your upbringing was of a similar nature."
"How?" said Bronwyn. "Surely you were raised at court?"
"No," said Anna, "I was hidden away from society and kept locked up in a remote estate."
The baron noted the look of surprise on their visitor. "Was it, perhaps, the same for you?"
There was a slight pause before she replied. "Yes, my upbringing was very similar, though perhaps for different reasons."
"Would you care to explain?"
"Everyone knows that Your Majesty is illegitimate," said Bronwyn. "Had you been born a man, you would, no doubt, have been branded a bastard."
"Not precisely," said Anna, keeping her calm demeanour. "The king was not my father, but the queen bore me."
"Then your claim to the throne is even weaker than we Norlanders supposed."
"On the contrary, she who wears the warriors crown rules Merceria."
Bronwyn smiled. "I am merely trying to present the facts as I see them."
"For someone who's just been liberated from imprisonment," said the baron, "you have a funny way of showing gratitude."
"Gratitude?" said Bronwyn, "I wanted to make myself understood, nothing more. You were hidden away out of shame, whereas I was hidden away for my own protection."
"And yet you still ended up in the hands of Lord Hollis," said Fitz.
"Yes, but I could expect no less. As a grand daughter of the king, it is my husband that shall inherit the throne. In that regard Lord Hollis is no worse than the other lords of Norland."
"Might I ask how this turn of events came about?" asked the queen.
"As you probably know, my father died some years ago. I was raised in the court of Galburn's Ridge until the death of my mother."
"How old were you when she passed?"
"Seven. I was sent to Chilmsford by my grandfather. His health had been ailing and he wanted me away from the politics of court. There I was tended to by servants loyal to the crown."
"But something changed that," suggested Fitz.
"Yes," the princess continued. "As I aged, certain elements of Norland society began to exert more influence at court."
"You mean Lord Hollis?"
"I do. He began to put pressure on my grandfather, insisting that I be properly trained in those skills typically required by women. The result is that I was placed in the care of Lady Hollis and sent to Beaconsgate to receive a proper education."
"And how long ago was this?"
"Three years, give or take a couple of weeks."
"And he treated you well?" asked the queen.
"Lord Hollis had little to do with me initially, but as I neared my age of majority he began to take a more active interest."
"Age of majority?" said Fitz. "You've reached that, surely?"
"No," said Bronwyn, "Our tradition calls for a girl to have reached her seventeenth year before she can wed. That is still some months away for me."
"And what then?"
"I suppose he will marry me."
"But he can't, can he?" asked Fitz. "He's already married, isn't he?"
"He is," replied the princess, "but I'm sure Lady Hollis would gladly step down if it would elevate her husband to the throne. Our marriage would be nothing more than political expediency."
"And now we've brought you to Wincaster," said Anna. "I'm just sorry it couldn't have been under happier circumstances."
"What will happen to me now?" asked Bronwyn. "Have I simply traded one form of captivity for another?"
"We do not view you as a prisoner, rather as our guest. For now, I shall assign you a guide. You will have free roam of the Palace, aside from private areas of course, and can even travel into the city if you wish."
"So I am not under arrest?"
"No," said Fitz, "though guards will be provided for your own protection."
"And how long am I to remain here?"
"Until such time that we can return you to Norland and guarantee your safety." The queen rose, leading the baron to follow suit. "I shall leave you now, for I have much to see to. Baron Fitzwilliam here will keep an eye on you while I am otherwise engaged. Welcome to Merceria, Bronwyn. I hope you'll come to appreciate the risk we've taken in bringing you here."
The Norland princess stood, bowing respectfully. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Queen Anna exited the room, followed closely by Baron Fitzwilliam, guards closing the door behind them.
"Well?" said Anna. "What did you make of her?"
"She has a proud bearing," said Fitz, "not unlike yourself, if you'll permit me to say."
"I'll take that as a compliment. Do you think she'll come around?"
"I suppose it depends on your definition of 'coming around'. I think she'll be comfortable enough here, once she gets used to our way of doing things, the real question is whether or not she'll eventually choose to return to Norland."
Anna halted, causing the baron to overshoot her location. He turned, looking back at her. "Is something wrong, Your Highness?"
She resumed her steps. "Do you think a woman could ever rule Norland?"
"What are you suggesting? That we conquer and annex it?"
"No," said Anna, "though we might be forced to by circumstances. No, I was wondering if it might be possible to put Bronwyn on the throne."
"As the queen of Norland?"
"Yes, why not? It worked for me, didn't it?"
"It did," agreed Fitz, "but I might remind you that it was a long and difficult road."
"That does not rule out the possibility. What if we could? Would you favour the idea?"
"I'm not sure. The truth is we know very little of the character of Princess Bronwyn. We could end up placing her on the throne only to find she turns against us."
"That is a very good point, baron. I shall make it your task to get to know her a little better over the coming days."
"Me? Why in Saxnor's name would you give that task to me?"
"You raised Beverly," said Anna, "so you're used to dealing with young women."
"I would hardly put Bronwyn in the same category as my daughter."
"True, but you are also the consummate diplomat."
"Gerald would be more appropriate to the task, I should think."
"Perhaps," said Anna, "but I need him by my side, and in any event, I don't feel like sharing him."
"Ah," said Fitz, "so I am to be considered surplus to requirements?"
"Not at all. You are a valued member of my inner circle, and I know I can trust you to represent the interests of the crown."
"I am, as ever, at your service," said Fitz.
"Good, then I shall retire for the evening in the knowledge that things are well taken care of."
They halted at the door to the Royal Suite.
Baron Fitzwilliam bowed. "Good night, Your Majesty."
"And to you, Lord Richard."
* * *
Early morning found Gerald in the kitchen, sniffing out something to eat from the cook. He had returned late, and, as a result, had been forced to look after Tempus over night. The great mastiff now trailed in his wake, sniffing the floor for any sign of dropped food.
"See anything you like?" asked Linette.
"Ah," said Gerald, "I was looking for something filling."
"I can cook you something if you like?"
"You're a cook now?"
The young woman beamed. "I am. Now tell me, what can I get for you?"
"Is there any of that ham left from yesterday?"
"There is, as a matter of fact, and we've got some porridge on the boil if you're so inclined."
"That would be marvellous, thank you."
"Take a seat over there, then and I'll have it for you shortly."
"Thank you, Linette."
He moved aside as a servant struggled past, bearing a large silver tray.
"Company?" he called out.
"Yes," said the cook, as she carved of a slice of ham. "Didn't you hear?"
"Oh, is that for the Norland princess?"
"It is, have you met her yet?"
"No," said Gerald. "What's she like?"
"I can't say. I haven't met her, though I have to admit she can be quite particular when it comes to food."
"Particular?"
Linette carried over a plate of meat, placing it before him, then tossed a slice onto the floor that was quickly gobbled up by Tempus. She looked down at the great beast. "We don't need to clean the floor with you around, do we?" She looked back at Gerald. "I'll just get your porridge."
"You were saying something about our visitor being particular?"
"Never mind what I said," she replied, "it's not my place to talk of such things."
"Nonsense," said Gerald, "you know the queen would want you to speak your mind."
"Well, it's just that insists that everything she eat be covered in some sort of sauce."
"What kind of sauce?"
"Any, apparently. It's like she has no spit of her own."
"I suppose that makes her a saucy wench?" said Gerald, with a chuckle.
Linette screeched out a laugh. "That was a good one, Sir."
She made her way to a large pot and began ladling porridge into a bowl. Her task complete, she gathered up the food, placing it on a wooden tray. "There you are, all set."
Gerald rose, "thank you, Linette, your efforts are greatly appreciated." He grabbed the tray, carrying it from the room, Tempus leading the way.
The office of the marshal was only a short distance away, and in short order he was seated at his desk. He tossed a piece of ham to Tempus then took a spoonful of porridge, relishing the thick, pasty goo.
No sooner was it in his mouth than the door opened and Baron Fitzwilliam poked in his head.
"Where's your aide?" he asked.
"You mean Hill? Still in bed, I would expect," said Gerald, "it's early. Something you want to see me about?"
"As a matter of fact, there is." The baron entered, taking a seat.
"Do you want some ham?"
"No, thank you," said Fitz. "We just received word from Hawksburg thanks to Kraloch."
"I thought he was here, in Wincaster?"
"He was, but he popped back to Hawksburg last night to see how the rebuilding was going. That's when he came across this." He passed over a note. "It's from Sir Heward."
Gerald looked at the note held before him, then to his food. "I'm still eating," he said, "summarize for me, if you would."
"Certainly. He reports a rather strange encounter north of the river near Wickfield."
"You have my interest," said Gerald. "What does he mean by strange?"
"It appears that some troops belonging to Lord Hollis took it upon themselves to attack a group of villagers, a sort of militia if you will."
"Oh?"
"Yes, Sir Heward got wind of it through our Kurathian scouts. He took cavalry north and intervened."
"So fighting has broken out?"
"If you can call it that. He reports no casualties on our side, but sent the Earl's men running."
"And what of the villagers?"
"Yes, well, that's the sticky part."
"What do you mean, sticky?"
"He decided to bring them back to Mercerian soil."
"To what end?"
"To keep them safe, apparently, but many of them wish to take up arms."
"I'm not sure what your suggesting. Are you saying they wish to fight us?"
"No, against Lord Hollis and his allies. It seems they've had enough of his predations."
"I doubt they'd get far, the earl's troops are well equipped."
"So are the militia, now."
Gerald paused, a spoon of porridge about to enter his mouth. "Now?"
"Yes, Heward thought it expedient to take weapons and armour from the earl's men. He's passed it over to the militia."
"I see. What does he intend to do with them?"
"Train them, I think. He's asked the queen for assistance."
"An interesting development."
"Will the queen agree, do you think?"
"I'm sure she will. Who did Heward ask for?"
"Beverly. He can't really spare any of his own men, you see."
"I'll take it to the queen," said Gerald, "but I'll need numbers."
"It's all right here," said Fitz, tossing the note onto the desk. "Heward is very thorough in his reports. He's managed to arm about fifty of them using the weapons recovered from the battlefield, but they'll need more."
"Weapons we have in plenty, Uxley saw to that. What we don't have is men, but perhaps this may help us."
"Are you suggesting we incorporate them into the army of Merceria?"
"No, I'm suggesting we allow them to form their own faction, as allies."
"Who would lead them?"
"What about this new princess?"
"She is a mere slip of a girl," said Fitz. "And with no military experience that I'm aware of."
"Yes, but if she were placed in command, we could assign her an experienced general."
"Surely you're not suggesting me? That would throw our entire campaign into chaos."
"No, not you, you're too important to our plans. I had another leader in mind, one that I know is quite capable." He smiled.
"You mean Beverly," said Fitz.
"You know she's right for the job."
"I do," the baron agreed, "but I'm not sure I like the idea of her being at the mercy of a bunch of foreign troops."
"We'll send some of cavalry with her," said Gerald, "ostensibly to reinforce our allies."
"Ah," said the baron, "but actually to keep her safe. I like it."
"Good. Now all I have to do is convince the queen."
"I doubt that will prove too troublesome. She values your opinions. You are, after all, the marshal of her army."
"True, but she can be stubborn at times."
"Funny you should say that," said Fitz. "I was just thinking the same of Bronwyn."
"Oh? In what way?"
"They are both quite set in their ways. You and I both know that the Queen does not suffer fools gladly."
"And yet she often seeks advice," said Gerald.
"Yes, but only from those she trusts."
"And the princess doesn't trust us."
"Precisely."
"What do you make of this Bronwyn?"
"She is still young, only sixteen. Oh, she has a certain maturity in some things, but there is a streak of rebelliousness in her that might prove troublesome."
"You think she could cause trouble for us?"
"I think that depends entirely on how we treat her. One thing is for sure, she won't like being conTrolled."
"But we're not conTrolling her."
"We are, in sense," said Fitz. "Putting her in charge of an army and then placing Beverly to keep an eye on her might not go over well."
"We have to do something."
Fitz nodded. "Aye, we do. I suppose we must make the best of a difficult situation, politically speaking. Perhaps Beverly can win her over to our side."
Gerald fell silent, his food forgotten. His hand began stroking his beard, the sure sign that he was deep in thought.
"Something come to you?"
"It did, as a matter of fact."
"Do tell," said Fitz.
"What if we made her think it was her idea, Bronwyn's I mean."
"And how do we do that?"
Gerald smiled. "We arrange a little trip to Wickfield."
"To what end?"
"We let her meet the Norlanders we've taken under our wing. Perhaps seeing the plight of her fellow countrymen will entice her to take up their cause?"
"That's a splendid idea," the baron replied. "Shall I talk to Beverly?"
"No, not yet, I'd best talk to Anna first."
* * *
The ruling queen of Merceria leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table and cradling her chin. "Just how many troops are we talking about?"
"Several hundred," Gerald replied, "if Heward's reports are to be believed."
"And their composition?"
"That largely depends on how we equip them. I would be inclined to make most of them footmen, with perhaps a smattering of light cavalry."
"Well," said Anna, "after the Battle of the Deerwood we've plenty of horses to spare."
"Agreed. And as light cavalry they would be trained to avoid combat and keep and their eyes and ears on the enemy."
"We also have to look at our time line," said the queen, "would they be trained up in time to march with the rest of us?"
"I would think so. We'll have a better idea once we begin and see how they adapt to our methods. Of course they won't be a match for our own troops, but they would certainly be a welcome addition."
"And the cost?"
"We would have to feed and pay them, but thanks to our recent victories, we have plenty of spare weapons."
"I think it worth pursuing, but if we are going to do this, we must start as soon as possible."
"I can have Beverly on her way this very day."
"Very well," said Anna. "Oh, and I've made another decision."
"And what decision might that be?"
"I've decided on the location for our next magic circle."
"Which is?"
"Wickfield."
"Are you sure?" asked Gerald. "It's a very small village."
"Yes, but a strategic location in our border defences, and instant communication would help us a great deal in the coming campaign."
"How long would it take to construct?"
"Aldwin assures me he can have it complete by the end of the month."
"And who is to empower it?"
"That remains to be determined. It does drain a mage of their power to a certain degree. I shall pass word onto our Magic Council and let them decide. In the meantime, I'd like you to go north, with Beverly, and help her set up the training. I'm sure she is more than capable of looking after things, but the fact is that you've been training soldiers for far longer than she has."
