Baron Fitzwilliam entered the map room, still clutching his drink. It had been a hard ride from Queenston, but now that he was here, he was eager to get back to work. He placed his goblet on the table, making his way towards the cabinet that held his maps. Poking through them, he found what he was looking for and laid it out on the table, using his goblet to anchor one corner.
The map revealed the geography of Merceria, but, he noted, it was badly in need of an update. He sought out quill and ink, then sat, pulling some notes from his tunic.
The baron thought of himself as an educated man, and while he had to admit his maps weren't perfect, he prided himself that they were as accurate a facsimile as could be constructed. He had made careful notes concerning Queenston's location and now sat pondering them with great interest. Content with his observations, he dipped the quill and amended the map of the realm, adding Queenston to its rightful place.
He was pleased. Queenston sat roughly halfway to Kingsford, and with the war over, he could look forward to an influx of trade. Soon, a road would be cleared, and Bodden would no longer feel as though it were all alone in the wilderness.
Fitz sat back, admiring his work, then realized there were other maps now in need of updating. Taking a sip of his wine, he stood, making his way to the window. A cool breeze drifted across the barony, presaging snow, and he knew that it wouldn't be long before the icy grip of winter made itself known once again.
A call from below caught his attention, and he spied two figures off in the distance, heading towards Bodden. That, by itself, was not unusual, for farmers could often be seen returning from their fields, but the presence of a wolf beside them told him that one of them was Albreda. The bigger question was, who was the other?
The baron made his way from the tower, then out of the Keep, confident that he would reach the gates of Bodden long before the druid arrived.
The guards, already alerted by their approach, now manned the walls. They were not expecting trouble, but the baron had drilled into them the necessity of always being on the alert. Having suffered three sieges in his own lifetime, Fitz was not willing to take chances.
He climbed to the top of the gatehouse and peered over the battlements. The travellers were closer now, and the baron could easily make out Albreda's features. He turned his attention to her companion, a look of surprise coming to his face as he recognized his niece, Aubrey Brandon.
"Let them in," he called out, then made his way down to greet them.
"Richard," called out Albreda, "I see you made it back in good time."
"I did," he stammered back, "but I must admit I'm surprised to see the two of you. If I'd known you wanted to visit, I would have had you travel with me."
"Hello, Uncle," said Aubrey.
"You surprise me, Aubrey," he said. "I never would have thought I'd see you in Bodden so soon. I must say this is delightful!"
"I'm afraid we're not here on a social call," interrupted Albreda. "We've come across some Norlanders."
"Where?" he asked, instantly alert.
"In the Whitewood," added Aubrey, "but Albreda took care of them."
"It's odd that they would try to enter the wood," said Fitz. "What do you make of it?"
"Let's go to the map room, shall we," suggested the druid, "and we'll show you where the incursion took place."
"Good idea," agreed Fitz. He looked past the two ladies, "Have you no horses?"
"No," said Albreda, "I've been teaching Lady Aubrey how to use magic to travel quickly."
"Ah," said Fitz, "a subject I must admit is a little beyond my understanding. Come, let me feed you and then you can tell me all about your adventures."
"Perhaps we should eat in the tower," suggested Albreda, "I think time may be of the essence."
"Very well," agreed Fitz, turning to one of his soldiers. "Send for Sir Heward and Sergeant Blackwood. Have them meet us in the map room." He returned his attention to his visitors, "Come along then, let's get you up there. I've just started updating my maps."
"Updating them?" asked Aubrey.
"Yes," he replied, "I thought it best to add Queenston to them. After all, it's not really a hidden base anymore."
"And how do you feel about that," asked Albreda, "having another town so close?"
"It's not really close," said Fitz, "it's still some seventy miles or so distant."
"Yes," said the druid, "but it will, no doubt, increase trade. I suppose you'll have an influx of people, as well."
"Perhaps," he mused, "and Saxnor knows we could use it, but don't worry, the Whitewood will still be safe, I promise you. Now, tell me about these Norlanders."
"We ran across them quite by happenstance. We had just recalled to the eastern end of the wood."
"Recalled?" said Fitz. "What's that?"
"A spell, Uncle. It allows instantaneous travel."
"Ah, now I see," said the baron. "That's what you used during the war. I thought perhaps you had some kind of gate like the princess has."
"No," explained Albreda, "it's a spell, and I've been teaching it to Aubrey. She's proven to be a quick study."
"And so you encountered these raiders," he prompted.
"Yes," the druid continued, "we had just arrived, and my sentinels alerted me to it. We decided to investigate."
"By yourselves?" asked Fitz. "That sounds a tad dangerous."
"We had help, Richard, never fear. The animals of the Whitewood came to our assistance."
"How many were there?" he asked as they began taking the steps up to the map room.
"No more than two dozen, I'd say."
"None of them escaped," added Aubrey.
"None? I would have thought one or two might have run away."
"No, Richard, I can't permit it. If even one were to relay what they encountered, their fear of the woods would be broken."
"Still," said Fitz, "two dozen, that's a sizable party, though not enough to carry out an invasion."
"We thought so too," said Aubrey. "Albreda felt you might have some ideas on the matter."
They entered the map room, taking up positions around the table, just as a couple of servants appeared bearing wine and a promise of food.
"Can you show me where you ran across them?" asked Fitz.
Albreda examined the map, then stabbed down close to where the Whitewood joined the Wickfield Hills. "Here," she said.
"Interesting," he mused. "They likely thought the chance of discovery was low."
"What do you think they wanted?" asked Aubrey. "There's not much of value there."
"No," agreed the baron, "but odds are they were trying to avoid detection by the Witch of the Whitewood. That's what they call you, isn't it, Albreda?"
"Yes," she admitted, "amongst other things."
"But why?" continued Aubrey. "And why such a small group?"
"I suspect they wished to infiltrate our borders in order to get information about our troops. They've always wanted to conquer us."
"Why?" asked Aubrey. "I've never understood why they bear us such malice."
"Norland was founded by a member of the Royal Family of Merceria," said Fitz.
"What?" said the Life Mage in surprise.
"It's true, I'm afraid," added Albreda. “The war we fought wasn't the first rebellion in Merceria. Back in 520, the king's sons fought over their claims to the throne. The defeated son fled north, founding Norland. They've been trying to reclaim the throne ever since."
"But aren't we at peace with the Norlanders?" asked Aubrey.
"Actually," added the baron, "we've never been at peace with them. There is no treaty or agreement between our two realms."
"So we're still at war, after all this time?" said Aubrey.
"We are," he confirmed.
"So what do we do now, Richard?" asked Albreda. "Surely this won't be their only attempt?"
"Likely not," agreed Fitz. "I should like to get word to the garrison at Hawksburg. We'll need to step up patrols and take greater care, be on the lookout for small groups."
"I can carry word to Hawksburg immediately, Uncle," suggested Aubrey. "I can recall there now."
"That is most fortuitous," continued the baron. "I should like to send Heward there to take command, then I'll need you to return to Wincaster and let them know what's going on. What about you, Albreda?"
"I'm afraid I'm off to Weldwyn," replied the druid, "on a matter of some importance."
"I'll be sorry to see you go," he confessed. "Is it anything I can help you with?"
"No," said Albreda, "I have to visit the mages in Summersgate. We'd like to construct more magic circles, and they are said to have the knowledge we need. I doubt your presence would be of any benefit, though I'd welcome the company, of course."
He looked at her a moment before continuing, "I must admit it's a tempting offer, but my place is here, especially with Norlanders hopping about."
Their discussion was interrupted by the arrival of Sir Heward and Sergeant Blackwood.
"You sent for us, Lord?" asked Heward.
"Yes, Heward, we have word of a Norland incursion. A minor one, to be sure, but still of concern. I fear there may be further attempts. I can't shake the feeling that they're preparing for something big, and I'd like to be ready. I'm going to send you to Hawksburg and put you in charge of the area. You'll remain there until the marshal sends word."
"Very well, my lord. When shall we leave?"
"I'll get you there by supper time," said Aubrey.
The great knight looked at her in surprise, "Indeed?"
"I have a circle of magic there," she explained.
"Will I be able to take my horse?" asked Heward.
"I don't see why not," she replied. "It shouldn't strain my powers much."
"I take it," offered Blackwood, "that you want our patrols stepped up, Lord?"
"I do, Sergeant," said Fitz. "Have them start first thing in the morning."
"Aye, sir," said Blackwood. "Is there anything else?"
"No," said the baron, "but let the men know our old foe is up to something, I don't want any surprises."
Sergeant Blackwood left the room, his footsteps echoing back up the stairwell.
"With your permission, Lord," said Heward, "I shall gather my things."
"Very well, Sir Heward," said Fitz, "I'll have Lady Aubrey meet you down by the stables."
The great knight hurried from the room, leaving Fitz, once again, with the druid and his niece.
"Uncle," said Aubrey, "might I ask you a question?"
"Of course, my dear," the baron replied.
"I heard a rumour that you were offered a Dukedom, is that true?"
"It is," said Fitz. "Her highness offered me the Duchy of Eastwood, but I declined."
"Surely not," said Aubrey in surprise, "it would have been a great honour."
"Indeed it would," defended Fitz, "but my place is in Bodden. I have no desire for power, and my life is here." He looked to Albreda, and their eyes met, leaving no doubt as to his meaning.
"I'm sure the princess was disappointed," Aubrey added.
"She was, to be sure," said Fitz, "but Bodden has been my whole life. She understood that."
"Well I, for one, am glad to see you back here, Richard, keeping the north safe," said Albreda.
"I'd have to agree with that," offered Aubrey. "I only wish I'd had more time to see Bodden."
"It can't be helped, my dear," said Fitz. "Though perhaps, before you disappear, I'll give you a quick tour. At the very least, you should see Aldwin's forge. After all, eventually he'll be family."
"I'd like that," said Aubrey. "Any idea how much longer we'll have to wait for that happy day?"
"I don't think it will be much longer," said the baron. "Now that the war's over, there's very little to prevent it from happening."
Aubrey stood ready, watching as Heward rode up.
"You'll have to dismount," she said. "I don't think the ceiling in Hawksburg is high enough for you to remain seated."
Heward climbed down from his seat, leading his mount to stand beside the Life Mage.
"How long will this take?" he asked.
"Not long," she said. "It'll be over and done before you know it."
"I have done this before," he said. "I travelled to the circle of stones in the east of the Whitewood."
"This will take us to the inside of a building," said Aubrey, then paused.
"What is it?" Heward asked.
"I just remembered something. We'll appear in a basement. Will it be a problem getting your horse up the stairs?"
"I don't know," admitted the knight, "I've never tried."
"We'll give it a go," said Aubrey, "but if not, I'll have to return him here."
"Can you do that?"
"Not directly, but Albreda showed me the western stone circle, it's relatively close by."
"Well," suggested Heward, "perhaps we'd best be on our way. I'm ready whenever you are."
"Very well," said Aubrey, "don't move from your present position, it will take me some time to cast the ritual."
She raised her hands, bringing forth the words of power. A white circle appeared on the ground, centred on the mage. As she spoke, a cylinder of light formed around them and blocked their view of Bodden. As the magical words continued to pour forth, Heward noticed the air growing stale. He felt a slight tingling sensation, and then the cylinder of light dropped, revealing a rather small room, that rapidly turned dark.
"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."