Joining the Play
Middanhal
The next day at noon, Arndis presented herself in the royal wing. She was clad in silk of deep blue colour with magnificent silver jewellery and had intricate hair, moving with the grace of Austre through the Citadel. Many of the kingthanes sent lingering glances as she passed by, reaching the inner chambers.
Lady Arndis has arrived. One of the guards introduced her to the prince, who sat alone in the parlour of his rooms.
Enter, Hardmar spoke graciously.
She did so with an elegant bow. My prince, she greeted him.
Lady Arndis, he replied with a charming smile as his eyes took in the sight. Please, take a seat. She sat down opposite him. To what do I owe this unexpected delight?
I wish to speak with you concerning these troubleso events that transpire in your realm, my prince.
I will always lend an ear to hear the concerns of my loyal subjects, Hardmar claid. Proceed.
I fear that the kingdom is in the hands of people seeking only their own gain at the detrint of everyone else, including you, my prince, Arndis stated.
Hardmar raised an eyebrow in a sceptical expression. How so?
Jarl Vale was chosen lord protector, yet he seems too preoccupied with his newborn son to handle the affairs of the realm as charged. anwhile, the dragonlord rules as he sees fit, undermining the authority of law and you, my prince.
Hardmar gave a quick laugh. That is a bold claim, Lady Arndis. I will excuse you, as you are a woman with little knowledge of these matters. Yet given your dubious relations, you should be careful casting aspersions on others.
Very true, my prince, Arndis hastily agreed. I speak only from what I have seen. If you will permit to tell you, perhaps you can see where I have misunderstood.
As you wish. Tell . There was a tone of boredom erging in his voice.
You know the events of the other day when my brother was arrested, Arndis quickly began. I cannot imagine Lord Konstans would make such a decision without consulting you on every detail and obtaining your full permission.
Of course, Hardmar mumbled.
I was present, my prince, and Lord Konstans did not handle this matter well. If he had inford my brother of the charges, Adalbrand would have complied peacefully. Instead, we were assaulted in our chambers by these brigands masquerading as rcenaries and forced to fight to defend ourselves! I do not wish to paint myself as a frail flower, my prince, but combat between ard n is no place for a lady, and a ladys chambers are no place for combat.
I grant you that Lord Konstans could have handled the matter with more grace, Hardmar conceded magnanimously. Yet it was his task to arrest a suspected traitor, my lady, and he did as instructed. Your brother was wrong to resist regardless of the circumstances.
Of course, my prince, I see that now. Will you permit another question?
Fine.
Why was this not handled by Order soldiers? The Order, loyal to the king, is the guarantee of peace and law in our land. Yet these rcenaries, loyal only to gold, answer to the lord protector. Or in this case, his brother, Arndis argued. It is not the royal treasury that pays the Red Hawks, but Jarl Vales coffers.
The jarl is lending his aid while the Order rebuilds its strength. I have no intention of letting the Hawks take the place of the Order, Hardmar declared.
Of course not, my prince. You are far too wise for that. It is rely that the thought of rcenaries protecting our ho is disconcerting. There are rumours that the prison guards accept bribes to let anyone see the prisoners.
I cannot believe such, Hardmar stated forcefully. They would not dare.
They are rcenaries, Arndis repeated. As Sigvards atheling, any true son or daughter of Adalrik can only be loyal to you, my prince. But who can say with n from foreign realms, fighting for coin?
Hardmar scratched his cheek. The Hawks may not be trustworthy, but that is no reason to doubt Jarl Vale or his brother.
You are right, as always, my prince, Arndis assented with a ek expression. I have trouble understanding the intricacies of rule or the complicated affairs of state. After the frightful experience the other day with these sell-swords, I could not help but begin to fear.
You have no cause for that, Hardmar reassured her. This is not the court of so savage king.
I am greatly relieved to hear such, my prince, Arndis told him, her voice echoing this sentint. Jarl Vale is already the most powerful nobleman in the realm with his titles, riches, and vassals. The thought of his rcenary army added to his own forces gave pause. Hardmar was about to speak, but Arndis words made him frown in contemplation instead. It is a relief that you would grant the courtesy of listening to my silly concerns, my prince. She sent him a smile to make a mans kneecaps falter.
I am happy to, Hardmar replied, all signs of worry disappearing from his face.
Arndis turned a little to glance at the nearby table, where a chessboard stood with an unfinished ga. I assu you play, my prince?
From ti to ti. That is my brothers current ga. Young boys, finding it hard to finish even a simple ga, Hardmar said in an overbearing tone.
I have recently learned the ga myself, Arndis confided in him. So might say it is not fitting for a woman, but I confess to a certain thrill. What would you say, my prince?
I see no harm, Hardmar declared.
Would you do the great honour of playing a match against ? I can only imagine I would learn so much.
Hardmar gave a smile as overbearing as his voice. I would be delighted. He gestured towards the table and got up, courteously pulling out the chair for her. Do you know how the pieces are set up? he asked, taking his own seat opposite her.
I believe I recall, but please correct if I should make a mistake, Arndis implored him.
I shall, Hardmar promised.
~~~~
Half an hour later, Hardmar moved his jarl forward. Ga end, he declared triumphantly.
You are too clever at this ga for , Arndis told him. Yet I am not cross at all, for I feel I have learned so much.
You were a worthy opponent, Hardmar said in a gracious voice. With practice, you might present a challenge to so day.
I cannot imagine ever possessing such skill, Arndis blushed. You do flatter , my prince.
Not at all, Hardmar assured her with a smile.
Unfortunately, none of the ladies at court know the ga or can teach to improve. Perhaps, she began to say before interrupting herself. I forget myself.
Do continue, Hardmar encouraged her.
Could I impose upon my prince to play against again? I cannot hope to find a better teacher, Arndis said shyly.
Why not, Hardmar agreed cordially. Co see tomorrow at the sa ti.
Arndis rose and gave a deep, slow bow, sending the prince a radiant smile afterwards. I can hardly wait, my prince.
~~~~
Storm ladders, Brand insisted. They will arrive the fastest, and with the few archers that Alczar has, the danger is light.
You forget the catapults upon the towers, Athelstan retorted. A few shots in the right places will decimate your n. Siege towers or even just a shielded battering ram stand better chances of reaching the walls.
If I have n on horseback transport the ladders, the catapults will not have ti strike fast enough. As you did yourself against Middanhal, I was told.
True, I did, Athelstan agreed. Yet you still need your infantry to run across the open field before they can scale the walls. Even in staggered formations, you might lose hundreds to the stone throwers.
It is a risk, but siege towers or battering rams are even more exposed, Brand argued, even gesturing with his hands into the solitude of his confinent.
How so?
If the catapults throw stones in their path, the wheels will be stuck.
Athelstan laughed in the darkness of his cell. Point taken. Which gate would you move against?
I would feint an attack on the Kabirs Gate, making the Kabir fear for his palace and draw his forces there while actually storming the Purple Gate.
Sa here, Athelstan nodded to himself. Only a fool would assault the Kabirs Gate. Even if you took the city fortifications, the palace walls behind would keep your forces hemd in. He coughed a few tis and raised his voice so he could be heard in the other cell. What about Herbergja? Without any fleet at your disposal, he added.
Any other restrictions?
None. You have siege engineers, archers, cavalry, any supplies you might need, but no ships.
Brand chewed on his lower lip. Can you mine the walls?
Ground is too soft. Your tunnels would collapse long before you reach the city defences.
That rules out rolling siege engines across such terrain, Brand mumbled. Very well, this is what I would do
~~~~
Lord Konstans desires an audience, my prince.
Fine, show him in, Hardmar directed his thane, who nodded and disappeared. Shortly after, the dragonlord entered. What is it? asked the prince curtly.
I was told so troubling news, Konstans began to speak.
Why are news always troubling, Hardmar questioned sardonically. Continue, he gestured at Konstans.
They say that Arndis, the Arnling sister, visited you for quite so ti today.
What is it to you? Hardmar gave a scowl. And how do you know? Do you spy upon your prince?
Never, Konstans quickly claid. It was one of your subjects, concerned about you.
A kingthane? Who betrays my confidence? Hardmar nearly bellowed.
My prince, I must warn you against being seen with this woman. We have just arrested her brother for treason, yet your association with her may cast his doubt into guilt.
You arrested him, the prince spoke coldly. Without warning .
You told to deal with Adalbrand, so I did, Konstans replied with equal lack of warmth.
By letting your brigands spill blood inside my castle! This ti, Hardmar did not control his voice. Nor will you tell what spies you have planted in my chambers!
I would never dare spy upon you, my prince, Konstans claid. I and others are rely worried. This woman is likely a traitor herself and should not be let into your presence.
You think she poses a threat to ? Hardmar asked contemptuously. You think a woman might strike down?
Of course not, my prince
I suppose I should be concerned, the prince continued angry. I cannot trust my own kingthanes or my servants!
Konstans took a deep breath, holding his tongue at first. My prince, forgive for disturbing you. I shall take my leave.
See that you do, Hardmar dismissed him, turning his back demonstratively. Disdain ran across Konstans face before the dragonlord turned around and stord out.
~~~~
In Eleanors chamber, Arndis sat by her vanity mirror. She was removing her jewellery, carefully placing each piece into a box made for that purpose. I will need to borrow so of yours tomorrow, she told her hostess.
But I have nothing as fine as yours, Eleanor claid.
It does not matter, Arndis replied. I cannot appear two days in a row wearing the sa. Even soone with his poor observational skills would notice that.
Is it so important?
I must use every advantage I can. My dress, necklace, earrings, hair, everything must be used to blind him into infatuation with .
You are playing with fire, Eleanor remarked nervously, scratching the burn scars on her cheek.
The greatest risk was seeking him out without knowing his disposition, Arndis told her friend while picking out new ornants and evaluating herself in the mirror. He might have had thrown into prison next to Brand.
Thank the gods he did not, Eleanor shivered.
The hardest part was manoeuvring so that he won the ga without making it too easy for him.
The chess ga?
Yes, of course, Arndis replied impatiently, discarding one necklace in favour of another.
Why was that necessary?
If I had simply let him win, he would have been bored with the ga and my company. I needed to present a sufficient challenge to pique his interest without wounding his pride by making him lose, Arndis explained. Obviously.
I see, Eleanor simply remarked. Arndis, you seem burdened. I worry about you.
Arndis bit her lip, swallowing the first words that ca to her. I know, Eleanor, your concern is appreciated, she finally spoke. But all I need from you is that you will lend this necklace and these earrings. My chambers have been cleaned, so I shall return to them tonight.
Already? If you feel unsafe, you are more than welco
Brands n will be staying there as well. Besides, it is not as if one room in this castle is safer than the other.
I suppose not. Eleanor sent her friend an apprehensive look. Be careful, Arndis. You do not trifle with powerful people. The price to pay is heavy. She ran her fingers across her scars.
Picking up the pieces she intended to borrow, Arndis gave her an absentminded smile. Worry not, dear Eleanor. Thank you for this. She made a gesture to indicate the jewellery in her hands and departed.
~~~~
The door to Brands cell was unlocked, and a tall figure in a red robe entered. Quill, the prisoner greeted him, standing up. I did not expect this visit.
I wish I ca for better reasons or with happier tidings, the law keeper said. The Adalthing convenes in a few days. I have co to inform you of the accusations levelled against you and how your trial at the Adalthing shall proceed.
Very well. I have a question to ask first, though.
Yes?
Brand gazed at Quill in the darkness. The letter summoning to the Adalthing gave the wrong date. As a consequence, I arrived here early, before the landfrid, and I was imdiately arrested. Did you betray , Quill?
I would never! he exclaid, sounding aghast. It would be a cri against the sanctity of my office. It is unthinkable!
Brand nodded a few tis. I thought as much, but I had to ask. He sat down on his primitive seat.
I suppose I cannot bla you, given your circumstances, Quill admitted.
What do you have to tell about the trial?
You stand accused of high treason. The specific accusations against you will be laid out by the dragonlord once your trial begins, Quill began to explain.
I cannot wait to discover my cri, Brand comnted with a sardonic smile.
Any evidence and witnesses will be brought before the assembly. Afterwards, you will be given the chance to refute the allegations, dispute the evidence, make a plea for rcy, or whatever you think is best.
It will not be begging for rcy, I can tell you that, Brand declared.
When both sides have spoken, the Adalthing must decide your guilt, and we will count the voices for or against. As you are the one standing accused, you will not be asked, but you are still considered a mber, and you affect the number of voices necessary to reach a majority, Quill elaborated.
I doubt Lord Konstans would be careless enough to let that matter, Brand remarked with another joyless smile. What are they saying about , Quill? Do people believe the accusations against ?
I think most people are confused and uncertain, the scribe stated at length. They are withholding judgent until they see the evidence at the Adalthing.
I am curious about that myself, Brand said almost with a sneer. I wonder what they have conjured to paint guilty.
I am sorry that I cannot offer more aid. Quill wringed his hands. If possible, I would find out what proof they have, but as the law keeper, I am forbidden from interfering.
Brand looked up from his seated position. The evidence will not matter. It is a question of whether enough mbers of the Adalthing agree with Lord Konstans that I am an enemy.
It is deplorable to think about, Quill stated, that they would see you fall despite your innocence.
Not to ntion, if they fail to band together and protect , if they follow the dragonlord blindly, there is nothing to protect them from suffering the sa fate later on, Brand remarked. That is my only hope. That they fear what power Lord Konstans might gain in the future more than the power he holds right now.
I must continue, Quill told him. I must inform the others who also stand accused.
Wait. What of Sir William? Does he share my fate?
He does not. He remains free. In fact, I hear he has been demanding Captain Theobald to intervene and seeking to intercede on your behalf to anyone who might listen.
Brand gave a half-hearted smile. He has not had much luck.
We will et again, Brand. Not for the last ti, I hope.
Farewell, Quill.
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