Burden of the Crown, page 19
"You can't do that!" said Sir Albert.
Arnim fished a folded paper out of his tunic. "This says I can," he stated.
"What is that?" asked Sir Gavin.
"Orders for your reassignment, signed by the queen herself. Of course, you're more than welcome to take it up directly with her, once we're in Wincaster. Any objections?"
"No," said Sir Gavin.
"No, what?" yelled Arnim.
"No, my lord," the man replied in a subdued tone.
Sir Peter raised his hand, "A question, if I may, my lord?"
Arnim rounded on the man, then took a breath, calming himself. "Yes?"
"May we gather our things, my lord?"
"Of course," said Arnim, as if talking to a child. "Captain Newbury will have some of his men come and help you pack." Arnim gathered up the statements, tucking them into his tunic. "We'll meet in the courtyard when you're ready."
He nodded his head at the rest of the knights. "Gentlemen," he said, "a good morning to you all," then strode from the room.
Nikki saw him exit the barracks and let out a deep breath. "I trust everything went well?"
"Yes," said Arnim, "much better than I had anticipated. It appears the Knights of Shrewesdale were not as loyal to the earl as I had thought."
Nikki smiled, "Good to hear, let's just hope the trial goes as easily."
* * *
The winds had turned cold, and the first snow of the year threatened in the sky by the time Wincaster came into view. Arnim halted, staring at the far off city, his thoughts elsewhere.
Nikki rode up beside him. "Problem, my love?" she asked.
Arnim turned, looking at the men who had halted behind him. The Wincaster Light Horse encircled the knights, though truth be told, their prisoners looked relieved to be nearing the capital.
"This isn't going to work," he stated.
"What isn't?" asked Nikki.
"This trial that the queen is engineering."
"Why would you say that?"
"Shrewesdale is too clever," Arnim continued, ”he'll have a contingency plan."
"What can he do?" she asked. "We have all the witnesses we need. You worry too much."
"I disagree," he said, smiling to lessen the argument. "We tried digging up dirt on him before. The man's made himself immune to prosecution."
"It's the queen's right to charge him with treason."
"Yes, but her insistence on a trial may be the end of it."
"You think he'll be found innocent?" she asked.
"Maybe," he mused, "but even if he's found guilty, he'll leverage his power to damage us."
"How? He's charged with treason. How could he possibly turn that on us?"
"I don't know," he admitted, "but just thinking about it gives me an uneasy feeling."
"It's the only way, Arnim."
"Is it? I sometimes wonder if a dagger in the back would be preferred, at least then we'd be rid of the man."
"Queen Anna wants the rule of law," Nikki reminded him "She won't rely on murder to achieve her objectives."
"No," he admitted, "I suppose not, but perhaps someone will do us a favour and save the crown the cost of a trial."
"Arnim, no!" she reached out to touch his arm. "Don't do anything of the sort, promise me. I can't bear the thought of losing you again."
He looked at her a moment, indecision wracking his features. He finally nodded, "I won't, I promise."
"Good," she replied, "you have too much to live for."
"What's that supposed to mean?" he asked.
She looked back at him, love in her eyes. "I was going to wait to tell you the news," she said, "but I think now is the best time."
"Tell me what?"
"I'm with child," she said.
His forehead wrinkled up in thought for just a moment, then his whole face lit up. "That's wonderful news!" he exclaimed. "Saxnor's beard, Nikki, I thought you were going to tell me there was something wrong with you!"
"So you're happy?" she asked.
"Happy? No, I'm ecstatic!" He grabbed her hand, crushing it to his lips. "How long have you known?"
"Only a few days," she admitted, "but I was hoping to wait till we were back in Wincaster before telling you."
"Why would you wait?" he asked.
"I don't know," she admitted, "I suppose I wanted a more romantic setting. I never imagined that when I told you I was pregnant, we'd be on the road like this." She looked over at the horsemen behind them. "You have to admit, it does stink of horses."
"Does it?" he said. "I hadn't noticed. All I can see right now is you, my love."
"I suppose this means I'll have to meet your family," said Nikki.
"Of course," he replied, "and we shall have a great celebration! Is it a boy or a girl?"
She looked at him in surprise, "There's no way to tell until it's born. You should know that, you come from a large family. Why? Does it matter? Are you that determined to have a son?"
"No," he said, "I suppose not. We live in a new age, Nikki, our child can rise to great heights."
"And if they don't want to?"
"Then we shall love them anyway," he promised.
"Now that's the Arnim I fell in love with."
Arnim turned to face the riders. "I am happy to announce," he called out, "that we are to have a child."
"Congratulations," yelled back Captain Newbury. The horseman then turned in his saddle, to face his men. "A cheer for Lord and Lady Caster! Hip, hip."
"Hooray," the men bellowed back, their voices filled with gusto.
"Of course," the captain continued, "you realize, my lord, that it is customary to buy a round of drinks at such an announcement."
"And so I shall," replied Arnim, "but I will wait until we are within the city and have safely discharged our duty to the crown." He looked back at Nikki, who was watching him through tears of happiness. He nodded in the direction of Wincaster, "Shall we, Lady Caster?"
"We shall, my lord," she replied.
Nineteen
The Rose of Bodden
Winter 963/964 MC
Gerald stared down at his troop roster once more, determined to sort things out. He was interrupted by someone opening the door and looked up in annoyance at the unannounced visitor. His attitude was replaced by a smile when he saw the queen and Tempus.
"Anna," he said, "I'm surprised to see you down here. I'd have thought you'd have other things to look after."
She smiled back as Tempus trotted over for a pet. "We thought we'd come and visit," she said, "and Tempus was missing you."
Gerald rubbed the great dog's ears. "He looks in fine form," he remarked, "I don't remember him being so soft."
"It's Aubrey's doing," said Anna, "her regeneration spell has made a marked improvement. I'm thinking of having her give you regular treatments."
"I'm too old for that," he replied.
"Nonsense," she said, "it would make you feel better, and I must admit to a little self-interest in the matter."
"Oh," he said, "and what would that be?"
"Why, keeping you around longer," she said. "I want you here when my children are born. They'll need their grandfather, after all."
He smiled at the thought. "In that case, I'd be honoured," he said, "but I don't know that I'd have the time, just yet."
"Not to worry," said Anna, “it doesn't take long to cast. I expect Aubrey would like you to receive a spell once a month, perhaps a little more as you grow older."
"Older? I'm already old, Anna. How much older do I have to be?"
"As old as you can," she said, smiling. She moved closer to look at his desk. "What's this you're working on?"
"I've been going over the muster lists for the army," he said. "Since the war ended, I've had a hard time deciding who we keep and who to discharge. It's easy enough for the common soldiers, but good officers are hard to find. I'd hate to lose them."
"Why not create a reserve," she suggested, "and then we can keep track of them? If war breaks out, we'll have a core of decent officers to rapidly expand the army."
"That's an excellent idea," said Gerald, "but how can we afford it?"
"Interesting you should ask that," she said, "for I've been going over the realm's finances."
"You have?" he said in reply. "Wasn't that a lot of work?"
"It was," she admitted, "but one that was well worth my time."
"I take it you found something," he said.
"I have," she said. "It appears the Master of Finance has been skimming from the treasury."
"Has he now?"
"He has," replied the queen, "and would you like to guess who it is?”
"I don't know," admitted Gerald, "such things are far too complex for me. I'm just a simple soldier."
"No, you're not," said Anna, "and I might remind you that you're the one that taught me to read ledgers, or don't you remember the finances at Uxley Hall?"
"Yes," he said, "and you were a quick study if memory serves."
"I was," she admitted, "but I couldn't have done it without you, Gerald."
"All right then, I'll bite. Who's the Master of Finance?"
"A man named Lord Barrington, do you know him?"
"No," said Gerald, "why? Should I?"
"I suppose not," continued Anna, "but Beverly knew the name."
"She did? I never took her for an expert on finance."
"She's not," said Anna. "In fact, she'll tell you that herself, but Lord Barrington, along with Lord Montrose, are the two men that pressed for your execution after what happened on Walpole Street, all those years ago."
"Walpole street? You mean the riot? Why would they do that?"
"They met with Baron Fitzwilliam," said Anna. "Beverly told me all about it."
"She was there, too?" he asked.
"She was, at her father's insistence. He wanted her to witness the exchange."
"So what, exactly, transpired?" he asked.
"Lord Barrington was pressing for a scapegoat in the death of Lord Walters. You remember him?"
"I could hardly forget him," admitted Gerald, "the man completely lost his head. It led to a slaughter."
"He wanted your death,” Anna continued, "and Shrewesdale agreed, but Baron Fitzwilliam talked them out of it."
"And that's why I was sent to Uxley," said Gerald, "I should have known. All these years I thought it was a reward, but I suppose they just wanted me out of the way."
"Fitz did his best to protect you," said Anna. "He only had your best interests in mind."
"I know that, Anna, and I'll still thank the man. If he hadn't sent me to Uxley, I wouldn't have met you."
"There, you see?" she said. "It all worked out for the best."
"So this Lord Barrington, how did he become the Master of Finance?"
"He held the position under King Andred. When my brother, Henry, took over, he simply remained in place."
"And he's still there?" said Gerald. "How much do you think he's pilfered over the years?"
"Thousands," said Anna. "I've put him under arrest pending a full investigation."
"Then who's going to look after the finances?" he asked. "You can't do it, you're too busy."
"For now, Aubrey's agreed."
"Her plate's pretty full already," said Gerald.
"I know," said Anna, "it's just temporary until I can find someone else."
"And Lord Barrington, what will happen to him?"
"I'm of two minds. On the one hand, I'd like to see him punished, but on the other, a deal might enable me to recover some of what he stole. What do you think I should do?"
"I would give him an option. Perhaps if he were to plead guilty to a lesser charge and paid back as much as he could, you might spare his life?"
"An excellent idea," she said, "and it would save me the cost of a trial. See, this is precisely why I like having you around."
"So THIS is why you came to visit me," he said in a satisfied tone.
"Not exactly," said Anna, "there's more."
"Do tell," he encouraged her.
"I've decided to go ahead with the charge of treason against Lord Montrose."
"The Earl of Shrewesdale? Are you sure? He's the most powerful person in the kingdom."
"No," said Anna, "I am, and I intend to keep it that way. He must be seen to be punished for his crimes."
"What do you mean, 'must be seen'?"
"I mean to make the trial public," she said.
"Is that wise?" he asked. "What if you lose?"
"I won't," she replied.
"Are you saying it's a show trial?" he asked. "That could backfire."
"No, not a show trial, the charges are real as is the evidence."
"What evidence do you have?" he asked.
"Lots of witnesses, all of reputable character. In addition, Arnim brought back logbooks and order books chock-full of interesting tidbits. I believe the evidence to be quite convincing."
"I see," said Gerald. “It appears you have everything well in hand."
"I do," said Anna, "but I need your help."
"I'll do whatever you want,” said Gerald, "but I'm not an expert in law."
"And you don't have to be," said Anna. "I need someone to serve the warrant for his arrest."
"You want me to arrest Shrewesdale?"
"Not personally," said Anna, "but I'm in a bit of a dilemma."
"Which is?"
"I can't trust the Knights of the Sword to make the arrest, too many of them served the earl in the past."
"Then send Beverly," said Gerald, "she wouldn't flinch."
"I can't, don't you see?" said Anna. "If I send someone close to me, they'll say it's been trumped up. I have to give it legitimacy. I need someone unbiased to place him under arrest."
"Who do you suggest then?" he asked.
"I was hoping you might have an idea," she said.
"It's quite a dilemma," he mused. "We need someone that's known to be neutral." He sat for a moment in silence, thinking things over. "It has to be Baron Fitzwilliam," he finally said.
"But he's our ally," said Anna.
"Yes," said Gerald, "but he's universally acknowledged to be a fair and honest person. He's even worked with Montrose before, you said so yourself."
"You're right," said Anna, "I should have seen it."
"Of course, we'll need to bring him to Wincaster to make the arrest. Is Albreda here?"
"She is," said Anna. "She's been helping Aubrey plan out our magic circle. Why?"
"She can get to Bodden quickly and return with Fitz."
"You called him Fitz!" said Anna with a chuckle.
"Of course," Gerald admitted, "he's not here."
"What about the north?" asked Anna. "The Norlanders have been hopping about a bit of late."
"I'll dispatch Beverly to take his place while the baron is here, that is if you can spare her?"
"Very well," Anna said. "You'll also need some men to accompany Fitz when he makes the arrest."
"Montrose is a noble," said Gerald, "you'll have to allow him house arrest. I'll arrange some soldiers to keep an eye on him."
"It'll have to be someone we can trust," warned Anna. "I wouldn't put it past Shrewesdale to try to bribe them."
"Don't worry," said Gerald, "I have just the men, though I'm hesitant to use the term."
"Why? What have you got in mind?"
"I thought I might use the Queen's Rangers," he said with a grin.
"Do we have enough of them?" she asked. "I thought they were still in training."
"They are," Gerald confirmed, "but some of them are Orcs. I have a hard time believing they'd take a bribe."
"All right," she said, "but we'll have to be careful, we don't want to give him any cause for getting the charges thrown out. This must be done according to the law, I insist on it."
"Very well," Gerald agreed. "I'll make the arrangements. How soon can you get Fitz here?"
"I'll talk to Albreda and Beverly. I'll let you know by dinner time. And don't be late," Anna warned, "last time the gravy got cold."
"I won't," he promised.
* * *
Albreda looked to Beverly, "All set?"
"Ready when you are," the red-headed knight replied.
Albreda began the incantation, calling upon arcane forces to activate the spell of recall.
Lightning shifted nervously as the area around them began to whip up dirt and leaves. Soon, the entire yard was obscured, then the air changed, releasing the scent of the woods. The dust swirl dropped, and the forest of the Whitewood surrounded them.
Lightning snorted, causing Beverly to laugh, "He doesn't seem to like the experience."
"He'll get used to it," offered Albreda. "I remember the first time I took Snarl through a recall spell, he wasn't too impressed either."
Beverly extended her hand. "Come on," she said, "Lightning can easily carry us the rest of the way, it'll be much faster than walking."
A moment of indecision crossed the druid's face before she nodded her head. "Very well, we are in a hurry, after all."
Albreda took the proffered hand and settled in behind the knight, who then urged the great Mercerian Charger forward. They were in the western end of the Whitewood, only a short ride from the Keep at Bodden, and once they cleared the forest, Beverly could see the place she had always called home.
The inner Keep rose above the other fortifications, providing a clear view of the surroundings. Beverly could almost imagine her father, staring out the windows of his beloved map room, watching them as they rode across the countryside.
"I hear you're building a magic circle in the Palace," called out Beverly.
"Yes," confirmed Albreda, "though the actual construction hasn't started yet. We're still in the planning stages."
"When do you expect to begin?"
"Soon," replied the druid, "I should like to have it well underway by mid-winter."
"You might consider putting one in at Bodden," suggested Beverly. "It would certainly see its fair share of use."
"Yes," agreed Albreda, "but the stone circle in the Whitewood will have to do for now. Unfortunately, each time we create a permanent structure of that type, we lose a little of our magic."
