Burden of the Crown

4. Beverly

FOUR

Beverly

FALL 962 MC

Beverly halted Lightning and stared. The barracks of the Wincaster Light Horse stood before her, looking much as it had all those years ago when she had been their captain. She remembered the miserable state she had initially found it in and all the work that had gone towards improving it. Now, she wondered how much of that still remained.

Urging her mount forward, the great beast responded instantly, perhaps recognizing the area himself. Halting in the practice yard, she waited, knowing full well that her presence could not help but be noticed.

Sure enough, a soldier exited the offices, and as he drew closer, she recognized him as Sergeant Hugh Gardner, the very same man that had served her back in '54. He walked across the yard, halting just before her and stood smartly.

"Captain," he said, a smile on his face, "good to see you again, ma'am."

"And you, Hugh," she responded. "Tell me, how have the men been?"

"As well as can be expected," the sergeant replied, his tone hesitant.

"That doesn't fill me with confidence," she said. "Let's have a look around, shall we?"

Beverly dismounted, leaving Lightning to make his own way to the water trough, while Sergeant Gardner led her towards the company's offices.

"Are you here to resume command?" asked the Sergeant.

"No," she responded, "I'm the new commander of all cavalry forces. This company is under my chain of command now, though your captain remains responsible for all company matters. Tell me, is Captain Eldridge still here?"

"He is," confirmed Gardner, "not that we see much of him these days."

Beverly halted a moment, causing her guide to also stop. "When was the last time you saw him?"

"Almost a month ago," said the sergeant. "He tells us he's a busy man."

"Busy doing what?" asked Beverly, resuming her march.

"I have no idea, ma'am," said Gardner. "I asked him once, but he told me it was no concern of mine."

"You still have officer's quarters here?" she asked.

"We do," he confessed, "but the captain spends no time there."

They entered the company offices, and Beverly looked around. It hadn't changed much since she left; there was a desk and some shelves, but little else of interest save a couple of chairs. She sat at the desk to see the company ledger open before her.

"Is this up to date?" she asked, pointing at the book.

"It is," said the sergeant, "or at least it was yesterday."

She looked through the entries, paying particular attention to the last few pages. It was hard to read, and she struggled to make out the words written in the awful penmanship.

"Whose writing is this?" she enquired. "It's almost illegible."

"Mine, I'm afraid."

"Why are you doing this?" she asked. "That's the captain's job."

"The captain hasn't been here," the sergeant replied, "and someone had to do it, or we wouldn't be able to collect our pay."

"There are several mistakes here," said Beverly, in an irritated tone.

"Sorry, ma'am," said Gardner.

She softened her tone, "It's not your fault, Sergeant. You never should have been put into this situation."

She closed the ledger, returning her gaze to Gardner.

"So tell me, Hugh, how are the men, really?"

"Well enough," the sergeant replied, "but I'm afraid things haven't been the same since you left."

"Do they still follow the guidelines I left behind?"

"I'm afraid not," said Hugh. "The captain ordered them thrown out. Took too much effort, he said. I hate to speak ill of the man, but he shows no interest in us at all, other than collecting his pay, that is."

"I see," said Beverly. "I shall have to have a chat with this captain of yours. He has a house somewhere in the noble's quarter, doesn't he?"

"He does," admitted the sergeant. "If you examine the orders book, you'll see he's had men dispatched there on occasion."

"Why would he do that?" she asked.

"He uses the men to supplement his staff when he has parties."

"He what?" she asked in shock.

"Here, let me show you," said Gardner. He retrieved the orders book from the shelf, placing it on the table, then skimmed through its pages, stopping when he found what he was looking for.

"You taught us to record all orders we received," he continued, "a habit we've kept up with over the years. You can see an entry here." He turned the book for Beverly to view.

She looked at the entry. Twelve men had been assigned to an address not far from the Palace.

"I take it this is the captain's address?" she asked, pointing at the entry.

"It is," the sergeant confirmed.

"Good, I think I shall pay him a visit."

"What do you want us to do, ma'am?" asked Gardner. "Do we still call you ma'am?"

"Commander will do," she replied, "or you can call me Dame Beverly. I'd like you to prepare the captain's room."

"For what, Commander?"

"Either Captain Eldridge will be taking up residence here, or you'll have a new captain by dinner time."

"I'll get right on it," promised the sergeant.

Beverly returned to the Palace, intending to walk to the house of Captain Eldridge. She saw to Lighting first, then continued on her way, still in full armour. It wasn't a far distance, and she soon found herself staring at a well-situated house, embellished with carved white bricks. To the side was a carefully manicured garden, indicating that great care had been taken in the upkeep of the grounds.

She advanced to the door, where a brass knocker was visible. It was highly polished, so much so that she could see her reflection on it. She grasped the knocker, using it to rap three times on the door.

Footsteps approached, and then a man who looked to be in his forties opened the door.

"Yes?" he said.

"Is your master home?" asked Beverly.

"He is," the man responded, "but he is entertaining a guest. Might I enquire as to who you are?"

"My name is Beverly Fitzwilliam," she replied, "Commander Beverly Fitzwilliam."

If she had expected him to recognize the name, she was deeply disappointed. The servant simply stared at her as if she were a merchant.

"And the nature of your visit?" he pressed.

"I am his new commanding officer," she said, "and I thought it best to introduce myself." She had remained polite, though the servant's lack of deference annoyed her.

"Very well," the man said, sounding as if this was a major inconvenience, "if you'll come with me, I'll show you to the sitting room."

He turned his back on her, annoying her further, but she stifled the urge to yell at him, instead following him into the house. Beverly was led down a hallway into a small room off the eastern side. The servant opened it, beckoning her to enter.

"You can wait here," he said, "and I'll let my master know you wish to speak with him."

"Will Captain Eldridge be long?" she asked, as politely as possible.

"I have no idea," the man replied. He left, closing the door behind him.

Beverly looked about the room at what appeared to be comfortable chairs, as well as a window, but what drew her attention the most were the artifacts. It seemed Captain Eldridge liked the military life, for there was a collection of swords and shields mounted on the walls, and even a suit of well-worn chainmail, decorating a mannequin, sitting in a place of honour.

She moved towards the fireplace to warm herself on this cool autumn afternoon. Above the mantle was a large painting. She had seen paintings before, of course, for Bodden held a very lifelike representation of her mother, but the picture here depicted a battle of some sort. She was examining the details when she heard voices in the hallway, and a moment later, the door opened, revealing Captain Eldridge and another man she didn't recognize.

"I know you," said Eldridge, "you're that Fitzwilliam woman. Beverly, wasn't it?"

"Yes," she said.

He turned to his companion, "I took over the Wincaster Light Horse from her back in '54."

"That's correct," said Beverly.

"What brings you to my estate?" Eldridge asked.

"Matters of the army," she said, looking at his companion. "Are you going to introduce us?"

"Pardon my manners," said Eldridge. "Landry, this is Dame Beverly Fitzwilliam, Knight of the Hound. Beverly, this is Lord Landry Pearson, second cousin to Lord Alexander Stanton, the Earl of Tewsbury. Have you met before?"

"No," said Beverly.

"Charmed," replied Lord Pearson.

"Please," asked Eldrige, "have a seat, will you? You too, Landry. Some wine, perhaps?"

"I still have mine," said Pearson, "though perhaps the lady would care to imbibe?"

"No, thank you," said Beverly.

"Now," said the Captain, "what is it you'd like to talk to me about?"

"The Wincaster Light Horse," she said.

"What about them?" asked Eldridge.

"You are still their captain, are you not?" she asked.

"I am," he nodded. "Why?"

"I just came from their barracks. It seems their books are in poor shape.

"What if they are?" asked Eldridge. "It's of no concern to you?"

"I beg to differ," she said politely. "It is of immense interest to me."

"Why would my company be of interest to you?" he asked. "You gave up that command years ago."

"I see your confusion," she said. "I forgot to mention that I am now commander of all cavalry in Merceria."

"You're what?" said Eldrige in astonishment.

"I am the Commander of Horse," she clarified, "and your direct superior."

"I was not informed of such," he protested.

"I'm informing you now," she said, "and I'm informing you that in future, you will billet with your men one out of every two days."

"I'm to what?" he stammered. "You can't order me about like this."

"I can, and I am," she replied.

"This is highly irregular," he argued. "You can't be my superior, the Wincaster Light Horse reports directly to the marshal-general."

"Changes are being made to the army of Merceria," she said, remaining calm. "You must adapt or surrender your command."

"What in blazes are you talking about?" Pearson interrupted.

"This doesn't concern you, Lord," said Beverly. "It is a matter of military discipline."

"You wouldn't know discipline if it hit you in the face," accused Eldridge.

"Are you familiar with my career?" she asked.

"I can't say that I am," said Eldridge, "though it matters little. I know my rights."

"Your rights?" queried Beverly.

"Yes," he admonished, "I shall take it to your superior, the marshal-general."

"Which is it?" she asked. "The marshal or the general? The ranks have been split, you see."

"Then I shall take the matter to the marshal himself," the captain vowed.

"You're welcome to do so," she said, pleased with herself for not losing her temper. "Now, gentlemen, if you'll excuse me, I have other matters that need my attention. Good day, Lord Pearson, Lord Eldridge, I'll let myself out."

She bowed her head slightly then left the room, making her way to the front door. It would be interesting to see what Gerald made of the man's request, she thought. She must remind herself to check in with him later to learn of his decision.

Gerald looked down at the map spread out before him on the table.

"I suppose we could split the Kurathians between Bodden and Hawksburg," he said.

"I wouldn't," advised Fitz. "They operate better as a group, and I don't really need any more cavalry, I've still got the Bodden Horse."

"A good point," said Gerald. "What else have we got?"

In answer, Fitz looked down at his list, just as there was a knock at the door.

"Enter," commanded Gerald.

A young soldier poked his head in, "A visitor for you, sir. A man named Eldridge, a captain, I believe."

"Very good, Hill," said Gerald. "Send him in, will you?"

"That's unexpected," said Fitz.

"Yes," agreed Gerald, "it seems I'm popular today."

"Indeed," said the baron, "shall I leave?"

"No," said Gerald, "we still have lots of work to do. This will likely only take a moment. Probably someone wants a promotion or something."

Once more, Hill opened the door, revealing a very well-dressed man.

"Captain Eldridge?" asked Gerald.

The captain entered, surprised by the sight of Gerald. Although the man was the marshal of the realm, he wore simple clothes, and within the safety of the Palace, he had even eschewed his regular chain mail shirt.

Fitz looked at the visitor. "Speak, man," he commanded.

"Sorry, my lord," said Eldridge, turning his attention to the baron. "I was expecting the marshal. I was told he was here?"

"He is," said Fitz, pointing at Gerald. "This IS Marshal Matheson."

"I'm sorry, sir," apologized Eldridge. "I didn't realize."

"What can I do for you today, Captain?" asked Gerald.

"I'm here to register a complaint," said the visitor.

"Interesting," mused Fitz.

"What type of complaint?" asked Gerald.

"I have been treated in a most uncivilized manner," the man sputtered.

"Go on," urged Gerald, "I'm listening."

"I was ordered to take up residence in a barracks, my lord."

"Marshal," corrected Gerald.

"Pardon?" said Eldridge.

"I'm not a lord," explained Gerald, "you call me sir or marshal, not Lord."

"Sorry, sir."

"Now, tell me about this treatment of yours. What were you ordered to do again?"

"Live in the barracks with the men," complained the captain.

"I see," mused Gerald, "and who gave you this order?"

"A woman," said Eldridge, disgust evident on his face, "Dame Beverly Fitzwilliam."

Gerald turned to the baron, and with a smirk, asked, "Have you heard of this woman, General?"

"I have a passing acquaintance with her," Fitz admitted. "I hear she can be quite stubborn at times."

"I've heard that too," agreed Gerald, looking once more to their visitor. "Tell me more, Captain."

"She claimed to outrank me, sir, and proceeded to order me about like a common soldier."

Gerald nodded his head in understanding. "I see," he said. "Anything else?"

"Yes," the man exclaimed, "the woman had the gall to come to my home, of all places!"

"How terrible for you," commiserated Gerald.

"The nerve," added Fitz, enjoying himself far too much.

"And she said if I didn't comply," added Eldridge, warming to the task, "that I'd have to resign my position as captain!"

"Ah," said Gerald, "now I see. You've come to offer your resignation." He turned back to the baron, "I think that's your responsibility, General."

"Is it?" replied Fitz. "I don't think so. Surely, as the marshal, that's yours?"

"I'm not here to resign," interrupted Eldridge, "I want the situation resolved."

"And you want us to resolve it for you," said Gerald, "is that it?"

"Yes, sir."

"And you will abide by our decision?" asked Fitz.

"Of course, my lord," swore Eldridge.

"Very well," said Gerald, "tell me, General Fitzwilliam, what are your thoughts on this matter?"

Eldridge's eyes almost popped out at the mention of the baron's name.

"I think the answer is quite clear, don't you?" suggested Fitz.

"I'd have to agree," said Gerald, turning to the captain one final time. "Captain Eldridge, Commander Beverly Fitzwilliam is your commanding officer. Since you have seen fit to question her orders, I will accept your resignation, effective immediately."

"But you can't," objected Eldridge.

"I can, and I have," said Gerald, "and if I hear any more complaints from you on this matter, I shall have you arrested."

"For what?" sputtered Eldridge.

"For disobeying the lawful order of a superior officer," explained Gerald.

The man paled even more, and for a moment, Gerald wondered if he might pass out.

"Hill!" called Gerald.

The door opened a moment later, "Yes, sir?"

"Have guards escort this man from the premises, would you? And if he gives you any trouble, feel free to use force."

"I must object," said Eldridge.

"A lively one," commented Fitz.

"You are free to go over my head if you like," said Gerald, "but I doubt the princess will have time to see you, she has much more important matters at hand. I suggest you accept my decision with grace and humility. Take him away, Hill."

"Yes, sir," promised the guard. Hill waved his hands in the direction of the door then followed as the ex-captain was escorted from the room. The door closed, leaving Gerald and Fitz once more alone in the room.

"That was interesting," noted Fitz.

"He's another Captain Walters," said Gerald.

"Ah, yes," said Fitz, "the man that caused the riots back in '53. I do hope this one proves to be less troublesome."

"You think I handled that badly?" asked Gerald.

"No, my dear fellow. I think you handled it admirably. We need less of those spoiled rich officers and more professionals in this army of ours. Now, shall we get back to work?"