Rain had departed the previous night, leaving a chilly morning for late spring. My second daughter, Stella, and her riding party were able to gain entrance to Lord Gemini’s castle. Its public halls were sparse and cold. With her aids waiting in attendance at the far entrance, Stella stood near the center of the great hall and stared at the painting that covered the wall. It was a portrait of Gemini himself, dressed in splendid venetian armor, helmetless, his hands resting on a drawn sword. He stood on a battlefield, with a multitude of soiled and bloodied bodies laying on the ground. His foot rested upon a dead warrior, half covered with a soiled white banner of the Imperium flower. Gemini’s own banner draped behind him, a green field with the same flower.

“Impressive, is it not?”

Stella turned to see an awed young man.

“It is presumptuous, I would think,” she said.

“There is nothing presumptuous about it,” he said. “We are stronger and than they are, and we have more allies. Soon we will own their lands and their people. Why, already, mercenaries have—”

“That’s enough, Lord Robert,” Lord Gemini strode into the hall with his entourage and Queen Lolita. “We are not about gloating. Well, not entirely, anyway.” He walked up to Stella. “Your father should join me.”

Stella stood silent.

“Indeed,” Gemini continued. “Wear my crest, and I will grant him anything asks.”

“What do you have that he would want?”

“Power, and an opportunity to serve on my council. I would make him a lord.”
Her voice caught up with her incredulity. “You’re shallow to think, Sir, that anyone can be persuaded by the frivolous.”

“You’d be surprised,” Gemini said pointing to Lord Robert. “how little it takes.”

Lord Robert straightened and smiled.

“This world is only ever about two things,” Gemini continued. “War and coin. I offer both.”

Stella looked at his entourage. They were young men and women, and she recognized only one. Lolita. The thought registered with her, but she looked back at Gemini and said, “Lady Jerrica has broadened this world with culture and art. She has been able to instill a greater peace.”

“As do I. Serve under me, and you’ll have wealth and my protection.”

“And if we do not?”

“You are on your own.” Gemini turned and walked toward the painting.

Stella pointed to the wall. “And that is your dream?”

“It is a forgone conclusion.” Gemini said, his back to her, “Jerrica’s Imperium is corrupt and weak, and Meataxe and his Legionnaires are fat and lazy. We are the Royal Imperium, and we will bring in the new age.”

His entourage applauded him and laughed.

“You are bringing in revenge, Lord Gemini,” Stella said, “for your expulsion from the Imperium.”

“Wrongful expulsion.”

“For criminal and personal behavior.”

“Lies.”

“You crossed the line, and they voted to banish you—”

“And they will pay!” Gemini reared, “I did nothing wrong.”

Stella met his glare. “You were expelled from the Green Fighters. The Imperium took you in, befriended you.”

“Ancient history. Besides, they were never my friends. They are no one’s friend.” Gemini snapped, then dropped the anger from his face and beckoned to Lolita. “Why, look what they’ve done to my queen.”

“Queen Lolita?” Stella repeated.

“They took this beautiful, charming woman, and tossed her out like a broken eggshell. They could care less for their own, so I took her in, the poor girl.”

Lolita smiled for a moment, “I hold no grudges toward them,” she said, embarrassed for the attention. She laughed briefly, then left her lips in a slight pout.

“There it is, bring this to your father’s attention,” he said, letting go of Lolita and leaning closer to Stella. “I will win. I am the best man at this game of war.”

Stella thought for a moment, then bit her tongue, “I will take my leave, then.”

“Do that,” Gemini waved to his entourage. “Mind you, the roads are treacherous. I cannot be held accountable.”

The man and his followers walked off. Lord Robert stayed behind for a moment, bouncing on his toes. “We’ll win, you know. We will taste the glory,” he gloated.

Stella took measure of Robert. He had a lean frame and curly blond hair. His cheeks looked soft, for they had not yet shed their baby fat. He wore his sword, at his side. It’s hilt gleamed from polish “Indeed, you may,” Stella said. “Glory is sweet, but you’d be surprised how empty your belly will feel. Gemini’s reach may be a mile wide, but it is only an inch deep.”

Robert sneered, “We have allies, other clans to fight for us.”

Stella looked puzzled then shook her head, “True allies fight battles with you, side by side, united by cause.”

“They fight for Lord Gemini,” Robert said again.

She eyed the painting once more. “There is your leader’s vision before you. Standing alone in all his glory.” She turned to Robert before leaving. “When, do you suppose, will he paint yours?”

–

I could not sleep tonight. The moon was bright and a small wind blew through my lands. So I put on some walking clothes and a cloak for warmth and slipped out quietly to wander the Steward Estate where I lived. Trace trotted just ahead of me as we walked underneath the open, starry sky. Despite her age, her curiosity has never waned, as she inspects the wild patches of tall grass with her mindful, shepherd’s nose. We wandered the night together, following the paths I’ve known well as a boy, through the familiar rolling fields. Much was on my mind, for I had just returned from the private wedding of an old friend. Widowed at a young age, she has found love with a kind and handsome warrior, a knight that serves her kingdom. I had a rare honor to join their close friends and witness their union within the intimate garden of her southern country estate.

Lady Liren had seen to the preparations. Lit by esconces, she had little time to prepare, since the Royal Imperium had threatened to disrupt the royal wedding between Sir Kahn and Lady Jerrica, and they decided to do away with the public ceremony for now.

As Judgment officiated the ceremony, the two exchanged vows and rings.

Lady Glendora stood beside me. “What are you thinking about, old man?”

“My own wedding,” I said.

She nodded, “She was a lucky woman.”

“She was, indeed.” I flashed a smile and we both chortled, as cries of “Huzzah!” burst around us.

That night was a respite from the anxiety that blanketed my lands. Mercenaries continued to harass our borders. The Mare & Thistle is full of stories of fierce fighting in the mountains to the west where King Minos and the Mountain Armies wage war with the nomadic Everchosen. Delfia has become quiet since her encounter with Renata, We await Stella’s return from across the Great Sea, where she sought a meeting with Lord Gemini.

I walked to a willow tree, where Mairtha, our matron of ceremonies had prepared a dining table for two. A tradition of ours as a gesture for the newlyweds. She had covered the top with fine linen and placed two plates for prosperity, forks and knives for tools and knowledge and two cups for the thirst for passion. I sat down in one of the chairs. A table had be set for me, once. The days were simpler then. Friends were closer, and we shared similar dreams of growing a fine community. Despite the wars, we prospered and celebrated. I wondered if the world around me had changed, or if it was only the mind of an aging steward.

Trace sniffed her way back to me. She sat and looked up with a smile on her face. I leaned over to pet her head and scratch her snout. “Not much can stop you from smiling,” I said to her. She licked my hand, prompting for another scratch, then she turned her head and cocked her ears.

Her expression changed, and the fur on her back stiffened. She laid low to the ground and let a low, steady growl.

I looked up from the table to see three dark figures approaching before me, their swords drawn.

“Your walls are not well guarded, Steward,” One man said. He was taller than the others and appeared to be the leader.

“Who are you?” I demanded.

They slowly spread out around the table.

The moon shone on the man’s face that peeked from under his hood. It was gray with malicious intent. He spit and smiled. “Lord Gemini sends his compliments.”

© 2010 Robert Ferrer. All rights reserved.