Continuing with this tale-
3 A Necessary Trip
Fredrik was rowing. He and Lily were alone in the boat on the lake. It was something they had done since childhood. In the distance they could see the castle and the town on the shore. The lake was surrounded by rocky peaks, some still with patches of snow.
Fredrik stopped rowing and let the boat drift in the gentle breeze.
"I would never make you marry a fool like him," Fredrik told his sister.
"I never want to leave this place," she said.
"Then, I suppose you will die an old maid," he teased. "Unless, of course, you were to marry some commoner."
Lillian's face reddened, and Fredrik laughed.
"I've see you together, and I know what you both want."
"I think Rolf is afraid of offending you, Freddy."
"You know, he only need ask. I would like nothing better for you... or him."
Lillian smiled and looked away toward Waterton and the castle set out into the lake. Around the lake, the mountains rose into the sky. This was her world. Fredrik had seen the outside world, but it held no attraction for her.
"Will you go to the Duke?"
"I'm afraid I must."
"But why?"
He hesitated a long time before answering.
"Morlana is our only link to the outside world. We can't risk offending the Duke."
"What about Mother's people, Solland?"
"The road... the pass..."
"But the Romans built roads. Aren't they the ones who made the road to Morlana?"
Fredrik was quiet. He thought of all the reasons why it couldn't be done. But what if it could?
Lillian turned back to look at him. She held her head high; she was a Princess of Midmont.
"If they did it, why can't we?"
It was a challenge.
✠
Fredrik did what he often did when he wanted information. He went to the Abby and Friar John.
"To build a road? You want to build a road?"
"What would it take to make the road to Solland better? To make it good enough for wagons to cross the high pass."
"A lot of work, I think!"
"But it is possible?"
"Come, you need to talk to Brother Sebastian."
Sebastian was the monk in charge of building repairs and masonry for the Abby. He was familiar with the southern pass to Solland, having crossed it several times on pilgrimages to the Holy City. He gave it some thought.
"It could be done, your Highness. It would take a few bridges over the streams. But we've plenty of stone. The hardest part would be at the top. We would have to cut into the mountain a bit."
Brother Sebastian looked down at his weathered hands. He had a lifetime of working in stone behind him. The idea was beginning to grow on him. He was starting to like this young King.
"I could do it, if you give me the men; and if the Abbot will approve."
Already in his mind, he was working out the plans. It would be his greatest work.
Fredrik sent word to the Queen's brothers in Solland of what he was proposing. They were open to the idea. So Fredrik directed the work to begin as soon as possible, under Brother Sebastian's supervision.
✠
But the invitation of Duke Richard could no longer be ignored. Fredrik knew that the Duke had hoped to promote a marriage between Rathard and Princess Lillian. That had failed. But the Duke still had two daughters. There was little doubt what he had in mind now.
But Fredrik had no intentions of matrimony as he rode out though the gates of Waterton on a fine summer morning. Princess Lillian would rule in his absence.
The Kings of Midmont had never been much for show. He was only accompanied by two men at arms, and Rolf, carrying the King's Banner. Behind them in a cart rode Friar John, with a wizened old peasant at the reins.
Princess Lillian had met privately with Rolf the night before. She was unhappy with Fredrik's leaving.
"Keep him safe," she told Rolf, as they walked on the battlements in the moonlight. She had heard the rumors about Fredrik, and wasn't sure what to believe.
"Lily, those rumors about Freddy are nonsense. He has good sense. He won't do anything stupid. I've known him all my life." Then he added, "So have you."
"He thinks a lot of you, Rolf."
"I know. But he is King now…" And here he paused for a long time. "…And you are a Princess."
The way he said it made her sad.
✠
Fredrik's party reached St. Petersbridge as the sun was setting. Friar John and the cart turned toward St Peter's Abby. Fredrik and his men rode on to the castle.
The castle was built on a rocky outcrop that loomed above the town. The road wound up though the town toward the gates. The guards had been notified of their approach, and saluted as the King entered. The road continued to climb toward the inner gatehouse. As they climbed it, Rolf could hear the gates closing behind them.
Torches were being lit in the courtyard as they passed though the inner gate. The Duke was there to welcome them. He seemed ill at ease.
"Greetings, your Majesty," he bowed, "I'm afraid we were not expecting you until tomorrow."
Several servants stepped forward, as the Duke continued;
"My servants will take care of your horses, and see that your men are fed and quartered."
Fredrik, and his men dismounted, as the men took the horses to the stables.
The Duke led Fredrik up a stairway, though the heavy doors, and into the castle.
"We have other guests here at the moment. The Archbishop has graced us with his presence this past week. Indeed, he means to stay some time," the Duke told him with some irritation.
The Archbishop ruled the Free City of Donstrum and the surrounding territories. He was a powerful man, with ties to the Emperor, and he was close to the Pope himself. The Duke now led Fredrik to the great hall and introduced him to the Archbishop.
The Archbishop was a heavy man with a bulbous nose and cold blue eyes. There was no warmth, the greetings were all formalities.
It was growing late as the Duke led Fredrik to his room.
"You must be hungry after your travel. Make yourself at home, and I'll have a meal brought to you in your chamber."
Then, he bowed, "Until tomorrow, Your Majesty," and took his leave.
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