The Lady and the Prince
Chapter 22

Nick was disoriented when he came out of the escape tunnel, but Winkershime waved him in the right direction. Riding south, he soon encountered a narrow but well-worn path that led to the main road.

He stayed on the edge to avoid the ruts and holes and made good time in spite of having to go around every village and hamlet he encountered. He also left the road whenever he spotted anyone coming toward him; no point in taking a chance on being recognized. Dressed for hunting on an average horse, he doubted anyone would take him for more than a member of the local gentry.

Late in the day on one side trip to skirt a small village, he found a good place to camp with a sloping grassy bank down to a stream. There were no houses or even tilled fields in sight, so once he had set up camp and hobbled his horse, Nick went for a swim. He felt filthy after his sojourn in Denland’s dungeon, and the water was just slightly cool and very pleasant.

Afterward he dried himself with the shirt he had been wearing and put on some of the clean clothes Winkershime had packed for him, hanging up the jacket on a bush so the creases from being crammed in a saddlebag would work out by morning. He kept his word and made no fire, just dining on bread, cheese, and raw carrots. Winkershime had apparently been in a hurry when it came to packing food for him.

In the morning the prince continued on, making better time as the population thinned near the border. He was pleased with the horse Winkershime had gotten for him, not a pretty beast but a sturdy animal that could go all day; one of the guard’s horses, most likely.

By late afternoon he was sure he was in Aggradon from the improved condition of the road, but he was in farmland, and it took until almost dark to reach a small inn. The woman who owned it had little custom and gave him a room to himself, grain for his horse, and all the stew, bread, and ale he wanted for what he considered a modest sum. She confirmed that he was indeed in Duke Maximillian’s territory, well over the border and hopefully out of reach of Quenton. She didn’t know he was a prince of course, but she treated him with the courtesy she would treat anyone with a horse and a full purse. Nick found it odd to be spoken to the same as any commoner, but he didn’t want to attract attention, so he just smiled and tried to be polite.

The prince checked the bed for infestation before he lay down on it, but found it clean and uninhabited and surprisingly comfortable. The room held a chest for his belongings as well as the bed and pegs for clothes. He shoved the chest against the door before he went to bed; it wouldn’t stop an intruder, but it would make noise if anyone opened the door. The door itself only had a latch, no lock or bar. Six months ago Nick wouldn’t have thought twice about just going to sleep. Now he was acutely aware he was alone and nearly unarmed since a bow would be of little use inside his room.

But aside from an owl hooting in the neighborhood, the night passed peacefully. In the morning he slept until the odor of food cooking prompted him to rise and dress. The innkeeper fed him porridge, bread and butter, and a thick slice of fried ham.

The prince checked on his horse and found it contentedly munching hay. He walked around the area a little, but found himself looking down the road repeatedly. He knew the Progress had to be at least a day behind him, but he was restless, unsure if he should wait like he promised or go on.

He finally decided to go on to the duke’s residence instead of wait at the inn. If he arrived before Maximillian sent his troops to join the army, Nick could ensure that they went south to Landsford to help protect the coast from the Francks instead of inland to Londinum.

He wrote out a note and addressed it to “Lady Elizabeth or Ralph Winkershime” and left it with the innkeeper, just telling her to say it was from Nick and giving her silver and the promise of more coin on delivery. He packed his belongings and saddled his horse and rode on.

The prince rode hard, eating from his saddlebags as he went and only stopping for necessary bodily functions and to water his horse. He was afraid Anglia was running out of time. What would Quenton do when he found Nick gone? Would he send more birds to Louis and try to speed up the timetable? The Franckish army might be landing on Anglia’s coast right now for all he knew.

He made it to the Aggradon castle before dark and was relieved to see a large camp all around the walls. The prince rode through it without challenge. There were others still arriving as well, but Nick was the only one that went directly to the castle.

He left his horse at the front stairs, ran up the steps, and loudly used the large knocker on the door. It was strange to have to wait at someone’s door to be admitted. Perhaps he should have just walked in? But a servant opened the door and stood in the opening, blocking Nick from entering.

“I am Prince Nicholas, here to see Duke Maximillian. Conduct me to him at once.”

The servant looked him up and down and past him at the lone horse at the foot of the steps. Nick realized he didn’t look much like a prince right now, but he had to convince the man to let him in. He held up his hand and showed him his signet ring and said, “I have been separated from my party, but it is urgent that I speak with the duke.”

The servant didn’t look convinced, but he bowed and admitted Nick, conducting him to a small parlor off of the entryway. He left the prince there, saying, “I will replace Duke Maximillian. If you will wait here…Your Highness.”

Nick expected guards to arrive, and he wasn’t disappointed. Two large armed uniformed men marched in and took up positions on either side of the door without even looking at him. He didn’t care since he wasn’t going to try to escape, as long as the doorman actually summoned the duke as well.

The young prince waited impatiently, pacing around the small room until the old duke came into the room with his hand on the hilt of his sword. He removed it as soon as he saw Nick and bowed properly. Nick returned the courtesy, and the duke flicked his hand at the guards and murmured, “See to the prince’s horse and belongings.” The guards bowed and left.

“Your Highness, you are alone. Are you all right?” the Duke of Aggradon asked with concern.

“I’m fine. The Progress is following and should be here in a couple of days. You’re preparing to march?”

“Yes, tomorrow. Come to my study, we can speak confidentially there. Have you had dinner?”

“No, but tell the kitchen not to go to any trouble. Whatever is available is fine.”

In his study, Duke Maximillian closed the door behind them, and they sat comfortably in large heavy chairs. The duke poured wine for them both and asked, “What has happened to separate you from your guards, Your Highness?”

“Denland is a traitor, and he has implicated Ulle and Montexter as well.”

Maximilian looked both surprised and disturbed. “Surely that cannot be true. Perhaps it was just a misunderstanding?”

“He chained me in a dungeon and let everyone believe I was lost in the forest while hunting. I don’t see any other way to interpret that other than betrayal. He also admitted conspiring with King Louis against Anglia, urging him to attack before we are fully prepared.”

A knock at the door interrupted them, and they both waited while servants came in with dinner for Nick. “No trouble” to the duke’s kitchen meant a whole cold roast chicken, bread and butter, vegetables, and cake for dessert. When the servants had left, Nick went to work on the food, asking between bites, “Have you received word to march down the coast to Landsford rather than to Londinum?”

“Yes, but I could see no sense to it before our discussion. The Franckish attack is imminent then, you’re sure?”

“I am, there’s no time to gather the whole army. We need to stop them before they can disembark and get organized.”

“Then excuse me, Your Highness. I’ll need to see that our supply wagons and a proper guard are ready to leave at dawn and the rest of the troops at midday. There are still quite a few conscripts expected in the morning, but those coming in later…”

“The Progress guards will be heading south too and can pick up any stragglers. Lady Elizabeth will just need an escort to the Stratton Barony, and then the rest will proceed on as well.”

Maximillian nodded and went to the door but paused there. “And you, Your Highness? Will you wish to remain here, or will you go on with Lady Elizabeth?”

“I’m not sure yet.”

“If you wish to remain, you are certainly welcome and Lady Elizabeth too. My castle is defensible, the Stratton place is not. Think on it, Your Highness.” The duke left then to speed up his own preparations for war.

The Progress moved more slowly than either Lady Elizabeth or Winkershime liked. The bad roads forced the coach, carriage, and wagons to take their time picking their way among the ruts. The servants continued to give Elizabeth the cold shoulder until Nick’s valet gestured to her in the coach and leaned over to whisper in her ear, “Lady Elizabeth, we are your servants, and you have done what you thought best, whatever that happened to be. You should be a bit more angry and assertive about your expectations.”

Elizabeth decided he was right. It was lunchtime, and no food had appeared for her. She stopped the coach and sent Winkershime to get Sylvie. When her maid came to the coach, Elizabeth addressed her. “Sylvie, it’s time for lunch. What has been prepared for me?”

Sylvie curtsied and said, “I’m sorry, my lady, but I thought you were in a hurry. No provision has been made for a lunch stop.” She didn’t sound very sorry though.

Elizabeth said harshly, “That’s not acceptable. Everyone here is working for me, and if they choose not to do their jobs properly, then I will replace someone else who will.”

“Yes, m’lady. There wasn’t much of anything given us by the Denland kitchens, so I’ll just have the guard see what’s available, shall I?”

Elizabeth said more softly, “Just do your job, Sylvie, and everything will be fine, I promise.” That was perilously close to telling her Nick was safe, and she stopped speaking before she said too much.

Sylvie gave her a sharp look with her curtsy, nonetheless. The maid wasn’t overly educated but no fool certainly. The Progress started up again but stopped in less than an hour to consume large amounts of stew and fresh bread the guards had obtained in a village ahead, Elizabeth being served first.

Afterward they rumbled on, not stopping until it was nearly dark to set up tents to camp. Considering the state of Denland inns, Elizabeth was perfectly happy with a tent and a good dinner of chicken roasted over a fire. She only hoped Nick was safely in Aggradon and waiting for them comfortably in an inn ahead.

She was just settling onto her cot when there was a clatter outside, and she heard voices raised in challenge. But shortly she heard Winkershime taking charge, announcing it was just a Commerce messenger and that he would take the papers and give the man his instructions. No one argued the valet’s authority, and it became quiet again and she slept.

In the morning a hot breakfast awaited her, and the Progress packed up as she ate. When she went to the coach and the footman tried to ignore her, she called out, “Jarvis, I’m waiting.” He couldn’t pretend anymore, so he opened the coach door for her and handed her up as he should. Winkershime was right—the servants could only treat her badly if she let them, although they weren’t about to lift an extra finger for her either.

They camped again a second night, although Elizabeth thought they might be over the border in Aggradon since the roads had improved. Everyone treated her properly, but not with any friendliness. Sylvie served her meals and produced clean appropriate clothing, but did so almost silently with no sign of her usual chattiness. Hal just avoided Elizabeth entirely. The glimpses she had of him concerned her a little. He was still very angry and threw stones at nearby objects or hit them with sticks that he picked up whenever the Progress stopped.

Winkershime mostly avoided her too, but he found reasons to happen by and give her a wink or a small nod when he did, so she knew she wasn’t entirely alone in a hostile group. She stopped him though the second night and said quietly, “Winkershime, Hal isn’t acting quite properly. Please speak to him about it.”

The valet hesitated but then bowed and said, “I will see what I can do, Lady Elizabeth, but I’m sure the problem will resolve itself in time.”

“Yes, I’m sure it will too, but he needs to learn that he doesn’t make the decisions nor does he get to publicly criticize those he doesn’t like by word or by action, not in his position as a page for the royal family.”

“I suppose it wouldn’t hurt him to grow up a bit and start accepting his place in life, my lady. I will have a talk with him.”

Later Elizabeth saw Winkershime draw Hal aside and speak to him; the boy was soon hanging his head and scuffling his feet. He glanced over toward her once or twice, and she pretended she wasn’t watching when he did. When the valet had finished, Hal just nodded and slowly walked over to her. He stopped a few feet away and bowed and in a timid voice asked, “Lady Elizabeth, might I speak to you?”

Elizabeth seemed to just notice him then and said, “Of course, Hal, what is it?”

“It’s been pointed out to me that I haven’t been behaving just as I should. Mr. Winkershime, he’s shown me that you had to make a hard decision. Instead of carrying on about it, I should have been loyal and supported you, my lady. I’m very sorry, and I promise I’ll try to do better in the future.”

“I’m delighted you feel that way, Hal. Being a lady means that sometimes I have to do things that aren’t easy. I love Prince Nick very much, and moving the Progress without him is not at all pleasant for me. I’m glad Winkershime explained that to you, and I know your behavior will improve as you get older and understand more. Thank you for coming and apologizing to me.”

Hal bowed again and scampered off to join some of the guards at their fire. Many of the men treated him almost as a mascot, and Elizabeth hoped the boy wasn’t learning too many of the wrong sorts of things from them. Well, Winkershime would likely have forbidden the fraternization if he thought it was bad for the little page.

The following day, they knew they were definitely in Aggradon. The houses looked well-kept, and the road was much better. The pace of the Progress picked up, and Elizabeth kept peering out the window, trying to see if there was an inn ahead. At a stop for lunch Winkershime came to the coach and said, “Lady Elizabeth, I believe we are far enough out of Denland if you wish to mention anything about the prince.”

Elizabeth happily followed his suggestion, and had Sylvie, Hal, and the guard captain attend to her, with Winkershime standing at her shoulder. “Everyone, I have some good news. I can’t explain fully, but Prince Nicholas is fine and is on the road ahead of us. He should be waiting at an inn up ahead to rejoin us.”

Sylvie looked doubtful, the guard captain looked angry, but Hal just grinned and started jumping up and down with joy. Winkershime’s nod in agreement made Sylvie start to smile too, but the guard captain just scowled and said, “The prince is wandering around alone?”

Winkershime replied, “Circumstances forced the action, I’m afraid. I’m not pleased either, Captain, but His Highness is a competent young man, and a few days on his own in friendly territory will do him no harm.”

The captain wasn’t mollified by the valet’s words and just said, “I very much hope you’re right. Whose idea was it? I want to know whom to point to when I’m asked who should be hanged for it.”

“Mine,” Winkershime said calmly before Elizabeth could speak. “But Prince Nicholas agreed to it, and his word is always final.”

The captain just snorted and said, “If anything has happened to him, no one is going to have any use for his valet anyway, so you’re for it if he’s not hale and whole.”

Winkershime just gave a little bow of acknowledgement, and the captain went back to his horse, mumbling under his breath.

The Progress started forward again, and Elizabeth could tell from the tone of the voices around her that word that the prince was all right had spread rapidly through the column. The pace picked up a little more too since everyone was anxious to reach the inn.

When they did get to the inn, the guard captain was off his horse and through the door before the coach and carriage had rolled to a stop. Elizabeth and Winkershime arrived at the door together. The valet opened it for her, and they hurried in. The captain was shouting at a woman who was apparently the innkeeper, and she had her hands on her hips and was glaring up at him.

Winkershime edged the captain back, saying softly, “Now, Captain, let’s let Lady Elizabeth handle this woman to woman, shall we?”

The innkeeper turned to Lady Elizabeth and asked, “And your name might be?” as if she hadn’t just heard it. Elizabeth told her and said, “We’re looking for a young man about my height. Have you seen him?”

The woman smiled and said, “Surely, night before last he was here, and he left this for you. He said I was to get a silver piece when I delivered it.”

Elizabeth took the somewhat wrinkled note, but she recognized the seal, and it was intact. Winkershime handed the woman her silver and read the note over Elizabeth’s shoulder. It said:

Elizabeth/Winkershime,

I am concerned that Denland may have moved up the timetable. I’m going on to Aggradon on the chance I can catch him and ensure his contingent goes south to Landsford rather than Londinum. I will wait for you there.

Prince Nicholas

The guard captain came over, and Elizabeth allowed him to read it as well. He said, “We can make a few more miles today and perhaps make Aggradon castle by tomorrow night.”

Elizabeth said, “Good. The sooner we reach Nick, the better.”

Winkershime asked the innkeeper, “The young man who wrote this, he was all right?”

The innkeeper snorted and said, “All right? He nearly ate me out of provisions all by himself, he did. Seemed a bit restless though.”

Winkershime slipped her another piece of silver, and he and the guard captain bargained with her for food for the Progress. It seemed she wasn’t entirely out of provisions, and they were soon on their way again, everyone well-fed.

They found a large inn in a village for the night and continued at first light. The Progress made good time on the Aggradon roads, only stopping at midday for food and to change out the horses for fresh ones.

They pressed on even as the light faded and arrived by torchlight at the castle. There was a small encampment on the lawn, but the camp and the parade of guards and vehicles ignored each other. The Progress rolled through the open gate up to the main entrance.

As Elizabeth was helped out of her coach by the footman, the main door opened, and Nick came out. She ran up the stairs, and he came quickly to meet her, embracing when they met.

Elizabeth said, “I’m so happy you’re safe,” at the same time Nick said, “I’m glad you’re here, Elizabeth.” They would have liked to kiss, but there were a lot of people watching them.

Winkershime came up with Nick’s valise and looked him up and down. The prince was dressed in a clean suit, but it was slightly large on him. Nick said, “It belongs to Maximillian’s son, Duncan. He and his family are in Telesia right now, but on their way home.”

The valet’s eyebrows rose. “Lord Duncan isn’t leading the Aggradon forces?”

“No, the duke is. Let’s go inside where we can talk.”

The three of them went to the duke’s study while the Progress unloaded and encamped. Nick sent for refreshments like he owned the castle himself, but the duke’s servants didn’t seem to mind since they shortly returned with platters of food and bottles of wine.

Nick turned to Winkershime, who had unbent so far as to take a small plate and eat standing up. “Sit down, please, Ralph. This is a war conference.”

Winkershime sat but looked more uncomfortable than he had standing up. He and Elizabeth waited for Nick to continue. The prince turned to his valet and asked, “What’s the latest in the dispatches?”

“The Francks are massing at two ports, and Lord Frais has moved to the southern one and Lady Strelliere to the northern, so your surmise about the Franckish sorcerers was correct. We can expect two.”

“How old is your information?”

“It was received in Londinum by bird the day before yesterday.”

Elizabeth was watching the two men and now interjected, “Nick, why are you receiving dispatches about this?”

Nick sighed. He might as well tell her everything. “I’m in training to be Anglia’s Spymaster, and my valet is the one training me.”

“Well, at least that explains why Winkershime can pick locks so well. I was afraid he might be a former criminal or something.”

Nick just shook his head and said, “We need to stay on topic. We have to decide what we’re going to do. Maximillian pointed out to me that the Stratton Barony isn’t defensible but that his castle is, and he invited us to stay here. I don’t believe we can, there’s too much to do, but Elizabeth’s family could shelter here.”

“Gramp would never go for it. He won’t leave his home and the horses now, but he might consider sending Jamie and Charlie to a safer location.”

Winkershime said, “I will send a messenger in the morning. But I would like to know what Your Highness thinks we should be doing. Remaining here seems the sensible course of action for us as well.”

“Well, one thing we need to do is go to Londinum and get rid of the runes under the Warwick beds. That’s not exactly something we can send by bird and be believed.”

Elizabeth asked, “Exactly how does one get rid of a rune? And for that matter, what does a rune look like?”

Nick replied, “A rune is just a drawn figure, probably fairly complicated. It could be big or small, but since it holds power, it would be better if no one touched it. I don’t know what would happen if someone did. I’ve been thinking about it, and the runes have to be incised on the underside of the bed frames since the rest of the bedding is changed. I believe the safest course of action would be to take the bed frames out into the courtyard and burn them with everyone standing well back in case power is released.”

Winkershime said slowly, “You want someone to take the king’s bed and the crown prince’s bed out and burn them? And how would one explain this action, Your Highness?”

“I have no idea, but Richard’s bed, mine, and Anne’s should probably go too just in case.”

There was silence as all three of them imagined trying to explain to King William that his bed had to be burned because there were scratches on the underside of the frame. Admitting there was magic involved meant pointing the finger at someone as a witch, and this was really not the best time for that. But there might be very few days left to the Warwicks, and getting Edward and Eugenie especially away from the influence of a sterility rune could be crucial.

Nick asked, “Maybe you two could accomplish that.”

That brought Elizabeth’s and Winkershime’s attention back to the prince. Elizabeth spoke first, saying, “Us? And what will you be doing?”

Nick sat back and looked at them both. “I’m going to join the battle.”

His valet said, “No!” and Elizabeth said, “You can’t. You told me yourself you’re no good with a sword. What would it accomplish to throw your life away?”

Before Nick could reply, Winkershime added, “You are still underage, Your Highness. Your duty does not require you to fight in a war in spite of the king granting you adult status. I’m quite sure he would agree that doesn’t apply to participation in battle.”

“It doesn’t matter. The Francks will outnumber us, but Anglians will be fighting to protect their homes and families, so maybe that comes out sort of equal. The Franckish sorcerers make it extremely unequal. Anglia only has three magic users I know of, and two of them are traitors.”

Nick turned to Elizabeth. “You’ve seen what I can do, and I’m untrained except for that little book you gave me. Franckish sorcerers are trained. They have practice arenas built for them, and they can work on their magic openly every day. Unchecked, one of them could destroy half an Anglian army before anyone could get close enough to have the smallest chance to kill them.”

“Then you’ve argued yourself out of any need to go if you have no chance against them,” Winkershime said forcefully.

“I can’t win, but I can keep them busy. I can survive long enough to maybe do some damage to the Franckish army and keep their sorcerers mostly focused on me.”

Elizabeth protested, “At your first spell, the whole Franckish army would be focused on you. You wouldn’t survive ten minutes! You’re not going, and that’s final!”

Nick gave her a crooked smile and said softly, “I outrank you, Lady Elizabeth, and I certainly outrank my own valet. I have a duty to Anglia, and I’ve been taught since I was an infant to do my princely duty. I see my duty clearly, and I’m going to do it.”

There was silence. Elizabeth declared, “Then I’m going with you. I have a duty to my prince, and I’m going to do it as well. I’m good with a sword, and I can defend you, at least for a little while.”

Nick shook his head, but Winkershime chimed in with, “And I as well, Your Highness. I haven’t fought for a few years, but I was quite handy in my day, and Lady Elizabeth can’t guard you alone.”

Nick ran his hand through his hair, various emotions crossing his face. Finally he said, “You know we will all be killed?” Elizabeth just nodded, and Winkershime said, “Most likely.”

“I won’t try to stop you from doing what you think you have to, but I wish you both would stay out of it. Elizabeth, you’re a wonderful, strong woman. You would serve far better marrying and producing sons just like you. And, Ralph, Anglia needs you to train her next Spymaster…Anne, maybe?”

The valet said softly, “Your Highness, the first order of business is for Anglia to survive. Someone else will train a Spymaster, others will produce sons, and I suppose without the sterility runes, other Warwicks will produce another generation. So as much as I hate to say it, you are right. Only you can counter the Franckish sorcerers, and only Elizabeth and I know what you are. We dare not tell anyone else. We can’t have you burned at the stake before the battle, so it is up to the two of us to protect you as best we can.”

Nick scrunched up his face and dropped his head and nodded. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry I’m going to get you both killed.”

“We all do what we must, Your Highness,” the valet replied gently.

Elizabeth said, “But wait, someone still has to go to Londinum and destroy the runes.”

Winkershime said slowly, “The only other members of our party who have unlimited access to the palace are Miss Conway and Hal. Do you think…?”

“Sylvie can do it, I know she can,” Elizabeth stated firmly. “She can enlist Anne’s help if she has to. And Hal is just the right size to scoot under the beds and replace the runes without touching them.”

Nick said, “In the morning, most of the guard will be leaving with a lot of the horses, the Aggradon stragglers, and one or two of the wagons for supplies. We could send Sylvie and the herald in the coach with most of our clothes and tents and such back to Londinum and let people think that we were going there too.”

“On the battlefield it would be best if our identities weren’t known at all,” Winkershime agreed. “If any of us happen to survive, being known as a sorcerer or an associate of a sorcerer would get the survivor burned at the stake.”

“I’m afraid I’m going to be recognizable regardless. Even masked and in rags at the Harvest celebrations, most people knew who I was. As a prince, even some of the common soldiers would know me on sight to say nothing of almost any member of the nobility. But Elizabeth would be an unexpected companion, and dressed as a man… you could cut your hair and—”

“No thank you, Nick. I’ll just pin it up.”

“I’m sure there are extra helms and such in Duke Maximillian’s armory,” offered Winkershime. “For myself, like the prince, I could be recognized, and as soon as the Franckish army sees we have a sorcerer, they will converge on us. Nick…His Highness and I would not escape, but Elizabeth might merely by removing her helmet. Even the lowliest conscript or mercenary would hesitate to strike down a woman.”

“I am not going to survive if you’re not,” Elizabeth retorted. Then she realized what she had said when she saw both men grinning at her. “Oh, well, I’ll fight as long as I can do any good, which I expect will mean the same thing anyway.”

Winkershime stood up. “I think we’ve had quite enough of this depressing conversation. If Your Highness and Your Ladyship will speak to Miss Conway and Hal, I will talk to the herald and guard captain to ensure everyone goes in the correct direction in the morning. I shall return shortly to lay out your night things, Your Highness.”

“Let’s go replace my room and talk to my maid,” Elizabeth suggested. “Do you know where Hal is?”

“Probably hanging around in the hall outside waiting to see if I want to send a message to anyone,” Nick replied, and he was right. They gathered up the page and found Elizabeth’s quarters and her maid.

“Sylvie, we have something very serious to ask you. You can say no, but we really need your help,” Elizabeth started.

“Ooh, m’lady, what is it?” Sylvie asked.

Nick and Elizabeth sat down and got Hal and Sylvie to do the same, and then they explained about the runes and the necessity to burn the Warwicks’ beds.

Nick concluded with, “Elizabeth and I can’t do it. If the Francks win the war, you and Hal can slip away into Londinum. As servants, the Francks won’t pay any attention to you, but I would be hunted down and killed, so Elizabeth, Winkershime, and I will stay with her family for now.”

Sylvie nodded. She didn’t completely believe the lie, but it wasn’t her place to question her betters. Elizabeth added, “We want you and the herald to ride in our coach so it will fool people along the way into thinking we are headed back to Londinum. The guard will provide a small escort, and you’ll have our trunks and tents with you as well.”

“But what will you wear, my lady? And His Highness too?”

“We’ll just keep out a few things and make do. There are plenty of folks our size we can borrow from, so don’t worry about us. With the war, I’m not going to need ball gowns, am I?”

“Of course not, m’lady, but still, I like you to look nice. It’s my job.”

“You have a much bigger, more important job, Sylvie, at least for a little while. Do you think you can do it? All of Anglia will be depending on you and Hal.”

“We can do it, Lady Elizabeth,” Hal asserted seriously. “If I have to, I’ll light the beds on fire right where they are.”

Nick said, “Hey, try not to burn down the palace, okay? I still want to live there when this is over.”

Sylvie said, “I won’t let him do it that way, I promise, but we’ll get those beds taken care of, or I’m not fit to be first maid to a princess. And I am, you know.”

“Yes, you are,” Nick agreed. “Come along, Hal, time to leave the women alone and get some sleep.” Nick took the page, and they left for their respective rooms.

Sylvie turned to Elizabeth. “M’lady, Prince Nicholas wouldn’t do anything foolish, would he? Like run off to fight?”

“Don’t worry, I assure you I will keep him with me the whole time the war is going on, and we’ll be just as safe as we can be.” Which is not very safe at all, but we will be together.

Sylvie smiled and said, “Good, m’lady. I’ll feel better knowing you’ll both be snug with your family. I expect we’ll all have to get up early tomorrow.”

They did all get up early in the morning. Elizabeth got into her trunks and pulled out suitable clothing and found all her weapons and Nick’s as well had been removed from the coach and the baggage wagons. By the time she had her things sorted out, the guard captain had taken two wagons of guard equipment and supplies and ridden out with the remaining Aggradon conscripts and all but six of his troops.

Winkershime organized the rest of the Progress heading to Londinum. He sorted out horses and put one of the alternate wagon drivers in the carriage with Hal so it looked like there were servants along as there should be, although there was no replacement for Sylvie. By the time the sadly reduced parade rumbled off, the illusion of the prince and his fiancée heading for Londinum appeared complete as long as no one looked too closely. The wagons with the bulk of Nick’s and Elizabeth’s belongings were left behind so they could travel more quickly, with the understanding that everything would be sent on later.

All three of them dressed in their most ordinary clothes, and Winkershime had pack horses to carry weapons and bits of armor for them as well as their supplies and clothing. Nick had Falcon and Elizabeth had her palomino to ride though, at least to her family home.

By the time they were ready to leave, it was lunchtime, so they ate and then mounted up and rode south. It was a full day’s ride to the Strattons, but they were determined not to stop until they arrived.

It was after dark by the time they rode up the long driveway, and the house was unlit. But they made enough noise that lights started coming on by the time they reached the front steps, and a servant poked his head out of the door and then withdrew it. Elizabeth marched up the stairs and through the door with Nick behind her, while Winkershime held on to the horses.

Gramp appeared in the foyer with a sword in his hand, but he tossed it aside when he saw them. He gave Elizabeth a bear hug and shook Nick’s hand and then asked, “What’s happened? Where’s your entourage? I saw you coming up the drive from the window, and I didn’t recognize you in the dark.”

“The war is starting, Gramp. We’re tired, we just need someone to help bring in our luggage and put away our horses for now.”

Gramp gestured to some of the servants who were only half-dressed, and they went out and Winkershime came in with Nick’s valise and saddlebags. They were all exhausted, so they went to the rooms they had occupied not so long ago, and their packs and saddlebags were brought up soon. All the weapons and armor were piled in Nick’s room, but Winkershime moved it to his own quarters as soon as the servants were gone, knowing that Nick would not be comfortable with that much steel so close.

In the morning after breakfast, Elizabeth took Gramp into his study and closed the door. “Gramp, Duke Aggradon has extended an invitation for you and the boys to shelter at his castle during the upcoming hostilities.”

Gramp just shook his head. “Strattons have held this place for seven generations. We’re not abandoning it now.”

“But Jamie and Charlie—”

“Are Strattons and wouldn’t thank me for sending them away. We’ll be fine here, Elizabeth.”

She realized arguing was futile. “Nick and I need a favor. There’s something the three of us need to do, but it would be better if people thought we were here the whole time.”

“Is it dangerous?”

Elizabeth didn’t dodge the question. “Yes, it is, but it’s important. Commerce messengers will be directed here, and you need to take their papers and keep them with this valise somewhere safe.”

“They’ll give me the papers?”

“They will if you tell them the prince and his valet are both indisposed.”

“So I’m to tell everyone you’re here, but the lot of you are hiding in your rooms? They’ll think you’re a bunch of cowards!”

“Maybe they’ll just think there’s sickness here. It doesn’t matter as long as they don’t think we’re somewhere else.”

“This dangerous thing you have to do, it’s that important, and only you three can do it?”

“Yes, Gramp.”

The old man sighed. “I always knew you had the heart of a lion in you ever since you were a little girl. I guess that goes for your prince and his valet too.”

“Thank you, Gramp, but we have to go.” Elizabeth rose and gave him a peck on the cheek and then went out to the stable where Nick and Winkershime were making sure everything was properly packed and the weight was evenly distributed among the pack animals. When Elizabeth joined them, the three mounted up and rode south.