The Grimwood expedition returned, and they were apparently quite successful. I was elated. They sent a messenger ahead to relay the good news, so I still had time to prepare. I wondered what sort of collar would be the right size for my new pet’s neck. After putting me through this much trouble, she should have been happy to avoid execution.
There was no reason to hold back any longer. Once they brought her to me, I’d make her mine, and with her under my control, I’d be able to conquer the entire Grimwood region. Then, once the foolish commoners saw how skilled I was, they’d be clamoring for my brother to abdicate. I couldn’t help but chuckle to myself as I imagined my first few days on the throne.
Perhaps I should make a list of insolent nobles to execute once I became king. There’d be no reason to hold back. Anyone who’d ever wronged me would find their head on the chopping block. I wondered how many wives I’d end up with. Surely at least a dozen. Then, of course, there would be concubines like little Miss Grimwood.
Ah, Finlaud you old fox, you’ll have them lined up all the way from here to the royal capital, begging for your favor.
Everyone who had ever looked down on me, or compared me unfavorably to my brother, would be expunged. Those who supported me could have their daughters become my wives or concubines. What an honor for them! What a grand thought.
It was nearly two full days before the army returned to the city. They led little Miss Grimwood straight to my study, where I awaited. She was dressed in an unusual dress with fabric that shifted colors by the moment. The effect caused by the shifting hues was quite lovely. She was much as previous reports had described her: short, but well-endowed. With her height, she’d make a perfect meat-toilet.
I made a grand gesture of welcoming her, and spoke at length about just how unfortunate the earlier incident was. She remained silent, smiling with the occasional nod. The message that arrived ahead of the army said she was getting better at speaking and understanding Ausbarlian, and it seemed she was completely spellbound by my words.
She was clearly enraptured as I spoke about my deep desire to create a peaceful relationship. Once I was sure she was ready, I cleared everyone else out of the room. Now I could speak with her directly. This was the crucial part.
“My dear Miss Grimwood, let me be frank. I find you quite charming. I’ve decided to do you the honor of allowing you to become my concubine.”
She stood there completely silent, no doubt stunned by my generous offer.
“If you’re obedient, I can promise I’ll treat you well. You’ll become my cherished pet, and I’ll lavish you with affection. Together, we’ll reshape this kingdom.”
Still no response. Was she moved beyond words, or was she just an idiot?
“I don’t plan to simply remain a mere duke. With your power, we’ll tame the Grimwood, and the people will demand I become king!”
She was still just smiling and nodding. I didn’t necessarily dislike a woman who knew how to remain silent. It looked like it was time I made my move.
I lowered myself to one knee, not in submission, but simply to reach the poor creature’s eye level. From my new vantage point, I had a much better view of her bountiful bust. She was showing a bit of cleavage—practically an invitation. I reached forward, ready to sample the goods.
“There now, be a good girl and show me just how meek and submissive you can be.”
Just before my hand made contact with her ample bosom, I was suddenly thrown backward. I wasn’t not sure how, but that little beast attacked me.
No matter; if she wouldn’t become mine willingly, I’d just have to force her.
“Treacherous wench! Guards! Guards!”
The door burst open, and my soldiers flooded the room, spears at the ready. How do you like that, little Miss Grimwood?
Just as my men were about to take her prisoner, though, she suddenly vanished. Nobody had any idea what happened. She was there one moment, and gone the next. Only a few motes of light remained to mark her passing, and those vanished a moment later. She was nowhere to be found.
“That little wench attacked me!” I screeched, with great dignity. “Find her immediately!”
The guards scrambled to follow my orders. Good help is so hard to find these days.
It was a good thing we were alone when I said all of those treasonous things. If she told anyone about it, it would be her word against mine. Nobody would believe that inhuman menace against the word of the honorable Duke Finlaud.
This was the final straw. “The next time I catch that girl, she’s going to die.”
Hours passed, night fell, and no word came of her whereabouts. I went to sleep, only to be roused by an urgent banging on the door the next day. I made myself presentable as quickly as I could, and answered the door.
“This had better be good,” I spat, “or—”
“Your Grace, the city has been surrounded! We’re trapped!”
I ran to my window, and threw open the curtains. My chambers were on the fourth floor, so I could see quite far from my balcony, but I didn’t even have to open the window. A strange wall surrounded the entire city. Drab and brown, but taller than the stone city walls. These new walls encircled the city at a much wider radius, which was to our advantage. We could bring them down without any damage to the city.
“Have these new walls investigated at once,” I ordered.
“Ah, I already have a report for you regarding that, Your Grace.”
“Say that sooner next time! Well, what is it?”
“The guards have carried out a thorough examination of the walls that appeared outside of the city this morning,” the messenger explained. “It seems the only way in or out is a single gatehouse guarded by ten or so unusual creatures. These creatures are willing to allow people to leave town freely, but charge a toll to any who attempt to enter. The toll is apparently based on what the traveler happens to be carrying. If they have fruit, the creatures take nearly half of it. If they have coin, only a small percentage. If they have other wares, the creatures seem to help themselves to whatever they like.”
“This is outrageous! They can’t charge a toll to enter my city!”
“There’s more, sir. Apparently anyone who complains about the toll, or asks why they’re being taxed, is shown a strange moving image that also replicates your voice.”
“My voice?!”
“Yes, Your Grace. The image shows you, as well, and from the reports, it isn’t very flattering.”
“What do you mean? Spit it out!”
“The moving image that speaks with your voice accosts a small woman, and boasts about plans to overthrow the king. It’s become the talk of the town.”
My anger exploded.
“That little wench! I’ll wring her neck!”