Chapter 276: Side Sixty-Seven – Princess Eleanor Elizabeth Diana Windsor

This isn’t awkward at all. Eleanor bit down on a sigh as she looked around the ballroom. Dozens of important people were here, from politicians to fellow people in the line of succession. Her brother Richard was there with his wife, looking as regal as ever, and as he caught her gaze, he smiled and waved lightly, causing her to look away.

I don’t want to talk to you right now. I have too much on my mind. He realised she was again holding her side, which was making her walk awkwardly in the elegant powder-blue ballgown she was wearing, her hair piled up more regally than she usually wore it, the sapphire necklace and earrings she wore a gift from her grandmother to match her eyes, and when Eleanor had done a quick search on Wikipedia she had found they were royal heirlooms, and worth an eye-watering amount. Not that she was any stranger to extravagance, being a princess, but even so it wasn’t often the Queen lent out the old treasures. I need to calm down and stop spacing out. Deep breaths, deep breaths.

Pulling her hand away from her side, she found it trembling a little. Of course, it weas easy to understand why. She had memories, vivid memories, of being stabbed in the side by a foul goblin-like creature, long black knife penetrating the green armour she wore. It was as if she had been thrust into the fire, her body in agony. She had panicked, sword she held slashing out, and the creature had been beheaded. After that she remembered very little, only to come to a while later, covered in vile blood and with many disintegrating corpses lying all around her.

Yes, my wound closed, this blessing, or perhaps curse, that I’ve been granted allowing me to recover from any injury, but that doesn’t dimmish the pain or fear I felt, no, I still feel.

“A penny for you thoughts, princess?” a refined, stately voice said, and she jumped, jerking around to address the speaker, who was laughing deeply, though without malice or mockery. He was an older man, in his fifties, but still tall and powerful, muscles straining under the elegant suit her was wearing. Running a hand through his still bushy silver-white hear, he took her hand and kissed it, like a knight of old.

“Sir Arthur, as foolish as ever I see.” Eleanor pouted sourly, Sir Arthur one of the few people she could be herself around. Even so, she was in public, so after a mere moment of indulgence she restored her face to its practised mask of stillness. “This farce… I can’t believe you agreed to be a part of it.”

“Why would I not, princess? After all, this is an important step for you, and your grandmother, may God protect her, asked my aid. I think this is surely Gods’ will, or why else would an irascible old coot like me be chosen for this grand task?”

Sir Arthur Dumbarton, the son of a long-time friend of my Grandmother. To think he’d be chosen too, destined to protect the United Kingdom. I have to admit, it’ll be comforting to have someone I know with me in the future, but even so. He’s old…

“I know what you are thinking, princess. How rude. I’m not old, I’m in the prime of life. There’s strength in these old bones yet,  I assure you!” He laughed again, snagging two glasses from a nearby servant, handing her one. Eleanor took it, sipping at the strong liquor and feeling the warmth spread through her body. “So, how are you holding up? I notice you are favouring your side? I hope you haven’t been injured, marring the skin of our princess is a shame that would make angels weep.”

“Stop teasing me.” She sighed. “I’m fine now. Not a scratch remains. But… I can’t get over the fear. My confidence is shot. I’m not cut out for this. It should have been my brothers. Not me.”

“Well, ours is not to question the will of God, or the turning of destiny. We just make the best of what we can. Look around us, princess. So many people here who know nothing about the way the world has changed. Politicians, celebrities, billionaires, other nobility. They believe the world will go on as it always has. There’s comfort in that, to be sure, but little safety. At least we know what is coming.” He waved to two people who were talking to each other, looking out of place amidst the finery and wealth of the Palace. On seeing them, the two came over, the lead person, a younger, short girl of Indian descent, looking particularly starstruck to be meeting a princess. Behind her was a young man, wearing black horn-rimmed glasses and looking delicate like some sort of artist, his big blue eyes taking in everything around him.

Aditi Mistry and Donovan Patterson. I recognise them from the data grandmother dug up for me. This is the first time I’m meeting them though. I’m pretty nervous. Really, I shouldn’t be, I’m used to appearing in public and being the focus of the press. But that’s that, and this… this is me meeting people I’ll be entrusting my life to, going forwards.

“Princess, it is a great honour to meet you!” Aditi said, curtsying quite well. She’s obviously been practising. “This is quite the event. I must admit to feeling rather out of place. Still, I must confess, finding out I was not alone was a wonderful shock. I thought I was going crazy, bringing shame to my family. Even so, the pressure of being your guard is mighty indeed, princess.”

Donovan reached out a hand for a handshake. He then paused, going pale, realising just who he offered her hand to, but Eleanor was well-used to such things, so she merely grasped his hand gently, pumping it twice before releasing it. He’s blushing. That’s… kind of adorable. “I’m never washing this hand again, princess.” Donovan grinned shyly.

“No, please do wash it, else I won’t be able to be near you. The smell would be terrible.” She made a joke, and Sir Arthur guffawed, slapping Donovan on the back, and nodding to Aditi.

“Indeed, I understand that. Our Eleanor is quite the beauty, but no funny ideas, all right boy? I’ll be watching!” He warned jovially, and Donovan nodded rapidly, as though his head was on a spring. “Of course I get it, sir! I’m only here to fulfil the request of the Queen, and to get the money on offer… no, not the money, ugh, ah…” he looked down, mortified, and everyone laughed.

“Oh, now I do not feel so nervous, so thank you, Donovan.” Aditi smiled calmly.

“Well, have you met my brother yet?” Eleanor asked, and they shook their heads. “Well then.” She continued. “You simply must. I don’t want to be the only one at this party everyone is looking at.”

 

********

 

“That was quite nerve-wracking. Your sister-in-law, she is very nice, as the papers show her to be.” Aditi said, fanning herself as they sat in the corner, trying to avoid notice.

“Yes, she’s very sweet.” Eleanor agreed. “And with her and Henry’s girlfriend in the picture, I don’t get so much attention as I used to. Still, that will change, won’t it?”

“It sure will, princess.” A fiery redhead who they had picked up earlier grinned, her Scottish twang thick. “A warrior princess indeed. And t’think I’ll be there alongside ye. I’m getting chills.”

“That’s damn stupid and you know it.” A man a little older than the princess said, and Eleanor struggled to keep calm. David Reckless, the boyishly handsome yet sour-faced speaker, was a choice she had been reluctant to make, but under advice from her grandmother and Sir Arthur, she had accepted him as part of her team. But ever since meeting her, the martial artist, who was known for fighting in UFC and had a decent record, had done nothing but talk angrily at her, not even hiding his disdain. “You are a fool, Sarah.” He continued, draining the glass in his hand, the smell of alcohol on his breath intense.

I’m not used to dealing with this. He was quieter when Sir Arthur was still with us, but since he’s talking to my brother still, it’s like he’s been let off the leash. I don’t get why he’s so mad. Still… she swallowed, trying to calm herself. It isn’t like fighting in that shadow of London. That is more frightening. I can put up with some anger, so long as he does his job.

“Seriously. Think about it. We were chosen by the Gods themselves! I’m the heir to Caturix, the true War God of these Isles! And now I have to give up my chance of growing stronger to babysit this idiot of a princess?”

Idiot? No-one has ever been so rude to me before. One hand went back to her side, feeling the phantom pain of her injury, while the other went to where her sword would be belted. Her fingers grasped for it futility, and she looked down, flushed with shame and nerves. Luckily no-one but Aditi had noticed, and she was too well-mannered to make anything of it.

“It isn’t like we had no…” Donovan began, before wilting under the fierce glare David shot him.

“The kid is right.” Sarah McLaughlin shot back, her own fiery temper sparking. “I don’t know why you are complaining. Money, support, we’ll have it all. We’ll be heroes, y’hear me? Damn heroes!”

“I’d rather blaze my own way, like I did in the UFC, relying on my own power. But I was careless. Breaking those punch-force world records openly was foolish. Still, I’m not the only fool. That Scandinavian weightlifter did it too, and nobody knows where he is now. He probably had the same sort of offer we did, and he said no. You think we walk away from this, knowing what we know, being who we are now, redhead? Are you as thick as you look? It’s true, girls with big tits are dumb.”

“Hey!” Sarah protested, arms covering her chest.

“I think we should remain calm…” Aditi began, but David ignored her. All around them, the crowd was starting to pick up on the disturbance. This is a nightmare. We need to get out of here. Everyone is looking at us, judging us. I’m bringing shame to grandmother.

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“The only way once we were found out was to sign up to babysitting the princess. At least she’s beautiful. That’s the only saving grace. Have any of you even fought before?” he grunted. “I have. Years in the Octagon, before that in the boxing ring. And I’ve fought in this new world. I’ve blood on my hands. I’m not destined to be a babysitter!”

 “That’s quite enough of that.” The last of her companions said, after having observed everyone in quiet silence for a while. She was a woman of few words, older than all of them barring Sir Arthur. Mary-Jane Smith. Age forty-two. Married with two children. A Schoolteacher. Eleanor remembered the data on her. Choosing her had been as problematic as David Reckless, but for a different reason. It’s not right to force a woman with children to fight. But her ability…

“I understand why you are upset, Mr Reckless, but taking it out on a younger girl isn’t very manly, is it?” she chided, her hazel eyes somehow both stern and kind under her silver glasses. Her short brown bobbed hair and womanly figure made her seem like a comforting old matron, of the sort Eleanor used to know as a child. “And as for your question, you would have been told the same as we all were. The princess has fought. Life or death battles. As it happens, I too…” she clenched her fist. “… well, it seems like something out of a storybook that I would read to the children, but this is reality now.”

David looked like he was about to argue when Sir Arthur returned, her brother Richard in tow. As they joined the group, the eyes of the watching dignitaries was drawn from her to her brother, and Eleanor felt some relief. Sometimes I think that these public engagements are even harder than battle… no, who am I fooling, I can’t even make that joke to myself.

“There’s no trouble here, I trust?” Sir Arthur said, and David met his gaze for a moment, before looking away, sourly. “No, just a heated discussion.”

“That’s good.” Richard said, as poised as ever. He made a small gesture to the surrounding crowd. “Now that you are all together and have experienced this gala, it’s time. Grandmother would like to see you.”

At that Eleanor could see the expressions on everyone’s faces. Some were excited, but most were nervous. Me too, me too. Grandmother was kind and she loved her well, but she was the Queen, and meeting her was never without drama…

 

********

 

“So, in conclusion.” Her grandmother said, Richard beside her, as well as their father, Charles, who gave her a look of mixed worry and support. The group was seated in a more intimate chamber of the Palace, rather than the main throne-room, but the Queen was still on an ornate throne, radiating power and dignity despite her increasingly frail body and advancing age.

“The fate of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and perhaps the very world, hinges on securing London and preventing the darkness from spreading. Those of you who have been given this heavy burden are pitiful, yet also blessed. The Crown and this great nation will spare no expense nor effort to support you few we could find. All we ask is that you work together and save this country. As a Queen. As a grandmother…” her regal tone changed, and now she was the mischievous grandmother Eleanor knew well. “… We ask you keep our precious granddaughter safe. Those of you who have children will understand.”

Beside her, Mary-Jane nodded, having children of her own. Several others, Aditi, Donovan and Sarah, gave their assent, starstruck by the force of the Queen’s personality. But then David spoke up, shocking everyone.

“That’s all very well, but… we aren’t the only ones that you have found, are we?” He snorted bitterly. “I want to know what happened to the others, who aren’t standing here now.”

“Mr Reckless, show some respect!” Mary-Jane began, but the Queen waved her to silence. “A fair question, young man. The answer is simple. Most of them are being watched carefully. We have had a hard decision to make, not to reveal to the world that the end times are coming for the United Kingdom. Not yet. Though it is but a matter of time, such secrets can only be kept for a short while. Still, some refused our call, and we cannot force them, though we might wish to. Not yet, anyway.”

“Really? Watched carefully? Not killed then?” David continued.

“Two were.” The Queen admitted, surprising everyone. “It turned out that they were irredeemable criminals. One a notorious gangster. The other a murderer. Why they were chosen, we know not. But they were too dangerous to be left alive. We shall bear these sins, but those who misuse their powers will only find death waiting at the end.”

At her harsh proclamation, Donovan jumped, looking scared, but Sarah patted him on the back reassuringly. He’s such a mouse. I wonder how he’ll fare against the goblins…

“Is that legal? I don’t think so. There’s no capital punishment in this country anymore.” David scoffed, and it was her father who spoke up, running a hand through his thinning, greying hair, looking troubled. Father has always been under the shadow of Grandmother. And with the prospect of him being King growing every year… to think he’ll have to weather this crisis. I hope grandmother lives on. She’s always said she is too stubborn to die until I’m married.

“Under old Law and Charter, these are military, not civil matters.” Charles said. “In fact, you will all be given military and noble rank. Anyone with these powers is under military law, and thus criminals abusing them can be summarily judged and court-martialled, with the maximum penalty being death.”

“That’s merely tyranny.” David scoffed. “Besides, if the world is really at risk, shouldn’t you be getting the news out? It’s pretty selfish not to, right? Hard decision my ass.”

“We do find it hard. In our heart, we wish to spread the truth, but we fear the panic it would bring may be worse than not knowing.” Her grandmother raised a hand, stopping Charles and Richard from protesting at David’s rudeness. “We must bear that burden, a different one to what you all must bear. If what we, as head of the Royal Family, understand is known widely, there will be chaos, riots, worse. We are working with the right people to prepare for the revelation. As for tyranny, we have responsibilities. Every Royal House for the last fifteen-hundred years has passed on the secret, even to their worst enemies, usurpers or foreign conquerors. We will not shirk the responsibility of ages.”

She looked down, frail, careworn, and Eleanor felt sorrow for her grandmother, who was usually so indominable. It isn’t just me who is suffering. Grandmother is too. The weight of seventy million lives, no, perhaps that of the eight billion people worldwide, rests on her.

“We beg you, do not turn away from the world in these troubled times. We ask you to risk much, give up much.” At her words, David nodded, but he was listening. “You may have to stymie your ambitions for now, but in return…” the Queen gestured, and the Armour of the Green Knight that was Eleanor’s was brought out. “… the ancient treasures we zealously guard shall be yours, to defend this fair isle from all threats!”

 

********

 

After Eleanor had donned her armour, they had been shown to the secret Underground Station under the Palace, which was routed directly to another under the Tower of London. There, in the secret basement, the amazed comrades her grandmother had found for her were sifting through the collection of old swords, axes, bows, armour and faded banners that was the legacy the Crown was sworn to protect. Watching the group, overwhelmed by their enthusiasm, even David, who at the thought of a powerful relic of his own was suddenly far more compliant, she gave a slight smile, pulling her hand away from her side once more.

“They’ll be all right.” Sir Arthur said, beside her. He had found his chosen relic earlier, and the rusted steel sword was belted at his waist. Apparently he just knew it was the one for him. Apparently there were ancient runes carved into the blade, though centuries of rust and decay had obscured them. Still, in the shadow of London, it will likely blaze again, like my armour.

“They are a motley collection of fools, but all of them, even young David, will realise what we have to do when they see the dangers we face. Some of them may have already set foot in the shadow Britain, the dark mirror of Avalon. But what they will have faced there will pale to what you have battled, princess.”

She nodded, remembering the foul goblin-beasts, the small, dark archers with their bows of bone, the vile hounds which were the size of ponies, and shuddered.

“That’s why the Queen, God rest her cunning soul, had you all meet at her gala, filled with the great, the good and the famous. It was to impress on them the magnitude of what they do, and the rewards of success. She’s a wily old bat, as always.” Sir Arthur chortled, watching as Aditi pulled out a stringless bow, looking at it dreamily.

At his irreverence, her lips quirked into a smile. She surveyed the group of strange bedfellows once more, and the thought that she would finally not be alone there was warm. Even though there might be difficulties ahead, clashes of personality, squabbles and trials… not being alone will be truly wonderful! Her hand quivered, but for once it did not return to her side. Instead, she clenched her fist firmly, promising herself she would step up and lead these companions safely through the battles ahead...

 

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