Jane and the Dragon and all related characters belong to Martin Baynton and Weta.
This fic was written for day two of Janther week 2018.
Prompt: Sellsword.
Gunther had spent a good deal of time, perhaps more than he would care to admit, wondering what his life would have been like if he had not had to contend with Jane. If she had never pursued knighthood but had chosen to be a meek and proper lady-in-waiting instead.
The answer to this question, as he was quickly beginning to discover, was unbearable.
Yes, he may have found it amusing when he first learned what Jane's role in the mission was to be, and perhaps he had enjoyed tormenting her about it at every available opportunity; but now he suspected his own misery could almost rival hers. Almost.
For Jane was dressed head-to-toe in the most ridiculous finery her mother's dreams could conjure. In flowing gowns and soft shoes, her hair fiddled with and decorated into submission until she resembled something ornamental rather than the functional being she was. Her bodices were laced tightly, her arms encased in swathes of fabric that made movement nearly impossible, and carrying a sword was entirely out of the question.
Gunther had been surprised at first, by the indignation he felt on her behalf when he saw her dressed in such a way.
How could she fight? How could she even move in such ridiculous get-up? How could anyone look at her in admiration when she so closely resembled a caged animal?
"Not. One. Word." She had muttered angrily as Gunther had assisted her into the carriage, her face darkening further as she realised she would have to accept his help, not merely for the sake of appearances but because she actually needed it.
Gunther had remained obediently silent as he handed her into the carriage and gathered up her skirts to tuck them neatly at her feet.
"M'lady," was all he had dared utter before turning to bow at her fellow occupant. "Princess, if it suits your Majesty we shall depart now."
"Oh, yes!" Replied Lavinia, almost bouncing in place. "Let us go!" She waved her kerchief out of the window at her family, full to bursting with the sense of adventure, and apparently little else.
The knights had been expressly forbidden from informing her of danger unnecessarily, so Gunther merely bowed again before closing the carriage door, glancing apologetically at Jane as he did so.
This was going to be a long journey.
"Princess Lavinia is twelve now; the age at which her mother first travelled. It has been decided that it would be of benefit, not only to the Princess herself, but also to Kippernium if she were to visit some neighbouring kingdoms." Sir Theodore stood in his quarters, various sheets of parchment strewn across his desk. Sir Ivon sat nearby, one leg propped up to ease the discomfort of gout.
Gunther and Jane stood with their backs straight, coated in dust and sweat in equal measure, having been summoned from the sparring yard for this important meeting.
It was still unusual for the two squires to be involved in the formal business and political dealings of the court, although Gunther leapt at every opportunity. He loved feeling as though he were a part of something bigger than the grunt work, training and seemingly endless amounts of armour polishing that occupied his daily life.
"The Princess has expressed a desire to meet new people and it is always wise to pay our respects to our allies," Sir Theodore continued.
In other words the King and Queen are despairing of seeing the Princess settle down without a good dose of adventure first, thought Gunther, reading between the lines. He glanced sideways at Jane, whose influence over the young royal had played no small part in her adolescent rebellious streak.
Jane's face remained serious and focused on the older knight, and Gunther returned his own gaze hence.
"The Chamberlain has written to several of our neighbours and they have all responded favourably, offering to host the Princess for a duration of her choosing. Interestingly, we also recently received a missive from Greenhill Castle, although we had not written to them . . ." Theodore pushed some of the sheets aside on his desk before picking one up.
Jane sucked in a breath beside him as Gunther tried to place the familiar name.
"Greenhill Castle? Of Rocky Mountain Kingdom? She asked, as the names clicked in Gunther's head.
The history lessons of his childhood began filling in the blanks. The Rocky Mountain Kingdom was a small kingdom, relatively insignificant in resources, location and connections until it had allied itself with the invading forces during the Long Siege. Their allegiance to the invaders had ended abruptly during the Great Returning when they betrayed them to assist the rallying forces of Kippernium. A tentative peace had settled between the two kingdoms in the years since but it was an uneasy one at best, largely maintained by limited contact.
"Indeed," said Sir Theodore. "The very same."
"What do they want?" Asked Jane, not bothering to keep the disdain from her voice.
"They," said Theodore with a reprimanding raise of his eyebrow. "Want to host the Princess. In fact they are rather insistent upon being the first kingdom to welcome her on her royal tour. They are proposing to personally escort her, and will be sending a party forthwith."
"Surely the King and Queen are not acquiescing to their proposal?" Asked Gunther as Jane stiffened with rage beside him.
Sir Theodore released a small sigh before exchanging glances with Sir Ivon. "The situation is, unfortunately, not a simple one."
He handed the letter to Gunther, who tried to contain his surprise at being permitted to see the royal correspondence. He read it quickly before handing it to Jane.
"This -this is-!" She sputtered.
"A very polite threat," Gunther supplied.
It was masterfully written, he had to concede; and he should know. His father had written countless similarly suggestive letters over the years. One could not say outright that there was a threat, but it left the reader feeling uneasy, with the use of words that could be interpreted in different ways.
"Indeed," said Sir Theodore again before sinking heavily into his chair. "The King is anxious to avoid another war, the Queen is anxious for the well-being of her child and the Princess is anxious to go."
"Can we not ignore it? They have no hold over us, surely?" Gunther asked.
"Aye lad, we could ignore it," said Sir Ivon. "We could hope that they are all bluster and hot air and insult them. At best we would lose their goodwill, and at worst . . . ." He gestured at the letter as Jane handed it back to Sir Theodore. "And sending a dragon to protect her would be a grave insult indeed!" He added, predicting Jane's next question.
Gunther and Jane looked at each other, and then back to the knights.
"So what do we do?" Jane asked. "I refuse to believe we will deliver the Princess into their care!"
"Not into their care," said Sir Theodore. "Not alone."
"One of us is to go with her?" Gunther guessed.
"The King has declared that she is to be accompanied by our most able-bodied knight, and a lady-in-waiting," said Sir Theodore.
"I volunteer for the role!" Jane took an eager step forward. "I will do all in my power to-"
"Thank you, Jane," Sir Theodore cut her off. "In fact we have every intention of allowing you to accompany the Princess . . . ." He paused and looked at Sir Ivon, who nodded encouragingly. "However, I am not sure how eager you will be to accept the terms."
Of course, when the plan had been explained in full Jane had been far from eager, but Gunther had to hand it to her, she was determined. Determined to see the Princess safe from harm and returned to her parents' waiting arms.
They had had a little over a week to prepare before the small party from Greenhill Castle had arrived. Just enough time for Jane's wardrobe to be hastily assembled by her mother and Gunther's father, who charged extra for the rushed order but supplied enough suitable components that, combined with some of the Queen's own cast-offs there was enough for three outfits to be assembled. One for travel and two for life at court.
Jane's training regime had altered drastically, too, from working in the training yard to working with her mother and studying the fine arts of service, table manners and posture while Jester followed her around reading from books on etiquette. Jane bore it all with admirable fortitude; perhaps viewing it as preparation for a mission made the process easier.
Gunther was also required to study the etiquette books again, while Sir Ivon sat in his chair and reminded him of all the things he could not do to Jane while she was disguised as a 'proper lady.'
"Do not tease her, my lad! In fact, the less you talk to her the better, 'lest people think badly of your intentions. Ye must treat her as though she is made of glass itself, and she will not like it. But if ye are caught quarrelling with the lass it will all be for naught, and the princess will be in danger in an instant! Imagine, insulting your hosts with a deception." He muttered darkly. "Aye, it will not go well for ye, lad."
"No, Sir Ivon. I do not think it will go easy for Jane any which way, though, Sir. In fact I think it will be very difficult for her." Gunther mused.
"Aye, it will, my lad," agreed the knight. "But you two are still partners on this quest, and it is your duty to do all ye can to ensure her success! Everything hinges on that fiery temper of hers."
Gunther sighed, returning to his reading. "No pressure then," he muttered.
"You will have to carry this," said Jane glumly one evening, and Gunther looked up from his dinner to see her holding her Dragon Sword.
"Well I cannot!" She snapped at his slack-jawed expression. "I tried wearing it under my skirt but mother noticed." She was still in the simple skirt that Lady Adeline had her wearing for her training. "In fact, try to carry two of everything? I do not want to be unarmed when -if the time comes."
Gunther accepted the sword, placing it across his lap. "I will pack accordingly," he promised.
"Will you be eating with us tonight?" Asked Pepper hopefully, having come from the kitchen at the sound of her friend's voice.
"Sorry, tonight I must work on my 'terrible slurping,'" Jane rolled her eyes before shrugging apologetically and setting off at a jog, skirts flapping.
"A lady does not run!" Echoed shrilly across the gardens, causing Gunther to jump in his seat.
He turned to see Lady Adeline looking down disapprovingly from the castle balcony, as Jane slowed to walk, shoulders slumped.
"Posture, Jane!"
The preparations were definitely unpleasant for Jane, but they were not without their trials for Gunther.
He had been in the great hall, being put through his chivalric paces by Sir Theodore and Lady Adeline while the King watched from his throne.
Jane was pacing back and forth at the far end of the hall, apparently practising her gliding, while Jester followed her, reading about the delicate charms a lady must possess.
"A knight must never cause offence to a lady, be it be by word, deed or behaviour. He must ignore his baser impulses and refrain from inelegant habits while in her presence." Lady Adeline droned on while Gunther did his best to look attentive.
No burping, farting or swearing. Got it. He thought.
"A knight is honoured to be in the company of a lady and his actions must reflect that . . . ."
"Wait, wait," the King shifted uncomfortably and held up a hand. All activity in the hall ceased immediately. "A knight must do this, a knight must do that, is all very well, but young Gunther is merely a squire. My daughter deserves the protection of a knight!"
Sir Theodore stepped forwards. "Your Highness, Squire Gunther's strength and integrity is equal to any knight, I assure you."
"Is that so?" The King rubbed his chin. "Jester! Fetch my sword at once!"
Gunther's mouth fell open as the fool ran from the hall towards the royal living quarters.
What?!
"Your Highness, the proper protocols have not been observed!" Said Sir Theodore, aghast.
What about my trials, my night's vigil, my feast?!
"If I knight him he is a knight, yes?" The King asked irritably.
Theodore sighed. "Yes, my Liege."
"Very well then," the King stood.
"Jane, please fetch Sir Ivon so that he may bear witness to this important moment in his squire's life," said Sir Theodore, resigned. "You may need the Smith to aid you, but move as quickly as you can."
Jane gathered her skirts and shuffled at speed out of the hall.
"A knight never gapes," said Lady Adeline, placing a hand on Gunther's chin and closing his mouth. "Congratulations, Sir."
"But, but . . . ." Gunther flailed helplessly, turning to Theodore.
"We will feast upon your return," said the older knight, placing a comforting hand on Gunther's shoulder. "You are worthy of knighthood, Gunther, even if you are coming to it by unconventional means."
"Thank you, Sir," Gunther replied woodenly, disbelief overriding any joy he may have felt at the Knight's kind words.
Jester came running back, breathless and hoisting the King's sword over his shoulder. Jane and Smithy brought Sir Ivon shortly after and Gunther moved to stand in front of the King as he unsheathed his sword.
"Kneel, Squire Gunther."
"This feels like a strange dream," said Gunther, standing on the battlements near Jane's tower.
"Or a nightmare," said Jane beside him, skirts flapping in the breeze. "Congratulations, though . . . Sir Gunther."
"Thank you, I think," he sighed.
"I am sorry it was not done properly, you deserved that," she told him. "This whole situation is . . . ." She waved her hands aimlessly.
"Odd," agreed Gunther.
They stood in silence for several moments.
"So they come tomorrow?" Gunther asked eventually.
"Yes," said Jane flatly. "Dragon spotted them on the road, he thinks they will arrive mid-morning at the latest."
"Once they are here . . . ." began Gunther.
Jane nodded. "I know, it will be strange. Mother says we must behave as though we scarcely know each other."
"To avoid suspicion, yes, Sir Theodore said much the same to me."
They fell into silence again, contemplating the challenges ahead.
"It is all a pretence, though. We will still both be there, working together, protecting the Princess." Jane's voice held a confidence that didn't quite ring true to Gunther.
"Of course," he said, no more convincing to his own ears. "It will just be as you said, a little strange."
Of course, that had been a rather massive understatement.
