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Empire of Night Ch28
Elliza guided Alex, swaddled in his warm cloak, out through the chill early evening air to the stables. Lisril and Elliza’s guards close behind. She was nervous; taking him from the castle seemed a risk, but it would serve as a show of strength if nothing else.
“Alex,” she said as they entered the stables. “We know we were planning on something more intimate. But parliament has been hounding Us for access, and We’ve invited one or two of the more senior ladies to accompany us.”
He smiled, though he didn’t seem particularly happy. “I see,” he said, “well, you have your work to do.”
She smiled. “Thank you for understanding. We promise we’ll find another opportunity.”
He kissed her cheek, and she turned from him and nodded to the stablemaster, who was guiding her stallion and a mild little gelding for Alex, already saddled and ready to ride.”
The woman bowed. “As ordered, Magnificence.”
Elliza nodded. “Thank you, madam, well done.”
The woman bowed, and when she raised her head, her eyes widened, and she reached out with one hand. “M’lord!”
Elliza followed the woman’s gaze and found Alex standing next to the Stallion, which tossed its head, snorting and eyeing him.
“Careful,” Elliza said, “that beast isn’t gelded.”
Alex reached up, stroking the animal’s dappled blue and purple fur. “Now,” he murmured, “you’re not afraid of a little guy like me.”
Alex continued, soothing and stroking the animal from his place beside its foreleg, and gradually the beast calmed, growing accustomed to his presence.
The stablemaster pursed her lips. “You’ve experience?”
“Well,” he patted the horse’s flank, “I learned a thing or two up in the Rockies and on the Martain Steppes.”
He hooked his foot in the stirrup and leapt up onto the stallion’s back. The stablemaster looked aghast, but the audacity of it drew a laugh from Elliza. It shouldn’t have surprised her; he was an exceptionally audacious man.
She shook her head and mounted up on the gelding. “Leave him be; if he thinks he can handle it, let’s see how he does.”
She walked her horse out of the stable, Alex following after, and with them clear, Lisirl went to fetch her horse.
“Magnificence!” Elliza looked up and found Iiandere striding across the courtyard. “You’re going out again?”
She looked cooly down at the woman. “We must project strength, inquisitor.”
The woman sighed and shook her head. “I suppose you must.”
Elliza nodded, examining the woman. “Inquisitor,” she said, “what happened to your eye?”
Iiandere’s hand came up, gingerly touching her black and swollen eye. “I stumbled into a doorframe, Magnificence.”
Elliza pursed her lips and glanced at Lisril, now returning mounted on her own horse, her lip swollen and scabbed over. She hadn’t asked, but now…. “And you, how did you hurt your lip?”
Lisril looked at her, impassive. “That doorframe is a menace, magnificence.”
Elliza frowned. “Is that so? We shall have to launch an inquiry into this rogue door. Can’t have Our ladies being accosted.”
“I’ll investigate if I can find the time,” Iiandere said.
“See to it,” Elliza said. It was obvious what had happened. But if they didn’t want to talk about it, she’d leave it be.
“Magnificence, I worry for your man’s safety.”
Elliza examined the woman for a moment. “You’re welcome to ride with us if you have the time.”
“Unfortunately, magnificence,” Iiandere said, “I must return to my investigation.”
Elliza nodded, “then We shan’t delay you.”
A guard trotted up to her horse. “Your guests have arrived, magnificence.”
She nodded. “We shall meet them at the gate; ask them to await us.”
The woman bowed, and Elliza turned to Alex. “Shall we?”
He smiled, and the three of them walked their horses to the gate. Awaiting them was a pair of matronly old women. “Lady Schintel, lady Geschtal. Allow Us the pleasure of introducing Alexander Hagan.”
The women bowed their heads respectfully, each offering a muttered, “milord.”
He smiled at them and nodded. “It’s nice to meet you.”
Pleasantries out of the way, the ladies turned to her as though he was forgotten.
“Magnificence,” Lady Schintel said, “we have grave concerns-”
Elliza turned to Alex. “Are you ready to go?”
“Of course!” he said, “let’s go!”
She urged her horse into a trot and happily ignored the parliamentarians trailing after her.
She rode, flanked by Alex and Lisril, followed by the ladies and her guards.
“Your magnificence,” Alex said slowly and jerked his head to the trailing ladies.
“Leave it; there will be time for business.”
They rode on through the streets, and women all about stopped to stare. The procession, she was sure, drew attention all on its own, but if she was honest….
She glanced at Alex, riding atop that magnificent stallion, the evening breeze tugging at hair shot through with starlight, and had no doubt as to the true subject of the pedestrian’s fascination.
She smiled; good, why shouldn’t he inspire fascination? After all, he was her man.
He looked around at the snowy streets. “It’s a shame,” he said, “I wish I could see the city bustling with life. I’m sorry I brought all this disruption with me.”
“You didn’t bring anything,” Elliza said. “You were the victim of a senseless and vicious attack. Never think otherwise.”
A smile crinkled his twinkling eyes, and he reached out, offering his hand.
They clasped hands briefly and returned to the reigns. They rode through the city and out into the countryside. If things had gone to plan, they would have spent the evening in the woods, riding amongst the trees, now that parliament had intruded upon her private moments, who knew?
On the other hand, perhaps she had been neglecting her duties somewhat. Parliament wasn’t meeting because they were under martial law. But that didn’t mean her ladies had no right of access.
They left the city streets and rode into the foothills, well-groomed trees growing thicker with each passing mile. Here and there, women worked the trees, coppicing some, gathering wood from others, clearing brush. Others felling trees previously ringed for firewood.
Elliza eased her horse to a stop and raised a hand, waiving one of the women down. She approached slowly, reading the heraldry on her breast, and fell to her knees in the snow.
“Magnificence,” the woman said, “we weren’t expecting you, to what do we owe-”
“Enough,” Elliza said, “and stand up; We are not here for pleasantries, not from you, anyway. We were merely passing this way by happenstance. Have you encountered any difficulty? Any problems We can ease?”
The woman stood, face assuming a frown of concentration. “No particular problems, Magnificence, other than the cold. No bandits or highwaymen this close to the capital. Though, we heard a pack of wolves some hours past. Seen neither hide nor hair, but if her Magnificence wished to dispatch a hunting party….”
“It will be so,” Elliza said, “and see to it you ladies report such things before they become a problem. Especially in winter, we can’t have wild animals disrupting our supply of wood.”
“Yes, Magnificence.” The woman bowed, and their group continued on its way.
“Fascinating,” Alex said as they rode away.
“What?” Elliza asked. “It’s just a bit of forestry.”
“Things are done differently on Earth,” Lisril said.
Alex nodded. “But it used to be like this,” he said, “I feel like I’m visiting a slice of humanity’s past, frozen in amber. It’ll almost be a shame to make these folkways obsolete.”
“Obsolete?” lady Geschtal scoffed, “what nonsense.”
“Oh?” Alex asked. “I assure you, industrial forestry will kill these methods in a generation.”
Lady Schintel laughed. “Magnificence, are you going to take a man’s opinion of industry?”
Elliza’s hands tightened around her reigns. Alex knew what he was speaking to; the only one present—perhaps Lisril excepted—with first-hand knowledge. But she wouldn’t convince these two.
She turned to look at Alex; if he was offended, if he so much as frowned, she would have cause to rise to his defense. But he showed no dissatisfaction, so she let it pass.
“Times are changing, milady,” she said, “who can say what the Lady has planned?”
Elliza turned to the woman and watched her hands tighten on the reigns. Clearly, she had no counter to offer but was displeased at not being allowed to dismiss Alex out of hand.
Elliza struggled to understand such bloodymindedness. The masculine sex was prone to flight of fancy, it was true, but Alex had proven nothing but reliable, and these women would see it if they would only open their eyes.
They rode on, over hill and dale and to a small valley, a brook running through its center, and cleared of trees. She had intended that they would ride here and spend some time amongst the stumps and debris, giving their horses some exercise. But so went the best-laid plans of the great and wise.
Alex, for his part, saw the opportunity and urged his mount to a gallop, darting amongst the stumps and leaping the brook. She watched him and was impressed with his acuity in the saddle. She would have liked to join him, but the sound of hooves in the snow kept her in place.
“Magnificence,” lady Geschtal said, “we must speak with you.”
“Yes.” Elliza stroked her gelding’s neck as they drew their horses up beside her. “I suppose you must. How may We assist you?”
The women glanced past her, each meeting the other's eyes. “Magnificence,” lady Schintel said, “we are gravely concerned over the suspension of Parlament.”
“Are you?” Elliza asked.
“Yes.” Lady Geschtal nodded vigorously. “Respectfully, it was a mistake to-”
“Your most respectful objection is noted,” Elliza said, “but this act is well within my purview, all considered. Have you anything else?”
There was a moment of silence, then lady Schintel cleared her throat. “Magnificence, please, be reasonable. In times such as these, the people need steady leadership; surely it would be best they see parliament and the crown working hand in hand.”
Elliza slowly twisted the reigns in her hands. Did this fool woman really think so obvious a ploy would convince her to undercut her own decision and authority? “Milady,” she said at last, “are you truly intent upon continuing to challenge my imperial privilege here, in front of witnesses?”
She did her best to convey her warning in tone as much as word. But she could already see the retort welling up in the older woman’s eyes.
“Magnificence,” she said, “we are merely concerned that you would be better served with your loyal servants free to advise your rule.”
“Very well,” Elliza said, nodding, “we shall allow heaven to decide.”
The woman’s mouth fell open. “A duel?”
“It seems to Us the most appropriate cure for this controversy."
“Magnificence!” lady Geschtal cried, “you’ve no heir!”
“She’s right,” Lisril said, speaking up for the first time, “it would be most ill-advised for you to step on the dueling field until you have produced a daughter to succeed you.”
“Yes,” lady Schintel said, “please, Magnificence, listen to your friend she-”
“Happily,” Lisril continued, “I can offer my body in her Magnificence’s stead.”
Elliza bowed her head. “Your offer is most gracious, milady, and happily accepted.”
The older women shifted in their saddles. Lisril had a fearsome reputation. “Well?” Elliza asked, “what say you?”
“Magnificence.” Lady Schintel held up her hands as though to ward her challenge off. “Is this necessary?”
“Then you refuse?” Elliza asked, “before witnesses? Knowing the penalty for wrongfully challenging imperial privilege?”
The woman’s jaw tightened, and she straightened her back. “Very well, what weapons will we employ?”
“The saber,” Elliza said, “tomorrow evening, you may choose the venue, ensure your witnesses are ready to observe the bout.”
“Then I shall send a courier bearing the details.”
The women turned and rode back the way they had come. “Do you think she will stand in defense of her own honor?” Elliza asked, watching them go.
“That old crone?” Lisril scoffed, “of course not, she’ll send a daughter, of perhaps granddaughter. It won’t matter, regardless.”
“Lisril,” she said, “please, be cautious.”
“Thank you,” Lisril chuckled, “for your concern, but I don’t need to be reminded.”
“Good,” Elliza said, “maybe with you fighting, the empire doesn’t hang in the balance, but I would hate to cause Alex to lose his wife.”
Lisril smiled, “he won’t.”
“Where did your friends go?” Alex returned then, his mount panting but still looking eager. He glanced between them, a frown creasing his brow. “What’s wrong? What happened?”
“Nothing,” Lisril said, “your wife simply as a duel tomorrow.”
His eyes widened. “Lisril!” he cried, “you just recovered from a broken rib!”
“Fully recovered,” she said brightly, “thank you for asking.”
“Lisril… is this really necessary?”
“I’m afraid so,” she dismounted and spread her arms to him, “Eli needs a champion; she’s not in a position to fight for herself.”
He joined her, took her hands. “Let me fight.”
Elliza shook her head. “You can’t be serious.”
“He very much is.” Lisril drew his fingers to her lips. “And I’ve no doubt he would be victorious, in an even fight. But Alex, even if you could stand as Champion, and legally, you can’t, I volunteered and did so before witnesses. I can’t change my mind now.”
He swallowed, and Lisril drew him tight to her. “I know you’re worried, but I promise you, I’ll be fine. I’ve never been defeated, and I never will be.”
He threw his arms around her neck. “I love you.”
“Now come on, with those two out of the way, we can do the riding we set out to do today. I was looking forward to sharing the experience with you.”
Alex grinned, and the sudden change of disposition was almost startling. “Then let’s ride!” He mounted up and cast his sunny smile at Elliza. “That was a whole lot of drama; let’s have some fun!”
He urged his horse into motion, and as he rode off, Lisril placed her hand on Elliza’s bicep.
“He conceals his pain,” she said, “he smiles because it makes us happy.”
Elliza ruminated on that for a moment. “What would make him happy?”
“To fight this battle and be sure neither of use is imperiled.”
“He really meant it….”
“He did,” Lisril said, “and as I said, he would be victorious; his- improvements put him beyond normal women.”
“Lisril, I know I said we should fight together. But how do you make allowance for such a valorous man?”
Lisril shook her head. “I don’t know. Perhaps I’m the wrong woman to ask.”
“Hey!” Elliza looked up from their conversation and found him across the creek, looking back at them. “Are we going to ride or not?”
