Of Kings and Pawns

Chapter 9 - Say Your Prayers

The flickering candlelight cast long shadows on the stone walls of Queen Aveline Frank’s study. She sat beside her young son, Henrique Frank, the heir to Verdon's Gorge, her hand gently resting on his as they poured over a large parchment adorned with sigils. His small fingers traced the intricate designs of the noble houses, while his wide eyes gleamed with curiosity.

"Now, Henrique," Aveline began softly, "tell me, what is the sigil of House Merrick?"

Henrique's brow furrowed as he concentrated. "A bald eagle spreading its wings," he answered with pride. "House words: Pride in Freedom."

Aveline smiled warmly, brushing a lock of dark hair away from her son’s forehead. "Very good, my son. And House Brighton?"

Henrique didn’t hesitate. "A brown lion on a field of orange and green. Words: Ever Bright."

Her smile grew wider, pride swelling in her chest. "And our house, House Frank?"

Henrique puffed out his little chest as he replied, "A golden Fleur-de-lis on a blue field. Words: Say Your Prayers."

Aveline chuckled at his enthusiasm and leaned forward. "Have you said your prayers today, my dear?"

Henrique nodded eagerly. "Yes, Mother. I prayed to the gods to let me grow up quickly, so I can ride to battle with Father."

The words, innocent as they were, sent a chill down Aveline’s spine. The Great Council was due in a few days, and war was already looming. The thought of her little boy, her only son, marching into battle alongside his father filled her with dread. She hid her unease behind a gentle smile.

"That day will come soon enough, my love," she whispered, though she hoped it never would.

Just as she was about to continue their lesson, a flutter of wings broke the quiet of the room. A raven landed on the windowsill, its black eyes gleaming in the candlelight. Aveline’s heart skipped a beat as she rose to retrieve the message it carried. She hoped for good news... news of peace, perhaps, or at least a delay in the rising tensions across the realm.

But as her eyes scanned the contents of the letter, her heart sank. She frowned deeply.

Then, from afar, a faint sound echoed in the distance, barely audible at first, but unmistakable. The bells. Aveline stiffened, turning her head toward the open window. The sound was coming from the mountains. The bells were ringing.

House Bern has mobilized.

Without another word, Aveline stood, her face pale, her mind racing.  She turned toward the door, ignoring the concerned calls of her maids who asked if she was ready for lunch, or the stewards inquiring if she needed more pillows. She dismissed them all with a wave of her hand, striding quickly through the cavernous halls of Verdon’s Gorge, her footsteps echoing off the stone floor.

She needed to find Charles.

Aveline burst into the war room where her husband, King Charles Frank, sat surrounded by his bannermen. Their faces were drawn, and maps and parchments littered the long table before them.

"House Bern has mobilized," Aveline announced breathlessly, her voice carrying the weight of the moment.

The room fell into stunned silence. The bannermen exchanged nervous glances, some immediately turning their attention to the maps of the region surrounding the Alps. Charles leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable, but his eyes darkened with worry.

"Are you certain?" one of the bannermen asked cautiously.

Aveline nodded, stepping closer to the table. "I just received a raven from Tulip Hall. Lord Flann and Lord Valon have already expressed their grievances to Lord Jan Hollander. Charles’ vassals have been fortifying the border between Frank and Eigermann, and now they've begun fortifying the borders near Valon lands. If Eigermann attacks, Hollander, Flann, and Valon will be trapped on one side."

She turned to her husband, her voice sharper now. "You’ve invited numerous bannermen to Verdon’s Gorge, Charles. You’ve practically given away our strategy to march through Bern lands and surprise Eigermann. Now, the other lords of the lowlands are panicking, thinking you mean to abandon them if Eigermann invades."

Charles stood slowly, his face set with calm authority. "Bern is likely just testing their defenses," he said evenly, trying to reassure her. "The ringing of the bells doesn’t mean they’re preparing to march. As for our strategy... everything is still going according to plan."

Aveline shook her head, frustrated. "The other lords think we’re abandoning them! And you're giving them reason to believe it by continuing to fortify the borders. If we’re not careful, we’ll have no allies left by the time the fighting starts."

Charles raised a hand, gesturing for his bannermen to leave. They rose silently, bowing respectfully before filing out of the room, leaving husband and wife alone.

Once the door closed, Aveline stepped closer to Charles, her voice softer but laced with tension. "You know what you have to do, Charles. You can strike now. Frank and Brighton could move on the central kingdoms before Otto has a chance to rise."

Charles feigned ignorance, turning away from her. "What are you talking about?"

Aveline sighed, crossing her arms. "Don’t pretend, Charles. You know exactly what I’m talking about. Otto is gaining support... King Vittor, Maygard, possibly even Osteryk. This alliance is forming, and it will only get stronger. You could crush them now, before they have a chance to rally."

Charles rubbed his temples, clearly frustrated. "Aveline, Otto will not win. His ambitions are doomed to fail. The Grand Council is days away. We can’t risk a preemptive strike, not now. It would cost us more than you realize."

She shook her head, disbelief clear on her face. "You’re not listening to me. Vittor already backs Otto. Maygard is on his side, and if Osteryk joins them, the central kingdoms will be united under Eigermann before we can make our move. Don't you understand how dire our situation is? House Rus is marching south to meet Otto, and will trample over Varislow. You pledged to defend House Varsaw! You will be at war with Rus before you could even face Eigermann!"

Charles turned to face her, his expression stern. "We can’t attack now, Aveline. If we do, we risk splitting our forces. Let the council decide. Otto’s support is not as strong as you think. We have time."

Aveline’s shoulders sagged, frustration boiling inside her. She wanted to believe him, but doubt gnawed at her heart. "I don’t believe you," she said quietly. "I don’t believe Otto will fall as easily as you think. But I will say my prayers... that the gods prove me wrong."

She turned to leave, but paused at the door, her voice barely a whisper. "Say your prayers, Charles. We’ll need more than strength and strategy to survive what’s coming."

As Aveline exited the war room, the faint sound of bells continued to ring from the distant mountains, a haunting reminder that the winds of war were already blowing, and the storm that followed would be unlike anything they had ever seen.