Casimir's Journey (16 page)

Roysten took full advantage of the invitation to yell. They’d been riding all of twenty minutes, during which time he explained to Hadden at top volume exactly why both the commander and his plan were utter madness. Then, without warning, he turned in the saddle towards Hadden.

Hadden sneaked a look. Oh, Roysten looked angry. He sighed. He deserved this. For all he knew, Grizelle had lied. He didn’t think she had but he really had no way of knowing for sure.

“All right. Tell me why we’re off on this madness, and why you want to risk your life, you big fool.”

The tone let Hadden know that for once, Roysten was not anything other than serious. He took a breath, finding that he was rather nervous about relating what had decided him.

“Remember the old woman? Grizelle?” When Roysten nodded, he continued. “While we were there, she…” How to describe what she’d done? “It was as if she froze you, like a fish in a winter pond. You were in the process of eating, and you just stopped in mid-bite.”

Roysten looked appalled. “She what? She enchanted me?”

“I guess. You weren’t harmed. When she released you, you continued to eat as if there had been no interruption.”

He looked over. Roysten seemed upset, and he was muttering to himself. “Look, man, no harm done, as far as I can see. You’re the same lout you ever were.”

“You weren’t the one enchanted!”

The tone of Roysten’s voice made him want to laugh, but he refrained. “Well, it may not seem so but I am not so sure, myself.”

That took Roysten’s thoughts off himself. “What did she do to you?”

Hadden told him about the entire conversation, and his refusal. “Then, I kept thinking about it, going over and over it in my head.”

“So we’re off on this because of maggots in your brain?”

Hadden laughed. “I’d not disagree. It feels that way—like a maggot that won’t let go. I wrote the letter to Maddox, and after you left, I came up to pack my kit. I found the cloak Grizelle had offered me. It was neatly wrapped, as it was when she brought it out, and in the bottom of my bag.”

“How did she get it in there?”

Hadden shrugged. “I don’t know. Perhaps she did the same to me that she did to you—stopped me for a moment so she could put it in the bag. I don’t think she means any harm—”

“You mean other than bewitching you to go off and get yourself killed!”

“I rather thought she was sending me to solve this while not being killed. One can’t solve the riddle dead,” Hadden replied.

Roysten gave a snort, sounding a great deal like one of the horses. Hadden didn’t say anything because he felt they were at a point where silence was best.

After a few moments where the only things heard were the birds in the fields they were passing, Roysten spoke again. “Why do you believe her?”

Hadden considered. “I don’t know. Honestly, I don’t,” he said, turning to Roysten as the other man gave a snort again. “I wish I could give you something more, but I cannot. I just could not stop thinking on her words, and finally decided that I needed to do as she requested.”

“Have you considered that she bewitched you to think thus?”

Hadden nodded. “Yes. I have. It doesn’t matter, Roys. If she has, I shall have no peace until I do as she asks and at least try.”

“You’ve accepted that
at least trying
might well get you killed?”

Hadden laughed. “Have you seen my face? I am lucky to be alive. With the injuries I’ve sustained lately,” His hand crept to his neck and then his face. The face he understood. He’d taken a cut to the cheek that went the entire length of his face, and given how prominent it was, it ought to hurt more. It didn’t. What did hurt was his neck, and he had no injuries to his neck. It made no sense. Just thinking on it made his neck itch. “I’ve thwarted death more than once. If this is to be my fate, fighting against it won’t help. When has anyone ever won against an enchantress, if indeed she has enchanted me? No, there’s no help for it. I must go through with this.” He had no idea why he was so resolute. Perhaps Roysten was correct and he was ensorcelled. In his heart, he knew—he just knew—this was the thing he was supposed to be doing.

Roysten sighed. Once. Loudly. “I can’t stop you from this, so I shall be at your side to try to keep you alive.” He sounded put upon.

“I’ll tell you true, Roys—I’m feeling a lot more hopeful since I discovered you were coming with me.”

“Hmmph. Well, it seems you haven’t entirely lost all common sense.”

Hadden laughed. He felt great. He had no reason to, but just as deciding to accept Grizelle’s offer settled his mind, having Roysten along made him feel good.

“We’ll be fine. If we’re not, you may kick me at an opportune time. Chin up. I need you to be eyes and ears for me.”

“You ever been around court or nobles before?” Now Roysten squinted at him.

“Not at all.”

“Surprised to hear that, Commander. You can mucky-muck with the best of ‘em. It’s why Maddox likes you. He’s a mucky-muck himself, good man though he is.”

“It’s not hard, Roys. You just don’t say the very first thing that comes into your head, smile, bow, and have some manners. I know that’s horrifying to contemplate, but it’s not all that difficult.”

“Better you than me. Besides, how else will you discover what’s really about, if you don’t have me to loll about below stairs?”

Hadden laughed, and he was pleased that Roysten laughed with him. His demeanor was restored, and Hadden knew that Maddox had given him the best weapon he could. With Roysten by his side, he knew he could succeed.

He hoped the princesses were as attractive as he’d heard.

Two days later, he pulled up the reins of the horse in front of an inn. “We’ll stop here.”

Roysten looked askance at him. “Why? We’re nearly at the castle.”

“Have you looked at us, Roys? We’ve made excellent time getting here, and we look every inch of it. We need to clean ourselves up. We’re common soldiers, true, but I want to appear to the best advantage.”

Roysten shook his head. “This is how it begins.”

“Come on, don’t you want off the horse? And clothing not covered in dust?”

“You think I carry spare clothing for fun?”

“I know you do. Stop complaining. You agreed to come along, most gleefully, if I recall. So let’s make ourselves presentable, and then we’ll be at the castle in time for the evening meal.”

“Hope so. I’ll need a decent meal after this.”

Hadden ignored Roysten’s grumbles as he swung off the horse. He was excited. Perhaps inappropriately so. Roysten was correct in that this could lead to death if he were not careful. However, he was excited, nonetheless. He couldn’t find any discernable reason for feeling so.

The innkeeper glanced up as he walked into the darkness of the taproom. How was it that most inns looked alike, right down to the dour man running the place?

“Yes, sir?” The man asked.

“I’d like a room, if you have it. Do you serve food here?”

The man nodded. “We’ve a room. Pay upfront. You can eat down here.” He jerked his chin towards the taproom. “Cook’s just made fresh stew.”

Hadden beamed. “I’ll take the room, and I’d like a meal for my companion and myself. May we stable and feed our horses?”

The man goggled a little. Perhaps he’d been too strong on the good cheer. He decided it didn’t matter, and he paid the sum requested. With that settled, he went back to Roysten.

“Let’s put the horses to rest and then eat. It smells edible, so I’ve got hopes.”

They left the horses with a stable boy and headed back into the inn. Once seated, a young man who Hadden thought might be the innkeeper’s son came out bringing bowls of stew and several tankards of ale.

“Thank you,” said Hadden. He smiled at the boy, who looked around nervously as he hurried away.

“You’re awfully damned cheerful for a man possibly on the way to the scaffold,” muttered Roysten, mouth full of stew.

“You really need to stop trying to talk with a gob full of food,” said Hadden. “Remember, we’re going to be at court. You’ll need to try not look like some sort of cow at its cud.”

“Fine way to reward service. Sent off to be a muckity-muck,” said Roysten, scowling.

Hadden didn’t answer, just glared. Finally, Roysten threw up his arms, crumbs from the piece of bread he held flying. “Fine! Fine! I’ll do my best to prance about.”

“I’ll settle for not looking like a barbarian,” Hadden said, rolling his eyes.

“What’s your plan, then?” Roysten changed the subject.

“Once we get to the castle, I’ll tell the herald or whomever answers the door I’m here to answer the king’s challenge. That ought to get us right to him,” Hadden grinned.

“Lord save me from those who wish to die,” said Roysten. Hadden was pleased to see no food anywhere but on the platter or in the bowl.

“Well, if you’re right you have my permission to tell me that you were right, and I was wrong,” said Hadden. “Once we’re there, let’s see what happens. I don’t know what to expect. I guess I can ask for details once I’ve formally accepted the challenge?” He shook his head. “I don’t know. I think I recalled hearing that they made a big to do over the whole affair. In front of the entire court, that sort of thing.”

“Better you than me. Hope them girls is somewhat pretty.”

“I was hoping the same thing. Still, I get to be a lord, have some land, and all before I’m too old to do anything but look at it? Could be good, even if she’s not the most attractive. There’s twelve to choose from, after all.”

“’Leven.”

“What?”

“Not twelve. Eleven. Oldest one’s engaged. Snide bastard, so I’ve heard. Sebastian, from Laurycia. Never trusted them. Surprised the king did.”

“All right. Eleven then. I’m sure one will suit. Why’s this Sebastian not tried, I wonder?”

Roysten laughed. “You think some snotty prince will risk his head? He’s already betrothed to the oldest. He gets it all, no matter what.”

“Does he? I thought the king offered the throne to the man that wins. Didn’t I hear that somewhere?”

Roysten leaned back. “Mayhap he did. You’d be a lot more than a lord, looking out over a plot of land then!”

“More of a puzzle then as to why he wouldn’t. After all, he wants the oldest for the throne. This would be a way to make sure he got it.”

“Or not,” Roysten said. “Two princes already haven’t figured it out. Being a prince didn’t stop the king from chopping off their heads.”

Hadden felt a twinge at the thought. The ache continued into his head and he rubbed his forehead.

“Setting in, is it? We can still leave now, forget this whole, mad idea,” Roysten said quietly. “You don’t have to do this, Commander.”

Hadden shook his head. “No, I must. I know it’s mad, but I must.” He reached across the table and clasped Roysten’s arm. “I thank you for being with me, my friend. And I apologize for all the indignities we’re both probably about to receive.”

Roysten laughed. “No matter, Commander. We all know we’re the better men. Let’s finish and go make ourselves look foolish.”

Hadden cocked his head. “Sometimes, you’re very wise. Why don’t I see that side of you more often?”

Roysten threw a piece of bread at him. Hadden laughed and turned back to his own stew.

***

Two hours later, he and Roysten came through the taproom in full regalia. He’d changed into his linen under tunic and clean leggings. Over that, he wore his company surcoat, emblazoned with the arms of Lord Maddox. He figured that it had to count for something, given how successful and well thought of Maddox was. At least he hoped so. He’d belted on his sword and then put his cloak on over the whole affair.

As it was hot out, he knew he’d be sweating once he got to the castle, but he also knew he needed to make a show of things right from the outset. He wasn’t sure how he knew, but when facing the enemy, it was important to make sure they were given the right impression.

Roysten had also cleaned himself up and changed into his ceremonial clothing. Maddox insisted that all men under him have a decent set of clothing, and he’d put his own funds towards such. It was one more reason the men who fought for him were so fiercely loyal.

The innkeeper looked them over wide-eyed. “Where might you be off to, sir?” It was apparent he was unsure if he’d offended someone important with his earlier conduct.

“To the castle. We’ve an appointment with the king.”

“The king! Be warned, sir, the king and court are in a foul mood these days.”

Hadden stopped. “Indeed? May I ask for your indulgence, good man?” He held out a hand towards the tables. “We’re not from here. Better understanding would be greatly appreciated.”

The man hesitated, and then, looking around, he came out from the doorway where he stood and quickly walked to a table and sat. Hadden followed him, jerking his head at Roysten.

The keeper caught sight of the young boy who’d served them earlier and beckoned to him. The boy ran over, and the man said, “Three ales, boy. Quickly.” The boy moved away, and the keeper turned back to Hadden and Roysten.

“I am Branston. Would you do me the honor of knowing your names?”

“I am Hadden, and this is Roysten. We’re from Lord Maddox’s company, on business for the king.”

“Maddox? He’s a good man, Lord Maddox is. Does he fare well?”

“Indeed, he does,” said Roysten. “Course, he’s a bit worried, what with the bandits on the border, and now Ethion losing her prince.”

Branston nodded. “Truly, it is troubling. That is what troubles the king now, if you ask me. I’d heard that Princess Thea was most upset by his death, and her betrothed to Sebastian, from Laurycia. Too bad, says I. Casimir was three times the man that Sebastian is!” He leaned back, crossed his arms with a satisfied look.

The boy brought the tankards over. Branston dismissed him with a nod.

“Is the king getting trouble from King Markellus?” Roysten spoke again. It was rare that he spoke before Hadden, so Hadden sat back letting him take the reins on the conversation.

“I’ve heard so, sir,” said Branston nodding.

“It makes sense, surely? Markellus has lost his son, and I hear the next in line is not the man Casimir was. Not to mention the constant disagreement over the borders.”

Hadden felt a pang for the old king.

“To be sure, but there’s no need to make trouble over it! I heard it myself, from my niece. King Aland gave him a chance to get out of it. Did the same for that other one, Ulric. He doesn’t want to kill nobody. Certainly not princes. Casimir were most brave, too. Declared he would solve the mystery and then marry Princess Thea! Put that Sebastian right out of joint, he did!” Branston laughed suddenly. “My niece serves up there at the castle, and she was in the hall when Casimir made his big speech. She said Sebastian looked ready to burst. Red faced and angry!” Branston laughed again. “I ‘member his father, Bryce. Not the nicest of men. ‘Course, kings don’t have to be, but we’ve got a good one. Bryce made a fuss about the king and queen getting married. He wanted our queen for himself, but who’d choose him when there was our king to be had?” He shook his head. “What is your business with the king? I’d hate to see him more upset.”

“That is for my commander to tell,” said Roysten, inclining his head toward Hadden. “But he’s just from Lord Maddox. If it is upsetting, I cannot tell.”

Hadden tried to keep a straight face. Roysten spoke in the lofty tones of a respectful servant.

Branston nodded, apparently seeing nothing odd in Roysten’s words. “I am sorry, sir. I didn’t mean to pry.”

“It’s all right,” Hadden said graciously. “Tell me though of the mood of the court. You say your niece is in service there? How does she find things?” He leaned forward, not wanting to miss anything.

“Well, it’s very tense, she says,” Branston began. “The king and queen are upset, the Princess Thea is upset, her betrothed is storming around being rude and unmannerly to all—my niece says all the girls stay as far away as possible from him and his men. His men, for that matter, are being a right nuisance, and all the other princesses are unhappy, although about what in specific, no one is sure. Lots of rumors. It’s not a happy court, sirs, and before this we was all happy. Even if there was no prince, the king and queen are good to us, and they raised their girls well. The princesses all did work for the poor, but that’s all stopped now.”

“Why is that? Seems rather lacking in charity.” Roysten looked disapproving.

“’Cause the king is worried. What with their slippers being ruined every night—where is them girls going, I ask you?” Branston put his hands on the edge of the table and leaned back. “What are they up to? It’s all very fishy. This keeps up, they’ll never find husbands. What happens to Gallivas then? Run by a herd of women with no man in sight? They’re good girls, but this is bad business, to be sure.”

“It’s a fair point,” said Roysten. He stepped on Hadden’s foot, because while Branston spoke, Hadden felt himself getting angry and his face reddening. He was just about to jump in and defend all the princesses when he felt the pressure of Roysten’s foot.

He leaned back and took a breath, hoping the keeper wouldn’t notice. Where had that come from? He didn’t know these girls. For all he knew, they were as questionable as Branston was saying. He still felt the urge to defend them. He crossed his arms. Normally, he felt very much in control of his feelings and actions.

“I think we have a good sense of how things stand,” Roysten said, standing.

“I hope I was—” Branston stopped as a short woman came out of what sounded like the kitchen and glared at him, arms akimbo.

“You were most helpful,” said Roysten smoothly, taking something from the pouch on his belt and handing to the innkeeper while clasping his hand. “We appreciate it. Now if you will excuse us, we must be on our way.” He stepped back from Branston, and indicated that Hadden should go before him. Hadden stood, nodded at Branston, who was darting anxious glances at the woman, and went to the door. Roysten was right behind him.

As he came out in to the sunshine, he turned to Roysten. “You clean up well. Didn’t know you had it in you.”

“There’s a lot you don’t know,” came the retort. “But I’ll play my part in this mess, don’t doubt it.”

“I don’t,” said Hadden simply. When they reached the stable, Roysten spoke to the stable boy, who brought out their horses. They’d been brushed and fed. If horses had expressions, his seemed grumpy. Understandable. Poor thing probably thought he was done for the day.

“Let’s go and get ourselves killed,” muttered Roysten.

“Glad to see you’re back,” said Hadden with a chuckle. “I was actually beginning to miss you.”

As they rode from the stable, Hadden watched the castle looming in front them growing larger. It didn’t look frightening. It looked well kept, the castle of a prosperous kingdom. Cheerful even.