The Ciphers of Muirwood (Covenant of Muirwood #2)(21)
“That is treasonous language,” Forshee said with a growl of anger. “The queen, Lady Deorwynn, is in excellent health and awaits the birth of her baby. There was no queen here at Muirwood.”
“The ruling from the High Seer was quite clear. The king’s marriage to Lady Deorwynn is unlawful.”
Maia looked at her grandmother, whose eyes had narrowed as she listened to the argument in the other room. The Aldermaston’s voice was perfectly calm and controlled when he spoke next. “Regardless of your politics, it is my feeling that Queen Catrin was murdered. An inquest should be started to determine the facts of the case.”
“Whoever murdered the old waif did the king a service,” Forshee replied dispassionately. “Are you suggesting the king ordered it?”
Maia’s blood raged in her veins and she stiffened. Sensing her discomfort, Sabine put a hand on her arm.
“I did not suggest who the killer might have been or what could have motivated them to act,” the Aldermaston said. “My only suggestion was to start an inquest. I assumed that was why you had brought the sheriff.”
“You assumed incorrectly, Richard. I tell you, the king and his queen rejoiced when your letter arrived. I believe he called for a special dance to mark the occasion. Now that she is dead, there can be no more objections to Lady Deorwynn’s queenship and the legitimacy of her heirs. Let me speak plainly, man. I am here on a charge from the king. He commands that the construction of Muirwood commence immediately. I have learned from the dear sheriff, who has discreetly observed the work being done, that the structure is practically finished already. The king and queen intend to celebrate Whitsunday at Muirwood—the most ancient abbey of any realm—and you are to prepare for their arrival a fortnight prior to the celebration. The entire king’s court will descend on the abbey, and a tournament will be held. At that occasion, Richard, you will be removed from your office and a new Aldermaston will rule.”
A stunned silence descended after that statement. Maia saw Sabine flinch, her eyes widening with concern. “He cannot do that,” she whispered faintly.
“Speechless. At last!” Forshee sneered. “You will prepare your servants for the arrival of their new master. The king has already made his choice. Aldermaston Kranmir from Augustin. He is, as you know, Lady Deorwynn’s uncle. The Crown will be seizing all abbey lands, all wealth appertaining, and revoking the rights of sanctuary. So you see, my young boy, your residence will shortly be moved to Pent Tower, where you will join your lord father and your brothers. And if you do not swear your loyalty to the Act of Submission, you will be executed as a traitor to the realm.” This last ended as a growl. “The sheriff of Mendenhall will be staying here until Whitsunday to oversee the final construction of the abbey and to ensure a smooth transition to the new Aldermaston. It will be an impressive ceremony, I assure you. The king’s lawyers are writing the procedure as we speak. The king will be the one to invest the Aldermaston with the stole of office.”
There was another period of silence. “That sounds very interesting,” the Aldermaston said. “I wonder what the High Seer will do when she learns of it?”
“The king does not care a shriveled fig what she thinks,” Forshee snarled. “He will not allow Pry-Ree to countermand his authority. Our kingdoms have been at peace for many centuries now. If she interferes, you can expect it to awaken the ancient enmity between our kingdoms. I would relish that. Do tell her, Richard. I know you will.”
“Thank you for your visit, my lord earl of Forshee. And welcome to Muirwood, Sheriff. It seems we will be seeing more of you. I shall have guest quarters arranged for you on the grounds, if that would be to your liking, or do you plan to stay at one of the marvelous inns in the village?”
“I will be staying on the grounds the entire time,” said the sheriff flatly.
“Very well. You are most welcome. Is that all, my lord earl?”
Forshee’s voice was low and cruel. “Does nothing provoke you, Richard?”
“Will that be all?” the Aldermaston repeated gently.
Forshee muttered under his breath. “Well, lad, enjoy your misty months at Muirwood. My next errand from the king will not be to your liking. I am summoned to Pent Tower to give your father one last chance to sign the Act of Submission. The headsman is sharpening his axe every day, but I may be inclined to recommend he keep it dull for this one. Good day.”
When the guests had departed, the Aldermaston gathered his counselors together in his private chambers. They were the same people as before, except Dodd was included instead of Suzenne. He paced nervously as the others took seats around the table, and Maia felt rage in her heart for the injustice being shown to him. She had finally found a place of sanctuary, and her father and Lady Deorwynn were already undermining it.
Jon Tayt’s eyes burned with suppressed anger as the news was quickly shared. “I was sorely tempted to loosen one of the shoes of the earl’s stallion before he left. Or slit part of the saddle strap. And that was before I knew any of this.”
“There is no need for that,” Sabine said, her brow furrowed. She sighed. “I am grateful the Medium led me to Muirwood before he arrived. There are only a few months until Whitsunday, and the king has left his spy in our midst.”
“I will ride out tonight,” Dodd said angrily, still pacing. “While that . . . abominable man is riding for Comoros, I can rally my father’s retainers and all those loyal to my Family and summon an army—”