The Ghost Of Eslenda (Book 1) (6 page)

"There was James. He was a sweet child. He did not mind that I was not Hal's mother. To James, I was just his grandmother. He loved to hear me sing. He would sit on the rushes at my feet for hours."

"Yes, there was James." The King smiled. "James is a good man. I would like to see him king one day."

"Can you not proclaim him your heir instead of Hal?"

"Yes, I can. However, I will no delude myself to think it will be accepted."

"You are King! You have the power."

"I am King, but Hal and Edward have their supporters. I would only be lighting a fire under my own throne if I proclaimed James heir. It would provide Edward the excuse to make his own claim. Besides, Hal should have a chance to rule. He is my firstborn."

"You must do what you feel is right," said Queen Mary softly. "You must think only of the realm's welfare. Eslenda must have the best man be the next king."

"You are right of course. I am so glad you are beside me. I hope I can prove myself worthy of you." He kissed her hand.

"You need prove nothing to me. You are the King and I am your Queen. That's all the world needs to know."

Henry nodded his head and looked out the window to the grounds below. He could see the merchants over the bridge shouting the benefits of their wares. Soldiers were moving around the perimeter of the castle. He was surprised so many of Edward's men were helping with the guard duty. Probably Plucker's idea to keep Edward's liegemen out of mischief.

Somewhere out of sight, chickens were in an uproar. It was a simple existence for the poorer folk. Raise their crops or animals and either give their produce to their lord and sell the extra items in the market. Their lives would not change much if there were a different king. He made a decision - he would not wait until a move was made against him. He would strike first.

"Let us go to the feast. All this thinking gives me an appetite."

The King and Queen were hailed as they moved through the corridors. They stopped just before they entered the great hall. The King's face betrayed his irritation to this interruption. A nobleman hurried to catch them. The guards recognized the man and made way for him. King Henry knew what Sir Howard Cane wanted. It was obvious by the look on the man's face - the bright eyes, the grin of the cat that has caught the mouse. Cane did not have to mention the Nunari, as it was his pet gripe for years. Cane bowed and waited for the King to acknowledge him. Cane was a slight man, although wiry in strength. He spoke quickly and often slurred his speech. This irritated the king. It was bad enough to listen to the arrogant man without asking him to repeat his words. The worst part was that the King had married his daughter, Margaret - Hal's twin, to the man.

"Sir Howard. Do you have something to say that can't wait until we are seated?"

"Your Highness, the Nunari have crossed the border. I knew this would happen and I have been proved correct. I request permission to drive them back into their lands."

King Henry thought for a moment before replying. His lips pressed tight, paling their color.

"I understand the hunting has been poor in Nuneland."

"That is not our concern, sire. If they stay for a season in Eslenda, they will be more difficult to convince to return to the north." Cane found it difficult to stand still at times and King Henry had to resist striking him. Sir Howard Cane held important lands and could raise a formidable army in his own right.

"Have you tried to talk to Lan Tagjet?" He knew Cane had not communicated with the leader of the Nunari. "He can be reasoned with, can't he?"

"He does not respond to my messengers, sire. They are sent away without hearing my words. How can I start a dialogue with a man who will not hear my words? Every day more Nunari enter Eslenda. There are several hundred at the camp nearest my castle. I am not sure how many camps there are."

"Are there any camps near the coast?"

"You mean near Prince Hal's lands? No, sire. Only in mine."

"I see. Perhaps he is trying to provoke you, Cane. Did you consider that? I will think on this. I do not wish to start warfare if we can convince Lan Tagjet to move his people back north peacefully."

"How long will that take? I want him off my land now, your Highness. My vassals are wondering about my resolve in this matter."

"I understand your concern. However I am King and I will not tolerate such a tone from a vassal. Is that understood? I said I would think on it and I will. This audience is ended, Sir Howard." Cane was prepared to say more but thought better of it.

Howard Cane bowed and departed. Henry looked at the Queen who shook her head. Cane hated Lan Tagjet and hoped for bloodshed. He wanted to expand his own lands and saw the nomads as a viable way to do it. Did they not move often? One place was as good as another was for them in Cane's mind. Why not claim the land just north of the border? It was but a small bit of Nuneland. But the King knew it would not stop there. King Henry had walked this tightrope for years.

"Why did I marry Margaret to that man? Why didn't you talk me out of it?"

"As I recall, since I'm not her mother, you did not ask for my opinion and did not listen to me when I gave it anyway. In fact, I believe your response was rude."

"Don't remind me of my stupidity!"

"Father, may I talk to you in private?" asked Prince Hal, walking up to them.

Henry looked at his son and nodded.

A man bumped into Hal and they nearly stumbled to the floor. Hal's strong arms lifted the man to his feet.

"A thousand pardons, Prince Hal," said Roger Diggs, the physician. He was a small slender man, always rubbing his hands together as if they were cold. His eyes darted around at each person in the corridor. He pulled away from Hal, muttering under his breath.

"Doctor, you should be more careful," said Hal. "Or you might need a doctor yourself."

Diggs nodded and rushed off to the great hall.

"Go ahead and be seated," Henry said to Mary. "I will join you shortly.

The King watched the guests file in and take their seats. He received a cool nod from Prince Edward. At times, he could understand why Hal would engage in fights with Edward. Edward's eyes held no warmth. Henry felt for the hilt of his sword. Why did he feel the need to wear it to his own feast in his own castle? His guards were stationed throughout the room, and no one else was allowed to wear a sword to the feast except for the king. His eyes found Sir John Plucker carefully watching everyone entering the great hall. Henry counted on the huge man more than he counted on anyone else. He knew he could not share all his thoughts with the Queen because of her brother, Charles, and he needed someone to lean on. Lockwell grew cryptic with his advice over the years, focusing more on his own projects and concerns. Hal kept himself out of reach and the fool, Quink, was of no use whatsoever. Still, Henry had held back from Plucker some information that he should share. After tonight, he would give Plucker his full confidence. The man had earned it.

If his sons could have combined their good traits, he would have the heir he wanted. Hal was too thoughtful and often hesitant to move first to fight for what he believed in while Edward was reckless. How could Edward really believe Henry did not know of the plots afoot? If Hal had half the ambition of his brother, then Henry would worry about surrendering his crown prematurely.

This time Henry would make the first move, remove any threats to him, and show that he was still the power in the kingdom. He nodded to Hobber, the steward, who clapped his hands. The musicians started to play and servants brought out the food.

"Sire, may I speak?" asked Sir Plucker.

"Of course, Sir John."

"I do not feel there are enough guards in the room."

"Nonsense, Sir John. Too many guards and people would get nervous and I do not want to tip my hand. I have discovered my enemies and I have plans to undo them. Soon enough I will put events in motion but not just yet. My enemies need to relax just a bit more. But not you, Sir John. I want your vigilance to continue."

"As you say, Sire."

"Excuse for a few minutes, Hal wants a word with me in private."

Henry walked across the corridor to the room where Hal waited. Plucker watched Hal close the door. Their voices were soft murmurs. Plucker returned his attention to the great hall.

Voices rose sharply through the door. Plucker started at the sound. He did not expect Hal to create such a noise. The Prince was usually too well under control and some nobles thought his passion non-existent. The voices continued and Plucker wished he were somewhere else. Minutes passed and Plucker stood stoically by the doorway to the great hall. Faces turned toward him more frequently and he kept his face impassive. He heard a shout, but could not make out the words.

The door opened, Hal exited and slammed it behind him. He passed Plucker and entered the great hall. He muttered under his breath. He sat down, drained his wine and called for more.

Most of the guests had been served dinner but had not begun to eat. It was Henry's custom to open his feasts with a toast. Many eyes looked toward Queen Mary, sitting alone at the high table. She sipped at her wine, paying attention to no one. The minstrels sang a song and capered around the room. Still the king did not come. The musicians began another song.

"Plucker!" called Howard Cane. "Where is King Henry? We can't eat without him."

Plucker waved and went to the door where Henry and Hal had met. He knocked on the door, but no sound came from the other side. Plucker did not think Henry exited the room but he had not been watching the entire time. He opened the door and nearly fell to his knees. In the middle of a growing pool of blood, lay Henry, a dagger piercing his chest.

"Diggs!" called Plucker, rushing back to the great hall. "Diggs! Quickly! King Henry's been attacked!"

Diggs and many others jumped to their feet and rushed forward. Plucker fought to keep the crowd back as Diggs, Queen Mary, Edward, Cane and Hal squeezed through the doorway. Plucker placed his guards at the entrance to the great hall and at the anteroom where the king's body lay.

Diggs bent over Henry with Hal standing alongside him. Edward stood behind the Queen, giving her support. Diggs sighed and shook his head.

"I'm sorry, your Highness," said Diggs. "He is dead."

Queen Mary fell back into Edward's arms and he helped her to sit.

"Who could have done this?" asked Plucker. "The only ones I saw enter were King Henry and Prince Hal."

"This dagger is unique," said Cane.

"That is Hal's dagger," said Edward. "He carved the handle himself."

Hal reached for his dagger but it was not at his side. The sheath was empty.

"No!" he cried. "I did not do it."

"Plucker! Put Hal under guard," said Edward evenly.

"Prince Hal?" said Plucker.

"Do it, Plucker," said Cane. "I'm sorry, Prince Hal. It looks bad for you."

"It wasn't me. He was alive when I left him." Hal started to back away but a guard stood behind him and did not let him move further.

"You were arguing," said Plucker, his expression puzzled. He looked at Hal as if he had never seen him before. "I saw no one else. I'm sorry, Prince Hal. I must confine you to your quarters until this is sorted out. You have your dagger?"

"No. My dagger is there." He pointed at Henry.

Hal looked at Edward who grinned at him. Edward clapped his hands.

"You are a fool, Hal. To be caught so easily. Didn't you think your dagger would be recognized? Or was it a fit of anger and your wits failed you?" He shook his head. "Lock him away, Plucker. This was murder, not an act of war. The crown does not go to a murderer."

"It hasn't been proved," said Diggs.

"What more do you need?" asked Edward.

"Patience, Prince Edward," said Diggs. "With Prince Hal locked up time can be taken to be sure nothing has been overlooked."

"Who made you the sheriff?" asked Prince Edward.

"He's right, Prince Edward," said Plucker. "I am in charge of the prisoner and reviewing the facts. Everyone out of the room, I will lock it and keep the key with me."

Edward led his mother back to the great hall. It was noisy as the news spread across the room. Queen Mary slumped into her chair. Her attendants fanned her and gave her wine to drink. Diggs stopped by to see how she was doing. Plucker set guards at the anteroom to keep the curious from trying the locks. Plucker stood at the entrance to the great hall with Hal, Plucker's guards on either side of the Prince.

Suddenly the far doors were forced and the room filled with Edward's soldiers who quickly overpowered the lesser force of Henry's guards. Archers positioned themselves around the far edge, their bows taunt and ready. The room was silent. Edward stood up and met the gazes of those in the room. He smiled.

"This is indeed a tumultuous day. Now is time for change in Eslenda. A time for complete and sweeping change. King Henry is dead and Prince Hal is the murderer! His line is tainted and since Hal was never king, James cannot be king. From this day forth I shall be king!" The men around him cheered as Edward's soldiers moved around the edge of the room.

"Hal is king," shouted Sir Browner. "I do not believe he killed King Henry. The facts will come out!" He gestured at Edward's guards.

"Prince Edward, you are far too well prepared for King Henry's death not to have the murder laid at your feet. If Prince Hal is not king, then Prince James is the next in line." A rival cheer rose up. Edward nodded and a dagger slit Sir Browner's throat. He fell heavily to the floor, his blood soaking the rushes. Some men tried to rush forward but Edward's soldiers held them back. Plucker reached for his sword but Hal gripped him hard and shook his head slightly.

"I am King," shouted Edward. "Those who oppose me will die here and now. Anyone not in favor of my kingship? Anyone at all? Delightful. I will deal with Hal and James soon enough. They shall hang for murder and treason against my father. Plucker have your guards take my brother and his wife to their rooms and secure them inside."