Burden of the Crown by Paul J Bennett

Author:Paul J Bennett
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Paul J Bennett

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"I present to you, Lady Beverly Fitzwilliam and Lord Aldwin Fitzwilliam," said Fitz, as he raised a cup. They sat at the head table, a great feast laid out before them.

"I'm not a lord, my lord," objected the smith, "nor am I a Fitzwilliam."

"Nonsense, my boy, I'm the Baron of Bodden, I can call you whatever I like."

"I'm just a simple smith," he insisted.

"So you are," agreed the baron, "and a damned fine one, but as husband to Beverly, you rank as a noble. In Merceria, it's customary for the wife of a noble to become a lady, I see no reason why the reverse should not be true."

Beverly smiled at her husband. "Lord Aldwin Fitzwilliam," she mused, "I like that."

"Yes," agreed the baron, "and it ensures that future generations shall continue the family name. Though I must admit, Beverly, I gave you bad advice all those years ago."

"What advice was that, Father?"

"I once told you to marry a weak-minded man, then you'd control the barony, but you've fooled me. You married a strong man and still managed to find a way to rule Bodden when I'm gone. I couldn't be happier for you!”

"Thank you, Father," Beverly replied, "though I'm in no hurry to assume the position."

The baron chuckled, "And glad I am to hear it. Now, it's time you two received the blessings of the hall."

As if in answer, the guests started banging their tankards on the table. Beverly dutifully kissed Aldwin, causing a cheer to erupt.

Sir Gareth rose, and the room fell silent. "Ladies and gentlemen," he began, "we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of our noble Lady Beverly, to Aldwin, Master of the Forge. I would like to wish the bride and groom the best of health, wealth and future happiness. For many years men have sung of the Rose of Bodden, and now, it seems, her heart has been captured by the man with the arms of steel and a pureness of heart."

"He captured my heart years ago," called out Beverly, to be met with hoots and hollers.

"I stand corrected," said Sir Gareth, slurring his words slightly. "However, it falls to me to remind her ladyship of the honour and obligation that falls to one who will eventually inherit the barony."

"Which is?" called out Beverly.

"Children!" yelled back the knight.

The guests all started pounding the table again, prompting yet another kiss from the happy couple.

"Let us allow them some time," said Fitz. "After all, she's not the Mistress of Bodden, yet."

Everybody laughed, prompting Sir Gareth to take his seat. Then started the song. Beverly couldn't tell who began it, but soon, the whole room was singing, a marching song that brought a smile to her face.

T'was the mistress of Bodden, a knight of renown.

She fought many battles and rescued the town.

She fought with great bravery which set her apart,

And the great smith of Bodden did capture her heart!

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