Warrior King, page 9
“Which is more likely?”
“I’d say the latter,” replied Vernan. “We know they like to stir up trouble.”
“True,” said Ludwig, “but these rumours would be relatively easy to disprove. All we’d have to do is send one of our people to Verslacht to ask the right questions.”
“Shall I take care of that?” asked Sigwulf.
“Yes, but let’s not make it too obvious. The last thing I need is word getting back to court that we’re causing trouble.”
“And in the meantime?”
“I need to gather information, so I won’t be pressing King Augustinian on the matter.”
“But you can’t just ignore him,” said Father Vernan. “He’s the king of this land, for Saint’s sake.”
“I intend to get to know him a little better. Perhaps, by spending time in his company, I’ll come to understand his true motives.”
“I thought we knew his motives! He wants the sky metal!”
“I doubt it’s that simple. He feels threatened, which is making him react defensively.”
“You mean the threat from Aldor?”
“We have no guarantee it’s real,” said Ludwig. “It could be another ploy on the part of the Stormwinds.
“We only brought a few men with us,” said Sigwulf. “I can’t spare any to send south.”
“Nor would I expect you to. If Aldor were massing at the border, Augustinian would be mustering his army, not trying to organize an expedition into an uncharted part of his kingdom.”
“So you suspect this sky metal might be real?”
“I do,” replied Ludwig, “and who better to arrange for its sale than someone who has contacts amongst many of the courts of the Petty Kingdoms. Who knows, maybe the Stormwinds want it for themselves.”
“You make a good point,” said Father Vernan. “Sky metal is commonly used to create magic weapons.”
“Not only weapons,” noted Sigwulf. “In theory, it can be used for anything magical.”
“Such as?”
“Magic rings, wands, belts: you name something made of metal, and there’s likely something magical that can be associated with it. That’s what makes it so priceless.”
“Yes,” said Ludwig. “The term ‘king’s ransom’ comes up a lot when discussing sky metal.”
“If we confirm the lights in the sky were real, what’s our next step?”
“I’d prefer to get the two rulers face to face.”
“I doubt that would work,” said Vernan. “They don’t trust each other.”
“True, but I intend to host them both in a neutral location, most likely Udenacht.”
“That certainly has possibilities, although it would require King Augustinian to cross into Hollenbeck to get there.”
“Not necessarily,” said Sigwulf. “We could meet east of the disputed region and escort him the rest of the way on our side of the border, thus avoiding Hollenbeck altogether.”
“A good idea,” said the Holy Father, “if we can convince Augustinian of it.”
“Then that’s what I’ll do,” replied Ludwig. “But let’s hold off on that till we’ve confirmed this whole sky metal theory. How long do you think that would take, Sig?”
“We’re only a short distance from the border. Give our man two days to gather information, and he can be back by the end of the week.”
“Until then, I shall content myself with playing the role of guest and avoiding the topic.”
“I’ll make some enquiries of my own,” offered Father Vernan.
“What did you have in mind?”
“I thought I might speak with the local prior of my order and see what I can learn about this Eduardo Stormwind fellow.”
“Why do you think the prior would be of assistance?”
The Holy Father smiled. “I doubt you noticed, but that Stormwind wore a ring bearing the axe of Saint Mathew. Now, I’m not suggesting he’s a true worshipper, but I wouldn’t be surprised to learn he’s been going through the motions to ingratiate himself with the king. If that’s true, he’d likely insist on praying before someone befitting his station as a Royal Mage.”
“No offence, but you’re the king’s spiritual advisor,” said Sigwulf, “and you’re only a Holy Father. What makes you think a prior more suitable?”
“I can answer that,” said Ludwig. “Father Vernan turned down a priorship to remain with me.”
“But wouldn’t a prior be a more suitable rank for such a position?”
“It would,” said Vernan, “but then I’d have other duties needing my attention, duties that would require a great amount of my time.”
“You must’ve been sorely tempted to accept.”
“Surprisingly, I was not. When I refused the offer, it was more of a relief. I have nothing against priors, but when one moves up to a position like that, they are often required to spend more time on administrative matters rather than spiritual ones.”
“You are a true devotee of Saint Mathew.”
* * *
Five days later, they had the news they needed from Verslacht. There had indeed been lights in the sky, although there were varying accounts of exactly where it fell relative to the village. All agreed it landed to the west, but some pointed in a northwesterly direction, while others claimed it lay to the southwest. No one had ventured out looking for sky metal, as the woods were said to be teeming with all sorts of dangerous wildlife, but all accounts placed the landing in the disputed border zone.
“And you’re absolutely certain of this?” asked Ludwig.
Kalen Hasrich shifted his feet. He’d been recruited in Roshlag after Ludwig returned to Verfeld to claim the title of baron and had been in service to him ever since. Although trained as an archer, he now rode as part of the king’s bodyguard. “Aye. I spent a few coins to loosen tongues. I also rode out to some nearby farms.”
“It could be a clever trick,” offered Sigwulf. “I doubt the Stormwinds would balk at a small expense to achieve their objectives.”
“I thought of that, sir,” replied the archer, “but my gut tells me they’re telling the truth.”
“That’s good enough for me,” said Ludwig. “You’ve done well, Kalen.” He handed over some coins. “Here, this should cover your expenses. You may return to your post.”
“Thank you, Majesty.” Kalen slipped out the door to join his fellow guardsman keeping watch in the hallway.
“What now?” asked Father Vernan.
“It’s time we requested a private audience with King Augustinian.”
“But if there truly is sky metal in that region, how do we persuade him not to go looking for it?”
“By offering him a better option.”
* * *
The Miranthan ruler sat quietly, staring as his visitors entered, his elbows resting on the arms of his throne as he tapped his fingertips together.
“I’m curious as to why you requested a meeting without my advisors?”
“I think I have a solution to your problem.”
“Which problem?”
“The sky metal,” replied Ludwig. “More specifically, how you might go about searching for it without causing a war.”
“A most intriguing idea, but why did you request a private audience?”
“You and I make decisions on behalf of those we rule. Other voices serve only to distract us from our sworn duty.”
Augustinian raised his eyebrow. “You think my advisors do not work in the best interest of my kingdom?”
“I think those who value influence are keen to wield it, perhaps not always to the benefit of the realm.”
“I may not agree with your assessment of my advisors, but I shall listen to your proposal without their presence. Please proceed.”
“The disputed region is hundreds of square miles of dense forest. It could take years to locate the deposit, time which would be better spent dealing with the Kingdom of Aldor.”
“I cannot ignore the presence of such a valuable commodity.”
“I’m not suggesting you do, merely that it would serve your more immediate interests to locate it sooner rather than later.”
“Make up your mind, Majesty,” said Augustinian. “Either it takes a long time to find this sky metal, or it doesn’t. Which is it?”
“Many hands make for a lighter burden.”
“I’m familiar with the words of Saint Mathew, but I fail to see how they apply in this instance.”
“Then let me clarify,” said Ludwig. “We all know sky metal is valuable, while being extremely difficult to work with.”
“True, but as I previously stated, my intention is to sell it, not smelt it.”
“Yes, but first, it must be found in an area your own hunters avoid. And even if you did find it, you’d have to dig it out, another labour-intensive task. Once that’s done, there’s transporting it. To my understanding, sky metal is a dense material, requiring a wagon and a team of horses, not the easiest thing to navigate through the trees. I suppose what I’m trying to say is the entire endeavour would prove difficult and expensive, particularly in manpower.”
“I accept that,” replied Augustinian, “but I fail to see the point you’re getting at.”
“Which do you think would be a better option? Half the value of the treasure now, or waiting years to claim all of it? Let me remind you that Aldor is unlikely to wait.”
“What are you proposing?”
“Instead of risking war with Hollenbeck, you invite them to participate in the hunt for the sky metal and split the findings equally.”
“How can I trust them? They could find it themselves and claim it all.”
“I don’t have all the details as to how this might be arranged, but the first step would be agreeing to meet with His Grace, the duke.”
“Is that his idea?”
“No,” said Ludwig. “It’s mine. It makes more sense to work together instead of against each other. You double the chances of discovery and avert creating an incident that could lead to war.”
“But the area in question is claimed by both of us.”
“All the more reason to work cooperatively.”
Augustinian nodded. “I will agree to meet with the duke. I shall send word at once inviting him here to Freimar so we can make arrangements.”
“Might I suggest a more neutral location, one that resides in neither Mirantha nor Hollenbeck?”
“And where would that be?”
“Udenacht, which lies across the border in Hadenfeld. I’d offer my own services as host and ensure each delegation is given a proper escort to keep them safe.”
“I agree, providing Duke Ulfric is of a similar mind.”
“Then I shall send one of my men to Klermacht to deliver the invitation,” replied Ludwig. “Meanwhile, I’ll travel to Udenacht to make arrangements, then send word once everything is in place.”
“I do have one question,” said Augustinian. “Mirantha’s border with Hadenfeld is covered with the same dense forest as the disputed area.”
“I’ll make arrangements for boats to carry your party, Majesty.”
“How much time will you need?”
“Several weeks, I should think, but I’ll try to speed that along as best I can. You may rest assured that I consider this a matter of great import.”
“I am grateful,” said Augustinian, “although I am curious why you take such an interest in our affairs. Neither Mirantha nor Hollenbeck are considered powerful compared with other Petty Kingdoms.”
“We are neighbouring realms,” replied Ludwig, “and I would have peace on the southern borders of Hadenfeld. To that end, I shall do all in my power to keep war from disrupting the land.”
“Yet your reputation is that of a warrior king.”
“While it’s true I took the Throne by force of arms, it was never my intention to seize power.”
“Then why did you?”
“To prevent the chaos that would inevitably result from the rule of a mad king.”
9
The Archprior
Summer 1105 SR
Lord Emmett raised his eyebrows. “He demanded what?”
“Land for a commandery,” replied Alexandra.
“It is the custom,” said Charlotte, “but I’ve never heard of an order making it a demand. Perhaps I’m overthinking this?”
“You’re not,” insisted Gita. “Merrick and I were there, and we both perceived it as a demand. The Temple Commander thought quite highly of himself, if you ask me.”
“How long has he been waiting for your answer?” asked Merrick.
“Three weeks now,” replied the queen, “but I fear if I stall much longer, he’ll bring the pressure of the Church to bear.”
“Then tell him you deny his request,” said Alexandra. “We all know the Cunars can’t be trusted.”
“It’s not that simple,” said Merrick. “I agree the request should be denied, but we can’t tell him why without revealing how we came by this information.”
“This puts us in a most difficult position,” said Alexandra. “Perhaps we should consult with Father Hywell. He is, after all, an archprior.”
“Do we reveal to him what we’ve learned?” asked Charlotte. “That could, in turn, create problems for Temple Commander Charlaine.”
“How so?”
“By telling us, wouldn’t she have broken her oath to her superiors?”
“Perhaps, but Father Hywell is a Mathewite, not an Agnesite. Thus, he’d have no jurisdiction.”
“What you say is true,” offered Emmett, “but all the orders serve the Church of the Saints. I don’t claim to be an expert in such things, but he might be required to pass that information on to his superiors.”
“I wish Father Vernan were here,” said Charlotte. “He’d be able to tell us whether that’s true or not.” She looked around the table. “Who’s in favour of consulting the archprior?”
“I think it’s worth the risk,” said Alexandra.
“As do I,” added Emmett, “although it might be best if the topic were presented to him as theoretical rather than an actual problem?”
“An excellent idea,” replied Charlotte. “How about you, Gita?”
“I’ll agree, but with some reservations. The archprior didn’t get to his position by being a fool. He has to know the Temple Commander is here in Harlingen, and I think he’ll see through the ruse. It might be better to tell Father Hywell the truth from the beginning.”
“I shall consider that. And you, Merrick?”
“I agree with Gita. We are stepping on dangerous ground here, and the last thing we want is to upset the entire Church.”
“Yes, but would it?” asked Alexandra. “The Temple Knights of Saint Cunar are only one part of it.”
“True,” replied her husband, “but what we’re proposing is in contradiction to the accepted way of handling such things. Were we any other Petty Kingdom, we’d likely grant their request for land.”
“But we’re not any other kingdom,” said Charlotte. “We’re Hadenfeld.”
“I didn’t mean to imply we shouldn’t refuse their offer, merely that the Church may not look kindly upon our response. Your Majesty does not wish them to build a commandery here—that’s not a matter of debate. What we’re trying to do is to determine the best way to inform them of that decision, hopefully in a way that will reduce any feeling of being slighted.”
“I wonder,” said Alexandra, “could we come up with another reason to deny their request?”
“I’m open to suggestions,” replied Charlotte.
“How about something financial?” Alexandra looked at Gita.
“I wouldn’t advise that. If word gets out we’re short of funds, it may be an invitation to take advantage of us, perhaps even lead to an invasion, and war is the last thing we need right now.”
“Could we claim there is no land available within the walls of Harlingen?”
“No,” said Charlotte. “Then they’d ask for some outside the city’s walls. It’s a common enough practice in other Petty Kingdoms.”
Everyone fell silent, leaving the final decision to Charlotte. “I will inform the Temple Commander that we do not wish a commandery in Hadenfeld, but before I do that, I’ll speak with the archprior. Perhaps, once he knows the truth, he might suggest another way to proceed.”
* * *
Father Hywell sat in a large armchair, sipping wine, while the Queen of Hadenfeld regarded him. He was a man of forty-odd years, blessed with the appearance of one at least ten years younger. He claimed that his faith gave him his youthful appearance, but Charlotte thought it more likely due to his strict diet.
“I trust all is well, Majesty?” said the archprior. “Admittedly, it’s not every day I receive an invitation to the Royal Keep.” He leaned forward, offering a chuckle. “I trust I am not to be put in irons?”
“I assure Your Grace that you’re safe here.”
“Then might I ask the purpose of this invitation?”
“I am seeking advice,” she replied. “Doubtless by now, you’re aware that a Temple Commander of Saint Cunar is in Harlingen.”
“I think I see where this is going. You mean to deny him permission to build a commandery.”
“How did you know?”
“The reason for his visit is not the best-kept secret, and the fact that it wasn’t immediately approved speaks volumes.” He held up his hand. “I’m not suggesting you be forced into doing anything you don’t wish, Majesty, but I must admit to some curiosity about how you came to that decision. Assuming the rumours are true, of course.”
“They are,” replied Charlotte. “Are you familiar with events surrounding the invasion of Arnsfeld two years ago?”
“Somewhat, although I can’t admit to being an expert in the matter. The land battle involved the Temple Knights of Saint Agnes and Mathew. Is that what concerns you?”
“Were you aware that those of Saint Cunar sought to interfere with the Agnesites marching to aid in the war?”
