Chapter 14
May 2nd, 770; The last day in Castle Heartfelt
"Excuse me, sir." The Northern messenger followed in the aide's step. "I must see the King!"
Sir Stamos led the messenger into Prince Philip's room without knocking. As Stamos entered the room, he found the Prince admiring himself in the mirror. "Forgive the intrusion, my lord, but we have word from the Northerns. Enter messenger and bring forth the scroll."
The messenger walked into the room and stopped without acknowledging the Prince. "I insist you take me to the King immediately. I have no intention of revealing this scroll to anyone, but King Frederick Heartfelt." The messenger folded his arms and stood his ground.
Sir Stamos looked to Philip for guidance. "Your wish, sire?"
Philip tightened the fastenings on his shirt and walked towards the messenger. "Follow me. Sir Stamos, let's bring him to my father."
"But sir, we..."
Prince Philip turned his eyes onto the aide and flashed him a look.
Sir Stamos didn't continue, but followed behind the messenger as the party headed towards the King's chambers.
The Prince knocked once and then stormed into the chambers.
"Father, I bring a messenger from the North." Philip turned the corner and found no one in the room. Unfazed, Philip headed into the King's bedroom. "Father, I bring a messenger from the North."
The group came to halt as they found King Heartfelt seated in his chair with his forehand in his hands. "Why have you interrupted me, Philip?"
"Did you not hear, father. I bring a messenger from the North." Philip didn't notice the look his father gave him as he pushed the messenger forward.
The Northern messenger showed his respect and knelt on one knee in front of the King, while he waited to be addressed.
King Heartfelt sighed as he wondered how a Northern messenger understood protocol better than his own son did. "Rise, messenger. Present your message."
"Thank you, my lord. I bring word from Massenberg and Pope of the Northern Valerica Townes. Please accept this scroll on their behalf." The messenger walked forward and handed the scroll to the King.
"Thank you." The King broke the seal and proceeded to read. After only a few moments, the King sat heavily into his seat for a moment. With a burst of energy he yelled to Stamos. "Get me Christopher and Blackheart. Now!"
Sir Stamos was shocked by the emotional outburst and hesitated while exchanging looks with Prince Philip.
"I said now!" The King rose from his chair as he bellowed out Christopher and Blackheart's name. "Both of them, now!"
Sir Stamos moved out of the chambers with a lightning pace.
"Take this messenger and hold him until I am ready to respond. Do this now, my son." The King sat back down hoping to avoid a conflict with his son.
"As you wish, sire." Philip grabbed the messenger by the arm and dragged him into the chambers. Inwardly, Philip found himself boiling at being left out of the King's request. He was the King-in-waiting, not Christopher. Philip felt the vengeance building within his system. He wasn't sure how much longer he would take second seat to his younger brother.
May 2nd, 770; Later that day in Minty’s
Minty sat down across from Talon as he put down a plate and a pitcher of ale. "Things slowing down at the castle? I think I have seen you in here every day of the past week."
"Nothing left for us to do at the castle, but wait for the recall date. It feels close, though I couldn't explain where that hunch is coming from." Talon dug into the plate as Minty relaxed in the chair.
"I wish you weren't going. I can tell it will crush Marilyn. I don't think I have ever seen her this happy." Minty tipped back his mug of ale.
"Speaking of Marilyn, when did she decide to let you have ale?" Talon threw him a lopsided smile.
Minty held his mug up in the air. "Ale. I'll be damned. This is a mug of ale. No use stopping now." Minty chuckled to himself as he finished the mug off.
"You're hopeless, Minty." Talon continued eating as Marilyn walked out of the kitchen. Seeing Talon at the table she immediately waved to him.
"I will be over in a little bit." Marilyn smiled and blew Talon a kiss.
Talon caught the kiss in his hand and put it on his cheek. "Take your time. I'm not in any kind of rush."
Minty turned and watched as Marilyn moved over to another group of tables and when she was out of hearing range he turned back to Talon. "Do you know anything about a messenger from the North? He supposedly arrived this morning."
Talon dropped his fork. "Messenger? From the North? This is news to me. What do you know?"
Minty leaned in closer to Talon. "Two sailors stopped in here this morning for breakfast. Thankfully, Marilyn was out picking up supplies, so she doesn't know of the visit. Anyway, these two sailors were boasting of the importance of the guest they escorted from the north. They wouldn't provide any details, except to say that the messenger brings an answer to the current situation."
"An answer? Did they say anything else?" Talon had suddenly lost his appetite.
"No. Like I said, they wouldn't provide any details. I was hoping you could fill me in, but I see this is the first you have heard of this."
Talon shook his head and watched as Marilyn disappeared into the kitchen. Once the kitchen door closed, he stood up. "Please tell Marilyn I am sorry that I couldn't stay long enough to see her, but I will visit tonight." Talon turned to head out the door as he called to Minty. "Thanks for the information. I will tell you what I can." Talon pushed himself through the door and, after mounting his horse, headed back to Heartfelt.
Minty cleared away Talon's meal and headed into the kitchen. Before he made it to the door, Marilyn walked out.
"Where is Talon?"
Minty put down the dishes and gently patted her arm. "He was called away to the castle, but said he would return to see you tonight."
By her Uncle's actions, she was getting the feeling that something was up. She allowed him to keep his secret. "Oh. I guess I can wait until tonight." Marilyn brought some food over to a customer.
She felt the curiosity burning inside of her, but held it in check. It wasn't a surprise that Talon was called back to the castle, but she just wished he wasn't involved in this whole mess. She vowed to stop worrying about it as she served the rest of the Inn's customers.
May 2nd, 770; Later that day in the Courtyard, Castle Heartfelt
Blackheart was walking across the courtyard when he spotted Talon leaving the stables. He called to him.
“Talon! Talon!"
Blackheart made his way over to the stables and was greeted by Talon.
"Talon. I am glad I found you. We are having a meeting with the Prince." Blackheart turned and started for the royal wing. "We had a visit from the North this morning."
Talon, who was following in Blackheart's hasty steps, picked up the pace to match his stride. "I know. Minty told me of their arrival."
Blackheart chuckled. "Is there an end to the things he knows? Still, the Prince was given the information almost as soon as it was delivered. I arrived afterwards and now it's time to bring the people it affects up to speed."
Talon nodded. He realized the seriousness of the situation as they entered the Prince's room. Sitting in front of Prince Christopher was Trall Fagan, Royal Man Caswel Holloway, Royal Guardsmen Richard Lee, and Royal Guardsmen Ron Champagne.
Talon and Blackheart approached the Prince's desk.
"Now that we have Talon, we can start this meeting." The Prince stood and addressed Talon and Blackheart. "Please take a seat, gentlemen." Christopher waited as they seated themselves. "Good, now I can begin. We had a messenger this morning arrive from the North. He brought word from Bayside and Fort North. Let me begin with Confidence Massenberg.
'Written on this day for all of Valerica. Fort North shall, from this day forth, be known as
Kingdom North and will no longer be under the control, whether directly or indirectly, of the Castle of Heartfelt. This is our declaration of independence. Any entity who does not comply with the above shall be met with force until compliance is understood.'
Signed, King Donald Massenberg."
Before anyone could answer, Christopher held up his right hand, cutting off everyone. He put down the Massenberg scroll and picked another scroll. "Here are the words of wisdom from Confidence Pope. 'Written on this day for all of Valerica. Bayside shall, from this day forth, be known as Kingdom Bayrica and will no longer be under the control, whether directly or indirectly, of the Castle of Heartfelt. This is our declaration of independence. Any entity who does not comply with the above shall be met with force until compliance is understood.' Signed by King Richard Pope."
This time Prince Christopher opened the floor to discussion. He instantly realized his mistake as everyone started talking.
"Enough. Please, we all know this is ridiculous, but the North has made their decision." Prince Christopher walked around his desk and sat down. "Talon, I can see you have a comment. What would you like to share?"
Talon smiled. "I see Confidence Pope, excuse me, King Pope has finally succeeded in becoming a lap dog. He could have at least come up with his own declaration of independence."
"We have noticed the same thing. My assumption is that we are dealing with just one entity, Confidence Massenberg. Well, we have spent the first part of this year in preparation." Prince Christopher sat back in his chair and took a deep breath. "Okay. Here is how things are falling into place. Unit one and unit two are departing castle grounds before sunrise tomorrow. I need you both to keep this under wraps, so pass this information to your teams only. Please try and make sure they don't pass it along to loved ones until it is absolutely necessary. I realize that is a tall order considering that this is their last night in the castle, but please be discreet. I don't know if we have a leak within the castle, but I don't want to jeopardize your trip to Markham. Blackheart will fill you in on any more details." The Prince stood and started for the door. "I must go to a meeting, but good luck and lead with your heart, gentlemen. Blackheart." Christopher closed the door without waiting for any questions.
"I think the Prince summed up the whole affair." Blackheart sat on the edge of the Prince's desk. "It looks like we are going to speed up the training for the general army and have them out to Markham before the end of the month. This doesn't give your group much time to prepare, Talon."
Talon nodded. "I wasn't expecting that much time anyway."
"Good. Are there any more questions?"
Blackheart scanned the row of men in front of him and waited. "Okay. Dismissed!"
Caswel jumped out of his chair and took off out of the room. Talon watched as Blackheart shook his head at Caswel's departure. From Blackheart’s reaction and the others in the room, Talon could see how embarrassed the Royal Guardsmen were with Caswel's behavior.
Talon spoke to both of them. "I am in the room next to Blackheart in the common wing. If you need anything don't hesitate to ask. If we are going to weather this storm, we are going to have to stay on the same side."
Blackheart followed his comment after Talon. "Anytime, anything. My door will be open until all of you gentlemen depart tomorrow." Blackheart paused for a moment and rubbed his temple. He looked over at the Royal Guardsmen. "I am going to be blunt with you. I didn't approve of Caswel heading your unit. Unfortunately, he is the only Royal Man around and he has Confidence Trynn's ear. I even offered one of you as an option for heading the group. Unfortunately, Prince Philip decided we couldn't afford another Royal Man, so I was forced to keep Caswel in charge.
You both are going to have make judgment calls in the field. Keep in mind that I will back each of you one hundred percent. I am placing my trust in your hands. Make sure you pass this to the other Royal Guardsmen. I feel they need to hear this." Blackheart stood up and walked around the desk. "Better yet, if they aren't preoccupied, have them come and see me. I think they deserve to hear this for themselves. If you don't have any more questions, I will see you before you leave."
Both Royal Guardsmen walked over and shook Blackheart's hand. The same respect was given to Talon and Trall. Having been dismissed, the Royal Guardsmen left the room.
"Well, Talon, it looks like we have another War of Occupation." Blackheart sat down and let out a long sigh.
"One difference, though. We are heading north for this one." Trall smiled and tried to brighten the depressive mood that was threatening the room. "Don't tell me you two are worried about this? You guys are professional soldiers. Blackheart, you are the man in charge. Talon, you have control of your unit's destiny. This time you can make sure this doesn't happen again. Don't lose focus. Remember, we are the good guys." Trall leaned back in his chair and patted Talon on the back.
"Leave it to Trall to ruin a perfectly good depression. What do you say, Blackheart? It's almost lunchtime. Let's get something to eat."
Blackheart nodded and the group headed to the Great Hall.
Talon and Trall left the Great Hall after finishing their lunch and headed towards the barracks. Both men had mixed emotions about filling in the team.
As they approached the unit's wing, William Nachtigall came shooting out of the barracks with a boot following behind him. He ducked letting the boot fly over his head.
Talon and Trall stopped in their tracks as they listened to a woman shouting from inside the barracks.
"You get the hell out of here, William Nachtigall. I don't care if you are the last Guardsmen in all of Valerica."
William hadn't noticed Talon and Trall standing there as he picked up the boot. Barefoot, William started to walk back into the barracks. He put on his best voice and said, "Come on baby, I might never return. You may never see me again. War is hell!" William kept walking towards the barracks.
When Talon and Trall heard his last comment they almost burst into a fit of laughter. But before they had the opportunity, another boot came flying out of the barracks. William wasn't as quick this time. The boot caught him square on the forehead. William staggered for a moment and then dropped to the ground. Talon and Trall ran over to see if he was all right.
"William! William!" Talon picked up his head, while Trall checked his breathing. "Are you okay? Come on William, speak to us!" He didn't answer, so Talon started to worry.
As they cared for William, another boot came flying out of the barracks. It was clearly a warning shot as it sailed over their heads.
"Don't even think about coming in here again, you, you, ahhhh, you beast!"
Talon heard the door slam. "William!" Talon kept checking on William and was concerned because he wasn't answering. Talon feared the worst as he looked over at Trall. Some motion caught his eye and he noticed William moving.
William's eyes shot open. "Talon, Trall, I love you guys!"
Trall started laughing, but Talon wasn't going to give William the pleasure. "What the hell is going on, William?" Talon bit down harder on his cheek as he tried to contain his laughter.
"Well, I kind of thought that was obvious. Of course, now that I didn't win her over, she made sure everyone on this wing heard her. I won't get many second chances around here. What brings you two around?" William took the help offered and stood up. He brushed off his clothes and started to put on his boots. "I thought we had the day off?"
"You did, but we had a little visit from the north this morning. Thought we would pass the word to the unit. Is everybody around?"
William scratched his chin. "Not sure, but you've got me curious to find out what the word is. Let's go find out."
"Are you done here, William?" Trall smiled at his own comment.
"Yeah. Maybe it was fate that she threw me out. I wouldn't want to be late for this surprise meeting."
"From wha
t I hear, you could have stayed there and still been on time."
Talon started laughing upon hearing Trall's comment. "Let's go, you two. The sooner the unit knows the better."
William put his other boot on and took the third boot to the woman's front door. After dropping it in front of the door, he hastened to catch up to the other two.
The three men headed into the barracks and started knocking on doors. After a few moments, most of the unit was assembled.
The group gathered around Talon. "Trall and I had a meeting with Prince Christopher and Blackheart. Royal Man Holloway and his Royal Guardsmen were also there. Anyway, if you haven't heard already, a messenger arrived from the north this morning. This messenger hand carried declarations of independence for Fort North and Bayside. They have renamed their townes to Kingdom North and Kingdom Bayrica. Any questions so far?" Talon looked around. "Okay. Here's is the burning question. What does this do to our timetable? Well, we are to be off castle grounds before breakfast is served!" Talon almost felt the exhale of breath. "Bryant will see to it that the rest of the Redderins are informed of this change. William, will you do the same for the Hearters?" Both men nodded their understanding to Talon. "Okay. Since time has become increasing valuable, I am dismissing everyone until the early morning hours! Dismissed." Talon stepped back as the barracks cleared out. His mind drifted to Marilyn and he knew he needed to spend one last night with her and he took off out the door with the rest of the unit.
Awhile later, Talon walked into the inn and before he could close the door, he had Marilyn in his arms. She had run over and jumped into his arms. He tried to say hi, but Marilyn kissing him on the lips stifled it.
After they stopped kissing, Marilyn was the first to talk. "What are you doing here? I thought for sure that I wasn't going to see you for a few days. What happened with the messenger? Is anything wrong?"
Talon chuckled as he led her over to the bar. "Which question do you want me to answer?"
Marilyn laughed. "Do you want dinner?" She locked arms with him and sat down at the bar.
"What can I get for you, Talon?" Minty walked over with a mug full of ale and placed it in front of Talon.
"Yes, just bring me whatever you would recommend. I take it you have heard the news?" Talon took a drink of the ale and found it had never tasted better.
Minty continued cleaning some mugs out and gave him a look. "Nobody has really told me anything. I was kind of waiting to hear the news from you!"
Marilyn didn't let Talon answer. "Is it true? Is there really going to be a war?"
"It looks that way." Talon wasn't sure how much he could really tell them, but he needed to trust someone and they were the closest thing he had to family. Before he could continue, Minty spoke to Marilyn.
“Do you want anything, Marilyn?"
Marilyn nodded her head. "Sure, but I can get it, Uncle."
"Relax, Marilyn. I can handle the crowd tonight. Entertain our guest while I fix you both something up." Minty disappeared into the kitchen leaving Talon and Marilyn alone at the bar.
"I don't know if you can tell me, but does this change when you are leaving?"
Talon nodded his head. "Why don't we eat dinner and then let's head to the beach and talk! Okay?"
Marilyn nodded her agreement and changed the subject. They continued to talk, until Minty returned from the kitchen with their meal. They ate as they talked with Minty.
Talon tossed his napkin onto his plate. "Dinner was excellent, Minty. Do you mind if I steal Marilyn for the rest of the evening?"
Minty smiled. "Of course. Bring her back in one piece, huh."
Talon laughed. "Of course. Are you ready to go?"
Marilyn turned on the stool and spun Talon around. "Just waiting for you." She winked at Minty and then led Talon out of the inn. "See you tonight, Uncle."
They mounted Talon's horse and took off for their favorite spot on the beach. It was later in the evening, then Talon thought and he was surprised to see that the sun had already disappeared from the sky. It wasn't long before the couple was walking down the beach.
“Something is wrong, Talon. I can see it in your eyes." Marilyn stopped walking and looked him in the eyes."
"I guess you can read me like a book. Do you want the bad news or the bad news?"
Marilyn played in the sand with her foot before answering. "That bad, huh!"
"Well, I am leaving the castle before first light." Talon reached over and held her hands.
"First light, when?"
"Tomorrow. This is my last night in Heartfelt." Talon felt her hands go slack."
"Tomorrow... I guess I expected this, but that doesn't seem to be helping." Marilyn gripped Talon's hands tighter. "I am going to miss you."
Talon didn't answer, but embraced her. The spent the rest of the time walking arm in arm without saying another word.
When they came within sight of the docks, where Talon had left the horse, he mounted up and pulled Marilyn with him. Faster than Talon wanted, he was riding up to the front of the inn.
Talon helped Marilyn down and then dismounted. It was late in the evening as Talon walked Marilyn to the porch. "Will you say good-bye to Minty for me?"
"Can't you come inside? I am sure Minty is still awake." Marilyn was hoping he would stay a little longer.
"I really can't. I still have to meet with Blackheart." Talon wasn't sure how to say good-bye. "I don't want to say good-bye, but..."
Marilyn put a finger on his lips before he could finish. "Don't say it. Just give me a kiss and then go. I will see you again, Michael Talon Bastian!"
Talon forcefully kissed her and it lasted for quite awhile. When it finally ended, he did what he was supposed to do and mounted his horse. Wordlessly, he kicked his horse and headed off down the path.
He didn't get very far when he stole a glance at her. She was standing on the porch watching him go with tears in her eyes. The ride back to the castle felt like it would never end.
Talon dropped off his horse and ran into the common wing. He hoped Blackheart was still awake. As he headed towards Blackheart’s room, he met up with Trall.
"Ready to go Talon? How did Marilyn take it?" Trall crossed the hall and followed Talon as he headed down the hall.
"Of course. Better than I expected, but I'm not sure I am taking it very well. How are you doing? Ready to go?"
“Yes. I spoke with William and Bryant and the team is ready to go. As soon as morning hits, we are outta here."
"Great. Have you spoken with Blackheart?"
"Yes. I talked to him earlier. He said he was going to wait up for you."
Talon stopped in front of Blackheart's door. "Thanks, Trall. I guess I will see you in the morning."
"Okay. Try and get some sleep!"
Talon laughed quietly to himself and knocked on the door.
"Talon, I was wondering if I was going to see you tonight? How is Marilyn?"
Talon followed Blackheart into the room. "Better than I expected, but I wish I could have met her a long time ago. How are things?"
"Okay with me, but what about you?"
"I'm ready. The unit's ready. Everything is set." Talon sat down on the corner of Blackheart's bed.
"Good. Trall told me the same. I haven't gotten a report from Caswel, though I didn't expect one." Blackheart sat down at his desk. "I wonder about his loyalties, but now is not the time. I wish I were going with you, Talon. Please be careful." Blackheart grew serious for a moment. "I fully expect to see you back here once this nonsense is over. Besides, I don't want to have to inform Marilyn of your whereabouts."
Talon and Blackheart talked for a few moments, until Talon remembered he still had some packing to do.
"Thanks for coming back to get me! When we finish this I want to spend some real time together."
Both men embraced. "Do you need any help packing
?"
Talon followed Blackheart to the door. "No. It shouldn't take very long, but thank you."
"Okay. Good luck and may your heart go with you." Blackheart watched him walk back to his room and hoped this wasn't the last time he would see him.
Talon, who was used to this lifestyle, packed in a short amount of time.
He lay down on the bed and fell into a deep sleep.
May 3rd, 770; The next morning at the Castle gate
Talon stood in front of his entire unit and suddenly realized he was missing someone.
"Anybody know where William is?"
Trall moved his horse forward. He had a grin across his face.
"He’s getting another bandage put on his head. Seems he had another run in last night in another part of the barracks."
"I hope nothing serious."
"No, although this time the victim threw the first thing she saw. In this case, it was a pretty hefty rock. Knocked him right on the side of the head. He was out colder than the boot to the forehead. He's fine, but he got a little cut on the side of his head." Trall pointed to the side of his head.
Before they could finish, William trotted over to the team. "Sorry, I'm late."
Talon laughed. "Don't worry about it. Trall filled me in on the details. I hope it didn't cause any permanent damage to your head?"
Before William could say anything, Carole answered. "Don't worry; you wouldn't be able to tell anyway."
The whole unit started laughing. Talon moved himself to the front of the group as William filled into his spot.
"Fame, fortune and plenty of good fighting await. This is this unit's destiny. Lead with your heart." Talon turned and started off through the gate, with the rest of the unit following him.
Three hours later, in the King's room.
Sir Stamos announced the arrival of Prince Christopher and Royal Man Blackheart.
"Good morning." The Prince bowed to the King. "Father."
The King nodded his head. He was facing his open window from his routine spot. "What news have you, my son?"
"Unit one and two are en route to Markham. I request permission to inform the council of their departure." The Prince looked to Blackheart, but continued. "We have also come to request the full support of the crown once both units arrive in Markham."
The King looked in his son's direction. "Don't concern yourself with your older brother's prattle. You have my full support. The council is only an extension of my authority. Think nothing more of it." The King grew silent for a moment. "I imagine you and Blackheart have more important things to do than waste your time with the upcoming council meeting. I will inform them of the developments. Get my army back to full strength, son. Lead with your heart, gentlemen. Dismissed."
Christopher bowed respectfully and then led Blackheart out of the room. "Things are going our way, but I can only hope the units will meet with the same success. No sense in worrying about it. Let's see to our army."
Prince Christopher and Blackheart walked out into the courtyard and headed to the parade field. The first unit of the new army was forming on the field, awaiting their first inspection.
The race to take back Valerica was on.