Chronicles of the Brittany Kings Chapter 33

 33

Lord Cornell paced the corridor of the castle awaiting the outcome of the healer’s report on Vortimer’s health. The latter had taken ill some weeks back, and the latest was that he was bedridden. He had suspected poisoning but there was no conclusive evidence of who could have done it. Vortigern was the usual suspect with his lover, but it was not proven. The King’s servants were questioned and some tortured but none had any part in it.

“How fares the King?” Lord Cornell met the healer who was leaving the King’s chamber.

“Nothing new, my Lord. He is still in the throes of pain and his mind is unclear.” The healer told the Lord. “I had bled him of the disease blood but his body still go into spasms.”

Lord Cornell dismissed the healer and made his way to the hall. He was met by the other Lords who awaited the news about the King. The numbers have dwindled upon the King’s sickness. It would seem that the loyalty of the Lords was in doubt then.

“How does he fares?” Lord Ian asked.

“Nothing new. He still lives.” Lord Cornell replied and then asked about the conditions at the borders.

“The barbarians are rumored to sail to our land. The scouts reported on the building of new ships with many of the warriors congregating there at the nearby villages.”

“Scavengers! Who leads them?” Lord Cornell was upset.

“We heard that it was Hengist.” The name uttered was feared by many among the Lords. “He is with Horsa, who had returned from the sight of death.”

“What is their strength?” Lord Cornell asked.

“We are unsure. Some scouts reported in the thousands, but we estimated about twenty thousand now.”

“A mere number for now.” Lord Cornell looked to the corridor toward the King’s chamber. “That number could grow faster. We need to prepare ourselves.”

“Lord Cornell, we have another concern.” Lord Ian approached the other.”Vortigern has been busy of late. With the King dying, he has to travel beyond the castle to meet the other Lords. I heard that …”

“How was he to leave the castle? He …” Lord Cornell burst out in anger.

“Hold your anger, Lord Cornell. Vortigern is still a Lord and none of the guards dares to question him.”

“I will see to that.” Lord Cornell was to look for the errant Lord but that figure had appeared before him then.

“Lord Cornell, we are to talk.” It was the invitation of Lord Vortigern. “In private.”

Later in the confines of the chamber, both Lords stood there facing each other. The chamber was used for the King’s guests to stay over.

“Speak, Lord Vortigern. I am a busy person.” Lord Cornell glared at the other. “We have …”

”We have much to offer but if we stay divisive, we will perish like the King.” Vortigern cut in. “Our the previous one like Vortimer. I know your position is under siege by the other Lords. They have remained defiant of Vortimer, and with the passing of the pretender, they drew their swords on you now.”

“I was once like you, Lord Cornell, and fell into the abyss of Hell,” Vortigern added.

“I did not become King.” Lord Cornell voiced out. “I did not invite the barbarians to the gates.”

“Britons are at odds since the death of King Constantine. His son was not a King but a saint. I was the devil that usurp the saint for there was a need for a devil to quell the urges of all the Lords.”

“You speak of your achievements as if it was to be garlanded over your neck.” Lord Cornell turned to leave.

“Turn your back on me and prepare to be killed. Or work with me to restore the kingdom.” Vortigern spoke out. Lord Cornell held back his steps then.

“We are still the strongest in the numbers, and when united we can stand to any Lords that will challenge us. I have my Lords and you have yours. Let us unite and fight those who are not with us.” Vortigern spoke out his terms. “Let us be friends once more.”

 

 

At the friendlier borders of the land, King Aldrian was seated with the two princes. The two have grown well under the care of the King. Both princes have served with the King’s army and shown great improvement in their fighting.

“Vortimer is dying as told to me by the scouts.: King Aldrian looked to the young princes. “It may be time for you to return but you must prepare to return with an army backing your claims.”

“King Aldrian, I can ride with the columns that you assigned to me.” Uther was ever keen to return.

“You are not ready, young Uther. Your army raised by myself for you stands at only five thousand whilst the weakest Lord may have the equal or more than you. And it's not one Lord you will face but many more. Their loyalty is unknown.”

“We are the siblings of King Constan.” Uther pressed on but Aurelius stopped him.

“King Aldrian is right. We need to do our scouting with the Lords that may assist us. If we return, we must have a sizeable army. I will …”

“Consult the stars again, Aurelius. I am tired of your studies of the stars with the druid. Grow up, my brother.” Uther spoke to his brother. “We cannot be always wishing upon the stars.”

“Uther, I …” Aurelius was stopped by the King then.

“Silence both of you. Do the needed to get the army you will need. Or stay here and don’t return.” King Aldrian dismissed the two princes. He then proceeded to the adjacent chamber. There was a figure seated there, dressed in the rich cloth of the house of God.

“Your Holiness, have you rested well?” King Aldrian greeted the Bishop of Auxerre. The figure looked at the King and smiled.

“My weary bones are not used to the sea travels now but I have recovered enough.” The Bishop of Auxerre then asked of the young princes.

“Are they the ones whose brother was King? The children of King Constantine?”

“Yes, your Holiness. They are named Aurelius and Uther.” King Aldrian replied. ”Both are in exile here after the death of King Constan.”

“God have mercy on the soul on the passing of the King. He was a great King, once told to me by the visiting emissaries of the house. He invites them well and gave them food and shelter. I was told the barbarians killed him.”

“Picts, your Holiness.” King Aldrian explained.

“Picts, or Gauls? Whatever,” The Bishop of Auxerre scorns at the mention. “They are pagan demons. I have dealt with them before. They can be defeated by praying, singing hallelujah, and by the cries of the army of God, the enemies were routed, and driven even to the sea.”

“I believe so, you Holiness.” King Aldrian bowed his head listening to the words of the Bishop of Auxerre, “God is great.”

“Cynism is below you, King Aldrian. Behold the might of God’s army when the barbarians are driven away.” The Bishop of Auxerre then stood up. “I need to attend to my body's needs. Your food may not be agreeing with my digestion.”

King Aldrian bowed to the departing Bishop of Auxerre on his way to the chamber.

“One man’s food is another man’s poison.” King Aldrian muttered to himself.