Chapter 13
April 23rd, 770; One week later in Castle Heartfelt
Knock knock knock.
Talon awoke to a pounding on his door.
Knock knock knock.
Talon jumped out of bed and answered the door. "Yes."
"Good morning, sir."
Talon was surprised to see David at the door. "Is anything wrong, David?" Talon was a little concerned by being visited. He looked around to get a sense of what time it was.
"Nothing is wrong, sir; just a woman, by the name of Miss Marilyn Stevens, is being escorted to the hall. She said she was to meet you for breakfast." David said this with a smile on his face.
Talon ran to the window and realized he had overslept. With a few muttered curse words Talon ran back to David. "Thank you. How long ago was this?"
"I left as a Guardsmen was escorting her to the hall. You might be able to beat them there if you hurry. Have a good morning, sir." David closed the door and disappeared down the wing.
Talon looked around his room and realized he didn’t need much time to get ready for breakfast. Mostly because he didn't have to change, since he had slept in his clothes. With a quick run through his hair, he dashed off to the hall and stepped inside, finding Chef already serving his date. Talon slowed down and tried to act like he wasn't late.
Chef was the first to notice he had come in. "Good morning, Talon."
“Good morning to you, Chef. I see you have already served my guest." Talon used his best smile on Marilyn, "Good morning, Marilyn."
Marilyn smiled at him and said the same.
Talon grabbed some food and followed her to a table. As he sat down across from her he noticed the place was practically empty
"I'm really sorry I am late. I kind of overslept this morning. I hope you didn't have any problems getting inside the castle?"
"Not at all. Haven't I seen that shirt before? At dinner last night, right?" Marilyn giggled.
Talon laughed in spite of himself. "I have never been much of a morning person." Talon ran his fingers through his hair again and wondered how bad it looked. "I wanted to get here so badly that I just threw the first thing I grabbed on." Talon wasn't about to admit that he slept in the shirt.
Marilyn smiled. "Don't worry about it. I am glad you invited me to breakfast. Uncle says hi." Marilyn looked around the hall. "Not much of a crowd this morning!"
"I've noticed that too. I guess not too many people are big on mornings." Talon picked at his muffin and wished he had ordered some eggs.
"No matter how many times I come here in the morning, I can't get over this castle at night. There is a certain magic to the night time."
Talon and Marilyn continued talking through the breakfast. He had been seeing her for the past few weeks and the relationship was blossoming.
Finishing with breakfast, Talon walked back to the gate and Peter met them there with her horse.
"I will be at the inn if you can break away after your training. Maybe we can still head down to the beach. Have a great day. Bye Peter." Marilyn trotted off towards Hearttowne.
"You've been seeing her a lot lately, huh?" Peter asked as he walked with Talon.
"You could say that. I don't think I've had dinner at the castle in at least a week. We really seemed to hit it off." Talon turned from the stables and headed back to his room. "See you this afternoon at maneuvers, Peter."
"Okay, Talon." Peter turned and heading inside the stables.
April 23rd, 770; Later that morning in the chambers
The Council members stood as King Heartfelt walked into the chambers.
"Thank you for coming today." King Heartfelt rounded the table and stood for a moment at the head of the table before continuing. "Let's get down to business."
The King seated himself first, and then the rest of the members followed.
Confidence Trynn stood. "I feel we have only one matter to discuss at this meeting and we all know what that is-the Northerns!" Heads nodded down the table as Trynn continued. "I elect we cut to the heart of the matter, so we can return to our townes. I no longer feel safe being so far away from home."
King Heartfelt looked into Tyrnn's eyes and nodded his head. "I agree, Thos." The King looked over to Prince Christopher. "Bring in Blackheart and the unit commanders."
"As you wish, sire." Prince Christopher slightly bowed and then disappeared out of the chambers.
The chambers remained quiet for the few minutes it took for the Prince's return.
Sir Stamos stood at the door and proceeded to introduce the members following the Prince. "Royal Man in charge of the Military, Richard Blackheart." Blackheart walked into the room and took his place next to the Prince.
"Unit One Commander, Royal Man Caswel Holloway."
Caswel strutted into the room and met eyes with Confidence Trynn. Both men nodded respectfully.
"Unit Two Commander, Talon Bastian."
Talon walked into room and stood next to Caswel and waited to be addressed by the King.
"Thank you for coming, gentlemen." King Heartfelt stood up as he addressed the group. "You may continue, my son."
Prince Christopher nodded. "Thank you, my lord. We have deviated from the course we set almost a year ago. The training of the general army is taking more time than we anticipated.” The Prince paused for a moment. “Here is the new course. Unit one and two have been ungraded in status and have become invaluable. After receiving word from Confidence Trynn, we made the necessary adjustments to the units and I will let Blackheart explain things further." Prince Christopher took a step back and motioned for Blackheart to continue.
Blackheart nodded respectfully and took the floor. "The two units are excelling beyond the original limits and will be more than ready to meet the challenge that could be facing us. As it stands now..." Blackheart continued to explain the changes in commanders and the changes in the destinations of the two units. "Prince Christopher and myself have fulfilled the Council's desires within the established budgetary constraints and will have the general army back to full strength at the start of the summer." Blackheart nodded and took a step back.
"Thank you, Blackheart. Are there any questions?" King Heartfelt sat back down as he waited for the inevitable.
Lady Loveland stood. "Yes, I have one, sire. I fail to see how only twelve Redderin and Heartfelt Guardsmen will have any effect on what could be an army attacking from the North. I don't wish to belittle the unit nor to underestimate their talents, but I do have some concerns with the current plan. I would feel safer..."
Confidence Trynn stood and stepped into the conversation. "Lady Loveland, I believe I can end the concerns you have for the unit's strengths. Since the King has granted my request of a larger group of Heartfelt Guardsmen and Caswel as commander of unit one, I intend to repay the favor. I intend to send two men for everyone man I receive from Heartfelt. As it stands I am receiving thirty men from the crown. Isn't this correct, Blackheart?"
Blackheart nodded. "That is correct Confidence Trynn."
"Thank you. So, I have accordingly planned for that number and intend to send you sixty Elizabeth Towne Guardsmen in addition to the Heartfelt and Redderin Guardsmen you will already have. I request to have a messenger sent when the units are ready to depart. My intention is to have my unit arrive to relieve unit one from their duties at Markham. Unit one can then make good pace to arrive in Elizabeth Towne. Is this acceptable to the crown?"
King Heartfelt nodded his head. "Christopher, I want you to handle the arrangements with your sister, Anne. This is more than acceptable Thos and I appreciate your efforts to help correct this situation. Does this meet with your approval Lady Loveland?"
Lady Loveland curtsied. "This plan goes a long way towards easing my concerns. Having this many members within the towne limits will ease the merchants union. I also see the major benefit of having a representative from
each of the townes of Valerica. Thank you, Confidence Trynn and thank you, King Heartfelt."
Both Confidences reseated themselves.
"Prince Christopher continued. "We haven't decided on a departure date for the units, but as soon as they have completed their specialized training they will be sent to the front line. Has there been any indicated threat to Markham that would warrant us to speed up the training program and have the units there in a quicker time, Lady Loveland?"
"None so far, but the merchants union hasn't waited for a threat. They recently hired on a small contingent of mercenary's to protect their warehousing interests. So far this has been acceptable, but I would prefer to have the crown represented by Guardsmen, as well as having the strength of each of the townes. For now, I believe I can wait for the unit’s arrival, but haste may become more urgent as the spring goes on. I will defer to your judgment and that of your commanders, as I have done in the past. Thank you for keeping Markham's safety a part of your plate." Lady Loveland bowed deeply and reseated herself.
"Markham will always be a part of the kingdom and will always be included in our plate." Prince Christopher nodded to Lady Loveland and then turned his attention to the King. "Sire, do these plans laid before meet with your approval?"
King Heartfelt sat back in his chair and pondered for a brief moment. "I am slightly concerned with the schedule of the general army. When you mentioned the training is taking longer than anticipated, could you elaborate as to the nature of the problems and the solutions?"
Prince Christopher nodded. "Blackheart is better suited to answer your question. Blackheart?"
Blackheart nodded and stepped forward. "Upon the end of the War of Occupation and after the general army was released, we kept a limited number of Guardsmen in a recall status. Much of the recall force was young men, who didn't participate in the war and never received formal training. We are finding out the level of readiness is less than we assumed it to be.” Blackheart paused as the King nodded his understanding. “Of course, this is easily corrected and has only had a minor affect on the training. We found that after we allowed women into the Guardsmen rank, that the recall army was almost fifty percent female. With the prosperity of Hearttowne, almost fifty percent of them have been or are pregnant. This left us scrambling to fill the ranks. Once again, with the booming economy, we have had a difficult time recruiting, but the boycott is already correcting that trend.
Finally, we have determined that by the rate we have been proceeding, we should have a general readiness of eighty percent at the beginning of the next month and a full hundred percent by the end of that month. Of course, we expected to already be at full strength." Blackheart stepped back from the table.
"We didn't anticipate the pregnancy problem two years ago. I am pleased to hear that the setbacks have been properly corrected. We might just be one step ahead of the Northerns. I am pleased Christopher." The King stood. "Is there anything further concerning the Northerns?"
The council fell silent.
"Excellent. I call for a recess and we can return and finish up any business you may have. We will move quickly in order to return each of you to your homes. Thank you."
The King moved from the table and walked into his chambers. Sir Stamos followed behind him.
Talon stood back against the wall and watched the flurry of activity around him. He quickly noticed Caswel embracing Confidence Trynn and carrying on with his entourage. It surprised Talon that someone actually enjoyed the man's company. His thoughts were interrupted as Blackheart walked over to him.
“I am scheduled to discuss the arrangements of the Elizabeth Towne Guardsmen with Confidence Trynn. He only mentioned me, but do you wish to be present at this meeting?"
"I would, but I am expected at maneuvers today. Please keep me informed of his intentions. Sixty men would add a little bit of security to the towne. I couldn't think of a better addition to the team. Thanks for the offer, but I will get with you later."
Talon disappeared out of the chambers and ran to his room. He was already late for maneuvers and it didn't sit well with him. If he was going to lead the team, he had decided early on to act like he was a part of the team.
Talon quickly threw on a heavier shirt and headed for the door.
Knock, knock.
Talon was surprised at the interruption, but opened the door.
"Good morning, Talon." It was Royal Man Holloway.
"Good morning. How can I help you?" Talon said.
"May I come in?" Caswel asked.
"Of course." Talon brought Caswel to his makeshift desk. "I have a list here of my full unit. I haven't brought this up before, but do you have any objections to working with the Redderin Guardsmen?" Talon asked politely.
Caswel looked over the list before answering. "No, there is no problem on my end. As a matter of fact, they might come in handy, given their intense dislike for the northern townes. I would like to talk to you about a few things." Caswel seated himself. "First, I would like to inquire about Trall Fagan."
"He is second in charge of the unit. Why, do you know him?"
"No, only by reputation." Caswel turned away from the papers. He looked directly at Talon. "May I speak frankly?"
This surprised Talon, but he knew he wanted to hear this.
"Of course."
"I personally don't understand why you have been chosen as the man in charge of that unit. Although I understand you have quite a reputation from your war days, I would be happier if a man sworn to the crown was commanding. I want you to know that I have nothing but Elizabeth towne’s interests at heart. I have made it my personal mission to maintain her dignity before the crown. As for Trall Fagan, I resent him being put second in charge of your unit. I would think it would be to the crown's advantage to have someone else in that position. Someone who didn't shift loyalties." Caswel finished his speech and hoped he wasn't in for a private meeting with Blackheart.
Talon looked out the window and found it odd that he was echoing the some of the same questions that were running through his head. Talon wasn't about to let him know that. "To answer your first observation, you are in unit one for Elizabeth towne’s interests. I am on this team for the crown's interest. You will be in charge as soon as we secure Markham." Talon looked deep into Caswel's eyes. "I will remind you of this once and only once. I have been placed in charge of unit two by King Frederick. I trust you understand rank by appointment. You will also note that you will not find someone with stronger loyalties to Heartfelt than Trall Fagan. I will let you decide if Trall is worth your respect." Talon finished the last sentence feeling drained. This wasn't how he wanted this meeting to go. "I am glad we have had this discussion. Feel free to bring up anymore questions at anytime. We are assembling the entire team this afternoon, of which I am already late. I hope you will be there."
"Not today. I must attend to business with Confidence Trynn, but I am sure my Guardsmen are behaving."
Talon picked up on the reference to the Guardsmen, but he decided to let it ride.
"I understand. If there is nothing else then, I must be going. I am already late." Talon extended his hand. "Our difficulties aside, I feel it is going to be a pleasure to serve with you."
"Yes. I look forward to victory. For Heartfelt." Caswel shook his hand.
"Dismissed."
Caswel walked out of the room.
Talon's meeting with Caswel had put him in a bad mood. Even though he was late, he decided to ask Blackheart some questions. Talon left his room and headed next door. Blackheart answered his knock.
"Good afternoon!"
"Good afternoon, Talon. What can I do for you?"
"Do you have a few moments to answer some questions?" Talon said.
"Okay, come in. I have to see Confidence Trynn in a few moments, but I can field a few." Blackheart led him into his room. Both men sat down at the same round
table from just a few days ago. "What can I help you with?"
"Blackheart, I am going to be blunt. Why was I picked to lead this mission?"
Blackheart sat back in his chair and folded his arms. "Talon, I am not one to understand the motives of the crown, but I can tell you this. Prince Christopher doesn't trust anyone else. He needed someone who hasn't been tainted by Philip. It seems that the King agrees with Christopher. I find it disheartening that Prince Christopher can only trust two people with these responsibilities-you and me. Have you talked with Caswel Holloway yet?" Blackheart asked.
"Yes. We just had a meeting."
"Good. I wonder sometimes about his loyalties. Be very careful around him."
Talon found it spooky that Blackheart was echoing his thoughts. "I understand. Will I be told anything else before we are sent to the front line?" Talon asked.
"Of course. The Prince is going to call us together for a final meeting. All of the objectives will be laid out. Can you be patient until then?" Blackheart asked.
"Yes, although I've been away from this for too long." Talon breathed deeply.
"Of course, but you have done well." Blackheart rose from his chair. "I really must go. Sir Stamos will only wait so long."
“I understand." Talon stood up headed out to maneuvers.
Later that afternoon
Talon looked out the window for what seemed like the hundredth time. It was still early, so Talon headed out to the stables. He retrieved his horse and headed towards towne. It wasn't long before Talon was in front of the Inn. Talon dismounted and headed inside. The place wasn't very crowded. There were only one or two people beside him. Talon seated himself at the front counter and it wasn't long before Marilyn appeared from the backroom.
"Talon. Hi!" Marilyn dropped off a plate of food before heading over. "I am surprised to see you here!" Marilyn sat down next to him.
Talon laughed and said, "I kind of surprised myself, too. I had some time to kill and I thought we could go to the beach again. There isn't much sunlight left, but I think we can spend a little time together." Talon smiled at her. His spirits were already improving.
"Well, let me go tell, Uncle." Marilyn headed back to the kitchen. It wasn't long before she came out of the kitchen. She tossed her apron onto the back table. "Ready to go?" Marilyn walked behind Talon and gave him a quick shoulder massage.
"If I would have known about this then, we could have skipped the beach." Talon smiled as he felt the tensions leave his shoulders.
"I guess you must be pretty important to have so much stress in your shoulders." Marilyn gave him a little more before she reached down and grabbed his hand. "Let's head to the beach."
Talon could barely move as they headed outside. There was no sense in bringing two horses so Marilyn jumped onto the back of Talon's. "Lead the way, Marilyn."
Marilyn wrapped her arms around his chest and moved herself closer to him as she whispered directions into his ear.
Talon steered the horse onto the road and followed until he could the ocean's salty breeze. Moments later, the docks became visible. There wasn't much traffic in the harbor.
Marilyn pointed to a long beach just south of the docks. Talon carefully steered the horse into the sand. They trotted along the waterfront and, as the docks became smaller, Marilyn signaled him to stop.
"This is a good spot. There are better ones further down, but we will have to wait to go to those when we have more time." Marilyn jumped down off the horse.
Talon dismounted and looked around for a place to tie off his horse. After finding a suitable spot, Talon returned to Marilyn who was walking along the waterfront. "This is beautiful." Talon reached over and held her hand. She took his hand and put it around her shoulders. She hooked her hand around his back. They pulled closer together and walked like this down the beach.
If he had a choice, Talon would have preferred to walk like this forever. He knew how unlikely that was and stopped her. "I will be leaving soon."
They disengaged from each other. Marilyn walked closer to the ocean. She stared off into the distance. "I had an idea that you wouldn't be here long. I mean, the way things are going in the North. Are you coming back?" Marilyn asked.
Talon looked at her. She was beautiful. He couldn't lie to her. "I don't know. I don't even know what I am getting into." Talon looked at his feet. He was so nervous that he started to dig a small hole in the sand with his foot.
Marilyn knew in her heart that was the best answer he could give her, but it still didn't seem like it was enough. She walked over to Talon who was looking down at the sand. She placed her hand underneath his chin and lifted his head until their eyes met. She stared him in the eyes and, on an impulse, kissed him full on the lips. It was a long kiss. When they parted she held onto both of his hands.
"I don't want to talk about this again. I want us to spend whatever time we have together without worrying about tomorrow. Besides, now you have an incentive to come back home." Marilyn smiled and gave him another kiss on the lips.
Talon put his arm around her shoulders. She put hers around his waist. Once again they pulled each other close and walked back to where the horse was tied up. They walked without saying anything. Talon squeezed her shoulder and gave her a quick kiss on her forehead. He looked over at her and found her looking at him with a beautiful smile. The walk ended a lot sooner than Talon would have liked.
"I guess we should be heading back." Talon gave her hand a squeeze and headed over to the horse. "The sun sure sets fast."
"Make me a promise!" Marilyn had turned and was staring off into the horizon.
"A promise?" Talon untied his horse and started walking it towards Marilyn.
"Yes, promise me you will show me the bayside of the ocean someday." Marilyn turned and looked right at him.
Talon was suddenly very uncomfortable. "I can't...I just can't promise that." Talon didn't want to promise something he couldn't provide. With that question, their mood turned depressive. Talon tried to cheer her up, "Anyway, if I did promise you that and I wasn't able to do it then my ghost would haunt you forever and ever." By this time Talon had walked up behind her. He wrapped his arm around her.
Marilyn breathed a long sigh and said very quietly, "I would take your ghost right now if I could.”
They stood there holding each other for a few moments. Talon was the first to speak. "We really should be going." Talon stepped back and mounted his horse. Marilyn lingered for a little while but turned and Talon helped her onto the horse. She wrapped her arms around his chest and pulled herself closer to him. Talon felt her against his back and wished things would be different.
He guided his horse off the beach and headed onto the road. Before Talon could fall anymore for Marilyn they arrived in front of the Inn. Talon helped her down and followed her to the front door. "I will come see you as soon as I can." Talon held onto her hands.
"Okay." Marilyn stood up on her toes and gave Talon a kiss on the lips. They finished and she headed inside.
Talon mounted his horse and headed back to the castle.