Burden of the Crown

3. Reforms

THREE

Reforms

FALL 962 MC

Gerald looked around the table, taking in the faces of everyone present. Although technically it was the princess's advisory council, in reality, it was more like her family. He sat to Anna's left, with Tempus on the floor between them, gnawing away at a massive bone. To the other side sat Prince Alric, then the cavalier, Jack Marlowe. Anna had insisted on their presence since, as allies of Merceria, they would wish to be kept apprised of what was happening.

Continuing down the table was Sir Arnim Caster and his wife, Lady Nicole, while just beyond them sat Captain Lanaka and the Kurathian mage, Kiren-Jool. On Gerald's other side sat Beverly, then her father, Baron Fitzwilliam and Albreda, along with Lady Aubrey. Rounding out the group was the Life Mage Revi Bloom and Dame Hayley. No, he corrected himself, she was Lady Hayley now.

Gerald turned to Anna. "We're missing a few by my count," he said.

Anna smiled. "You're correct," she agreed. "Our allies have returned to their respective homes, but they'll be back in due course."

"When do you intend to introduce them to the court?" he asked.

"All in good time," she said, rising from her seat, "but we have other matters to deal with first."

Those in the room went quiet, looking to their princess to commence the proceedings.

"I'm glad you're all here," Anna began. "The war has left us in a difficult situation, one which we must address immediately."

"Which is?" asked Gerald.

"I'm sorry to say," she continued, "that the kingdom is rather short on funds. My brother, Henry, used what little remained to shore up his army, leaving us, as the victors of the war, with little left to run the kingdom."

She paused, inviting feedback.

"What are we to do?" asked Aubrey.

"A good question," said Anna, "and one to which we have several options, but I'd like your opinions before I make any decisions."

"We'll have to reduce the army," said Fitz. "Maintaining a force of this size is too expensive, and as you've already indicated, the war IS over."

"But we can't!" argued Arnim. "If we show weakness, the Norlanders will attack."

"Then we need a compromise," said Gerald. "Keep the north armed and reduce troops in Wincaster."

"Precisely my thoughts," said Anna. "I also wish to reorganize the army and make it more efficient."

"What about our allies?" asked Fitz. "We have Dwarves, Orcs and Elves that helped us. What is to happen to their troops?"

"The Elves have marched back to the Darkwood," explained Anna, "though Telethial will return shortly to represent her people in Wincaster."

"And the Dwarves?" asked Arnim.

"They have also returned home," Anna continued. "I have sent Herdwin to meet with their lord in the hopes of forging a more lasting bond."

"Wait a moment," said Beverly, looking around the room, "I don't see Lily, where is she?"

"She has undertaken a diplomatic mission to Erssa Saka'am to reconnect with her people. It is my desire that she eventually return to us to represent their interests."

"And the Orcs and Trolls?" asked Arnim.

"The Orcs have moved north," answered Gerald, "to patrol the border near Wickfield and Mattingly. They'll be based out of Hawksburg and help with the rebuilding effort, but will be able to respond quickly to any threat in the north. Captain Lanaka will be joining them once his horsemen have recovered."

"I thought everyone was healed?" said Aubrey.

"They are," replied Gerald, "but they have to break in new horses before they march. If you remember, they lost quite a few at the Battle of the Crossroads."

"Yes," added Anna, "and the Trolls have moved into the swamp south of Colbridge. They'll be setting up a village at the mouth of the river and begin clearing it. With any luck, we'll be able to sail ships to the sea by next summer."

"But we don't have any seagoing vessels!” argued Arnim.

"WE do," said Alric, "and I can guarantee you they'd love to ship goods to Merceria, it's a whole new market for them. I would suggest you impose an import tax, nothing too severe, but it'll help defray some of your costs."

"An excellent idea," agreed Anna, "and eventually, I'd like to see Mercerian ships returning the favour."

"I'm sure the shipyards of Southport would love to sell you vessels," offered Jack.

"A welcome offer," said Anna, "but one that will have to wait until we can afford it. Now, getting back to the army, I'm pleased to announce that I'm naming Gerald as marshal-general."

"Surely the baron is better suited," deferred Gerald.

"Nonsense," said Fitz. "You led the army to victory, you've earned it."

"Then I'll accept, under one condition," replied Gerald.

"Which is?" asked Anna in surprise.

"The old organization doesn't work well. Instead of a marshal-general, I shall be just a marshal, with generals beneath me in the chain of command. That will allow us greater flexibility in the future. I'd like the army to be less dependent on a single leader."

Anna nodded her head in agreement. "I like that," she said. "Who would you name as general, then?"

"Baron Fitzwilliam," suggested Gerald, "if he would agree."

"I would be honoured," said Fitz.

"Of course," continued Gerald, "we'll have to draw up a list of responsibilities and such. I'd also like to appoint Beverly as commander of all horse troops."

"And what would that entail?" asked Anna.

"The complete reorganization of our cavalry forces. With few exceptions, our Mercerian horse is woefully under-trained. I thought we'd organize our light cavalry in a manner similar to the Kurathians. I know Beverly has some ideas on the subject, as well."

"What say you, Beverly?" asked Anna. "Will you accept the position?"

"I'd be delighted, Highness," replied the knight.

"Anything else, Gerald?" asked Anna with a smile. "You seem to be particularly well-organized tonight."

"I've been giving the rangers some thought," he replied.

"As have I," confessed Anna. "In fact, I'd already approached Hayley with the idea of making some changes. Tell me what you have in mind, then I'll share my thoughts."

"The rangers should be an important part of an army, acting as skirmishing troops, mounting pickets, watching for enemy troop movements and so on. This, of course, would only be during a time of war, but during peace, they'd have to train in these tactics.”

“I agree,” said Anna, “and it would fit nicely with their current skill set.”

“Excuse me,” interrupted Prince Alric, “but can you explain to me how rangers work? We have no such organization in Weldwyn.”

“Certainly,” replied Anna. “The King's Rangers were originally created to protect the roads back in 600's. Banditry was rife, you see, and trade was grinding to a halt. The king hand-picked them to enforce his laws.”

“So they were like a town guard?” said Alric.

“Yes,” she said, “but with more authority. These days, though, they have the power of judge, jury, and executioner.”

“Isn’t that little extreme?” asked Jack.

“It has grown to be so,” said Anna, “and that has led to corruption and a***e of their power. That’s why we need to implement changes.”

“So who's in charge of them?” asked Alric.

“I am, now,” said Anna. "They report directly to the reigning monarch.”

“You say they patrol the roads, I take it they do that individually?”

“Usually,” said Anna, “though perhaps Hayley can tell you more.”

“I’d be happy to explain,” said Hayley. She pulled forth her ranger medallion that was hanging around her neck. “This,’ she started, “is a ranger token. One side has the symbol of the rangers, the other, my number.”

“Your number?” said Jack. “What’s that mean?”

“Each ranger is issued a number,” Hayley explained. “They’re never repeated and are given out sequentially. It’s the closest thing to rank that rangers have.”

“They have no rank?” said Alric in surprise. “How are they organized during war?”

“When two or more rangers work together,” she explained, “the lowest number is considered senior.”

“I see a problem with that,” said Jack. “It only looks at time served. Surely some rangers are more capable than others.”

“True,” said Anna, “but most rangers operate alone. The system has worked well for more than three hundred years. It is only under King Andred’s reign that corruption has emerged on a large scale.”

“So how do you propose to change that?” asked Alric.

"I intend to create the office of High Ranger,” Anna explained, “and award the position to Hayley. All rangers would report directly to her, and she, in turn, to me. Of course, in wartime, they would be seconded to the army command. What do you think, Hayley?"

"I think it's a grand idea," the ranger replied, "but are you sure I'm the one to command them?"

"You're the most honest ranger I know," said Anna, "and trust me, I've met the worst example. I want the rangers to regain the respect they deserve. No more of this judge, jury, and executioner business. In future, all rangers must bring their charges to a court."

"Understood," said Hayley, "and a welcome change it will be. Will I have the discretion to discharge those that break the rules?"

"Yes," said Anna, "and revoke their lifetime ranger status. I'll leave the details up to you."

"Very well, Highness," said Hayley, "I look forward to the challenge."

"Don't rangers work by seniority?" asked Revi.

"They do," agreed Hayley. "Each ranger has a number, the lower the number, the higher the seniority."

"Well then," said Anna, "I shall issue an immediate order. From now on, Lady Hayley Chambers will be ranger number one."

"What else have we to discuss?" asked Gerald.

"The mastiffs," said Anna.

"Oh yes," said Gerald, "we've sent them to Queenston, the open space there is much more suitable for them. Unfortunately, we have no way of replacing them."

"Yes, we do," said Anna, smiling.

"We do?"

"Yes, we've sent for some breeding stock."

"How did we arrange that?" asked Gerald.

"With Captain Lanaka's help," said Anna.

"Care to explain?" said Gerald, turning to the Kurathian.

"Most certainly, my esteemed friend," the cavalry commander replied. "Many of my men travelled back to Weldwyn to take a ship home. They will return with their families, to make a life here in Merceria, and bring back the coveted breeding stock for the mastiffs, though it will likely take some time to do so."

"How long, do you expect?" asked Gerald.

"Perhaps a year, maybe more," said Lanaka. "The trip alone will take six months, but the courts of Kurathia are notoriously slow in handling requests."

"I don't understand," offered Arnim, "why would the courts be needed?"

Lanaka stroked his beard a moment before replying, "The Kurathian Isles are ruled by individual princes, each holding court separately from the others. They are constantly vying amongst themselves for power and influence. You see, each is an absolute ruler, controlling much of life for the average person. In order to bring back our families, we will need permission from our princes, but it will take considerably more effort to convince them to release hounds to our care."

"But you think it possible?" asked Gerald.

"I do," Lanaka replied. "The breeders have been asking for exports for some time."

"I'd have thought they'd like to keep the mastiffs exclusively for their own use," suggested Arnim.

"The mastiffs were not originally Kurathian," explained Lanaka, "but came to the islands after being captured on the battlefield."

"How interesting," said Anna, "I'd love to know more."

"Alas, so would I," offered Lanaka, "but I'm afraid Kurathian history is not my strong point."

"Let's return to this reorganization you mentioned," interrupted Arnim. "How would it work?"

"Men would still be organized into companies," explained Gerald, "but a larger, more fixed framework would be used in times of war. Baron Fitzwilliam and I have discussed some ideas. Would you like to comment, my lord?" He looked to Fitz.

"Saxnor's sake, Gerald!" the baron exclaimed. "You can't keep calling me 'my lord' if I'm going to be working under your command. You must call me Fitz, or at least just Baron."

"Now, now, Richard," soothed Albreda, "we're all new to this. You must give him time."

"Please continue, Baron," said Anna.

"If you remember," began Fitz, "when we marched on Eastwood back in '60, we organized the army into brigades. It is my suggestion that we formalize that structure. Each brigade would be assigned elements of a supporting nature, such as smiths and wagons and such. In peacetime, the brigades would hold nothing but these extra troops, but in times of war, they would be assigned companies as needed."

"And these brigades," said Beverly, "would take care of all supply matters?"

"Yes," the baron agreed, "precisely, my dear."

"It will take some trial and error," added Gerald, "but the baron and I agreed we'd start in Bodden, forming the first such brigade there."

"Yes," agreed Fitz, "it will let us smooth out the wrinkles and make changes as we go. Once we've reached something that works, we'll duplicate our success elsewhere."

"It sounds like our plans for the army are well in hand," offered Aubrey, "but what of other things, the Nobles Council, for example?"

"That is a little more complicated," replied Anna. "As sovereign of Merceria, I can do as I please with the army, but I need the approval of the Nobles Council to change the laws of the land, and that includes adding new seats to said council."

"You wanted to add our allies to the council, didn't you? How do you plan to proceed?" asked Aubrey.

"Slowly," said Anna. "I can appoint nobles to fill vacancies, but I must be cognizant of the inheritance laws. My first priority is to convince them to change the laws of succession."

"I'm not sure I follow," said Lanaka.

"At present, in Merceria," the princess continued, "only men may inherit unless there is no male descendant. I intend to change the law to allow the eldest to inherit, regardless of gender. It also means I'll still rule as queen once I'm married."

"I'd be interested to know how Prince Alric feels about that," said Arnim.

"I've discussed this with Anna a few times," said the prince, "and I have no problem with it. I was raised as the third son of the King of Weldwyn, and I have no expectations as far as the crown is concerned. In fact, we're going to hold off the announcement of our engagement until the princess can amend the laws. In the meantime, I can at least help with your army problem."

"How so?" asked Revi.

"I'll place my personal army under the command of the marshal here."

"How many troops is that?" asked Arnim.

"One hundred horsemen," said Alric, "not including my personal guards who I'll still need to protect me on occasion. My father has also agreed to send some troops to help bolster your defences until you can get things in order."

"I would have thought he'd just allow us to use the soldiers you brought to Wincaster for the siege," said Arnim.

"No," replied the prince, "those men didn't volunteer for long term duty. With the war over, they want nothing more than to get back to their families. Those that come in future will be expecting a longer stay."

"It's greatly appreciated," said Fitz. "We owe you a great debt, Prince Alric."

"It's my pleasure," replied the prince. "My father also expressed an interest in a treaty of defence."

"Which is?" asked Hayley.

Alric looked to Anna, allowing her to explain. "It's an idea that I've read about," she said. "Both kingdoms would agree to come to the other's aid in times of war."

"So we'd be permanent allies," said Arnim.

"Only in regards to defence," clarified Anna. "If we were to take aggressive action, attacking Norland, for example, they would not be bound by it. If, however, we were attacked, they would come to our aid, as we would if the situation were reversed."

"It certainly gives us some breathing room," said Gerald, "and the men of Weldwyn would be welcomed in Merceria. They were very much appreciated during the war."

"The defence agreement isn't signed yet," warned Anna. "I have to be crowned first, and there's still much work to be done before that can happen."

"Then when can we expect the coronation, Highness?" asked Aubrey.

"That depends on the Nobles Council," Anna replied, "but I should like to have it next summer. That is the traditional time for an enthronement. Now, I've kept you here for quite some time, and I know there's a lot of work still to do. I shall let you be about your duties."

They all rose, making their way from the room. The princess had made it known that these meetings were to be as informal as possible, eschewing the normal practises of court, and so they drifted off, each deep in conversation with their peers.

The room cleared, save for Anna, Gerald, Aubrey, and of course, Tempus.

"That went well," commented Aubrey.

"Yes," agreed Anna, "though I rather suspect most knew what to expect. I haven't exactly been quiet about the changes I'd like to make."

"So what's next?" asked Aubrey.

"Gerald, here, will take care of the changes to the army while you and I delve into Mercerian law."

"That sounds about as exciting as breaking a leg," responded Aubrey.

"Yes," agreed the princess, "but at least you can heal a broken leg with a spell. I fear making changes to the laws will be much more difficult."