The Dark Age (25 page)

‘Art thou intending to train under Tory this coming autumn and beyond?' She slipped her arm away and ever so gently pushed him back a little.

‘Aye.' His brow became drawn. ‘Why?'

She began to move off, her eyes still fixed upon him. ‘I do look forward to it then — as I am to be thy sparring partner.' She punched the palm of her hand and laughed.

Brockwell wasn't quite sure how he felt about the news, but recalling the way Maelgwn and Tory were always rolling around on the floor together, he shrugged and grinned. ‘How bad could it be?'

T
ory's first day in court with the knights and advisers of Gwynedd was going to prove every bit as difficult as she'd imagined. The men were riled after their defeat at the hands of the female warriors the day before. Tory deemed that the demonstration had been necessary, however, in light of the proposal she was about to put forth.

On the court's agenda were four main items for discussion — Chiglas' wedding gift being the first. The laws regarding provision and protection of the women and children of Gwynedd would follow, along with the new marriage laws. The meeting would conclude with an outline of the role and standards that would be expected from the elite group of masters that Tory planned to train.

With so much to discuss before the court convened, Tory and Maelgwn retreated to the comfort and privacy of their chamber. There the King read Tory's proposal thoroughly, which they had discussed in part before his inauguration. Lady Gladys had advised Tory well, and Maelgwn agreed that the work displayed much foresight. Although he was quite sure some of his men would not take too kindly to the restraints of the new laws, Maelgwn agreed that the plans would undoubtedly benefit Gwynedd and the Goddess in the long run.

A State-subsidised orphanage would be opened where old Hetty's brothel village now stood, to house and protect the neglected children of Caswallon's rule. It was to be run by Hetty and two of her older girls, thus giving them gainful employment and ridding them of the need to solicit. The bastard children would be given every opportunity to advance socially of their own accord and initiative. A school and playground for the village would also be opened in the spring. From then on, every child between the ages of five and fifteen who could travel to the school in Aberffraw, would be required to attend.

Tory proposed that Selwyn, who was fairly well educated, could train under Taliesin over the cold season and teach at the school when it opened. The King obviously didn't fancy the idea of giving up his page, but Tory pointed out that the aspiring bard could be far better employed as a teacher. Selwyn could instruct the children in basic mathematics, language, history and music while one or two of her ladies
instructed them in self-defence, meditation and basic combat skills.

The parents of the children, where applicable, would be required to pay a small fee in addition to their normal taxes for each child. In return, their children would be educated, fed, and upon reaching the age of fifteen, taken off their hands completely. This was already the case with the males of the kingdom, and by the spring a new hall would be erected in the outer-bailey grounds to house the young females. From then on, rather than being sold to the highest bidder, the daughters of Gwynedd would be sold to the State; this was also true of the young unwed girls of old Hetty's keeping. That way, women would serve the royal family for a term, in the same fashion the men did, giving them a few years to discover their calling. Tory hoped this would make it easier for the young men and women of the kingdom to meet, mix, and hopefully match, as it should be.

In future, all marriages would have to be not only recorded, but approved by the State. Both parties would have to freely consent before the court and their immediate family, and if there was no serious cause for objection, the couple would be granted permission to wed. Hence the buying and selling of human beings would become a criminal offence. Dowries were an exception to this rule, as they were considered more of a savings plan to support the daughter in married life. The wife would bestow this wealth on her chosen husband, and should the marriage end in divorce, she could reclaim the same
amount to support herself and any kin for whom she may have to provide.

The beating of women and children would become a punishable offence throughout the land, as would rape. Tory knew these cases would be hard to try in court, especially in that period in history, yet until some sort of deterrent was put in place, the culprits would not be dissuaded.

Maelgwn found the outline for the master's training scheme fascinating. First and foremost, these men and women would be required to abide by the new laws as set by the Goddess. Those chosen would guide and set the standard for the many who would follow. If her masters didn't display consideration and understanding for each other, they could not respect the Great Mother and would cease to serve her. The masters would also be asked to take a vow to Gwynedd — that they would never instruct or speak to another outside their ranks about their skills without the Queen's personal consent. To break this vow would be punishable by death.

Tory decided to follow the traditional belt colour-coding system to define the achievement of each individual. The masters would wear white uniforms, like her own, while they were students, and black once they became teachers. The belts would define how masterful one was personally. In Tae-kwon-do there were ten different coloured grades before the black belt, these lower grades were known as Kyu. Kyudan, dedicated to the refinement of the self, consisted of ten different grades of black belt, of which Tory had only reached the second grade.

Maelgwn was inspired by the thought of so much learning. At present, once one became a knight that was as far as it went, except for the odd title challenge. With this proposal his men would have something new to strive for and he, like never before, could compete alongside them.

As the teachers, champions, and representatives of Gwynedd, this elite group of masters would be the first to be awarded special privileges, like a weekend. With intensive training all week, these two days would be set aside to relax, practise, or study.

There were other details to be finalised but on the whole, Maelgwn conceded that Tory could do a fine job of running his kingdom, all on her own. Yet as he embraced her, claiming she was the most miraculous woman he'd ever known, Tory had to wonder if he'd still think so on the morrow, when his men wanted his head for agreeing with her.

 

In court the next day, Tory wore the gown of black, representing the Crone or wise woman of the Triple Goddess. With the same cut as the other two dresses, this one laced up the front from her hips to a sweetheart neckline, and the collar sat stiff about her shoulders, framing her face. Her hair had been bound up tight in a bun at the top of her head, and her make-up was dark and striking.

Chiglas' messenger had presented his case to the court, yet the King gained no further insight into either Chiglas' or Cadogan's true intent. For Chiglas to offer only Cadogan in exchange for Caradoc's list of offences
was laughable; surely Chiglas must realise that Maelgwn could never accept, and this made the new King uneasy.

If Cadogan was lying about his imprisonment, he was very convincing. Still, Tory noticed he didn't appear any worse for it, and she could hardly blame the man because he'd managed to come through his ordeal unscathed. To be sure, she didn't know what to think. Her solemn glare of accusation failed to make him flinch from his story, and pretty soon even she began to question her doubts about him.

In the end, the King decreed that Cadogan was by no means enough ransom to buy Caradoc's freedom or pay for his grievous crimes against the kingdom of Gwynedd. He thanked Chiglas' messenger for Cadogan's safe return and bid him tell Chiglas that if he wished to make a more substantial offer, he would consider it. If not, come spring he would feed Caradoc to the dragon of Keridwen, as promised.

This decision worried Tory greatly; if Cadogan was conspiring with Chiglas, this would be exactly what they wanted Maelgwn to do. Cadogan would be snowed in for the whole of the cold season at Aberffraw, and with Tory's training about to commence, she didn't like the idea one bit. She would wait, however, and discuss it with Maelgwn when they were alone and at liberty to speak their mind.

As Tory refrained from commenting on the matter of Cadogan, Maelgwn wondered if perhaps she'd changed her mind in regard to his knight's loyalties. Yet when she politely refused to begin her address to the
court until Cadogan had left the room, the King realised their difference in opinion still remained.

 

Following a heavy day in court and all the frivolity of the feast that followed, Tory and Maelgwn finally returned to the solace of their chamber for some well-earned time alone. Tory collapsed onto a chair exhausted, unwinding her hair from the tight knot on top of her head.

‘Thee spoke like a true Queen in court today. And I must say, the men accepted thy proposals more readily than I expected. Well done.' He took a seat beside her, planting a kiss on her forehead.

‘Why thank you, kind sir.' Tory conjured up a smile. ‘We shall see if they art still so agreeable when the laws come into force.'

Selwyn knocked on the door before bounding into their room, appearing as if he'd just won a prize. ‘Forgive me for disturbing thee, but I have just heard of thy plans for me. Oh lady, could it be true?'

Tory delighted in his excitement, holding out her hands to him as he approached. Selwyn grasped them and fell to his knees before her. ‘Aye Selwyn, if thee wishes it.'

‘Oh lady, I do, I do. And with all my heart, I thank thee.' He kissed her hands repeatedly.

‘Enough.' Maelgwn swiped his page across the back of the head.

Selwyn apologised to his lord and turned back to Tory.

‘There be no need to thank me, Selwyn. Thou art the best one for the appointment, and I believe Taliesin will be well impressed with thee.'

‘I do hope so, lady. I shall do my very best to make thee proud.'

Again, she was amused. ‘Selwyn, I am already proud of thee. Always remember that.'

‘Aye lady, I will.'

‘Go now.' She smiled down on him, gently stroking aside a long strand of golden hair that fell across his face. ‘I believe the High Merlin awaits thee in the library.'

Selwyn jumped to his feet, startled by the news. Then remembering his place, fell on one knee again to kiss her hand, then stood and ran backwards to the door. ‘I owe thee everything, lady. I cannot thank thee enough.'

Maelgwn turned to Tory, ‘I wonder at times whose squire he be.'

Selwyn knocked and entered again. ‘My greatest apologies, Majesty. I do thank thee also and bid thee a very goodnight.' He left again before Maelgwn had a chance to respond.

The King turned to Tory, a mite surprised by just how well she understood his subjects. ‘I think he likes the idea.'

‘I think thou art right.' Tory was elated to have made the youth so happy.

‘Thou dost not think me right about Cadogan though?' Maelgwn asked, though he seemed reluctant to bring up the subject.

‘If thee wishes to give thy knight the benefit of the doubt, I will accept thy judgement. I do realise there be no solid evidence against him.'

‘But?'

Tory shrugged. She really didn't want to discuss Cadogan now, when they finally had a few hours alone together.

‘Tory, I am thy husband, thus I hope thee will feel at ease to speak thy mind.'

The tenderness in his voice both touched and infuriated her. ‘Must we pursue this now?' Tory asked meekly, so as not to anger him.

‘Tory?' Maelgwn was alarmed by her timid stance and reluctance to speak with him. He took up her hands and held them tightly. ‘I will not be angry with thee, I could not! Thou art my wife. I respect thy judgement and need to hear it. Please.'

‘Maelgwn, thou art most frustrating at times.' Tory stood. ‘Thou art already well aware of how I feel about Cadogan, why push the issue?'

‘I had thought perhaps thee might have changed thy mind.'

‘I have not, nor will I ever.'

‘I see.' He was displeased. ‘And what would thee now have me do with him?'

Tory could feel her adrenalin rising and paused briefly to retain her composure. ‘I would send him to Degannwy for the cold season and away from thy training ground.'

‘But Aberffraw be Cadogan's home, as well as it be my own.'

‘Not only that. I would have someone keep a close eye on him while he was there, in case he should seek out Caradoc.'

Maelgwn stood, outraged. ‘Tory, thou art being unreasonable. Cadogan hast done naught wrong, and he's been through a great ordeal. Now thee would have me send him from his home, for the whole duration of the autumn and burgeoning? Nay, I will not do as thee suggests.'

‘Be that what Caswallon told Sorcha when she warned him about Cadfer?' Her retribution, so swift and to the point, stunned Maelgwn to silence, and he slowly sat down. Tory feared she had hurt him and rushed to kneel at his side, resting her head on his lap. ‘Maelgwn, forgive me. I had no right —'

‘Nay, thou hast every right. I had near forgotten myself.'

Tory looked up at him to hear his resolve.

‘I shall do as the Goddess bids me. But if Cadogan remains at Degannwy without incident till spring, will thee accept this as proof of his loyalty?'

‘I would certainly reconsider the matter.'

Maelgwn smiled at her as he stroked her hair. ‘Then it will be done.'

 

The morning came too soon in Tory's opinion. She felt the warmth of Maelgwn's body leaving hers, and dreamt of the weekends that lay ahead when they might spend the whole day snuggled together. This morning, however, she would not be allowed to escape her duty. For today she was to be crowned Queen, and address the great leaders of Britain.

She hadn't the slightest idea of what she was to say to them. Maelgwn had conveyed to her the words of
Keridwen, so Tory could only presume that she had another cosmic episode to look forward to.
So much for being well informed.

When Sorcha had held control over her, she and the Queen had seemed to Tory as one. She felt what Sorcha did, she knew her mind, and she even recalled some of her memories. When Sorcha had addressed Sir Tiernan at the time of Caswallon's death, Tory saw and felt things between the two that she was quite sure none of the kindred knew about. Tory couldn't imagine how it would feel to have the entity known as the Triple Goddess inside her, so she was as nervous as hell.