A Roll of the Die - 1. Inception
Copyright© 2026 by Michael Loucks
Chapter 60: Day 78
Both Matthias and Katrina had enjoyed their night together, and in the morning, Katrina made breakfast for the two of them. Once they'd eaten, Matthias needed to depart, so Katrina hugged Matthias tightly and kissed him.
"I hope to see you again," she said. "You're welcome to visit any time."
"I enjoyed last night, both when we were talking and when we were not talking."
Katrina smiled. "Me, too."
Matthias kissed her, then took his leave. He made his way to the Inn to meet the Company, while Katrina walked to the bakery to begin her workday.
"Rose was positively green with envy when you left with Katrina," Tyra said with a smirk. "Her rose is certainly ripe to be plucked."
"Or a word that rhymes with it!" Lisette added mirthfully.
"What word is that?" Tyra inquired.
Matthias answered and explained what the word meant in his OP, how it was used, and the circumstances that had caused him to utter it in Lisette's presence.
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"I honestly do not see a solution," Prince Robert said to Princess Miri as they ate breakfast in their private chamber.
"There is one possible way forward from my OP — rather than have the religious leader place the crown on your head, crown yourself."
Robert shook his head. "If you think the unrest is bad now, it will be many times worse if I were to attempt to do that."
Miri considered for a moment and concluded the Prince's assessment was very likely accurate.
"What if the Knight-Commander crowned the King?" Miri proposed. "That was the ancient tradition before the duty was usurped by the High Priest two hundred years ago, when the Knight-Commander had killed the Crown Prince during a jousting competition, and was enshrined in law by the Peace of King Henry."
"That might work, assuming the Knight-Commander is willing and has the support of the other Knights."
"You are a Knight, so it makes sense for the Knights to reclaim their traditional rights. You will be the first Knight enthroned since the time the High Priest usurped the Knight-Commander's authority."
"That is because a Crown Prince was forbidden from being named a Knight after that calamity," Robert replied. "I was allowed the honor and title because I was third in line after my cousin and father, and would have been further down the order had Alfred sired a son."
"Then, when the time comes, you'll speak with the Knight-Commander," Miri said firmly. "There are no concerns about a possible child by King Ludwig, given I ensured silphium was introduced to the Queen's wine the day before her cycle was to begin."
"You are quite the crafty one, Princess! Leaving no stone unturned! Now, I must join a patrol."
"And I need to get to my laboratory."
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The Company, their prisoner, and Priscilla's family arrived in Haven just before dusk. Milos and Karla escorted Anthony to the Bailiff, where they handed him over. They returned to join the rest of the extended group at the Silver Serpent Inn, where the Company would stay; Priscilla's family ate with them, but would stay at the Crooked Crown Inn.
When they finished their meal, the Company dispersed — Tristan to see Jillian; Milos and Karla to the Frosty Flagon, a tavern frequented by Knights; and Tyra to visit her cousin, the Princess. Matthias and Lisette chose to stay at the Silver Serpent, and Matthias ordered ale. A moment later, Rose came over to them.
"May I sit, my Lord?" she asked.
"You may," he replied with a smile.
"I see a handsome soldier who is obviously looking for company," Lisette declared, rising from her seat on Matthias' other side.
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At the Frosty Flagon, Milos found four Knights sitting together in a corner of the tavern and was invited to join them. Karla chose to sit with a group of young women, all of whom were obvious in their desire to become a Lady to one of the handsome young Knights of the Realm who frequented the tavern.
After some pleasantries, Milos began his part of the detailed plan the Company had devised on their journey from Wickham. They had altered somewhat from their original plan, and Milos believed the revised plan would better serve their ends.
"On a mission for King Edward, my Lord's Company rooted out a nest of spies, killing two and capturing one."
"Spies? From where?" Sir Gerald inquired, obviously concerned.
"Dania. We also arrested a woman whom we initially thought was a collaborator. We turned her over to King Edward, but almost immediately discovered a Royal Warrant, with the King's signature and seal, authorizing what she was doing."
"I don't understand," Sir Gerald said. "Why would the King order coöperation with Danian spies?"
"We don't know, but we informed the King we had found the Warrant. For reasons we do not understand, he held a summary trial and had her hanged."
"He hanged one of his own agents?!" Sir Uther asked in shock.
"Yes," Milos replied. "Her family is here to demand answers, and her friends are on their way to seek justice."
"Do you have possession of the Royal Warrant?" Sir Aidan asked.
"My Lord, Count Matthias of Newtown, has it, and it is in a secure place. Tomorrow, I will introduce you to the young woman's family, who I believe deserve justice. Count Matthias will ask the King to explain, but we cannot imagine a reason to act so cruelly and unjustly.
"Even more unfathomable is that he held a secret trial and ordered summary execution. The law requires a trial before at least three Knights who must pass unanimous judgment before an execution may occur. The King has, as my Lord sees it, usurped the authority of the Knights and acted lawlessly."
"That is not only Law, but a tradition as old as the Realm," Sir Gerald declared. "The King must not only follow the Law, but also our tradition. The Knights of the Realm cannot ignore this affront to both the Law and the Traditions of the Realm. It was your sacred duty to bring this to the attention of your brother Knights."
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"Milos should be speaking with some of his brother Knights at the moment," Tyra said to Princess Miri. "Tomorrow, Matthias will ask the King for answers, then Priscilla's family will request an audience with the Prince. You must convince the Prince to honor their request."
"Easily done," Miri replied. "What of the Warrant?"
"It is safest in your possession until we can turn it over to a group of sympathetic Knights. The King will deny its existence, and for maximum effect, it needs to be made public by someone the people trust implicitly. In the next few days, a group of Priscilla's friends will arrive in Haven to demand justice and apply further pressure on the King."
"An excellent plan! Set that aside for a moment — how have you been, Cousin?"
"I'm happy!" Tyra declared. "Matthias is an excellent leader and is wise and kind."
"And?" Miri asked with a sly smile.
"Excellent at that, too! How is Jillian?"
"Very happy and very well ploughed!"
"Of that last part, I have no doubt! Tristan has quite the reputation. On a different topic, when may I come to Haven to train with you?"
"Unless Matthias has immediate need for you in Newtown, you could stay for several days, and we could begin immediately."
"Perfect! I'll confirm with Matthias in the morning. I believe he'll have company tonight. Priscilla's younger sister was eyeing him like a predator eyes its prey."
"With good reason, don't you think?" Miri asked.
"Absolutely!" Tyra agreed.
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"You are wonderful," Jillian said, sighing deeply as she snuggled next to Tristan.
"As are you!"
"I hope you continue to visit Haven regularly!"
"This past half-moon has been an anomaly," Tristan replied. "I go where Count Matthias sends me."
"I shall ask my Lady Princess to have him send you here!"
"I'm reasonably certain that won't work, but you may certainly try. May I ask what it is you're seeking?"
"You mean, do I want to be pledged or married?"
"Yes."
"Eventually, yes, but I enjoy being handmaid to the Princess and want to do this for several years. Until then, you may plough me as often as you wish! When I eventually leave Princess Miri's service, then I will seek a husband and have children, but I have just completed my fifteenth year, so there is plenty of time. What about you? What do you seek?"
"Action, adventure, and maidens!"
"Obviously!" Jillian declared mirthfully. "But eventually?"
"I typically don't think that far into the future," Tristan replied.
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