Warrior King, page 31
“I’ll admit, it’s not a perfect plan, but it’s all we’ve got for the moment. Eventually, we could establish an army camp somewhere in the middle of nowhere. Still, even that creates problems, primarily how we supply them without anyone learning of their existence.”
“And what about the cost?”
“Without the army to secure the kingdom, everything else becomes meaningless. We’ll have to tighten our belts so we have what’s needed to increase our numbers.”
“You could do an Otto,” said Sigwulf. “He was notoriously stingy.”
“I never met King Otto,” mused Charlaine. “What was he like?”
“I think you would’ve liked him,” replied Ludwig. “He had a reputation for being stubborn, perhaps even bombastic, but once you got him away from court, he was quite pleasant. I know he cared a great deal about the people of Hadenfeld; it’s a pity he didn’t live long enough to rule over a reunited kingdom.”
“He saw a little of it,” said Cyn, “at least that’s something. Then again, his death led to mad King Morgan, so perhaps it’s just as well he didn’t stick around.”
“That makes no sense,” said Sigwulf. “Regardless of how much longer he lived, we still would’ve eventually had Morgan as our king.”
“Would we? Or would Otto have grown wiser and named Ludwig as his heir and thereby avoided the entire second civil war?”
“I doubt it would’ve come to that,” said Ludwig. “There were too many other heirs in line before me.”
“Regardless of Hadenfeld’s history,” added Charlaine, “or perhaps because of it, we are here today, planning for the future, rather than fighting over the past. Let us not forget who the real threat is—Halvaria.”
31
Winter
Winter 1107 SR
“It’s all so frustrating,” said Ludwig. “Gustavo has questioned all the servants, yet we have no inkling of who tried to poison you. How can you remain so calm knowing they’re still out there?”
“Getting upset serves no purpose,” replied Charlotte. “And I have a theory that whoever placed that vial didn’t do it out of malice. I think they were trying to help me.”
“By poisoning you?”
“Travel across this Continent and you’ll see all manner of folks buying good luck charms and supposed remedies that are little more than wishful thinking. Why, even the Church reportedly collects relics of long-dead Saints.”
“The Saints were real people,” said Ludwig.
“They were, but if I hear of another peddler claiming to have a finger bone of Saint Agnes for sale, I shall scream.”
“You don’t believe them?” he said, grinning.
She ignored his taunt. “I wonder how many finger bones the Church has?”
“Perhaps the Saints had ten fingers on each hand?”
She guffawed, almost spilling her drink in the process. “It amazes me how it’s always a finger bone, never a toe or leg.”
“A thigh bone would be too large for people to carry.”
“But a toe wouldn’t?”
“True, but didn’t the Saints walk around in bare feet?”
Charlotte laughed a second time. “It would be a bone, not a dirty toe with toenails and calloused skin.”
“It’s good to see you in such fine spirits.”
“I must admit it’s nice to have you back. It feels like I hardly saw you this past year. First, you travelled south to stop a war, and then you returned only to fight a war. I think we deserve a little peace and quiet, wouldn’t you agree?”
“I—” He started to answer, but then the door opened.
“Sorry for the interruption, Majesties,” said Gustavo. “You have a visitor.”
“Is it someone important?” asked Charlotte. “Not another representative from the Church, I hope?”
The captain hesitated.
“That doesn’t bode well,” she added.
“Who is it, then?” asked Ludwig.
“A man calling himself Brother Aiden,” replied the captain.
“A Mathewite?”
“I couldn’t say, sire. He wears no cassock.”
“Surely you’re not suggesting he’s devoid of clothing?” said Charlotte with a wide grin. “How scandalous.”
“He is dressed as a commoner, Majesty, but carries himself as a warrior.”
“I assume he’s been disarmed?” asked Ludwig.
“Yes, sire. Shall I escort him to the throne room?”
“Yes, but before you do that, see if you can find Father Vernan. If we are to speak with this ‘Brother Aiden’, it would be beneficial to identify which order he belongs to.”
“Perhaps he’s lying,” added Charlotte, “and doesn’t work for the Church at all.”
“I hadn’t considered that,” said Ludwig. “Though calling himself brother would be an odd habit for someone of that nature.”
“He could’ve left the Church?”
“You may be on to something there. Let’s go find out, shall we?”
“My pardon, Majesties,” said Gustavo, “but did you wish to see him right away, or wait for Father Vernan?”
“Hold him till we’re in the throne room. I have faith that the good father will arrive in due course.”
* * *
The man calling himself Brother Aiden stood in the centre of the throne room, surrounded by Royal Guardsmen.
The door behind him opened, and an out-of-breath Father Vernan rushed in. “My apologies, Majesties. I was at the Temple of Saint Mathew, conferring with the archprior.” He came to a halt when he noticed the visitor. “Who’s this?”
Aiden went down on one knee and bowed. “Majesties,” he said, though he offered no further words.
“You bow like a Temple Knight,” noted Charlotte.
The visitor raised his eyes, meeting her gaze. “That’s because I am one.”
“Of what order?” asked Ludwig.
“Saint Ragnar.”
“A bold claim,” said Father Vernan, “but how do we know you speak the truth?”
Aiden addressed his remarks to Ludwig. “You’ve given refuge to the Temple Knights of Saint Agnes, have you not?”
“I have,” replied the king. “But that’s common knowledge in these parts.”
“And the person in charge of those knights is still Temple General Charlaine?”
“Indeed, but once again, that is known across the entire kingdom. How does that prove your claim?”
“I served with her in Ilea and Calabria. She will, I’m certain, confirm my identity.”
“The Temple Knights are stationed in Eisen.”
“And yet she is here,” said Aiden, “in Harlingen. You are consulting with her regarding the reorganization of your army.”
“How in the name of the Saints do you know that?”
“I make it a habit to learn as much as I can about the areas I operate in.”
“In which you operate? Are you suggesting there’s a Necromancer in Hadenfeld? That is what your order does, isn’t it? Hunt down Death Mages?”
“That is but one of our duties, Majesty.”
“With all due respect,” said Father Vernan, “we’ve yet to prove the validity of his claims.”
“True,” replied Ludwig. “Could you, as a Holy Father, ask him questions to ascertain whether he tells the truth?”
“I wish I could, sire, but the Temple Knights of Saint Ragnar operate in secrecy, most often passing themselves off as commoners, the better to locate those practicing the dark arts. I did, however, pass the Temple General on the way here, as she was heading to visit the Archprioress of Saint Agnes. Shall I go and fetch her?”
“One does not fetch a Temple General,” said Charlotte. “Extend to her a request for her to attend us here at her convenience. Brother Aiden will remain under the watchful eyes of the Royal Guard while we wait.”
* * *
Charlaine arrived at the Royal Keep as the bells tolled noon and was conducted into the throne room shortly thereafter.
“Majesties,” she said, bowing in the custom of the Temple Knights. “I was informed you wished to see me?”
“We have a visitor who says he knows you,” replied Charlotte. “A man claiming to be a Ragnarite. We were hoping you might be able to vouch for him.”
“Where is he?”
“We’re holding him nearby.” Ludwig nodded to Gustavo, who left the room, then returned a short time later with the visitor, accompanied by six guardsmen.
“This is Brother Aiden,” said Charlaine. “I met him in Ilea during my first assignment there.” She approached the Ragnarite. “Is Brother Jarak travelling with you?”
“Not this time,” the man replied. “His expertise was required elsewhere. I would offer you congratulations on your recent promotion, but I’m led to understand it came with some hardship.”
“Have you returned to the Antonine?”
“No. We no longer serve the Church, although you may rest assured we still continue our work.”
“Is that why you’re here?” asked Ludwig. “Or are you seeking asylum?”
“Such things are of little concern to me, Majesty. I only wish to continue my work. As for my presence here in your kingdom, that, I fear, requires a longer explanation.”
“You have our attention,” said Charlotte, “and for once, we have no pressing issues demanding our presence.” She looked at Gustavo. “You may dismiss the guard, Captain. I trust the Temple General’s word that this man is who he claims to be.”
“Yes, Majesty.”
“Now,” continued the queen, “where would you like to start?”
“My current investigation began some months ago, when I learned a mage in the court of Lubenstahl was delving into forbidden arts.”
“Death Magic?”
“Not precisely,” said Aiden. “He was trying to distill the elemental power that flows through the ley lines of Eiddenwerthe.”
The queen leaned forward in her seat. “What would this distillation look like?”
“A bright green, glowing liquid that is poisonous in nature.”
“We are a long way from Lubenstahl,” noted Ludwig.
“Indeed, Majesty, but allow me to get to the heart of the matter. The originator of this process extracted three vials of this concentration before he succumbed to its effects himself. Three vials, I might add, that were nowhere to be found when I located him.”
“How do you know all this if he was dead?”
“Through the journal he kept on his person at all times.”
“And you’re now attempting to track down these vials?”
“I am,” said Aiden. “My investigation led me to the conclusion that one was sent here, to Hadenfeld, perhaps carried, unwittingly, by a member of the Church.”
“And the others?”
“I have other avenues to explore in that regard, but for now, I’m concentrating on finding the first one.”
“Then it seems we’ve done you a great favour, for we have it in our possession.”
“It is most dangerous, Majesty.”
“It was used in an attempt against the Crown,” said Ludwig. “Temple Captain Teresa was the one who discovered its whereabouts.”
“Teresa?” said Aiden. “I know that name.” He turned to Charlaine. “Is that the same Teresa whom Jarak healed in Rizela?”
“It is,” she replied. “After the Battle of Alantra, she spent time amongst the Sea Elves and learned Life Magic, then returned to us thereafter.”
“How small Eiddenwerthe seems. Might I ask the current disposition of the liquid?”
“We placed it in a lead box,” said Ludwig, “that is locked away in the dungeon. We’ve been advised that it’s too dangerous to bury. Do you have a method of disposing of it?”
“Unfortunately, the late scholar’s writings contain no information on that.”
“Scholar?” said Charlotte. “You said earlier he was a mage.”
“He was both, but spent his time researching the origins of magic. His research was funded by a fellow mage at the court of King Clemens, but there was no record of the individual’s name in the journal.”
“Likely a Stormwind,” said Charlaine, “or possibly a Sartellian. We’ve had dealings with them in the past and discovered they’re secretly in league with the Empire of Halvaria.”
“They are both influential families,” said Aiden, “with representatives in courts across the Petty Kingdoms. This news of yours is most disturbing.”
“Can you relieve us of the burden of this elixir?”
“The Temple General’s presence tells me you can be trusted, so I will leave it in your care, if that’s acceptable to you?”
“It is,” replied Ludwig, “though, while you’re here, perhaps you could be of assistance to us?”
“What is it you need help with?”
“I am now of the belief this liquid was delivered to Harlingen by a Temple Commander of Saint Cunar by the name of Amarand. Now, as you mentioned earlier, this may have occurred unwittingly, but we know he visited several individuals before his departure. Perhaps one of those took possession of it prior to its use?”
“It certainly bears investigating. If you would give me the names, I could investigate the matter further.”
“And if you discover they were complicit in the attempt to kill us?”
“Then I will take appropriate action.”
“And what would that be?” asked Charlotte.
“We Ragnarites have always operated in the darkness, where evil dwells. With the fall of the Church, you must now trust us to take the necessary measures to keep your kingdom safe from such a scourge.”
“When I first met Brother Aiden,” said Charlaine, “he was chasing down a creature of the Underworld. Danica and I helped him kill it. I will not speak of the horror of that creature, nor what it was capable of, but I assure you that such things are the stuff of nightmares. Were I you, I would permit Brother Aiden to carry out his sworn duty in the manner he sees fit.”
“That’s good enough for me,” said Charlotte.
“And me,” added Ludwig, “though I would like a full accounting once you’ve done what’s needed.” He held up a hand to forestall any argument. “I will not condemn your actions, for you Ragnarites have kept watch over the Petty Kingdoms for generations. I merely wish an explanation of what happened in case such a conspiracy ever blights our kingdom again.”
“Then I shall endeavour to do so, if I can,” replied Aiden.
“Do you require any assistance with this?”
“Only the names and addresses you have, so I can examine the veracity of your suspicions.”
“I’ll make arrangements to give you what you need.”
Brother Aiden bowed once more. “Thank you, Majesty. I shall do all I can to keep your kingdom safe from such threats.”
“Temple General, would you be so kind as to keep our guest company while we retrieve the list of names?”
“I’d be delighted,” replied Charlaine. She led Aiden out to one of the rooms where a guard stood.
“You can wait here,” the fellow said. “I’ll bring you the letter once I have it in hand.” With that, the guard made his way down the hall, disappearing through a doorway.
“What happened to you after Alantra?” asked Charlaine.
“I stayed in the city for a few weeks before making my way south, along the coast, till I was free of Halvarian lands.”
“But that’s all wilderness, isn’t it?”
“Not quite. There are small towns and villages all along the coast that serve no realm, and amongst one of them, I found a ship capable of taking me to Corassus.”
“And Brother Jarak?”
“He elected to remain in Alantra, although I later learned he secured a berth on a visiting Kurathian merchant ship some months after I left.”
“And what of Calabria?”
“I’m afraid one of the empire’s legions moved in to crush all opposition. Many died, but the rebellion lives on, or at least it did, last I heard. It appears you’ve been busy these past ten years.”
“After serving in Ilea, I was sent to Reinwick, along with Danica. There, we foiled a Halvarian plot to foment a war between Reinwick and Andover.”
“And then you went to Arnsfeld,” said Aiden. “I heard all about that. Is Danica back in Eisen?”
“No, in the north. She’s a Temple Commander now, along with being the Admiral of the Temple Fleet.”
“I admit I’m surprised the Council of Peers didn’t demand the fleet be handed over to the Cunars.”
“Oh, they did,” replied Charlaine, “but Danica put in place a strategy to deal with that from the very beginning, thereby foiling their plans.”
“What will you do now that you no longer serve the Church?”
“What our order has always done: keep the temples safe and protect women, at least in those kingdoms where we’re still welcome.”
“Will you remain in Hadenfeld?”
“Yes. The king granted us the city of Eisen to use as our base of operations. There’s a keep there… Well, more of a castle, although the outer walls need some improvement.”
“With the order officially disbanded, how will you fill its ranks?”
“We’ve received an influx of sisters who’ve fled to safety from those realms that sided with the Church. When needed, we’ll train recruits in Eisen.”
“Have you any recruits?” asked Aiden.
“Not as yet, although we’ve had plenty of enquiries. The current issue is the lack of facilities. It takes a great deal of skilled labourers to support so many knights, including armourers and weapon smiths, not to mention farriers, bakers… Well, you get the idea. Does your order experience similar problems?”
“Not really. There weren’t very many of us to begin with, and we’re scattered all over the Petty Kingdoms. Seldom would you find more than one of us in any given realm at the same time.”
