Warrior King, page 17
“A little.”
“Then the good captain here will have to suffice.”
Gustavo moved up beside the bed and waited as a maid pulled back the sheets. He then lifted the queen as if she weighed nothing and carried her from the room.
* * *
Ludwig awoke to someone prodding him. He’d fallen asleep in the sunroom while waiting for news. The woman in white stood before him, her face filled with concern as he struggled to recall her name.
“The queen is recovering nicely,” she said.
“You were able to cure her completely?”
“I was, although it will be a while before she’s back to full health. You were lucky I arrived when I did; another day or two, and it might’ve been too late.”
“I still don’t understand what happened,” said Ludwig. “Was she poisoned or not?”
“She was most definitely poisoned, although not by her food.”
“Then how?”
“That, I’ve yet to determine, but I suspect the source is somewhere in that room.” She stared at him for a moment. “You don’t remember me, do you?”
“You must forgive me. I’ve been consumed by my wife’s ill health.”
“My name is Sister Teresa… Sorry, Temple Captain Teresa. I’m still getting used to that. I’m with the Five Hundred.”
“Five hundred?”
“Ah, yes. I suppose there’s an explanation due, but I’m not the one best equipped to do so. Charlaine can do that once she arrives.”
“Charlaine is coming here?”
“Yes. Our forces met your army as we left the Goldenwood. General Hoffman informed me of the queen’s malady, so she and I rode for Harlingen while your other general saw to the garrisoning of the troops.”
“What troops? What’s this all about? Sigwulf took the army east to deal with the Holy Army.”
“Except it wasn’t the Holy Army; it was us, five hundred Temple Knights of Saint Agnes.”
“So we’re not being invaded?”
“Not at present, although after all that’s happened, I’m afraid that may be inevitable.”
Cyn came through the door. “How you doing, boss? Feeling better now that you’ve had some sleep?”
“Yes, thank you. Although I’m still struggling to understand how five hundred Temple Knights suddenly ended up in eastern Hadenfeld. Where are they?”
“Siggy’s taking them to Eisen for the time being.”
“I remember someone telling me Charlaine was a Temple General?”
“Yes,” replied Cyn. “That was me. She should be arriving here soon, along with her second-in-command. Siggy will remain in Eisen until he hears from you.”
Ludwig stood, then stretched, using his hands to support his back. “My apologies. That chair is most uncomfortable.”
“That’s because it’s made for sitting, not sleeping.”
“Yes. Thank you, Cyn. I never would’ve guessed.”
“That’s what I’m here for, boss.”
Ludwig turned to Teresa. “I owe you a great debt. However shall I reward you?”
“I’m rewarded by the knowledge that I was able to help a person in need. That’s thanks enough.”
“I seem to recall the term Sisters of Mercy being used. Is that a new order?”
“No, merely a new category of Temple Knights. I’m determined to teach some of my fellow sisters Life Magic, if I can find any who have the potential.”
“May I ask where you learned your magic?”
“I was taught by Master Gwalinor, an Elven Life Mage of great learning.”
“Yet you’re a member of the Temple Knights of Saint Agnes.”
“I was, and am again, but for many years, I was lost to the order.”
“How so?”
“I was severely wounded at the Battle of Alantra, so Master Gwalinor brought me back to Eloria, the Island of the Sea Elves, to oversee my recovery. There, I learned the art of healing magic. Years later, I left to return to the Antonine.”
“So you now serve the Church?”
“I serve the Order of Saint Agnes, but I’ll let the Temple General explain that once she arrives.”
* * *
Charlaine entered the great hall three days later, her plate armour covered by a scarlet surcoat bearing the three waves of Saint Agnes in gold thread, denoting her as a Temple Commander. However, a blue sash was slung over one shoulder, a mark of distinction that made her stand out from her companion, whose surcoat was adorned with silver-threaded waves.
Ludwig, sitting beside his nearly recovered wife, caught his breath as Captain Gustavo escorted the visitors into the room, his guards on either side, just as they’d been for Temple Commander Amarand. It was strange to see her here in Harlingen. He’d loved her once, still did in some measure, but the distance between them had served to temper those feelings. No longer did he harbour a passion for her; instead, he felt the warm glow of friendship, of their shared fight against the empire’s influence.
Charlaine went down on one knee, same as the Cunar had, and for a moment, Ludwig worried that she was bringing another ultimatum from the Church. “Your Majesties,” she began. “I come to you today to ask for sanctuary.”
“From whom?” asked Charlotte.
“The Antonine.”
“So you’re not here at the behest of the Church?”
“No, Majesty. The Temple Knights of Saint Agnes were ordered disbanded by the Council of Peers. Instead of surrendering our weapons, we fled and came here to Hadenfeld, in the hopes of finding a place of safety.”
“We are glad to see you,” replied Ludwig, “and I welcome you and your sister knights to our realm, but if it’s safety you seek, I’m afraid you’ve come to the wrong place.”
The queen leaned over and whispered to her husband. “We have much to discuss with them. Should we not meet in more secure surroundings?”
Ludwig nodded, and the queen continued. “It pleases us to see you again,” she said, rising from her throne and moving to stand directly in front of Charlaine. “I shall be ever thankful to you for the kindness you showed me back in Reinwick. Let us leave this room and talk of recent developments in more comfortable surroundings.” She paused, looking at the woman beside Charlaine. “Would you do me the honour of introducing your companion?”
“This is Temple Captain Nicola, my aide. Since you appear to be free of your affliction, I assume you’ve already met with Temple Captain Teresa?”
“We have. Now, let’s find you some refreshment. You must be parched after such a long ride.” Charlotte nodded at Captain Gustavo, who went ahead with a few guards to prepare the room for visitors. “You must pardon our eagerness; much has happened of late, and we feared you were an invasion sent from the Antonine. Learning your order had travelled through the Goldenwood came as quite a shock.”
“Did Teresa not tell you our story?”
“No, only her own. She thought it best you be the one to inform us of what you’ve been through.”
Charlotte moved slowly, supporting herself on Charlaine’s arm as they walked to the sunroom. Ludwig followed behind, alongside Temple Captain Nicola. They soon arrived to find Gustavo’s men guarding the door.
“All set, boss,” Cyn said through the open door, then motioned for them to step inside. A Royal Guardsman poured wine into goblets and passed them around as everyone took their seats.
“General Marhaven filled me in on recent events,” began Charlaine, “but doubtless you’re wondering what circumstances could’ve forced us to march here to Hadenfeld.”
“The thought had crossed my mind,” replied Ludwig.
“It’s a complicated story, but I’ll try to keep it as simple as possible. Shortly after I last wrote, Danica and I were ordered to the Antonine, where we heard rumours of a plan to amalgamate the fighting orders under the single command of the Cunars. That might have been acceptable to some of the other orders, but the Cunars’ rules against women serving meant the disbandment of our own. Then, a new Primus was elected.”
“Yes, we heard about that,” said Charlotte. “A former Temple Commander of Saint Cunar.”
“While in the Antonine, we learned that he was an agent of the Halvarian Empire. Unfortunately, it was too late to do anything about it. Shortly afterwards, we were ordered to lay down our weapons and submit to the Temple Knights of Saint Cunar. Needless to say, we refused.”
“And now you’re a Temple General?”
“That came about out of necessity. To ensure the order’s survival, the grand mistress needed someone she could trust to lead them. You see, only the Matriarch of Saint Agnes can appoint or remove a grand mistress, but the rank of Temple General is a lifetime position.”
Ludwig nodded. “She named you general to ensure no one could outrank you.”
“Correct.”
“Clever,” said Cyn, “but couldn’t the matriarch simply appoint a new grand mistress?”
“In theory, yes, but the Antonine had disbanded our order, so there’d be no need. The last grand mistress gave me specific instructions to do whatever was necessary to keep my fellow sister knights safe. When we learned that the Council of Peers had ruled against you, I realized you’d need allies, so I came here seeking refuge rather than risk another kingdom with closer ties to the Church. I know I’m asking a lot, but if it makes it any easier, you can turn me over to the Antonine, providing you allow my fellow sister knights to remain here in Hadenfeld.”
“We will gladly grant you and your fellow knights refuge,” said Ludwig, “but you may have to fight the Church to preserve your order. We are expecting a Holy Army to march on us at any time.”
“Then, with your permission, we shall fight by your side.”
“Temple Captain Teresa mentioned the Five Hundred. I assume that’s how many knights you brought with you when you fled?”
“Yes, although we took some casualties along the way.”
“Five hundred knights will require a significant amount of resources to maintain.”
“I’ll have them surrender their arms and leave the order if you’d prefer.”
“We would not prefer,” said Charlotte. “Five hundred trained Temple Knights is a force to be reckoned with and a valuable addition to the Army of Hadenfeld.”
“True,” added Ludwig, “but the cost involved is substantial.”
“What about Eisen?” suggested Cyn. “You’ve never been able to make up your mind about what to do with it.”
“It appears the Saints have provided,” replied Ludwig. “I have an offer for you, Charlaine. I’ll make your group the caretakers of Eisen. As such, you’ll collect taxes to be used for the maintenance of your order and for the betterment of the city. In exchange, your knights will swear to defend Hadenfeld alongside the Royal Army.”
“Do you mean to put us under its command?” asked Charlaine.
“No. You shall retain command of your own knights at all times, but I expect you to cooperate with the Army of Hadenfeld whenever possible.”
“Then I accept your offer.”
“I shall have Father Vernan draw up the agreement tomorrow.”
“There is more,” said Charlaine. “Once word gets out that we’ve found refuge in Hadenfeld, others may come, swelling our numbers. Am I to turn them away?”
“I assume, as Temple General, you will be in communication with those companies spread across the Petty Kingdoms?”
“Eventually. At least that is my intention.”
“Then you may inform them that those who seek refuge will find it here in Hadenfeld. That’s assuming a Holy Crusade doesn’t wipe us off the Continent before they arrive.”
“Thank you. You’ve done much to ease my mind.”
“I suppose we must now decide the next steps.”
“I have an idea,” said Charlotte. “In essence, your order will be acting as a barony, or perhaps a free city would be a better comparison. You used to live in Malburg, if I’m not mistaken.”
“That is correct,” replied Charlaine.
“Then it’s only proper you maintain a presence here at court. Say, a small detachment under one of your Temple Captains? We, in turn, will supply a Royal Advisor to Eisen to assist you in ruling over the city. Additionally, we’ll continue to supply magistrates and other administrative personnel necessary to oversee the city. Your order, however, would be responsible for patrolling the streets and the surrounding area.”
“You’re also close to Nethendril,” added Ludwig, “so we should arrange for an Elven advisor as well. I trust you have no issue dealing with Elves? You did, after all, fight alongside them at the Battle of the Brinwald.”
“I have no objection,” replied Charlaine.
“Good. Then it’s settled.” Ludwig fell silent for a moment. “I’m very sorry for the loss of your father. He was a good man.”
“Though his loss was keenly felt, I know in my heart that he died fighting for what he believed in.”
“Have you visited your mother?”
“No,” replied Charlaine. “We came by way of Grienwald. I had hoped to visit Malburg on my return to Eisen.”
“I should warn you, she blames me for your father’s death. It might be to your advantage not to mention our arrangement regarding your order. Just so you know, I arranged for an annual stipend for her in recognition of your father’s sacrifice.”
“I appreciate that. My mother’s always been a stubborn woman, but I’ll endeavour to do what I can to comfort her. As far as my Temple Knights are concerned, I’ll see them settled in Eisen and then return to Harlingen to determine how they may be employed alongside your own army should an invasion come.”
Temple Captain Nicola cleared her throat. “While the Temple General returns to Eisen, I shall remain here to answer any questions you might have. It also allows me time to learn what’s involved in running a city. I believe you have a Life Mage here? Someone by the name of Kandam?”
“Yes,” said Charlotte.
“Then we’ll have Temple Captain Teresa remain with me so she may teach him more spells of healing.”
“That is most generous,” replied Charlotte.
“Good,” said Ludwig. “That reminds me. She still has to determine what poison was used to infect my wife.”
“She hasn’t done so already?” asked Charlaine.
“No, but then again, she was busy monitoring Charlotte’s health. We sealed the room in question, and no one’s been in there since. She seems to think some type of magic was used to cause the illness.”
Charlaine smiled. “I shall leave that to Teresa’s discretion. I’m certain once she begins looking for answers, she’ll discover who’s responsible.”
17
Threats
Summer 1107 SR
Teresa held up a small vial containing a bright green, glowing liquid.
“What is it?” asked Ludwig.
“The cause of your wife’s illness. How familiar are you with the concept of magical energy?”
“It’s what powers a mage’s spells, isn’t it? Are you suggesting that strange substance was drawn from a mage?”
“The common belief is that when a spellcaster uses their magic, they call upon a power that lies within them.”
“Yes, I’ve heard that. It’s said to be in the blood.”
“An oversimplification, but essentially true, and just as blood carries magic through the body of a mage, so, too, do ley lines carry magic through the body of Eiddenwerthe.”
“Ley lines?”
“There are rivers of power flowing beneath the surface, invisible to the naked eye. The Elves of Eloria refer to it as the Essence of Eiddenwerthe.”
“Intriguing,” replied Ludwig, “but if it’s supposed to be invisible, why is it glowing green?”
“Sorry. I should’ve made myself clearer. The ley lines are only invisible because they run beneath the surface. If they were to erupt into the air, they would indeed glow green, though not, I suspect, as bright as this sample. This is more concentrated, as if someone distilled the essence into a purer form.”
“And where was this vial found?”
“Beneath the mattress.”
“It’s that powerful?”
“Most certainly,” said Teresa, “and insidious. In most cases, such an illness is said to be incurable, but in Her Majesty’s case, it seems her previous condition worked in her favour, somehow preventing the infection from doing any permanent damage. My spell of neutralize toxins was able to remove its effects on the queen, but its proximity would’ve infected her again had we not moved her to a new room.”
“That being the case, is it not dangerous for you to be handling it?”
“Gwalinor believes it requires long-term exposure to pose any real danger.”
“He has experience with it?”
“Indeed. He even has a sample locked in a lead box back in his villa in Eloria. He showed it to me during my training.”
“How did he come by it?” asked Ludwig.
Teresa smiled. “The Elves want you to believe they are a civilized race, but my time amongst them taught me they can be just as devious as Humans. It was recovered from an enemy agent who infiltrated the upper echelons of their ruling class.”
“How does one distill such an essence?”
“That’s an excellent question. Unfortunately, although I am familiar with its effects, I lack the knowledge of its creation. I would surmise, however, that it would take someone of exceptional potential to extract it from the ley lines.”
“And by potential,” said Ludwig, “you mean, a mage?”
“Yes.”
“Would this mage need to be capable of a particular school of magic or simply well-trained?”
“The latter, I suspect. Why? Have you an inkling who might be responsible?”
“Only in a general sense. I trust Temple General Charlaine has seen fit to inform you of the treachery of the Stormwinds and Sartellians?”
“She has, and to answer your next question, one of those two families could easily have the capacity to extract something of this nature.”
