Beverly dismounted, her breath frosting in the chill morning air. Beside her, Aldwin squatted, trying to stretch his legs out.
"I don't know how you can sit in the saddle for such a long time," he said.
"I've been riding all my life," she defended, "and Lightning is a much larger mount than yours."
"Perhaps I should have a Mercerian Charger," he suggested.
"I doubt that would help," she said, "unless, of course, you're intending to take up arms."
"No," he replied, "I'll leave that to you, though I must confess I do like these early morning rides."
He let the stable hand take his mount away, then followed his wife as she led Lightning into the stable.
"I love watching you two," he said. "You have such a bond with each other."
Beverly continued removing the saddle, "My father always said that it's a knight's duty to look after their mount."
"I feel guilty," he said, "letting the stable hand do my work."
She smiled, "It's fine, Aldwin. Your place is in the forge, not the stables. It's different for me, I have to rely on Lightning during battle."
Aldwin leaned back against the wall. "Well, I, for one, am grateful that the knights are here. I don't think I could do everything you do."
"And I couldn't do half the things you do," she retorted. "That's what I love about you, you're so creative." She looked at the ring she wore, pausing a moment and smiling. "This ring is so beautiful," she said.
"Yes," he said, "and now I have one to match."
"Just how much of that sky metal did you find?"
"There was only enough left for my ring," he confessed, "though I suppose there's a sliver or two remaining, but not enough to make anything useful."
"The design is so beautiful," Beverly continued, "and you even managed to inscribe a rose."
"Of course," he said, "you are the Rose of Bodden, after all."
"And yours has an anvil," she said, "how very appropriate."
"It sounds like a pub," mused Aldwin, "The Rose and Anvil."
"So it does," agreed Beverly. She produced a brush and began the process of grooming her mount, while the great beast stood still, enjoying the attention.
A soldier poked her head in at the entrance to the stables.
"My lady?" she called out.
"Right here, Samantha," Beverly replied.
The archer entered, moving towards the stall. "Begging your pardon, but we've spotted visitors approaching."
"I suppose you were a bit premature in removing your saddle," suggested Aldwin.
"Nonsense," said Beverly, "we don't need to ride to the wall, we can walk."
"Good," he said, "my legs thank you, as does my backside."
"I'll massage it later," offered Beverly.
Aldwin blushed, and then Beverly remembered they weren't alone.
"We'll be along directly, Sam," she said, "but call out the guard, just in case."
"Very well, my lady," the archer replied, heading out the doorway.
"Shall we?" Beverly asked.
"We shall," Aldwin agreed.
They made their way to the gate tower, looking out over the fields to the north. It didn't take long for Beverly to recognize the visitors.
"It's Albreda," said Aldwin.
"Yes," she agreed, "and Sir Heward. I'm surprised to see him back here. I thought the frontier was having problems."
They waited patiently as the two riders drew closer, then Beverly ordered the gates opened. Soon, the visitors were within the defences.
"We weren't expecting you, is something wrong?" asked Beverly.
"Not at all," said Albreda, "but the queen wants you back in Wincaster. I've brought Sir Heward to take command of Bodden."
"What of the north?" asked the red-headed knight.
"That will fall to Commander Lanaka," said Sir Heward. "The marshal saw fit to promote him on my recommendation."
"What's happening in Wincaster that requires my attention?" asked Beverly.
"The earl's trial is to begin soon," explained Albreda. "The queen wants you there for it. She'll be watching the whole thing from the balcony, and she needs you there to protect her."
Beverly turned to Aldwin. "It looks like I have to go," she said.
"He's going with you," added Albreda.
"He is?" Beverly said in surprise.
"Yes, he is," said the druid. "We're ready to begin construction of the circle, and we need his smithing skills."
Beverly's face lit up, "That's marvellous. We'll be able to stay at the Palace!"
"Yes," agreed Albreda, "and the queen said to tell you they've arranged for a nice big bed for you and your new husband. Oh, and she also sends her congratulations."
"Congratulations from me as well," said Heward. "I'm sorry I missed the celebration."
"Thank you," said Beverly.
"When do we leave?" asked Aldwin. "I would like to pack a few tools."
"First thing in the morning," said Albreda. "I'll recall you to Hawksburg, and then we'll ride for the capital."
"It'll be nice when your circle is finished in Wincaster," mused Beverly.
"Indeed," the druid agreed, "but don't worry, we'll get there soon enough."
"When is the trial set to begin?" asked Aldwin.
"It's still a few weeks away," said Albreda.
"Why the delay?" queried the smith.
"The queen has ordered rows of seats made for the spectators," said Albreda.
"Spectators?" interjected Beverly.
"Yes," the druid continued, "didn't I mention that? The trial is to take place in the cathedral. The queen wants it seen by as many people as possible."
"I didn't think nobles were tried in public?" said Aldwin.
"They're not," explained Beverly, "but it looks like that's going to change from now on."
"Yes," agreed Albreda, "though hopefully they won't all be held at the cathedral."
"We're going to need more troops in the capital," said Beverly, "especially if we're going to keep the cathedral secure."
"Already being taken care of," offered Heward. "We're moving troops south from Hawksburg."
"What of the frontier?" asked a concerned Beverly.
"It's wintertime," explained Heward. "The Norlanders won't make an effort till late spring. Even so, we've plenty to hold them off with, and the marshal has ordered some new defences built for Wickfield and Mattingly."
"What type of defences?" asked Beverly.
"Mostly earthworks for now, though I know there's a plan to eventually build some towers."
"It seems things were well in hand during my absence," Beverly noted.
"Your absence was keenly felt," continued Albreda. "The marshal will be glad to have you back."
"Agreed," said Heward, "and you'll be able to show off your new husband."
Beverly blushed while they all chuckled. "I suppose I can," she said. "I hope they aren't upset that I didn't include them in the ceremony."
"They're fine," said Albreda, "though I do remember someone saying it was 'about time'!"
"Well," said Beverly, "if we're going to return to Wincaster, we'd best make the necessary arrangements. If you'll accompany me to the map room, Sir Heward, I'll fill you in on what's happening here at Bodden."
"Good idea," said Aldwin. "That gives me time to go to my forge and see what tools I think I'll need."
"I'll come with you, Aldwin," said Albreda. "I have some sketches that Aubrey created for the circle. It'll give you some idea of what we have in mind."
"Very well," said Beverly, "we'll meet up again when we're all ready."
Next morning found Aldwin waiting in the inner courtyard. He had a chest with him, full of tools, instruments, and his leather apron. Beverly soon joined him, bringing Lightning from the stables. She walked him over, stopping to look down at the massive chest.
"Are you bringing the entire smithy?" she asked.
He grinned back, "From what Albreda tells me, the measurements will be precise. I've developed a lot of specialized tools."
"They have smithies in Wincaster," the knight objected.
"The same could be said for horses," he replied, looking at Lightning.
"All right, you win," she said.
"It's not a competition," the smith reminded her.
"You're right, of course. I apologize."
"In any case," he continued, "even without the chest, I still have the most valuable thing I need."
"What's that?" Beverly said.
"You," he answered, staring into her eyes.
They were interrupted by Albreda, who exited the Keep, moving towards them. "Sorry for the delay," she said, "but your father wanted me to pick up a few things for him while I was here."
"We're ready whenever you are," said Beverly.
Albreda halted, looking down at the chest, and then to Lightning. She shifted her position, placing herself in the middle. "This looks best," she said, more to herself than anyone in particular.
The druid began casting the recall spell, causing dust and dirt to fly up around them. Soon, it obscured the nearby Keep. The swirling wind continued, and then the sky changed, from a bright winter day to the ceiling of a room.
"I think you'll find the stairs a tad constricting for your horse," explained Albreda. "Aubrey has plans to open up the ceiling and put in a ramp, but I'm afraid we have to make do with what we have for the present."
"I'm glad I wasn't mounted," observed Beverly. "At least there's light down here. Who arranged that?"
"Aubrey had the Orcs put in a small window to let in the light. It's actually in the ceiling."
"Can't you cast a globe of light?" asked Beverly.
"I'm afraid it's not in my repertoire," replied the druid. "Now, let's get out of this cellar and find the rest of us some horses, shall we? You can leave the chest here, Aldwin, we’ll have someone retrieve it later."
Albreda led the smith up the stairs, with Beverly following. The knight waited till she was at the top and then called Lightning. The great warhorse squeezed his bulk through the stairwell, emerging, a moment later, into the remains of the library.
"Definitely a tight fit," mused Aldwin.
"He's seen tighter," said Beverly. "Now, let's get a move on, shall we?"
They exited the building and trod through the snow to the main manor house. The group of Orcs on guard noticed their arrival and waved them through. They were soon in front of the manor, where the Orc shaman, Kraloch waited.
"Redblade," the Orc said in greeting, "you surprise us with your arrival, it was not expected."
"I'm afraid I'm not here for long," Beverly explained, "we must be off to the capital. We'll be leaving as soon as these two can arrange mounts. Oh, and we'll need a packhorse for Aldwin’s chest, as well."
Kraloch turned, barking out commands. Soldiers rushed off to secure horses for the travellers.
"I hear Lanaka has been placed in command," said Beverly.
"He has," said the shaman, "but he is at Wickfield, setting up constant cavalry patrols to watch the river for any sign of crossings. He left me in charge here."
"I'm sure you'll do a good job," said Beverly. "Have you any dispatches for Wincaster? I'd be happy to take them if you do."
"I anticipated your offer," he said. "My Orcs are gathering my notes as we speak."
"Does that mean they're in Orcish?" asked Aldwin.
"Of course," replied Kraloch, "but the marshal can read and write our language."
"He can?" said Beverly.
"Yes," the Orc continued, "he's been working on it for some time. He felt it offered a secure means of communication."
"Secure, how?" asked Aldwin.
"If a message were to be intercepted, none but an Orc would be able to read it."
"Unless they had magic," cautioned Albreda.
"There is that, I suppose," said Kraloch, "but there are few that can cast that spell."
"Few enough for it to be secure, I'd wager," agreed Aldwin.
Kraloch stared at the group a moment, his eyes flickering between Beverly and Aldwin. "Something is different," he finally said.
"Different?" asked Aldwin.
"You and Redblade wear matching rings," he said. "Does that mean you are bonded?"
"We are," admitted the smith.
Kraloch moved forward, grasping Aldwin in a bear hug and lifting him from his feet. "The best of hunting to you," he said, then lowered the man to the ground. The Orc moved to Beverly, repeating the gesture. "And to you," he added.
"Thank you, Master Kraloch," she replied.
"And when is the blessed union to produce a child?" the shaman asked.
"Why does everyone keep asking that?" responded Beverly.
"It will be a while yet," explained Aldwin. "We're both rather busy to be raising a child."
"This is a great day," said Kraloch. "I shall be happy to tell our brethren of the bonding of Redblade and Steelarm."
An Orc came from the house, holding a satchel. He stood waiting until two men rounded the corner of the building leading horses.
Kraloch took the satchel, handing it to Beverly. She had already mounted Lighting, ready to ride, while Albreda and Aldwin were still settling onto their horses. Soon, they were all ready to depart.
"I'm sorry we didn't have more time to visit, Master Kraloch," said Aldwin, "but our business in Wincaster cannot wait."
"Understandable, Steelarm," said the Orc. "May the ancestors guide you."
They rode off into the distance as a light snow began to fall.
Gerald looked up at the balcony. It was to be the Royal Seat from which Anna would watch the proceedings, but he wondered, once again, if she would be safe enough.
A cough caught his attention, and he turned to see Captain Sanderson. The man had served in the army of Weldwyn and then under Gerald when they came to Merceria's aid. He had been amongst the first of the westerners to volunteer to aid the cause and had risen to become the captain of the Guard Cavalry.
"What is it, Sanderson?" asked Gerald.
"I have word that Dame Beverly is on the way," the captain replied.
"Good," said Gerald, "I'd like her opinion on the balcony."
"It looks strong enough to me," ventured the captain.
"I'm not concerned about its strength, merely its ability to protect the queen. Someone with a crossbow could easily shoot at her."
"We'll be searching all the visitors," advised Captain Sanderson. "I think that doubtful."
"Perhaps," said Gerald, "but I've been mistaken about things before, and I won't take the risk."
"Perchance a higher railing?" the captain suggested.
“That might obstruct her view of the proceedings."
"She only needs to see the one end," Sanderson said, "where the accused will sit, does she not?"
"That's true," Gerald mused. "Why, what do you have in mind?"
"You can block the view of the commoners if you feel the need. That would undoubtedly make her safer."
He was tempted to agree, but then he remembered the purpose of the balcony. "No, it won't work," he finally realized, "the queen wants the commoners to see her. She's their queen as much as the nobles. We'll just have to be extra careful about searching people when they enter the cathedral."
"Who is to be in the other balcony?" asked the captain.
"Some of the higher-ranking nobles," said Gerald, "but I'll want a few of your men over there as well. The footmen will be in charge of securing the lower level, while your men will all be up here until needed to escort the queen back to the Palace. It would be so much safer if that magic circle were finished, then we could just use it to return."
"I doubt the queen would wish that," offered the captain. "You know how she is about seeing the common folk."
"As we both know," said Gerald, "but I swear this trial will be the end of me."
"Sir?"
"It's wearing on me, that's all," said Gerald. "I'm getting too old for this sort of thing."
The captain grinned, "That's why you want Dame Beverly here, isn't it?"
"I see I appointed the right man to the job," said Gerald. "Any news on when she'll arrive?"
"My understanding is they'll be here as soon as she's finished reporting to the queen. They arrived early this morning."
"They?" said Gerald.
"I was told that she arrived with Lord Fitzwilliam."
"You mean Baron Fitzwilliam," Gerald corrected.
"No," insisted the captain, "I mean her husband, Lord Aldwin Fitzwilliam."
Gerald looked at the man in surprise, "You might have mentioned that."
"I believe I just did, sir."
"Very well," Gerald continued, "when the happy couple arrives, send them directly here, to me. I still have to organize the seating on the main floor."
"Very well, sir," said the captain, turning to leave.
"Oh, and one more thing, Captain!"
"Yes, sir?"
"Next time you have news like that, bring it up first."
"Yes, sir!"
Beverly and Aldwin made their way through the imposing doors of the cathedral. The smith looked up, awed at the sight of the magnificent edifice.
"Is this where you were awarded your spurs?" he asked.
Beverly halted, turning to see the joy in his face. "It was," she said, "though technically, I won my spurs at Bodden. This is where the official ceremony was held, though."
"Incredible," said Aldwin. "I've never seen its like."
"You've been in Wincaster before," she teased.
"Yes," he admitted, "but I've only seen this place from a distance." He examined a section of wall, "The stonework here is astounding."
"Some of the best in the realm," agreed Beverly.
"I don't know how I'm going to compete with the likes of this," he mused.
"Compete?" she said.
"With the circle, I mean," he clarified. "My understanding is it requires a high degree of skill."
"You made Nature's Fury," said Beverly, "not to mention our rings. I'm sure some gold and silver runes won't be a problem for you. Don't let this place intimidate you."
Footsteps drew closer, echoing throughout the structure.
"What's the meaning of this, Dame Beverly?" called out Gerald.
Aldwin wheeled about at the marshal's approach.
"You should have told us you were getting married," continued Gerald, "we would have had a celebration."
"It was a quick decision," said Beverly. "I didn't know anything about it until I got to Bodden."
"I'm just teasing you both," said Gerald, breaking into a grin. "Congratulations, though I must say it took you long enough."
"Hey now," said Beverly, "it wasn't my fault."
"Good to see you, Aldwin," said Gerald, "or should I say, Lord Aldwin?"
"Aldwin will do fine, Marshal."
"Gerald, please, let's keep this informal."
"Very well," said the smith, "Gerald it is."
"Now," continued Gerald, "if I can tear you two apart for a while, I need your opinion on a few things, Beverly. You can tag along if you like, Aldwin, but I'm afraid you likely won’t find it very interesting."
"You two go ahead," said the smith. "I'll just look around the cathedral some more, I find this place quite spectacular."
Aldwin made his way into the structure, his eyes wandering to the ceiling, its expansive mural capturing his imagination. The cathedral was remarkable, the tallest building in the city aside from the towers on the wall, but it was more than just its size, for the interior held no single spot that was devoid of carvings or paintings.
His wanderings led him down the nave and into the back of the building to the offices of the Holy Father himself, as well as those of the church hierarchy.
Soon, Aldwin was lost to the world, totally absorbed by all he saw. Finally, he found himself in front of an ornamental door frame, decorated with creatures from the Afterlife. Catching the attention of a passing guard, he enquired, "What's this?"
"It leads to the crypts," the soldier responded.
"Shouldn't it be guarded?" asked Aldwin.
"There's no other exit," explained the guard, halting. "It's a dead end."
"Fascinating," Aldwin observed. "What's it like down there?"
"It's just a collection of tombs," the soldier explained, "and it goes on forever."
"What do you mean, 'forever'?"
"It's like a maze down there," the man corrected, "but we've searched it thoroughly, there's no other way out than through this door."
"Thank you," said Aldwin.
"My pleasure," the guard replied. "Might I ask who you are and why you're here?"
"I'm Aldwin… Lord Aldwin Fitzwilliam," said the smith, struggling with the new title.
"Sorry, my lord," the guard bowed, "I didn't realize."
"Don't worry," said Aldwin, "I'm not quite used to it myself."
"Is there anything else I can do for you, Lord?"
"No, thank you, you've been quite helpful."
The soldier bowed once more, then resumed his journey, leaving Aldwin to examine the crypt entrance.
Anna looked around the table, the meal complete.
"How are things looking for tomorrow?" she asked. "Is everything ready?"
"It is," said Gerald. "The troops all know their assignments, and we have soldiers stationed around the cathedral tonight to prevent anyone from sneaking in."
"I'll do a walkthrough in spirit form first thing in the morning," said Aubrey.
"And the escort will be ready at first light to take you there," added Beverly.
"And Arnim," the queen continued, "are you ready to prosecute?"
"I am, Your Majesty," Arnim replied. "I've gone over all the testimonies and statements. I'm confident we'll win."
"Good," said Anna, "but remember, Lord Montrose can be a tricky opponent. He'll likely have something up his sleeve. You must be wary of traps."
"He's ready," offered Nikki, "believe me. He's done nothing but review the testimony for days."
"Revi, your thoughts?" said Anna.
The mage looked up, and Gerald was shocked; his eyes had dark circles under them, and his entire face looked sunken.
"Are you feeling all right?" Gerald asked.
"I'm fine," replied Revi. "I've just been up late, studying. I wouldn't expect you to understand."
Gerald was taken aback by the mage's response, but before he could say anything, Revi continued.
"The preparations seem adequate, though I cannot speak for the prosecution of this case."
"You think we missed something?" asked Arnim.
"Perhaps," said Revi.
"Care to elaborate?" pressed Nikki.
"Much as Her Majesty has indicated, I fear a ploy of some sort will be forthcoming from the earl. He has shown himself to be a careful player, from all I know of him."
"You think there might be an attempt to free him?" asked Gerald.
"No," said Revi, "I think his play might be legal in nature. That is to say, he'll try to use the law to his advantage, though not being learned in legalities myself, I cannot say what this ploy might be."
"We'll have to be extra careful," said Nikki.
"Agreed," said Anna. "Now, it's time we were done here. We have an early start in the morning, and I expect the trial will drag out for days." She stood, prompting the others to do likewise.
"A good rest to you all," she said.