Burden of the Crown, page 9
"Hold on a moment," said Aubrey.
Again Heward heard her speak the strange words, and then a globe of light lit the room.
"It's a tight fit," observed Heward.
"The steps are over here," said Aubrey. "Let me just open the secret door up top." She entered the stairwell, the light following her. Moments later, Heward heard a scraping sound. "All set," she called down.
Heward moved forward to examine the stairwell. "The steps are narrow," the knight observed, "but not too steep. I'll have to lead him." He started up the stairs, the reins securely in his hands.
"A few more pounds and he'd be stuck," said the knight. "If you're going to use this in the future, you might want to consider widening the stairs."
"I think we'd need to do a bit more than that," said Aubrey. "I believe the whole first floor should be gutted, and the ceiling needs to be taller, not to mention guards."
"Guards?" he asked.
"Yes, we discussed this at the Mages Council. We need to guard the circles to make sure others can't use them."
"You need an engineer," observed Heward. "I hear the Dwarves are good at that sort of thing."
"You sound like my cousin," said Aubrey. "Beverly always thinks of Dwarves when some feat of construction is required."
"I'll take that as a compliment," said the knight.
"As well you should. Now come, I'll introduce you to Kraloch, he commands the garrison at the moment."
"You have an Orc in charge of Hawksburg?" asked Heward. "You surprise me."
"They've been helping us rebuild," said Aubrey, "and the townsfolk have become quite fond of them."
"I thought he was a shaman?"
"He is, what of it?"
"Do their shamans command their warriors?"
"Yes," said Aubrey, "why wouldn't they?"
"I don't know," said the knight, "I just assumed that shamans were like mages, and I've never heard of a mage commanding an army."
"My understanding is that a shaman isn't allowed to become a chieftain. Beyond that, they do the same thing as every other Orc. Kraloch was of great assistance during the war."
"I meant no disrespect," said Heward, "but I had very little interaction with them. They are a fascinating race."
"Agreed," said Aubrey, "and Kraloch speaks our language quite well. You should have no trouble working with him."
When they exited the house, the fresh scent of the woods drifted in their direction, while off in the distance, they heard the sound of hammering and sawing.
"Sounds like you've kept them busy here," Heward said.
"Yes," she agreed, "but there's still so much to be done. The garrison is helping with the rebuilding effort, but with the incursions, you'll likely have to send many of them farther north."
"I'll try not to disrupt things here too much," he promised.
They rounded the manor house, revealing an area busy with workers. Kraloch spotted them immediately and made his way over.
"Greetings," offered the Orc. "I see you have returned."
"I have," said Aubrey. "May I introduce Sir Heward?"
"Good day to you," the knight said, bowing his head slightly.
"And to you, master knight," said Kraloch.
"Heward will be taking command of the frontier," said Aubrey. "There's been an incursion by Norlanders, and we're to be put on alert."
"My hunters are at your disposal," offered Kraloch.
"Hunters? I thought you had warriors?" said the knight.
"They don't use that term," explained Aubrey, "but it amounts to the same thing. Kraloch, I wonder if you might fill Sir Heward in on the local troop dispositions? I'm afraid I must make haste to Wincaster on urgent business."
"By all means, Lady Aubrey," said the Orc, "I shall be delighted."
"Excellent," said the mage, "then I will leave you to it."
Nine
Changes
Fall 962 MC
Beverly watched as the nobles filed through the doorway. They had all come, as the princess had expected, to take their oaths on the morrow, and now each made their way into a banquet that had been prepared in their honour.
The Knight of the Hound nodded her head in recognition of Lord Somerset, the Duke of Kingsford. He, at least, was a staunch ally, but other than her own friends, the rest were mostly an unknown quantity.
Beverly spied Lord George Montrose, the Earl of Shrewesdale, and tried to hide her disgust. He had been one of King Andred's closest advisors, and in her mind, should not be trusted. Their eyes met, but the earl, wisely, did not challenge her. She was here today representing her father, and as such, was wearing courtly attire, a far cry from her armour, though she had insisted on keeping her sword.
Lord Alexander Stanton, the Earl of Tewsbury, was next to arrive. He had been ill of late and was walking with the aid of a cane and two servants who helped him.
Young Lord Markham Anglesley rounded out the top nobles. As the son of the previous Duke of Colbridge, he was the only heir to that position, but his support of King Henry made Beverly wonder, yet again, the wisdom in letting him maintain his title. Perhaps it would have been better, she thought, to have them all executed?
Next in seniority came Lord Emery Chesterton, the Viscount of Stilldale. He had remained as neutral as possible during the conflict and was an unknown factor as far as his support for the princess went.
Lastly was Lady Aubrey Brandon, now the Baroness of Hawksburg and one of only two baronesses in the kingdom, along with Hayley. Beverly fell in beside her cousin as they made their way into the hall.
"I hear you went to Bodden," said Beverly. "How was it?"
"Quite nice," replied Aubrey. "I've never been there before."
"I trust things went smoothly?"
"Quite the opposite," replied the mage, "but I'll have to tell you about it later."
They followed the other nobles past the open door, to enter the dining hall itself. Servants guided them to their seats ,which, due to their lower station, were at the far end of the table. The place at the head was reserved for the princess, with a mat on the floor beside her, intended for Tempus. On either side were seats reserved for the dukes. Under normal circumstances, all four positions would have been filled, but King Henry had not named a Duke of Wincaster before his death, and the Duchy of Eastwood was still vacant after the flight of Lord Roland Valmar. Despite their absences, there were still seats for these two titles. Beyond them sat the two earls, followed by two chairs for viscounts, with only one filled, as the Viscountcy of Haverston had been vacant since the death of Anna's brother, Alfred, back in '60, yet another position that must be awarded.
Aubrey sat in her assigned place, while Beverly, looking down, realized that a spot for the Baron of Redridge sat between them. He had been Lady Penelope's brother, also killed during the war. Eschewing protocol, she sat directly beside her cousin, thus putting her at maximum distance from the Earl of Shrewesdale.
With all the nobles in place, a servant rapped the floor with a cane, drawing everyone's attention.
"Her Highness, Princess Anna of Merceria," he announced.
Everyone stood as she entered, draped in a finely made dress of a rather simple design. Tempus trotted in beside her, growling slightly as they approached the table, perhaps sensing the mood of the room. She stood at the head for a moment, taking everyone's measure.
"Please be seated, gentlemen, ladies," the princess said.
They all sat, keeping their eyes on their new monarch.
"I have invited you here today to address you before the oath-taking ceremony tomorrow. I know that we have been through a lot this last year, but I wanted to assure you that my reign will begin with fairness and civility. I can see that some of you have questions, perhaps we should begin with Lord Stanton?"
"Your Highness," said the Earl of Tewsbury, "may I first say that you impress me with your grace and humility."
"Thank you, Lord Stanton, but perhaps we should dispense with the compliments, or I fear we will be here all day. What is your question?"
"I was wondering," the old man continued, "what is being done about replacing our missing members?" He swept his arm around the room, indicating the multitude of empty chairs.
"They will be filled in due course," replied the princess, "but I fear it will take some time. We are still awaiting a full accounting of our losses, and family trees must be consulted to determine the most eligible candidates."
"And what," spoke up Lord Chesterton, "is the status of our army?"
"A good question, my lord," replied Anna. She turned to the door where her maid stood waiting. "Will you show them in, Sophie?"
Sophie opened the door, admitting Gerald, Hayley, and Revi Bloom. They filed in, standing in an informal line to Anna's right.
"These are some of my advisors," continued Anna. "I know that there are a few of you that haven't been introduced, so let me rectify that. First is Gerald Matheson, Marshal of our Mercerian Army."
Gerald bowed. He appeared extremely uncomfortable in his courtly tunic, and Beverly wondered where Sophie had found such an outfit. It certainly looked strange, seeing him without his customary chainmail shirt, but then again, she, herself, was wearing a dress.
"Also, we have Lady Hayley Chambers, Baroness of Queenston, and head of the Queen's Rangers."
Hayley bowed slightly, as was the Mercerian custom for women warriors.
"Baroness," said Anna, "please take your place at the table."
Hayley moved down to the far end to sit beside Beverly, nodding at her friend.
"Lastly," continued Anna, "we have Master Revi Bloom, the Royal Life Mage and head of the newly formed Mages Council."
The mage blushed slightly as he bowed his head.
"Gentlemen," she said, looking at Gerald and Revi, "please take a position by our most noble dukes. Be advised that they are here as advisors, so that you, the nobles of Merceria, might be able to receive the information you would like in a timely manner."
She waited as Gerald and Revi sat, then turned back to the Viscount of Stilldale.
"Would you be so kind as to repeat your question, my lord?"
"Yes," Lord Chesterton repeated, "I think I can speak for everyone here when I ask what the status of the army is at present? Can we protect ourselves from foreign aggressors?"
Anna nodded at Gerald.
"Yes, my lord," the marshal began. "Currently, we have the bulk of our forces garrisoning Wincaster. We have secured our western border, and don't anticipate any trouble there for some time to come."
"Why is that?" asked Lord Stanton. "Surely we must keep all our cities well garrisoned?"
"Her Highness has concluded an agreement with Weldwyn, my lord, which will guarantee peace with them for the foreseeable future."
"And what was the price of that agreement?" Stanton pressed.
"Yes," added Lord Chesterton, "are we to cede them land?"
"Not at all," interrupted the princess. "Our agreement with Weldwyn is one of mutual trust and admiration. It is also my intention to sign a defensive alliance once I'm queen."
"Alliance," asked Montrose, "surely not! We cannot trust the Westlanders."
"I beg to differ," interjected Beverly, "they have proven to be most trustworthy."
"I must protest the inclusion of this woman," fumed Montrose. "She holds no title and is not fit to sit at this table."
"I am here at the behest of my father, Baron Fitzwilliam," said Beverly, her voice rising slightly. "I have every right to be here."
"I say not!" decried Montrose. "And where is Baron Fitzwilliam, is he to forfeit his title?"
"I have granted him a special dispensation," said Anna, "for the north needs guarding, and he is the most suited to take up that role. In his place, I have allowed Dame Beverly to speak on his behalf."
"There is no precedent," pressed Montrose.
"Actually, there is," said Beverly, standing. “My uncle stood as proxy for my grandfather when King Andred III was crowned. The king invoked the ancient laws of our ancestors, though you can challenge me to trial by combat if you disagree."
"That's true," added Aubrey, "though I might remind you that no stand-ins are allowed. Does anyone here wish to challenge Dame Beverly's right?"
The room fell silent. Montrose was seething but wisely held his tongue.
Hayley grabbed Beverly's hand, whispering, "Come, sit, Bev. Don't let him get to you."
Beverly sat, her eyes boring into Lord Montrose.
"I'm sorry," said Lord Chesterton, looking at Anna. "You said there was trouble up north?"
"Yes," continued the princess, "we have recent accounts of Norland raiders crossing our border."
"How recent?" asked Lord Anglesley.
"Just over a week ago," replied Anna.
"How did you get such information so soon?" asked Anglesley. "Surely, a rider would have taken two weeks or more to make it to Wincaster from the frontier?”
"I brought it," said Aubrey.
"You?" said Anglesley. "And are you the fastest rider in the kingdom?"
"No," she admitted, "though I am a mage."
Montrose looked at her in surprise. "What kind of mage?" he enquired.
"Life Magic," she replied. "I used spells to speed my journey."
"And who reported this incursion?" asked Montrose. "How do we know we can trust them?"
"I was there," Aubrey said, "along with the druid, Albreda. She defeated the incursion."
"By herself?" asked Lord Chesterton. "How preposterous!"
"It's true," she defended. "As I said, I saw it myself."
"It couldn't have been much of a threat if a single woman could deal with it," accused Anglesley.
"You haven't seen her use her powers," said Aubrey.
"I can attest to the powers of Albreda," said Anna, ending all arguments. "I think the point here is that there is a threat in the north."
"Agreed," said Gerald. "In response, we've sent more horses north. They'll be reinforced with foot once we've completed demobilizing our army."
"Demobilizing?" said Montrose. "You mean to reduce our army now, in the face of this threat?"
"We have little choice, Your Grace," said Gerald. "We lack the necessary funds to maintain the forces we have."
"Then we should levy taxes," suggested Anglesley.
"The people of Merceria have already born the brunt of the civil war," said Anna. "I will not see them suffer further."
"How many troops are being disbanded?" asked Lord Chesterton.
"Almost half, my lord," said Gerald.
"Your Highness," spoke up Lord Stanton, "are you sure this man is competent to command the army?"
Anna's voice rose sharply, "Marshal Matheson's abilities in this matter are beyond reproach. He is the reason that my army was victorious in this war. Without him, we would not be here today."
"I would suggest," said Lord Chesterton, "that we let the marshal deal with this problem and move on to other topics."
"Agreed," added Aubrey.
"Very well," said Anna. "Lord Somerset, did you have a question?"
"Yes, Your Highness," said the Duke of Kingsford, "I should like to address the question of your succession."
"My succession?" said Anna in surprise.
"Yes," he continued. "There can be no argument with your sitting on the throne. After all, you did win the war. My question, rather, is what would happen if you should be incapacitated? You have no heir at present. Who would rule in your absence?"
"A good point, Your Grace," she replied, "and something I have given much thought to, of late. If something were to happen to me, I would like someone who I know I could trust to carry out my plans. Someone who would have the support of people that are important to me. Until I bear an heir, I appoint as my successor, none other than Marshal Gerald Matheson."
"This is an outrage!" shouted Montrose. "You can't appoint a commoner as ruler of our kingdom." He turned to Gerald, "I commend you on your military service, Marshal, but that does not make you fit to rule."
"Actually," continued Anna, "you're correct when you say a commoner cannot rule Merceria, that's why I have elected to elevate him to the ranks of the nobility."
"What!" exclaimed Stanton. "You can't just make anyone a noble."
"I most certainly can," said the princess. "I might remind you that when our mercenary ancestors came to this land, there were no nobles at all. Over time, the different company commanders became the leaders, eventually adopting the titles we use today. It is in the spirit of our ancestors that I do so now."
"Fine," fumed Montrose, "so you can make him a baron, that still doesn't give him the right to rule."
"He will not be a baron," said Anna, her voice growing firmer. "I hereby appoint him Duke of Wincaster."
Everyone in the room was shocked into silence, especially Gerald, who was surprised by the statement.
"It is the right of the Monarch," said Lord Somerset. "The Duchy of Wincaster has always been the prerogative of the crown."
"A most interesting development," said Lord Chesterton, "and one which, I think, will likely take some time getting used to. In the meantime, I believe there are other matters to discuss. Might I enquire as to the topic of matrimony? Surely Your Highness should wed?"
"And I promise you, I will," said Anna, "but we have much to deal with first."
"Might I suggest, Highness," said Montrose, "that you pick a noble of Merceria. It would serve to unite an otherwise fractious realm."
"I will consider it," said Anna. "Do you have a candidate in mind?"
"I would suggest," said Montrose, "our very own Lord Markham Anglesley, Your Highness. He offers an excellent pedigree and is close to you in age. I think it would be a most excellent match. What say you, gentlemen?" he looked around at the other nobles, completely ignoring the three ladies at the far end of the table. The men were all nodding their heads in agreement."
"I shall consider it," said Anna, smiling, "though he would have to agree never to rule."
"I beg your pardon?" asked Lord Stanton. "What do you mean he'd never rule? Surely by marrying you, he would become king."
