Schwan (2 An Unpleasant Visit)

The Fuzz hopes someone might have enjoyed Chapter 1.

Well, here is some more.  The Fuzz hopes to get the whole story up here eventually.  He'll also add each chapter to the "Schwan" page, that can be found in the side bar.

Enjoy.

Schwan

2  An Unpleasant Visit

The official time of mourning for the King was passed.  One of the first things needing to be addressed was a request from the Duke of Morlana, for his son and heir, Rathard, to pay his respects to the new King.

In times past, Morlana had been the historical enemy of Midmont, and even now, there was a certain amount of rivalry.  Morlana had been the only force ever to lay siege to the castle at Waterton.  The siege had lasted for several months, but ultimately failed.  The castle on the lake had been resupplied by boat, at night.

And although the invaders had ravaged the countryside, they had never entered the city.  When they finally withdrew, the archers of Midmont, harassed them along the mountain pass, all the way to the border.  More men were lost in the retreat than during the entire siege.  The end was a stinging defeat for Morlana.

The Rangers of Midmont had been formed in response to this.  It was felt that the invasion could have been easily repulsed at the pass in the narrow gorge, if there had been an adequate warning.

But all this was history now.  Trade had been increasing between the countries.  The main road from Waterton led to the Morlanian border, and from there to the river port of St. Petersbridge.  There, the road crossed the river on the old Roman bridge, at the town beneath the Duke's Castle.

The only other road out of Midmont lead though a difficult pass, south into Solland, the Queen's homeland.  It was little more than a trail, suitable only for pack animals.  It was impassible in the winter.

And while Midmont was largely self sufficient, some contact with the outside world was necessary.

In short, good relations with Morlana were important.  This had been no doubt Fredrik's Father's object in considering a marriage between the two neighbors.

Fredrik, himself, loathed politics.  But now he would be forced to deal with these things.  He had met Rathard once.  He did not like him, and doubted that much had changed.  But in council, it was decided that the invitation should be extended.

✠

Duke Richard, of Morlana, was pleased to hear of his son's invitation to visit to Waterton.  The old King had been beyond his influence.  That was why he had been removed.  If a marriage could be arranged between Rathard, and Princess Lillian, the Duke would have a foothold in the Kingdom.  And what if the new King should have an accident in the future?  There were a lot of possibilities here, if Rathard would only play his part. 

Princess Lillian was not happy with the news.  She feared it was an attempt to arrange a marriage for her.  Fredrik, of course, denied it, but even Rolf was uneasy.  Fredrik was keeping his own council in this matter.

✠

Rathard, and his attendants were not impressed with their reception at Waterton.  The population was uninterested for the most part, and simply went about their affairs with an occasional curious glance.

As they were escorted across the drawbridge and into the main courtyard, the Castle Guard was turned out to salute them.  But they were not allowed to see any more of the castle's defenses than necessary.

Rathard took this as a slight.  And then, the Princess herself, was decidedly cool to him.  And while she was pretty enough, she seemed a bit rustic to Rathard.  He preferred the more sophisticated women who frequented his Father's court.

As a result of it all, it was pretty well established in Waterton; that Lord Rathard was an arrogant pig.  His hunting party trampled crops, and his distain for the villagers was manifest in multiple ways.  His men drank too much, and the local women had to stay out of reach to avoid being groped.

Everyone was glad when they left after a fortnight.  It had seemed like a month.  Fredrik more than anyone.  He publicly thanked the populace for their forbearance.

It had been quite a contrast to their own Royal Family who had never tried to put themselves above the common people.  King Fredrik's own grandmother had been a village girl from the western mountains.  And he had been close to her throughout his childhood.

And the House of Midmont had always enjoyed mingling with the people, incognito.  Many a man, or woman, had been suddenly surprised, to realize, that their drinking companion at an inn, was in fact a Prince... or even the King himself.

And so, if the other noble houses might regard Midmont with suspicion, there was no lack of good will among their own people.

✠

It was with little enthusiasm, that Fredrik received the invitation to visit the Duke of Morlana in return, at his castle at St. Petersbridge.

The Duke had not been happy with his son's visit to Midmont and King Fredrik.  He realized that the poor reception had been largely due to Rathard's own arrogance.  While it was true that Morlana was more wealthy and powerful than the Kingdom of Midmont, it was still also true that Morlana was only a Grand Duchy.

The Duke was not a king.  But his son could marry into a royal family.  Or he could have, if he had not been such a fool.  But then perhaps the young Fredrik could still be won over.

Now, as they sat at table, he watched Rathard and his two daughters.  There was no hope for for Rathard he concluded.  But the girls were another story.

Juliet, the eldest at 18, had blossomed into an attractive young lady; the kind that might tempt any man.  Her younger sister, Marianne, showed promise as well.  It was not unthinkable that Fredrik might be persuaded to marry one or the other.  

There was more a stake here than just a title.  Midmont controlled the southern pass into Solland.  At the present, this was little used, other than for some local trade.  The road was only suitable for pack animals in good weather.

But the Duke had with him, a man, recently come from Florence, familiar with the schools of engineering practiced in the south.  He had crossed through this pass on his way to the Duke's court.  He was of the opinion that the road though the gap could be improved.  And improved enough to carry wagons.

If this were done, this pass would be the shortest route from the south to the river traffic at St. Petersbridge.  And more trade would mean more tariffs.

It was rumored that King Fredrik was not an intelligent man.  In Paris, he had earned the reputation of a carouser.  And he was young.  If these reports were true, one or the other of the girls, may be able to draw the young King in.  And to control Fredrik; would be to control Midmont.

Lady Juliet was aware of her father's gaze, as the servant girl poured her wine.  It was not difficult to guess his mind.  Ever since her brother had returned from Waterton, the Duke had been dropping hints of his intentions.  Now she wondered what the young King was like.  Despite what she had heard, surely, he could be no worse than her own brother.

And what if he were?  Most men were pigs at best.  But they were also fools.  A woman could- if she understood these things- pull the strings from behind the scenes, and have her way in this world.

And she would have her way.  And if the Duke didn't like it?… Well, he was only a man as well.  To her own father, she was only a commodity, to be traded for his benefit.

Lady Juliet was suddenly aware that the servant girl was looking at her.  Their eyes met for one brief moment before the girl looked quickly away.

She had barely noticed this girl before, working in the kitchen.  Now she watched as the girl waited on Marianne, and then her Father.

The servant girl was about Juliet's own age, perhaps a year younger, if that.  And she might have been pretty if she were cleaned up.  But that was unlikely.  This girl did not normally wait on them.  She was nothing.

Yet Juliet could not shake the feeling that there was a connection between her thoughts of King Fredrik, and this girl, pouring the wine.  But that was an absurd thought.  She put it out of her mind.

✠

As Elise made her way back down to the kitchen, she was thinking of Lady Juliet.  The rumors were, that since Lord Rathard was not to wed the Princess of Midmont; Juliet would likely marry the King.  After all, wasn't it was only natural?

Elise had only wanted a closer look at this woman, who was destined to become the Queen of Midmont.  But then, just when she had dared to have that look, Juliet had suddenly turned on her.  It was if Lady Juliet had known her thoughts.  What had possessed her to do such a thing?

Elise went quickly back to her work.  After all, what did she have to do with the King and Queen of Midmont?  These things were not her concern.  She had acted like a fool.  It was always best, for a servant like herself, to remain unnoticed.

✠

But the Duke had made up his mind.  Since Fredrik had the reputation of a man who liked "good times";  The Duke would invite him to St. Petersbridge, and provide them.  Then it would be up to Juliet, as the bait, to pull him in.

     

More Looking Back (Trips)

When we left Our Over Confident Fuzz and His Sensible Sweetie, they were looking for a Hotel on their way to Oklahoma.

They found a pretty nice one.

After a good night's sleep- sans windstorm- they got back on the road.

It seemed that their timing for this part of the trip put them in the middle of tornado season or something.

Maybe it's always tornado season out there.

So...

They dropped the idea of the KOA campground and set up in another hotel.

This was becoming a trend!

Here they had an all too brief visit with family.

But they did get to enjoy some time at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.

They saw the bueatiful glass art of Dale Chihuly.

It would be hard to describe-

So here's a picture! 

Next it was back on the road to visit more family in Texas.

They spent a few days there near Huston and even made it to the zoo.

It was a nice visit.

But then it was back on the road again.

This time for Mammoth Cave National Park, in Kentucky.

They couldn't make that all in one shot, so there was another stop for lodging in Arkansas.

This was another nice quiet little place.

And the next day after just barely touching Missouri, the made it to the park.

That was a nice campground.

It was good to get back in the camping mode again after all those cities and hotels!

Lots of wildlife.

Being retired, The Fuzz and His Sweetie don't have to confine their trips to weekends.  And this was still early June, so kids would mostly still be in school.  So they had the place mostly to themselves.

Of course there were people going into the cave-

As did the Fuzz and His Sweetie.

The next stop was supposed to be in Tennessee, but that didn't really work out all that well.

Since that hadn't worked out, they went on to spend a couple of nights in the North Carolina Mountains at Cheoah Point Campground.

That was pretty nice also.

Amazingly, this is right next to the infamous-

Dragon's Tail motorcycle route.

But the Fuzz didn't have his bike, so he'll have to come again some time.

When The Fuzz stepped into the "facilities", he found this on the door.

Later he googled "Leina Kunst and found this.

Well, Art in a Toilet.

From there it was back to Their Home in the Woods!

That was quite an adventure.

But there were more ahead.

But we'll have to look into those at another time.

Mystery Pix Was-

Well The Fuzz realizes that with the revival of the Mystery Pix

there has to be a revival of

The Mystery Pix Revealed.

So here it is.

Amazingly, "Woodie" pretty much had it.

It started out as a Frost Encrusted Thistle.

Good Job

Schwan (1 A Death in the Family)

It has been a while, but The Fuzz has posted a few pages of fiction here in the past.

So-

Here we go again.

Nothing serious, just a bit of fun.

Hope this silliness is enjoyed.

Of course it will come in pieces as in the past.

So let's begin...

Schwan

© Littlebranch Pages

1 A Death in the Family

The moon cast angular patterns from the houses onto the narrow street.  A lone figure made it's way from shadow to shadow.  He was cloaked against the chill in the air.  Although summer was near, the alpine nights were still cold.  His hood was pulled close; he did not wish to be recognized by the watch.

It was after midnight and the windows over the street were dark.  The townsfolk were sleeping after the festivities of the day before.  It had been the Queen's Birthday.  Queen Adelehide was popular with the people of Midmont, and all had turned out to feast in her honor.

The figure followed the narrow street, to an even narrower ally, where another waited with a cart.

"Tell the Duke," he whispered softly;  "The deed is done."

With this, he hurried back into the darkness.

The other mounted the cart and turned toward the city gate.

The gate was not closed; but it seldom was in times of peace.  The two men at arms at the gate stopped the cart out of curiosity; for it was unusual for anyone to be leaving the city at this hour.

But the cart contained only some goods for market, and they were satisfied with the driver's explanation of "wanting an early start for a lengthily journey," and the cart disappeared into the night.

By morning the rumors had reached the town.  The King was gravely ill.  Messengers were sent to the Crown Prince Fredrik, who was with the Rangers, at the southern border.  He was to return to court at once.

As the day wore on, there was no improvement.  By midnight, the bell of the Castle Chapel, began to toll sadly.

In the King's chamber all was silent except for the sobs of the Queen.  She had thrown herself on the bed beside her dead husband.  Princess Lillian stood alone at the window, looking out over the lake glistening below in the the moonlight.  It surrounded the castle and town on three sides.

The King's Physician stepped from the room, leaving the bereaved wife and daughter alone.  He was joined by the Chaplain, who had administered Last Rites to the King.

"I  don't understand it," the doctor said to his friend.  "This was so sudden.  His Majesty's health has been excellent."  After a long pause he continued, "There was nothing I could do."

✠

At the sound of approaching hoofbeats, the watchmen at the gate stood in the opening, holding their spears at the ready.  Two riders rode up on the tough mountain ponies favored by the Rangers who patrolled the frontiers.  They could hear the bells of the chapel tolling slowly.

The watchmen challenged the riders.

The foremost rider threw back his hood, and the watchmen recognized Fredrik, the Crown Prince.  The watchmen snapped to attention, and presented arms.

"What news, Goodmen?"

"None good, your Highness; the King is dead."

Then the Watchman snapped to attention again, saying, "Long live the King!"

"Greet the Captain of the Guard for me," said the Prince returning their salute.

And then the two men rode on, slowly now, toward the castle gate.

Prince Fredrik entered the King's Chamber, nodded to his sister and then touched his mother, the Queen.  She sat up and clutched his hands.

"Why?" was all she said.

He had no answer.  As she turned back to her husband, Fredrik went to Lillian at the window and they embraced.

"You've been gone too long," she said.  It was almost an accusation.  Then her gaze turned to Rolf, standing at a respectful distance near the door.

"You too," she said.

Fredrik excused himself.

"I must speak with the physician."

He stepped out into the antechamber, where the Doctor was waiting.

"I don't understand it," the doctor told him.  "One moment he was fine.  The next, he was fighting for his life."

"No one else has been ill?"

"No one, Your Highness."

✠

It was some time later.  Prince Fredrik sat alone in the darkened chapel.  He had known this day would come.  But he had never expected it so soon.  In an instant the responsibility for the kingdom had fallen on him.

He was young.  He had been enjoying his freedom.  These last two years had been spent with the Rangers patrolling the borders, and guarding the mountain passes.

He had been nominally in command; but in reality, he was being trained by the Ranger Captain.  And he had learned well.  But there was still so much more to be learned.

And there had been his time at the great universities; Paris, and Köln.  There, he had developed a reputation as a poor student and a womanizer.  But that was mostly based on gossip, and the reputation didn't bother him.  Beneath it all was a serious side, that few, but his closest friends saw.  Friends like Rolf.

They had grown up together, along with his sister, Lillian.  Rolf's father had served for years as Captain of the Castle Guard.  Rolf had been his companion in all his foreign adventures.  And Rolf was the moderating influence that had kept him out of a lot of trouble.  Now Fredrik hoped this would not change anything.

But still, he knew; it would change everything.

He heard someone enter the Chapel.  

"Are you ready?"

He recognized the voice of Friar John, a monk from the nearby abby.  

"Of course not."

"Good.  At least you realize it."

Friar John had in recent years become close to the Prince as his spiritual adviser.  It was another side of Fredrik that was hidden from most.

"They told me you would be here, Your Majesty."

"Cut that out, John.  I'm still only me.  The same me."

"You wish that were so… You want it to be so.  But you know it can't be.  This is your place now, and you alone must fill it."

"I can't do this!"

"The Lord has put you here, and he has prepared you.  Do you think that He didn't see this coming?

"The official coronation is in two days.  But as of this moment, you are King…  You might wish to pray."

With this, Friar John left Fredrik alone in the Chapel.    

✠

With Fredrik gone, Rolf walked slowly to the Princess.  She took his hands in her own.

"I've missed you."

Rolf said nothing.  She could see he was struggling with his emotions.  He turned his head to look out the window. 

"The lake is beautiful this morning," he said.  He wanted to add, "And so are you," but didn't dare.  Finally he asked the question that tore at his heart.

"Had your father found you a husband yet?"

Something went out of her at his words.

As much as she loved her father, the late King had believed in politicly advantageous marriages.  Although he and her mother had truly loved each other, still, the Queen was the daughter of the Duke of Solland, Midmont's neighbor beyond the southern pass.

In the passed year the King had been in contact with other ruling families; both in regards for herself, and her brother.  But Fredrik was King now.  He would be free to choose his own bride.  But her fate was in his hands now.  She longed to ask Rolf what he knew.  He seemed too distant.  Was he hiding something?

✠

The day before his coronation, Fredrik began meeting with the King's Ministers, trying to acquaint himself with the affairs of state.  For now, he would make no changes.  There was little point in changing what appeared to be working.

He also needed to chose his advisers.  He was beginning to realize that not everyone could be trusted.  And the circumstances of his father's death still bothered him.

He would keep Rolf near.  He was one man he knew he could trust.  And Friar John could be relied on as well.  As for the others... time would tell.

Word came of condolences from the Duke of Morlana, ruler of the country to the North of Midmont.  Fredrik was surprised at how quickly word of the king's death had traveled.

From the Foreign Minister, he found that the King had been in contact with the Duke, and there had been discussions regarding marriage between either Fredrik or the Princess, and one of the Duke's children.  For his part, Fredrik was not of the opinion that his duty to Midmont went quite that far.

From the Steward of the Treasury, he learned that although the treasury was not extensive, it should be adequate for the present.

And there were more reports.  Reports on the state of the roads; the condition of the town walls; the militia; and so on.  The list seemed endless.

Fredrik was surprised to find that there was even a network of spies, although he didn't care much for Slythain, the man in charge of it.

✠

The official celebrations surrounding the coronation were subdued.  The King had been popular, and Fredrik, while well liked, had a questionable reputation.  And the people, although loyal, were not sure what to expect now, with him, on the Throne.

Looking Back Some More

The Fuzz has already reviewed some of the projects of last year.

Let's just say it was an unusually busy year for The Fuzz and His Sweetie.

Besides the projects, there was a bit of travel-

Quite a bit!

In April The Fuzz figured it had warmed up enough to get the old Motorcycle out for a bit of touring.
He spent some time out on the coast and then rode up into 

Virginia to visit his sister

.
He did have to deal with a bit of rain, but all in all it was a pretty good trip.

Then it was time for The Fuzz and His Sweetie to hit the road to visit family in Oklahoma & Texas.
But since they were going that far, they decided on a round-a-bout route so they could take in some of the sights along the way.
The first stop was Cheaha State Park in Alabama.

That was pretty nice, although the facilities could have used a bit of 

maintenance

.
Next- still in Alabama- they headed for the Gulf Coast and Gulf State Park.

It was quite a change from the mountains-

And a bit interesting!

Then they headed west toward the Luisiana 

Bayous

.

That was a bit of a "Washout".
With all the rain, the whole world was flooded down there.  Their 

scheduled

 camp site was a tiny pad of paving, surrounded by water.
They decided to pass on that one and- with a hotel stop- started north toward 

Arkansas

 and their next campground-
Lake Ouachita State Park.

That was a nice enough place.
The Fuzz and His Sweetie got settled in okay.

There was more rain in the forecast, but they are relatively 

experienced

 campers and were quite cozy for the 1st night.

The rain itself wasn't an issue.

But the wind turned out to be!
The campground was on a high ridge, and their tent was about ready to blow away.
The Fuzz was inclined to try and stick it out, but His Sweetie had a better assessment of the situation-
The worst was still on the way!
 So they broke camp during a lull and started toward Oklahoma City.

We'll continue this tale soon.

Mystery Pix Revived

Remember the Mystery Pix?

Well here  we go again!

Good Luck!

Looking Back

Perhaps it would be good to take a quick look back at 2015.

It certainly was a busy one for The Fuzz and His Sweetie.

For one thing, it was a year of Projects.

1st there was some electrical upgrading at the old place.

That took The Fuzz a few days, but it was worth it.

Then came the Kitchen Project.

That was a big one.

But it came out pretty well in the end.

Once the weather had warmed up came the Pond Project.

That was a big one too-

And spread out over most of the summer.

That one was followed by the Bathroom Project!

That was pretty involved as well.  It kinda grew as it progressed, but came out pretty well too.

With those projects out of the way, The Fuzz finally went to work on the Firewood.

Well, lets just say it was a busy year.

Let's face it-

Retirement ain't easy!

And all this went on amidst a busy travel schedule.

But we'll get into that later!

A New Year Is Here

So...

Boy, the years a flying by.  But The Fuzz remembers reading somewhere that-

"When you're over the hill, you pick up speed."

Well that seems to be true.  And The Fuzz speaks from experience in this case.

But be that as it may, it has been quite a year.

As The Fuzz looks back at the beginning of last year, he finds that it had a wet start as well...

And then turned rather cold.

Well perhaps the cold is on the way, but for now it feels a bit like spring.

The Daffidills are already up...

And working up some blooms!

Perhaps this is not so strange since we have had rather warm weather lately.

At our Christmas gathering, everyone hung out in the yard in T-shirts.

But what got The Fuzz, was when he was out in the yard today, he found...

Violets!

Yikes

Violets blooming on

New Years Day!

But they are calling for some cooler weather.  It is supposed to make it down to freezing tonight.

But of course it is January.

The Fuzz says-

"Let it come."