Warrior King, page 33
“Why?”
“I can only surmise he forgot something, possibly even this very ring. I then heard a slight commotion downstairs and rushed in to find Hanford lying in a pool of his own blood.”
“And the attacker?”
“Fled out the back door.”
“How could you possibly know that?” asked Ludwig.
“They left it open.”
“I assume you wrote the letter pinned to the door?”
“I did. A man was dead, and although he likely deserved it, his murderer remained on the loose.”
“You think someone in this cabal was aware of your investigation,” said Charlotte. “That’s why you blame yourself for his death.”
“It is. In all fairness, I don’t think they know my identity, merely that someone was onto them, but I believe that may have been enough to warrant the fellow’s death.”
“So what happens now?” asked Ludwig.
Brother Aiden withdrew some crumpled papers from his belt pouch. “I have these. They’re not anything incriminating, merely correspondence regarding his business matters. It does, however, serve to give me an example of his handwriting.”
“You intend to write to Loralai Shozarin,” said Charlotte.
“I do. It’s a gamble, but if even one letter comes back in response, it may provide some clue regarding their plans.”
“Then you’ll have to be quick about it. At least one of them is responsible for his death, and it won’t take long for the others to learn of it.”
“The only person who matters is the one responsible,” said Ludwig. “Besides, the others have no connection to him, so his death would be meaningless. The risk is that the murderer will send word to Loralai Shozarin of what’s happened.”
“That’s not much of a risk,” replied the Ragnarite. “I can claim the attack was botched, and I somehow survived and went into hiding. Even if she does suspect something, the worst thing that can happen is she fails to reply to the forged letter.”
“Are they doing anything else that would necessitate the interest of the Ragnarites?”
“The only reason I’m here is because of that vial of liquid.”
“On that note, then, I’d like your opinion,” said Ludwig. “I understand I might’ve been the intended victim, but what would be the objective? My queen is co-ruler, and we have a son to inherit the Crown? What would my death accomplish?”
“Under your rule, Hadenfeld represents a threat. You are an experienced leader of men, as you so amply illustrated in the recent defeat of the Holy Army.”
“That was mostly the Temple General’s doing, not mine.”
“But as a result, you’re increasing the size of your army.”
“How did you know that? We’ve taken great pains to keep that secret.”
“I’m trained to notice every detail, sire, and it’s difficult to hide something on that scale without it coming to someone’s attention.”
“I suppose I was foolish to consider it a possibility. What do I do now?”
“I think your best option is to bring it out into the open. Move the army here, to Harlingen, and you’ll make the job of these conspirators even more difficult.”
33
Rebuilding
Summer 1108 SR
The hot summer day left those wearing armour suffering from the heat, and kings were no different. Ludwig watched as Cyn’s division marched past, the sweat pouring off him in rivulets. He even felt it trickling down his back, but was determined not to show any signs of discomfort.
The men headed to the outskirts of the city for training, the sort that could only be done in the Hills of Harlingen. He remembered well the Second Battle of Harlingen, for in those very hills, he’d saved the life of King Otto and helped reunite the kingdom. It seemed so long ago, yet it had only been eight years. How much had changed in that time.
Ludwig wished Charlotte were with him this day, but she was bedridden due to an especially severe episode. This time, however, her visitors were restricted to a handful of long-serving handmaidens, ones they trusted not to do anything that might threaten her health.
Charlaine had billeted twelve Temple Knights of Saint Agnes at the Royal Keep, operating in groups of three to ensure the queen’s safety at all times. Even now, they guarded her door, with one inside the room. Ludwig regretted that such protection was necessary, yet felt all the better for their presence.
“What do you think, boss?” Cyn’s words broke him free of his maudlin thoughts.
“They’re a fine body of men.”
“We’re still short some knights, but we’ve managed to meet all our other targets.”
“And how are you doing? I know you miss Sig.”
“He’ll be back to visit once he’s whipped his division into shape. Unfortunately, we don’t have the housing to keep the entire army here in Harlingen.”
“I hear you’ve decided to hold a mock battle.”
“I have,” she replied. “It’s easy enough to march men around an open field, but battles are seldom that accommodating. There’s also the notion of getting them comfortable with the terrain, as the kingdom has already had two battles in those hills. If the empire comes for us, we’ll probably have to fight there again.”
“And,” she continued, “just to be clear, there won’t be any actual fighting. I want to get them used to operating as part of a larger army since they’re all under one unified command now, not following the orders of individual barons.”
“I recognize the flag of Hadenfeld, but what are those others?”
Cyn beamed. “That was my idea: a system of signal flags to relay basic commands. I’m not certain how effective they’ll end up being, which is one of the reasons we’re doing this.”
“Is Sig doing the same?”
“Not yet, but if it proves promising, I’ll let him know. Speaking of promising news, any word on expanding our order of knights?”
“Oh, I see,” said Ludwig, waving his hands at all the warriors. “All this was just an excuse to call me to task. Very clever, General.”
“Does that mean you have news or not?”
“If you recall, when the kingdom was fractured, many of the knights continued their service in Neuhafen.”
“Yes,” replied Cyn, “and ever since reunification, their members have wanted back in, but that would cause no end of strife, particularly when it comes to seniority. Are you trying to tell me you’ve come up with a solution?”
“I have, though it may not be to everyone’s liking.”
“What is it you’re thinking of doing?”
“I shall name myself Grand Master,” said Ludwig, “then appoint someone else to see to the day-to-day operations.”
“Won’t there still be trouble?”
“They lost over half their numbers at the Battle of the Ford, and I intend to induct a host of new knights to get them up to where they should be.”
“Clever,” said Cyn. “You’ll drown out their complaints with new members, but where will all these new knights come from?”
“Wherever I can find them. I’ve already written to Lord Darrian up in Zowenbruch. He’s going to attend court and let them know we’re looking for knights to take service with our order. From there, word will spread to other Petty Kingdoms, and hopefully, we’ll see positive results. There are, after all, many knights who wander the Continent seeking sponsors.”
“What gave you the idea?”
“Books, primarily, but also correspondence. Konrad, for example, limits membership in his own order of knights to only a hundred individuals to keep the cost down, but there are plenty clamouring to join. If we convince them to come here, it’ll go a long way towards giving us the numbers we need. Until then, we’ll rely on our footmen to do the brunt of the fighting.”
“We have plenty of foot, so much so, we could easily raise another ten companies.”
“That would complicate matters,” said Ludwig. “Not only would we have to equip them, we’d also have to feed and house them on an ongoing basis. We’ll stick to the plan for now, although perhaps we can revisit the situation in a couple of years.”
He watched a group of bowmen march past, led by their captain, Rikal.
“How are we doing for archers?” asked Ludwig.
“We could always use more,” replied Cyn, “but we’ve managed to fill our quota. If we take losses, though, we’d be hard-pressed to find replacements.”
“Perhaps crossbows might be a good idea. I know Sig was looking into them to man the city walls.”
“It’s faster to train someone to use a crossbow, but the weapon itself is a lot more expensive. If you’re willing to spend the coins, I’ll be happy to train them for you.”
“Let’s not spend the entire treasury just yet,” said Ludwig. “There are still so many other things requiring funding.”
* * *
Ludwig sat on his throne, Charlotte beside him on hers. The realm’s nobles had gathered for the midsummer feast, an occasion that monarchs across the Petty Kingdoms typically used to reward those of their subjects who’d somehow distinguished themselves, either through service to the Crown or acts of bravery. Today was of particular interest in Hadenfeld, for twenty-four knights were to be inducted into the Order of the Sacred Shield.
His thoughts turned to Brother Aiden. The Temple Knight had written to Loralai Shozarin in hopes of flushing her out, but so far as Ludwig was aware, the Ragnarite had yet to receive a reply. It was difficult to wait, knowing those behind the plot were still at large, but he calmed himself with the knowledge that they would eventually be brought to justice.
The crowd hushed as the far doors opened, and those seeking admittance to the Order of the Sacred Shield entered. Cyn led them, while her warriors marched on either side.
She halted them ten paces from the throne, calling for the first six to advance and kneel. Father Vernan blessed each before they took their oaths. With his task complete, the Holy Father turned to the twin thrones of Hadenfeld and offered a bow.
Ludwig remembered his own knighting, an impromptu affair in which he swore allegiance to Lord Wulfram in Erlingen. His service to the baron ended with the war, but the moment still lingered in his mind—a pleasant occasion set amidst a time of strife and struggle.
He stood, holding out his hand for Charlotte, and they both moved to the line of kneeling would-be knights, who now faced their monarchs.
Ludwig stopped before the first, and Brother Hamelyn, standing nearby, handed Charlotte the Book of Saint Mathew. She then held it before the initiate.
“Place your hand upon the Holy Book,” she commanded.
He obeyed, then looked at his king.
“Do you solemnly swear to serve your monarchs in valour and faith, to protect the weak, and live by the realm’s code of chivalry and honour?”
“As the Saints are my witness, I do so swear,” the fellow replied.
She withdrew the book, and then Ludwig held out his hand, waiting for the ceremonial sword which Captain Gustavo was holding nearby.
Ludwig placed the tip of the sword on the initiate’s right shoulder. “As Sovereign of Hadenfeld, and Grand Master of the Order of the Sacred Shield, I name thee worthy.” He then shifted the blade to the left shoulder. “I command thee, as a knight, to protect the Crown and to serve the people of Hadenfeld to your last breath. Do you accept this duty?”
“I do, Lord King.”
Once more, he moved the blade, lightly tapping the initiate on the top of his head. “Then I name thee, Sir Ingulf, Knight of the Sacred Shield.”
Ludwig gave Charlotte a brief nod, and they moved to their left to stand in front of the next candidate. Father Vernan, meanwhile, stood before the first and placed his hand on the man’s head. “I bless thee in the name of the Saints. May you, by your service, earn immortality in the Afterlife.”
They repeated the process until all six inductees had taken the oath, then Cyn ordered them to their feet. They bowed in unison before stepping back to take up positions behind the other initiates.
The ceremony continued until all twenty-four were knighted. As the last group returned to join their comrades, Ludwig turned, ready to pass the ceremonial sword back to Captain Gustavo, but something made him stop.
The captain had served him loyally ever since he’d recruited the man back in Roshlag. Ludwig met his gaze, knowing without a doubt this fellow was deserving of recognition.
“Kneel,” he commanded.
To say Gustavo was surprised was an understatement, but he did as he was ordered.
“You’ve served me faithfully, Captain. I shall not command you to protect the Crown, for you already do that. You’ve also proved yourself worthy, and I know you will serve the people of Hadenfeld to your last breath.” He turned to Father Vernan. “Father, would you bless Captain Gustavo?”
“It would be my honour,” replied the Holy Father. He placed his hand upon the captain’s head, reciting the prayer. Once complete, he nodded, then stepped back.
Ludwig placed the blade lightly on the captain’s head. “I name thee Sir Gustavo, Knight of the Sacred Shield. May the Saints bless you.” As he withdrew the blade, the room broke into spontaneous applause.
“You may now rise,” said Charlotte, “and congratulations.”
Ludwig leaned in towards the captain and whispered, “I’m afraid it’s not all good news. As a newly knighted member of the order, you’re expected to buy a round of drinks for your brother knights.” He nodded to Cyn, who came forward and gave him a small pouch, which, in turn, he handed off to Gustavo. “Here,” said Ludwig. “These coins will soften the blow.” He turned to the rest of his court. “Now let us celebrate!”
* * *
In Eisen, Charlaine sat at a table, eating a meal with Temple Captains Teresa and Nicola while they pored over a large amount of correspondence.
“Where do we stand?” asked the Temple General.
Nicola consulted her notes. “Ulrichen and Ardosa have no temple garrisons, but Lubenstahl and Abelard do, and they’re both being evicted.”
“Is evicted the right term?” asked Teresa. “I should think exiled more appropriate.”
“The same is true of Zalista and Ostrova. Thankfully, Carlingen is still intact.”
“That’s where you sent Cordelia, isn’t it?” asked Teresa.
“Yes,” replied Charlaine. “She was promoted to Temple Captain and was due to travel there once her training was complete.”
“True,” said Nicola, “but her training was at the hands of her commanding officer, and there’s no telling how long that would take.”
“If she’s not there by now, she should be soon enough.”
“What about promotions?”
“I’m afraid that will have to wait. Although many here are deserving of a promotion, I have no positions for them to fill.”
“Don’t look at me,” said Nicola. “I’m perfectly content being a Temple Captain.”
“Or me,” added Teresa. “I have no desire to be a Temple Commander.”
“I was actually thinking of Temple Captain Giselle,” said Charlaine.
“It’s strange to think she’s the same rank as when we first served together.”
“She always had a cloud over her head for losing her first command. Unfortunately, with all that’s happened, I haven’t found time to promote her, but at least she’s in command of a full company, rather than just a detachment. Do you remember Sister Rowan?”
“Of course.”
“Giselle took her along as her aide.”
“I know Temple Captain Nina ended up in the Antonine, but where are all the other sisters we served with in Ilea?”
“Aurelia died at Alantra.”
“Yes, I remember now,” said Teresa. “She drowned.”
“Danica, as you know, is up north with Erika. Miranda perished at the Battle of the Brinwald, a victim of Fire Magic.”
“And Florence?”
“She’s up in Arnsfeld, in charge of her own commandery.”
“We were a tight-knit group back then,” said Teresa. “I miss them dearly.”
“They were our sisters, and shall always be remembered as such.” Charlaine pawed through the papers. “Did I see something in here regarding Arnsfeld?”
Nicola plucked out a letter, seemingly at random. “Yes, it’s here. Temple Commander Isabeau writes that the border has been quiet of late. It appears the empire is not yet ready to avenge their defeat. She also indicates she’s recalled all sister knights from Angvil after the ruler there decided he would rather side with the Church.”
“How are our own numbers doing?”
“Due to the casualties we took, we’re still well below five hundred, but our numbers are increasing as fellow Temple Knights trickle in from other kingdoms, albeit at a much slower pace than I would prefer.”
“What about those kingdoms along the shores of the Shimmering Sea? Any luck there?”
“Other than Ilea, no, but that’s to be expected. Between the fortress of Corassus and the Holy Fleet, there’s a lot of pressure to obey the Church.”
“Wait a moment,” said Teresa. “I saw something about Thalemia.” She dug through the letters, then brandished the one she was looking for. “Here it is. We still maintain a presence in Thalemia, although only one commandery.” Her face fell as she skimmed through the words. “Perhaps it’s not so good after all. It appears the Temple Captain there is under pressure to abandon their stronghold. Apparently, there’s a Cunar commandery nearby that’s giving them trouble.”
“Not fighting, I hope?”
“Not that I can tell. It refers to them applying pressure at court.”
“Any notes on Aldor?”
“That’s firmly in the Antonine’s hands,” replied Nicola, “as is Amaria. It appears we are the largest concentration of sister knights in the central kingdoms. I suppose that only makes sense, considering the circumstances that brought us here.”
Charlaine consulted her own notes. “Our order still maintains a significant number of Temple Knights, despite our recent losses. With few exceptions, we have commanderies spread across the northern coast, with little chance of being ousted, thanks to the Temple Fleet. We’ve also garnered a lot of goodwill amongst those kingdoms bordering the Halvarian Empire, due to our efforts in Arnsfeld. Once we get farther inland, however, that’s no longer the case.”
