A/N: Thank you for your reviews - very much appreciated. I'm glad that the confrontation was a success! I shall think about the possibility of continuing the tale through the adventures of the Hawk, Blurgle, though it'll be very strange to do so without the gruesome twosome. The Lady of which you speak won't be an 'official' Second - not that that'll stop her, of course - but there will be another female second coming up, though that will be some way off, yet.
In answer to your question, Catalinadelvalle, I'm in the process of writing something else in response to a challenge from AllegoriesInMediasRes which centres around Anne Boleyn - that's well under way, though I normally don't start posting until a story's finished, to make sure that I actually do finish it!
Anyway - onwards and downwards! We have a couple more chapters in England as the Hawk arrives and settles in. Then it's off on their continental jaunt - which won't be an easy ride, of course...
PART FOUR
The Spires of Milan
Chapter Twenty-Eight
His Majesty the King
Many years ago, when I was still a youth, I can recall a conversation with the late Sir Thomas More. I forget the drift of it after so much time - but one comment stands out to me, for it mildly offended me at the time; but now I wonder how perceptive he truly was.
"I have seen you at work, Mr Rich," He said, "Truth be told, you are wasted as a lawyer, for you would make an excellent teacher."
I no longer recall my reply - but I do remember feeling most disgruntled that he considered me fit for nothing more than schooling boys in their letters and arithmetic. How ironic, then, that I am now invited to do exactly what More thought to be my better calling. I suppose it is the opportunity to find out whether he was right.
Had I listened to him, then perhaps he might still live - though I think it unlikely given his principles and refusal to compromise upon them. If I had not been available to trap him, then I have no doubt that Cromwell would have been pushed to find another way. I would not, of course, be burdened with regret - but then, I would also not be the Second to the Raven, nor would I be Lord Privy Seal, and nor would I be Earl of Warwick.
The victuals set before me to break my fast have long since been eaten, and I have finished the small ale, so I settle myself in front of the fire, for the weather is cold, and I have much to think about.
It has been a little more than a year since I was widowed, and I have a son to whom I can pass my titles and lands. Those of my children who are too young to marry are safely residing with their siblings, and I know that they are contented - for they see little of me, and thus do not miss me overly much. I could do it. I could leave England, and take on a new task.
But do I truly wish to? Do I want to leave all that I have ever known; my home, my family - to travel overseas to a city I have never seen, and all but start again? What more is there for me to do here? Northumberland is gone; his sons have proved themselves to be utterly trustworthy and honest, and there are plans to bring the two youngest men of the family to Court as well in the next few months. I had no idea there were two more sons – but then they were not at Court, so it would not have occurred to me to notice.
Young Prince Hal has returned to the family fold. The rest of the Council is a good balance of old and new blood, and the horrors that unfolded when one of their number attempted to take more than his due has chastened them a great deal. The King is still only eleven, but he is learning well, and the first approaches from overseas courts on behalf of young daughters have begun to arrive. Obviously it would still be a proxy marriage at this time - but the Queen is intent on ensuring that the union shall be more than mere convenience for dynastic purposes. Both sides must be happy, for she was most happy with King Henry. She was also fortunate in that she learned to navigate the marriage, and bore him two sons to continue his line - as well as turning a blind eye to his infidelities. She had, after all, first come to him when he was married to another wife.
No - the need for us to be present politically is not what it was. Cecil is proving to be an excellent politician as much as a Second in training. I think I have little left to teach him - for he has no desire to learn to fight. Moreover, I do not think it likely that he shall need to do so; I was only called to carry a blade because of the times we faced - and it is equally possible that future threats to England's peace shall be political as much as infernal in nature.
I have not yet given Cromwell a formal answer as to whether I shall depart with him to Milan, but I shall need to soon, for he must send his own answer to the High. Only then shall the process begin to appoint his successor, and we shall prepare the way for his arrival. It shall be easier for us, of course, for the Queen already knows of the Order, and thus shall willingly welcome the new appointee, whoever he might be.
Once our decision is communicated, we shall not be required to depart immediately, of course - there is much to be done to lay the ground for those who shall step into our places as members of the Order, and as members of the Council. Our affairs must be settled, and we shall need time to cross Europe. I think it likely that we shall not reach Milan until well into the year, if not at its end - or longer.
The prospect of such a journey is quite exhilarating, for I have never left England. Perhaps once I might have been required to had we gone to war - for someone would have been required to control the purse strings - but as we never did so, the opportunity never arose. I speak some French, and even if I did not, Cromwell is fluent in both French and the Lombardy tongue of Milan, so I would not be floundering helplessly in a land where I do not understand a word that is being said to me.
Even as I look into the flames, I shake my head at my procrastination. Why am I doing this? I know that I shall go - for where my Silver Sword goes, I shall willingly follow. I have done all that I could ever have wanted to here, and there is so much more to do and to learn if I move on. I have never sought adventure - but instead stood helplessly as it sought me. Perhaps it is my turn to do the seeking.
"Am I doing the right thing, Eminence?" I ask, suddenly.
Why are you asking me? It is your decision. Wolsey snaps back, rather shortly, but know that I cannot come with you - for even if you carry the coffer, its call shall not be strong enough. It is the places in which I once lived that I am truly able to come to you - the coffer aids me in anchoring myself here, for it is not a room that I ever occupied.
"You shall not come with us?" to my surprise, the thought appals me, for he has aided us through so much. Ironic, then, that there was a time when I saw him as a paragon whose talent I could not hope to match, and I wished that he had not been sent to us.
Sentiment, Rich? He asks, his tone amused, I was charged with keeping you from making mistakes, or aiding you when that which fought you did so on a front that you could not combat, but the need to do so is gone. There is nothing left that I can teach you - and the purpose for which you were brought together is ended. Now you are free to choose your destinies, and there is no role in such an enterprise for me.
"We shall not leave for some time yet, Eminence. You have not got rid of me that easily."
But you shall go. Both of you - for your duty now is to pass on what you have learned. Both Lamashtu and Eligos have failed thanks to you, and thus those who might attempt to take their place are fearful, for there are men who can prevent it. Even if you are no longer in England, you shall ensure that those who are can battle any who might come against them.
Yes, I shall go. It was a decision I made at the very moment that I was told that I could. This pointless dithering is more out of habit than out of uncertainty. Who, after all, does not fear the unknown?
With little reason to remain in my chambers, I make my way to Cromwell's office, to find that Cecil is already present, having been formally appointed now as King's Secretary to replace the disgraced Wriothesley.
"I shall need to write to the High before the end of the day, Richie." Cromwell prompts, quietly. Jesu - does he really think that I am wrestling with this decision? Perhaps he does.
"Forgive me, I have been wasting time when there was no need. Please advise the High that I would be glad to accept his offer. I look forward to discussing it with him."
Cromwell smiles, relieved, "I am glad of it, my friend. Truly glad - for the one thing that concerned me when first I was advised of my recall to Milan was the fact that I would be obliged to leave you behind. You were not the only one of us who wept at the thought - though my tears were more private than yours, I think."
"It is all rather a moot point at present, is it not?" I add, "For we cannot depart until a replacement is appointed and inducted at Court."
"Indeed," Cromwell agrees, "Though I am told that the Trials have commenced in Milan - the first stages are already underway."
"First stages?" Cecil asks, intrigued.
"Of course - we are tested on our learning, our physical prowess and manners, William. Only those who pass all of these tests are permitted to take the final trial, which shall earn the Hawk blades. I am informed that there are twelve young men participating."
"Twelve?" I am shocked; twelve claimants for one set of swords?
"It has been some years since the last set of blades were retired, Richie. I am not in the least surprised that there are so many. Some of them may well have been waiting for a number of years. Those who reach the final trials and do not succeed, but have performed well, are given two more opportunities to make the attempt. Normally, this would be the youths who were not the first to reach the gauntlets that are held in the highest tower - but were not apprehended by the masters during the trials. Only those who are caught, or who are too far away when the trial ends, are considered to have failed."
"Caught?" Again, Cecil does not know the procedure of the Trials.
"In the final trial of the House, the gauntlets of the retiring Silver Sword are set upon a table in a chamber at the top of the highest tower. The approach can be made via multiple routes for much of the way, but the final approach is along a corridor with sequences of hiding places. That is by far the hardest part of the test, for it is patrolled by a Master. Should one pass through it undiscovered, there are no more obstacles. All one must do is climb the stairs to the chamber, and - if the gauntlets are unclaimed - claim them."
"How did you pass?"
I smile to myself as Cromwell sits back in his chair, "I climbed the outside wall of the building, and thus did not use it."
Cecil's eyes widen, as he continues, "It was a rash act upon my part - though I was well practised in doing so, for I was a rambunctious youth who engaged in many japes and adventures while within the halls of the House. You might not think it so to look at me now, but I was one half of a pair of youths whom the Masters called 'the northern rogues'."
"Is it likely that any other youth shall try?"
"I truly hope not - for on that same day, my dearest friend, in his determination to reach the other pair of gauntlets ahead of another youth that he despised, attempted to do the same as I had done. He lost his footing and fell to his death. If it has not been forbidden, then I shall ensure that it is once I have returned there. My act was madness - even though it gained me the Raven blades."
Cecil is not sure what to say, so I speak for him, "So we must wait. How long are the first stages of the trials likely to take?"
"A week, or thereabouts. The written and spoken tests are in at least four languages: English, French, Spanish, German for choice, though the Lombardic dialect of Milan is also preferred, as well as Flemish. All are required to master four, though I was able to succeed in all six, for I had spent time on the continent, and made many friends who spoke all the languages."
"That cannot have been easy." I muse.
"Indeed it was not." He agrees, "Each day, the language to be spoken at all times was changed. You did not know what it would be until the High spoke his first address as we broke our fasts. As soon as he had done so, all were expected to communicate only in that language for the rest of the day - unless they were newly arrived and had not yet had time to commence learning it. Those who had, however, would find themselves birched if they spoke any other tongue that day. The only exception was if learning one of the other languages. To avoid overly confusing the students, all languages were taught through the medium of Latin, for its structure was conducive to the learning of other tongues."
"And what follows?" Cecil asks, fascinated.
"Those who succeed in languages, politics and other subjects of importance, must then undertake trials in archery, swordsmanship, horsemanship and other forms of combat. I have since learned that those of us thought likely to be appointed to Courts were also submitted to tests to assess their abilities to participate in courtly dances, and also the appropriate manners of such elevated circles. Only when these are complete are those who have succeeded throughout permitted to attempt the final trial for swords."
"Is Mr Dudley participating?" I cannot resist asking.
"He is." Cromwell confirms, "Though do not ask me how he is progressing, for I do not know."
And so, we must wait.
Cromwell is reading a report that has been delivered outlining progress on the system of roads, his expression one of satisfaction, "It appears that the route to Plymouth has been completed, gentlemen," he advises us, for Paget is also present, "And already the merchants in the town are reporting increased business, for it is now much easier to transport goods to the port from surrounding areas."
"And what of the security of those travelling?" Paget asks, "As you are aware, the presence of a defined route to follow is all but an invitation to robbers to waylay those who use it."
"Indeed so," Cromwell agrees, "Which is why I intend to institute legal powers for the authorities in each county to establish a form of protective militia to keep the peace in their counties."
"Can that be afforded?" I ask.
"At present, no." He admits, "Not without the imposition of taxation, which I am well aware shall be most unwelcome; but as our trade improves, I think the financial burden shall be more willingly borne to ensure that goods arrive at their destinations."
"You shall never persuade the wealthy to pay their share." I smile at him. It has always been impossible to demand that those with large amounts of money at their disposal surrender a portion of it to the state.
"They have always fallen back upon the ancient requirement to supply soldiers in times of war." Cromwell sighs, "But that is less of a burden these days, for even wars are now paid for by the State, and armies are raised and paid for at the centre. No, it cannot continue as it does - not when men are making their own fortunes. It is utterly wrong to demand taxes from one section of society, but not another, particularly when the section that is not obliged to do so is wealthier - and in some cases considerably so - than the one which is. I am quite astonished that the poor have not risen against us over the matter - or that those who are making fortunes from commerce have not demanded that they be freed of the requirement now that they hold lands of their own."
Paget nods, "Indeed - it is a disaster waiting to happen. Though, for as long as men have existed under the yoke of Rome, they have believed that their lot in life is God's will. That they see men escaping their station in life and finding a better existence can serve only to warn them that it is not so."
"I am living proof of it." Cromwell reminds him.
"Nonetheless," I add, "it shall be a near-impossible task. Those who were born to wealth and privilege shall fight furiously to prevent it. To tax all according to their means is a laudable goal, yes - but we all know that the more wealth one accumulates, the more one desires - and the less willing one is to share it. God knows that I am as guilty of that as any man."
"The generosity of the poor vastly outweighs that of the rich." Cromwell agrees, "Most men of wealth give as little as they can without stirring comments from those around them - and then only when obliged to do so. It is rare to find acts of true charity amongst the most wealthy, though there are some who defy that trend."
"Usually at the end of their lives when they fear that they shall be judged harshly in the next world." Paget adds, dryly.
"It is essential that we try, though." I know that Cromwell is right - the world is changing, and we must learn new ways of supporting the work of Government in response to that change, "It might not happen in our lifetimes, but nonetheless we must at least set foundations for it. If we do not, then all the wealth that our commerce generates shall be swallowed up in personal fortunes, and there shall be nothing for those at the bottom of the heap; who work hard, but see little in the form of earnings - which are then reduced further for they are taxed while those who pay them so little are not."
Paget laughs then, "A reform of the entire tax system, my Lord Cromwell - that shall be a task of magnitude. I do not envy the poor soul who shall be set to work upon it, for all shall despise them."
"I would do it, for I am already despised," Cromwell adds, cheerfully, "but it is not a task for me to undertake, for I shall have departed to Milan before it is completed."
"When do you plan to leave?"
"That, I fear I cannot say, Mr Paget - for at this point I do not know. Until my replacement has been appointed, and is in place, I shall remain; for I should prefer a degree of continuance between my service and that of the next Silver Sword. While it is likely to be easier to install him, for our Inner Circle knows of the Order, I should prefer to do it with at least a pretence of subtlety. My own insertion into the Court was far more carefully undertaken, though my Second then was Wolsey, and thus I was able to enter thanks to his patronage. Most Silver Swords are obliged to do the same - though their Seconds have never been as highly placed as Wolsey was, or you are now, Richie."
"Why was that?" Paget asks, curiously.
"The threat to England has always been the strongest, Mr Paget," I explain, "We are a small island, and therefore ideally placed to be a demonic stronghold. Should England be overrun, then she shall become a dread fortress from which demon-kind could rain slaughter upon all the countries of the world with relative impunity."
He swallows, nervously.
"That is why I intend to ensure that my replacement shall have a degree of position at Court commensurate to mine," Cromwell explains, "or at least enters in a position to achieve it. It is my intention to swear King Edward to secrecy - and to ensure that no Princes of his blood shall know of the Order - thus it can retreat back into the shadows again as it should. His father did not know of us until the very end, at which point I told him. Queen Jane was required to know of us, for she was essential to the success of the Mission, but that knowledge must not pass beyond her son - there is no guarantee that a future monarch shall not attempt to demand that his Silver Sword serve his interests, and not that of the Mission. Our existence, first and foremost, has always been to prevent any incursion by demon-kind into the mortal world."
"Speaking of which." I interrupt, looking up at the darkening sky outside the windows, "There is a ravener hiding in a cellar near the Base court."
Cromwell laughs, "And so we shall dispatch it. Whoever takes my place shall be most disgruntled that they cannot have a Second who can tell them where a demon is hiding, rather than have to go and hunt it out themselves."
As January continues, the snows of winter set in with a cold harshness that drives all within the Palace in search of the largest fireplaces. The river has frozen hard, obliging the wherrymen to lay up, and instead find people with horses to aid them in providing services aboard roughly constructed wooden sleds for those who do not wish to risk a fall upon the ice.
The sleds that are used by those of us who must travel from Whitehall are far finer in construction, the horses that draw them wearing studded horseshoes to keep them from losing their grip, and the King has caused much excitement on several occasions, taking rides out upon the river with Prince Hal and a phalanx of gentlemen to view the effect of the frozen river upon those who are dependent upon the flowing waters for their business. His reports of their hardship supplement those of the Spies, and thus enable us to better aid those who need help the most. Wolsey was always careful to maintain funds to do such things, and Cromwell has been equally careful to maintain them. That the King is so keen to know how his subjects are faring in such inclement conditions has served both to educate him, and to endear him to the people, for his visits have always been followed by aid for those who are most in need. They thus believe that he has seen their personal struggles, and taken it upon himself to assist them. They are also, by and large, correct in that belief.
For those who are struggling elsewhere in the nation, Cromwell has - in Somerset and the Regent's names - directed his commissioners in the Cities to conduct similar researches, as they have always done; and, with the Regent's approval, Prince Hal has been equally prominent in viewing the difficulties facing those of poor means across the City, which has shown him in the most brutal detail the plight of those who have nothing. Consequently, his profligacy has all but vanished, and he seems more prepared to accept what he has, rather than demanding something else almost as soon as he has obtained what he desires.
There is, of course, an ulterior motive in all of this, for it is the first foundation of Cromwell's intention to begin reforming the tax system in England. To know who is most in need, as well as who can afford to be taxed and who cannot, shall be most useful in determining what should be taxed, and by what percentage. I suspect that his prime intention is to tax all in the Kingdom for a percentage of their earnings, so those who earn more must pay more - though I imagine he shall also demand legislation that forbids those of wealth passing on their losses to those they employ through reducing their wages, or charging them more for rents and goods. So much to think of - particularly as he shall have left by the time much of the real work begins.
The news we have been awaiting comes to us in the thick of a brutal snowstorm that has all but brought London to a halt. It is Hound who delivers it, covered with snow that melts and drips from his garments onto the expensive carpet in Cromwell's chambers. From Cromwell's smile as he hands the document to me, having read it himself, I already know what it shall say.
"He has done it. He won the Hawk blades - and after a mere eighteen months, too." I find that quite astonishing.
"It is not the shortest apprenticeship for a Silver Sword, Richie," Cromwell advises, "a few have been lucky to have been granted the opportunity to claim blades in as little as a year, for they arrived already well schooled in the arts, and thus did not need long to learn those skills that they lacked. Mr Dudley proved himself to be singularly intelligent and most skilled even before he departed to Milan; and his time in the final trial was excellent."
"Not as good as yours, I'm sure." Hound smirks.
"I am glad of it, Hound; for what I did was dangerous and stupid. I could have killed myself - and poor Joachim did exactly that. If the High has not forbidden it, then I shall press for him to do so once I have established myself as a Master. When is he to come to us?"
"As soon as you wish it. Given that he is, I understand, related to a noble family already established here, he can return easily enough, and I am sure the Regent can find a suitable political post for him. Is that not so?"
"Most assuredly. I suspect he does not have the aptitude or inclination to politick as I do - but there are many Court appointments that are well suited to his more conventional talents. I think, as Sir Anthony Browne is keen to retire from Court, I might suggest that her Majesty appoint him Master of the Horse, for that shall give him ample opportunity to work within the Court, and with the most highly placed Courtiers, without requiring him to wallow in the minutiae of politics."
"An excellent suggestion, Raven." Hound grins, cheerfully, "But I must depart - the weather is foul without, and I must return to Tilbury if I am to find a ship; the Pool is still frozen solid. I shall return to Milan and advise the High to dispatch Hawk to you without delay. Even though he has proved most skilled, there is still much that he needs to learn, and that shall be your task."
"I look forward to it." Cromwell acknowledges, and sees Hound out, studiously ignoring James's look of dismay at the state of the carpet.
"There is one problem, Thomas." I advise, as we return to the fireside while James sends an usher in search of a chambermaid to help sop up the meltwater, "The Lady Elizabeth. Unless he has changed considerably in his character, she shall find his presence most difficult."
"Not if he is ennobled." Cromwell muses, quietly, "Our Princes must make marriages of the Blood, yes - but she is as far from the throne as she has ever been - for she has two boys ahead of her who are in good health. Englishmen would never countenance her marriage to a foreign King were there a crown upon her head - and as she is loved, and is not likely to rule, they would expect her to marry one of her own. While she has been restored to the succession, her legitimacy remains compromised - and thus I think we could find a way if she were truly set upon it."
"To be wedded to a Silver Sword?" I ask, worriedly, "Is that wise?"
"You forget, Richie;" Cromwell smiles, a little sadly, "I was married - though I was widowed. It is not wise for Itinerants, perhaps, but for Court Silver Swords, it can be most useful, for it supplies an air of normality that a lone man struggles to emit. If he is as intent upon her as he was when he left, and she is the same, then a peerage may pave the way to bring them together."
I am about to comment further, but the door opens to reveal a brace of chambermaids, and thus we say no more. Best, I think, to alert the Regent on the morrow.
Queen Jane looks pensive, and turns to Cromwell, "This shall be most difficult for the Lady Elizabeth - for Mr Dudley, despite his family, remains a commoner. Even if his Majesty was to ennoble him, that would not change, for she is of Royal blood, on her father's side, at least."
"Perhaps so, Majesty," Cromwell agrees, "but nonetheless, she cares deeply for him, and he shall now be returned to Court - and shall remain here for the length of his service. Their feelings for one another are undeniable - and, even if he has the strength to remain aloof, and she has likewise, then they shall be deeply unhappy."
"It is remarkable that he is coming to a Court, is it not? Despite his clear talent, he is only seventeen years old."
"I was only twenty when I was appointed, Majesty. It is my intention that we shall induct him to the task as thoroughly as we can."
"And what shall you do then?" she asks, though she must know that there cannot be two Silver Swords at Court.
"I shall step down, Majesty. The previous Grand Master recalled me to Milan in his dying declaration - and that, I cannot disobey."
She looks shocked, "You shall leave us?"
"We both shall, Majesty." He advises, looking towards me, "That same document directed that my Lord of Warwick to travel to Milan to establish a sister House for the training of Seconds. I suspect, however, that his Grace has already begun to plan far more than the mere tuition, have you not, Richie?"
I have the grace to look a little sheepish. My mind has rather been occupied recently with thoughts of how Seconds shall be identified and what they must learn; but also with a review of how all the documents that we hold are organised and catalogued, for I am sure that we need archivists as much as we need Seconds…I am distracted again - and everyone is looking at me.
"As I said," Cromwell is smiling rather broadly now, "he has begun to plan. Extensively."
"I think we shall defer the matter until Mr Dudley has returned." The Queen says, smiling as well, "If it is clear that the love between him and the Lady Elizabeth has not abated, then we shall think again upon it. I wish for her to be happy - for she is a remarkable woman who deserves to be more than a pliant wife of some foreign grandee who does not appreciate her intellect."
I think we all agree upon that.
There is, of course, still much to be done while we await Dudley's arrival. While John Dudley has taken his late father's place at the Council table, Ambrose remains with us in the offices, working alongside Cecil to evaluate the results of the ongoing investigations into the balance of wealth across England. They are, to be fair, a good partnership - and it seems likely that the union of Cecil and Dudley shall be beneficial for the State on several fronts.
Even Prince Henry has begun to appreciate that Cromwell is a remarkably capable and effective administrator, and is realising that his station in life can be one of equal service as that of his elder brother. He is also beginning to understand that it is not as magnificent a matter to be a King as it appeared to him when he looked to Northumberland's friendship out of jealousy. Young though he is, and impulsive, and capricious; he has also a degree of self-awareness that I think his father once also possessed. Where that went, I cannot imagine - perhaps it was lost when King Henry fell from his horse at that joust more than ten years ago.
If I felt before that we might be on the verge of a new age, then I know that I was wrong, for it was a mere sense of comparative safety. This time, however, I know it - for my sword tells me so. It is still a most strange sensation, knowing what I do - for I am now able to tell Cromwell where to find any demon that might find its way into the Palace, and thus our hunts are rather more efficient than they used to be. Furthermore, should there be any grave danger to the Mission, no matter where it might be, I am told of it, and can aid in its prevention - though I suspect that I should be careful with that, for what I see is not always clear to me. Perhaps it is something that I shall learn to interpret more effectively in time - though I should prefer it if I did to have to. Momentous events should be a thing of the past; at least that is my hope.
Today's meeting of the Council is remarkably productive, despite the absence of the King and the Regent. The harvests over the last few years have been excellent, and prices are stable - but the fear of failure is always present, and our work today has been to agree a more formalised version of the old procedure that Wolsey used to implement in such situations. We who are privileged have ignored those who are not for long enough. It may be that centuries have passed since a man called Wat Tyler challenged the authority of those who held power over the peasantry, but the world in which we reside is changing at a remarkable rate - and it is better to prevent another such revolt by giving those who would rise no reason to do so.
How strange that sounds to me. Cromwell is one who rose from low beginnings; so, to him, it seems reasonable to expect others to have the same opportunities; but I am not. I am of the Gentry, and thus I was born to relative ease and privilege by virtue of my family - so I did not see the world as he did as I grew into the despicable man that I once was. Even now it still sounds remarkably innovative, and I am quite convinced that the rich and powerful who are not in Government shall object to it most vociferously - largely on principle I imagine.
"We have received approaches on behalf of the Princess Elisabeth of Lorraine by the Holy Roman Emperor, for her parents are both dead. I understand that she is a great beauty, and shows promise of an intelligent and cultured nature." Somerset advises, "Given her age, of course, any marriage would be by proxy at this time, though we are keen to arrange a meeting between his Majesty and her Highness before any negotiations might be undertaken."
That is also unusual - while King Henry might well have seen Queen Katherine before their marriage, as she came to marry his brother, most Kings marry women they have never seen in order to create alliances with other powers. After all, the purpose of such unions is twofold - to bring two nations together, and to ensure the propagation of the line. That the Emperor is prepared to permit this child to be wedded outside his family suggests that she is worth more to him as a bargaining tool with other nations than as an inheritrix of suitable lands; his line is well known for its inter-familial marriages. She is, of course, not closely related - but a marriage that shall forge friendship in Europe is always welcome; and if it is a successful and happy one, then all benefit. That there is an element of choice involved for the prospective spouses is surprising; but Queen Jane refuses to impose anything upon the King by force. Persuasion, yes, but never coercion. Consequently, we agree that the proposal shall be considered, and the King's views taken into account.
A steward is waiting outside the council chamber with a note for Cromwell, and his expression of satisfaction when he reads it suggests good news, "Hound is awaiting us in my apartments, Richie. He has brought a companion. If you could alert Mr Cecil, I shall meet you there in ten minutes or so."
It does not take me long to find Cecil, and we are soon in the main chamber of Cromwell's apartments, where I am surprised to note that young Dudley is taller, broader and has an air about him that instantly announces to me that he is a Silver Sword. He is dressed simply for a man of his family - but he wears the Hawk gauntlets, and his swords, decorated with his sigil, rest upon Cromwell's table. He has already raised his eyebrows in astonishment at the Raven's astonishing rejuvenation, and received a brief explanation additional to that which had been communicated to him at the House after the death of his father.
"Welcome home, Hawk." I am well aware of the formalities in these circles.
"Thank you, Mr Rich. I am most pleased to be back - for I set myself to win blades and this appointment. Even more so after I discovered that which had occurred in my absence."
Ah - like John and Ambrose, he has that same keenness to atone for his father's treachery; though, unlike his elder brothers, he shall know far more that the late Northumberland's actions were governed by the twisted influence of a demon that revelled in conflict, "He did not start out so, Hawk. It was his dealings with Eligos that changed him from an ambitious man to a traitorous one. He is not the first to have discovered too late that such dealings never end well."
"Have you eaten?" Cromwell asks, "I can arrange for victuals if you require them."
"That would be most excellent; thank you. I am sure that Hound is as in need of sustenance as I."
It is perhaps a little early to sup, but there is much to discuss, and what better way to do so than over an excellent meal and good claret? As we eat, we are regaled with the events of Dudley's experiences in the Final Trial, which was a close-run thing; for he was almost equally matched by a highly talented, but impetuous, youth from Aleppo who was so eager to gain the swords that he failed to remember that most vital rule of the House - never to be caught, "I knew that there was insufficient time to move from my hiding place to the next," Dudley explains, "I had hidden myself in a large cupboard, rather than the alcoves that line the corridor, for it is all but impossible to still the arras before you in time. Saif was safe in one alcove, but he was facing his last opportunity to gain swords, and chose to flee to another that was ahead of me, in hopes of getting there before the master returned - for then he would have had a clean run to the end of the corridor. Alas, he had not stilled the arras, and thus the Master knew that there was a student there. It was as he was being led away that I took my chance."
"I imagine that you must have thought your opportunity to be lost when he did so." Cromwell observes.
"God yes, I did, Raven - for a moment my stomach was in my boots, for if he had managed to evade discovery, he could have reached the stair before I did - it would have been far easier to slip away than it would have been to open the cupboard. I should perhaps not be so unchivalrous, for he would have made a truly fine Silver Sword, and only mischance had kept him from blades on his previous attempts."
"Perhaps so; impetuosity can be as great a hindrance as an aid to one of our kind, as you feared. But instead, your patience saved you, and you won your blades."
He nods, and eyes them with that same sense of reverence I see in Cromwell's eyes when he looks upon his Raven swords. Indeed, I have noticed Hound doing much the same with his, too.
"I am advised that you shall be returning to Milan, Raven." Dudley continues, "Is Mr Rich to be my Second?" He seems quite hopeful of that.
"Alas, no," I advise him, "The High That Was decreed that I should also travel to Milan, in order to establish a sister House to train Seconds."
Goodness, his face has fallen, "That is rather a shame," he admits, "for all were rather envious that I had gained a Second of such reputation as yours, and I was excited that I would be supported by your knowledge as I take my first steps in my Mission."
"Fear not," I assure him, "I have taken steps to ensure that you shall be supported by a Second of great skill. Allow me to introduce you to Mr William Cecil, formerly my apprentice, but shortly to become the Second to the Hawk."
Cecil stares at me, as surprised as his Silver Sword, "My apprenticeship is to end? Am I ready to take on such a burden, Richard?"
"Of course you are." I turn to him, "You have mastered the Library to a degree that I am embarrassed to admit vastly exceeds me - and you performed most excellently in your researches as you worked with us to combat Eligos. There is nothing left that I can teach you - for all that I have left that you do not is my possession of Shadowsight. It will talk to no one but me, so even if you wished to take on a sword of your own, I could not pass it to you."
"I am glad of it," Cecil admits, again, "for I am not a man of violence."
"No - you are a man of intellect, and that is the most vital qualification for a Second, William." I remind him, "Do not be afraid to make mistakes - for I made many in my time. They are opportunities to learn. Treat them as such."
"I shall." He says, firmly, "I give you my word."
"Then it is done." Cromwell says, quietly, "For the next few weeks, we shall work together - but as soon as you are secure in the Court, my work shall be over, and we shall depart."
God above - is this really so? I an hardly believe it - but it is. In but a matter of weeks, we shall be free of our obligations in England, and so shall begin our journey to Milan.
