12 Who Are You ?
The Archbishop was still with the Abbot when Fredrik and Rolf arrived.
"Care for some wine?" he asked, ignoring the Abbot.
Fredrik first greeted the Abbot, and then replied.
"Not at this hour, thank you."
The Archbishop drained his cup.
"Are you enjoying your stay at St. Petersbridge?" the Archbishop asked.
"Well enough. Although I do hope to return to Waterton soon."
"Yes," said the Archbishop, setting down his cup. "Lovely place I hear, although I've never been there. A bit rustic, isn't it?"
The Abbot looked on, studying Fredrik. This was his first look at the young King. He did not appear to be what the Abbot had been led to expect. It was obvious that Fredrik did not care for the Archbishop. That alone was a point in his favor. The Abbot knew and respected Friar John. If he was mentoring Fredrik, it could only be for the good.
"Are you perhaps considering marriage?" The Archbishop asked.
Rolf, standing near the door shifted uncomfortably. The Abbot noticed it immediately. He had been studying the King's companion as well. Something was going on. He would have some questions for Friar John later.
"I haven't ruled it out," was Fredrik's noncommittal reply.
"Yes, Lady Juliet is quite lovely; and of a very noble family."
That was true. Her mother was cousin to the Emperor Himself. Now, the Archbishop changed the subject.
"It is said that the Late King, your father, gave sanctuary to heretics and Jews."
This was also true. There were a few Waldensian fugitives living in the mountain villages. And a very small Jewish community in Waterton itself. Little was said about it, but Fredrik had never known them to be disloyal to the crown.
"I hope, now that you've come to the throne, you might take a more orthodox position," the Archbishop continued.
Now the Abbot was uncomfortable. While he was quite orthodox himself, he shared with Friar John, the opinion that any persecution of these groups, did more harm than good. It had been the subject of many late night discussions between them.
But now Fredrik changed the subject again.
"Are you staying long with Duke Richard?"
"A few more days, perhaps," said the Archbishop. He was irritated at being put off by the King.
There was a knock at the door. One of the monks entered. He bowed low to the Archbishop.
"It seems that the man you seek has already left the Abby, Your Eminence."
The Archbishop glared at the Abbot, who for his part, displayed no emotion.
"It seems you will have to seek elsewhere," the Abbot said. "Perhaps you will stay and celebrate a Mass with us?"
The Archbishop stomped out without a reply. He had no time for such things.
✠
A short time later, Fredrik met Karl and the peasant Garth, at the Red Onion. The proprietor of the inn was friendly to Midmont, and the Red Onion was the inn of choice for most travelers from Waterton. He was in fact, the one who had taken in Elise and her mother, years ago.
Fredrik gave them instructions to be ready to move on a moment's notice. He hoped to leave that very night, if all went well.
✠
Duke Richard was angry. He had had to ask the Archbishop for a favor and gotten nothing in return. King Fredrik had left for his own room early, leaving behind a disappointed Juliet. But the Archbishop stayed long at table, as usual.
When the Duke was finally alone, Damson came to him.
"My Lord, I have someone you need to see. He has just come from Waterton."
"Bring him in."
The Duke was expecting news from Slythain, but he was shocked by the appearance of the man Damson brought to him. Krawley's clothes were filthy and torn. He had the look of a hunted animal. He dropped to his knees and waited.
"Well, what is it man?" the Duke demanded.
"Slythain, My Lord, has been arrested."
"Are you certain?"
"Yes, My Lord. And he has broken down under torture. I barely escaped myself."
After swimming the lake, Krawley had fled across the mountains on foot, barely evading the Ranger patrols.
The Duke was silent. Finally he addressed Damson.
"And Fredrik… does he know this?"
"I know not, My Lord."
The Duke thought for a moment.
"Fredrik must not leave this castle." He walked to the window, and looked out into the gathering darkness. Then he spoke to Damson.
"Get this man out of here."
Anna was carrying a tray of empty plates down to the kitchen, when the Duke's door opened. Damson and the other man pushed past her knocking the tray from her hands. As she began to gather up the pieces, she heard the Duke call after them.
"Remember; Fredrik is not to leave this castle!"
He glanced at down at Anna, cleaning up the mess and muttered,
"Clumsy bitch."
She was glad for once to be ignored. As the Duke's guards resumed their place at the door, she made her way back to the kitchen. Fredrik must be warned. As soon as possible, she slipped out of the kitchen, and carefully so not to be seen, she made her way to Fredrik's room.
She knocked softly. Rolf opened the door, and pulled her quickly inside. After checking for observers, he shut the door.
Anna was surprised to find a number of other people there.
In addition to Rolf and the King, she recognized Friar John. There were two other men there, apparently some of Fredrik's own guardsmen. And then she saw Elise.
Elise was wearing a new dress, provided by Fredrik. The beautiful cross was around her neck. On the table lay a bouquet of wild flowers. She looked frightened.
Fredrik looked at Anna and smiled.
"Good. I was just sending Rolf to find you. We hope to have a more fitting ceremony soon, at Waterton, but this will have to do for now."
Elise hurried to Anna. She looked relieved to see her.
"Anna, I'm afraid. I'm glad you're here now."
Anna hugged the girl, and whispered,
"Don't be afraid. It will be alright."
But then she turned back to the King.
"Your Majesty, please; I overheard it in the hall from the Duke, himself. He means to keep you here as his prisoner."
Elise turned to Fredrik in surprise.
"Your Majesty?"
Fredrik walked to her and took her hand.
"I meant to tell you."
Elise tried to pull her hand away. But he would not let her.
"Who are you, really?" she asked.
"I..." he began, but couldn't finish.
Anna reached and placed her own hands on theirs. She looked into Elise's face and told her.
"He is Fredrik, King of Midmont."
And of course, One can still read from the beginning at "Schwan" in the sidebar.
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