The Peasant and The Princess

“Those insolent whelps!” General Rufus Canaris yelled, “Don’t they know we’re the ones that protect them?”

“I think these villagers need to be made an example of,” Colonel Sinclair, “Show them the price of defiance.”

“Agreed!” yelled Captain Linus Roache, “Give me the word and I will have it done.”

“Before we do something rash,” Colonel Wilkinson, the Second in Command, interjected, “Mayhap we should ask our conscience?”

Everyone looked at Rex Trevalion; they knew him as Richard Edward. It had been two years since he had left his estates and title to pursue his own desires and goals. No one knew that the man that sat before them was the son of His Grace, the Duke Trevalion, the premier noble in the English court. “I do not believe that such aggressive action would be prudent.” Rex replied, “The people will just end up hating us even more, and they may even rebel.”

“Then a show of force now may prevent need for force later,” Sinclair said “Would you not agree?”

“I have been around the towns. The people are dissatisfied with the treatment they have endured from the soldiers, and I am inclined to concur with them,” Rex reported, “Our men are eating all the food and abusing every hospitality that is given to them.”

“Soldiers are not the problem!” Captain Roache yelled at him.

“I do not think they are either,” Rex replied, “But the army has been here long enough. I say it is time to move to Forcay where we can disband.”

“Disband?” Roache asked, “You must be joking!”

“It has been quite some time,” Colonel Wilkinson offered, “and the training is complete.”

“Aye,” Canaris nodded, showing signs of agreement.

“Sir!” Roache protested, “I believe the troops need more training, to become better.”

“Is it that or do you wish to look better for the promotions board?” Rex asked coyly.

“Do you question my honor, Edwards?” Captain Roache asked dangerously.

“It is †˜Edward’. Richard Edward,” Rex started plainly, “and I would never question the honor of one who comes from a family as esteemed as yours.” That statement was only part true. Though Linus did come from an esteemed family, The Earl of North Umpton, Rex would still have called into question his honor.

“Good,” Roache said satisfied.

“This is bloody ridiculous,” Canaris said, “Can’t these dumb bastards see that we are here to help them?”

“It is hard to see that when our treatment of them is so reprehensible,” Rex said to them.

“STOP! Stop,” Roache exclaimed, “You are not of noble birth, Richard, so please desist from talking as if you are elevated.”

“Fair enough, my lord” Rex said sarcastically, as he proceeded to punch Roache in the face, connecting with his chin. The rest of the gentlemen stood up to give the two some room. This had been a long time in the making; there was even a money pool between most of the officers and soldiers on who would win. “Be careful how you address me, Linus. I still outrank you.” Rex said, “Give me an excuse and I will stick my blade in your fucking heart.”

Linus got up. He was a bit disoriented from the blow, but he knew he could not fight Rex, even if he was ready.

“Gentlemen!” Colonel Wilkinson ordered, “Let us cleave to the matter at hand. What are we to do with the army?”

“I say we see if there are any more rooms to board for the men to rest up for the night. If not, we head to Forcay and disband,” Rex said shaking his hand and cracking his knuckles.

“It sounds good,” Sinclair said which was surprising, considering he wanted to fight just now.

“Agreed,” laughed Canaris, “Can’t wait to get back to your lover, Ole Sinny boy?”
“Which one?” He chuckled, which transferred to the rest of the group.

“I trust you will have the matter handled in short order, Captain Edward,” Colonel Wilkinson asked.

“Yes, sir,” Rex bowed, and left.

Rex went to his tent where he took off his tunic, baring his chest. He washed his head in a small basin of water that was beside him. He sighed out a deep breath and shook his head to rid himself of the water. “Bloody hell,” he said out loud to himself.

“What’s wrong, boy-o?” Canaris asked from the entry to Rex’s Tent.

“Nothing, sir,” Rex replied.

“Are you sure now?” He inquired further.

“Quite sure,” Rex told him, “Did you need something?”

“The review board is coming soon,” Canaris said, “With your, what can only be
called, amazing service record, you will be promoted to Colonel.”

“The Earl will not be pleased that his son was passed up,” Rex replied,

“Especially to someone with such obscure origins.”

“Fuck him,” Canaris said, “I was born of a Norman farmer and a Saxon mother. I know better than most what humble origins are.”

“You should not say such things,” Rex replied, “You are a General, a man of substance and property.”

“But I’m not a Lord, and I never will be,” Canaris said, “You, Rex, you’re better than that whelp Roache.”

“I thank you, sir,” Rex said with a grin.

“You better get going, the sun’s going down,” Canaris told him, “Oh, and there’s one other thing you should be careful of.”

“Yes?”

“Do you know who Cadence Buckingham is?”

Rex almost laughed. Cadence was his childhood friend and sister of the Queen, third in line for the English thrown. “Not really,” Rex lied.
“She’s the Queen’s sister. She’s run away.”

“What? Bloody hell, when?” Rex pretended shock, his new life as a common soldier had made him, if nothing else, a very good actor.

“I don’t know, but if you see someone stunningly beautiful, be sure to inquire.”
Rex laughed, “I will do just that.”

“Then God speed,” Canaris said.

General Canaris left, and Rex got ready to depart. He put on his light beige tunic and brown leather gloves. He picked up his favorite green cape and fastened it around himself with his captain’s insignia, the most notable and only mark of distinguish to his outfit. He saddled his horse and rode off to the town where the troops were being quartered.

There was a small encampment where troops had camped. They were pretty glad to see Rex and to get the news they were going to disband soon. These men loved Rex; he was one of them. He spent a few moments to talk to certain men and share laughs with some. He then geared up to go in town, where some men were being quartered. The town was relatively empty, to no surprise of Rex. He remembered this place when he was young. This is where he and his friends came to play and lodge on their adventures to the country side. The most prominent of these men was none other than his dear friend Nathaniel Buckingham, the Prince of Wales. Rex wondered a bit until he came across the inn that housed most of the near 150 troops in the town. He entered the room and took off the hood to his cape. Rex saw a young woman in a crimson cloak at the far end of the room talking to the owner and suddenly Rex froze. That was the cloak he bought Cadence for her birthday in Italy. The blasted thing was one of a kind and set him back several weeks’ worth of allowance. This was after he was set in chains and arrested and almost put to death before the Pope pardoned him. What the hell is she doing here? he asked himself. Damn it! He remembered what Canaris had told him about Cadence running away.

Rex circled around the room and got close to where Cadence was, yet still staying out of sight. From what Rex gathered of the conversation, the innkeeper was displeased with the quartering of troops in his inn. What a surprise, Rex laughed to himself; Rex also found out that the innkeeper had given his last room to Cadence. Rex gave a brief sigh of relief, at least now he knew where she was.
Suddenly the old wooden door burst open and two solders dressed in standard chain mail marched in, “Old man, we need your last room,” one said a bit domineeringly.
“Sorry, sir, I’ve just given it out to this lass,” the innkeeper pointed to whom Rex could only assume was Cadence. He stepped back into the open but still away from site so he could see the events that were transpiring.

One of the soldiers walked up to Cadence, eying her. She is beautiful. Rex smiled at his old friend. It had been two years since he had seen her and time had aged the bud of a young noblewoman into a gorgeous flower. The man put his hand on Cadence’s cheek, “I’m sure the fine lady wouldn’t mind sharing it with us, would she?”

Rex felt the sudden want to plant his dirk straight into the man’s back, but did not. Rex started to run toward the crowd. “Unhand her,” he said. The soldier took his hands off Cadence as Rex walked by, being sure to hide his face. “You have no rooms left?” he asked the innkeeper, trying to sound soldierly.

“No, sir,” the old man replied

“Damn it,” Rex said a bit peeved as he rubbed his brow with his hands. He turned to the soldiers, “Tell the men to leave the town. We’re going to Forcay where we will disband by Evenshire Lake.”

“Yes, sir!” one man said, excited that it was almost time for the military drilling to be done. After they reached Forcay and disbanded, the men may rejoin their families for the harvest.

“You,” Rex looked at the other soldier.

“Yes, Captain?” the soldier saluted.

“Apologize to the Lady,” he ordered the soldier.

“The Lady?” the soldier asked confused.

“Apologize,” Rex repeated, getting annoyed.

“I’m sorry your…Ma’am…” the man managed to stutter out.

Rex looked at Cadence, admiring her, “You will do well to forget her from now on,” He told the soldier sternly, “Mention her to anyone, friend or comrade and I will bring a court martial against you, do you understand?”

“Yes, sir.” the soldier replied.

“Then go, and keep quiet,” the captain told him. He looked back at the innkeeper, “I am sorry for the inconvenience that we have caused you, good sir.”

“It’s alright, young master,” the old man winked.

Rex looked at the man with surprised. He did not recognize him at first but now it was obvious that the man that stood before him was the same one so long ago, “You remember me?”

“I’d never forget the Duke’s son,” he laughed, “I remember when you were yea high,” he gestured, “and you rode here with your noble friends and bought up all my pies and ale.”

Rex winced a bit; I think you might have given up my game dear man.
“I do not drink,” was all Rex could think of saying.

“But your friends did,” They both laughed.

Rex sighed, he gazed at Cadence then back at the innkeeper, “I would ask you to exercise discretion with this information.”

“I can keep a secret, young master; you don’t needa worry about that.”

“And you should too, Cadence.” He looked at her.

A spark of realization spread across Cadence’s face, “Rex?” Cadence whispered, “Is that you?” she asked quietly.

Rex laughed, “Yes, it is me. How have you been?”

“You have been missing for almost two years!” She said shocked. Oh, this might have been a mistake. “How? Where have you been this whole time?”

“I joined the army when I left Forcay,” Rex told her quietly as they proceeded to a table where they could talk more discreetly.

“What are you doing here?” she asked.

“I am serving in the army now, making my own mark on the world,” Rex replied.

“You have beaten rebellion after rebellion, secured your father’s lands and brought prestige to your family; if you want to make your mark make it as Lord General Richard Trevalion, not this,” she said condescendingly.

“I am trying to work my way up the chain of command,” Rex returned with little emotion, “So right now I am Captain Richard Edward.”

“So this is what you ran away for: to be a simple soldier?” Cadence nearly grunted out. Rex gazed into her raven eyes. They held the friendship and love that the two once shared so long ago. In faith, Rex had loved Cadence, and wanted so badly to ask for her hand, but he knew that his father would never make a concession like that without some sort of reprobation. “I left. I did not run away,” Rex tried to distinguish the two, “Like I said before, to find my own way. And I have received word, this past hour that you have run away,” Rex told her quietly “and anyone who knows of your whereabouts is to take you in.”

“Rex, please do not do that!” she pleaded.

“If I do not, it is treason,” he replied.

“Then I will tell your family that you are here!” Is that a threat? Rex thought. What has happen that she really would not want to go back.

“Do what you want; I will have to report this.”

“REX! If you have ever loved me, you will not do that.”

Love? My God I have not heard that in some time. “Tell me why you left.”

“I ran away because I cannot take it at the court anymore; all the pressure, it has gotten too difficult for me.”

That is rather irresponsible “You are a princess. You have obligations that you need to fulfill,” Rex told her didactically.

“And you are heir to the duchy of Trevalion. Have you not the same obligations as I?” she replied defiantly.

“Well, my family does not need me right now so I have time to pursue my own ends, but if a time arises that my family needs its son, I will return.”

“Rex,” she pleaded as her tears started to drip from her eyes, “I just need a place to stay for a short time, to regain my bearings,” she said to him diminished and defeated.

Damn it! I can’t believe I am actually considering this…
Rex winced and exhaled, “I have a farm,” he began after a pause. Rex turned his gaze to Cadence whose face beamed, “you may stay there for as long as it takes for this insanity to leave you.” Regardless of what happens, this should be fun, Rex laughed to himself.

“Thank you so much REX!” she exclaimed, “I was almost sure you would have agreed to this.”

“Normally I would not,” Rex replied.

“Then why did you now?” Cadence questioned.

“My reasons are my own,” Rex winked. Because I apparently have a death wish.

Cadence looked down humbly, “Then I will stay with you as long as you will have me,” Cadence smiled and touched Rex’s cheek. It was so soft and she was so beautiful, My God, I may die for this.

“Or until I am hanged for treason,” Rex gave a nervous chuckle, “You may travel with the army for the time being. Wear that cloak and stay hidden.”

“Rex? How did you notice me?” she queried, “I thought this a clever disguise.”

Rex felt a bit hurt, I gave you that cloak when we were in Italy. Rex faked a smile, “Have you forgotten I gave it to you?”

“Oh! I did forget,” she smiled back politely. Cadence leaned forward and kissed Rex on the forehead.

Rex led Cadence to the army camp, and asked to be relieved to go to his farm.
“And why pray tell do you want to leave now, Richard?” Wilkinson asked, “We need good officers to watch over the disbandment.”

“You have Roache,” Rex gestured to the Captain who was sitting at the table in the tent, “and I have someone I must be with,” he gestured to the woman in a hood that stood by his horse.

“My God?!?” Carnaris laughed, “Richard Edward has finally bagged himself a wench.”

“She must be something in the sack to make the great Captain Edward clamor to be relieved so precipitously,” Sinclair jeered Rex.

Linus Roache looked at the woman intently, “Something indeed.”

“May I leave?” Rex asked again as politely as he could.

“Of course, but first you must answer a few questions,” Canaris smiled at him. Rex only nodded, “Where did you meet her?”

“In town.”

“How old is she?” Wilkinson asked.

“I suppose around my age, give or take 2 or 3 years.”

“Have you had her yet?” Carnaris asked wide eyed and intent.

“No!” Rex said with a bit of consternation.

“Can I have first go then?” Colonel Sinclair jeered again.

“With all do respect, Colonel, go to Hell,” Rex retorted. Everyone there laughed save Roache, whose expression turned even more solemn.

“You may go, Rex,” Canaris dismissed him, “But I expect a full report when you’re done!” He laughed along with everyone.

Rex exhaled hard. What did I expect? He thought to himself. Rex was a good officer with an immaculate record. He always wrote his reports and did his papers with speed and alacrity. This was indeed out of character of Captain Richard Edward.

“I know that man,” Cadence said.

“Then please do not make yourself known to them,” Rex replied tersely.

“I do not understand how they do not know who you are, Rex.”

“They think I am some bastard from Forcay,” Rex clarified, “And there is really nothing else to suspect of me.”

“This is beneath a Trevalion, most of all you,” Cadence said rather disapprovingly.

“I will not have a wayward Princess lecture me on what is beneath what,” Rex laughed.

The two rode to where Rex lived. The cabin was not big, but it was nicely made. It looked sturdy and the plot of land that was adjacent to it was ready for seeding. There was a small kiln and forge “This is it,” Rex smiled as he opened the door for her, “It is not much to look at but it is home.”

Cadence looked around and smiled, “This will do nicely.”

Rex did not have much time to worry about Cadence, who made Rex’s household very clean. Rex had been busy planting and harvesting, helping his neighbors and going to market to sell his goods. He helped to train the local militia and sat on the town’s council. Cadence helped Rex around the farm with chores and such. He enjoyed her company immensely and with each passing day Rex grew more and more enamored with the princess.

To show his gratitude and affection for Cadence, Rex forged a small locket for Cadence. Inside the locket he put an embroidered cloth of an endless knot, his symbol. As time passed Rex began to doubt his own judgment of his feelings. He was unfamiliar with the concept of love, having never really courted a woman before.

But, his insecurities were soon put on hold as news that he had been promoted to Colonel arrived. This prestigious title carried with it a land grant in Shoreborough, a territory ruled by Cadence. Rex, however, had received orders to resolve an issue near his farm. The Earl of Leicester had raised his taxes to extraordinary amounts. There was talk of uprising and rebellion; in fact, the entire town had a clandestine congregation to discuss the matter. Rex had spoken against it, one of a minority that was threatened into submission.

“You fools. You stupid fools,” Rex shook his head as he was ushered out, “This will be the end of you.”

Rex returned to his farm and plopped on the couch too tired and frustrated to do anything, and Cadence knew not to disturb him. The days passed and Rex noticed that Cadence was growing more and more worried over the status of the townspeople. She knew that the more they turned to rebellion the more likely there would be Royal interdiction and more of a chance for both of them to be found out.

One clear, dark night there was a knock at the door. Rex hurried to answer it as not to wake Cadence, who was sound asleep at the bed. Rex opened the door to find Linus Roache there waiting for him. “Good evening, Colonel Richard Edward.”

“Captain Roache,” Rex said puzzled, “What brings you here?”

“If it pleases you, may we speak in private?” Linus asked Rex. Rex followed him to the road where Linus’s spotted white horse was. “So, Richard, how is the Princess?”

Rex didn’t show any sign of surprise, “Who?”

“DO NOT… Do not play me for the fool,” Linus said, "I am not one, and I know your woman is the Princess Cadence.”

“You are mistaken,” Rex said solemnly.

“You have gone too far this time, Richard Edward,” Linus glared at him, “You have gone entirely too far.”

“I am sorry, but I do not know what you are talking about,” Rex replied trying to stay calm and not plant his dagger in the man’s chest.

“I know who she is; I have met her before,” Linus clarified and then turned away to walk to his horse.

“Linus,” Rex called to him. “Be careful what you do,” were the last words that came out of his mouth before Linus dropped out of sight. “Ah!” Rex let out That fucking bastard! What issue does he have with ME!!! Rex was indeed mad at Linus. Since he joined the army Linus had been nothing but a hobnail in Rex’s boot sole.

Rex could not sleep that night and in the morning he did not feel much like eating Cadence’s horrible cooking. Instead, the two decided to go to one of Rex’s neighbors for breakfast. There, Rex inquired about the status of the townsfolk to the high taxes. More and more families had decided to join a rebellion if it occurred. It was evident to Rex that he was living in a powder-keg and all that was needed for this volatile situation to explode was a spark. It just so happened that the spark was going to present itself in the form of a fat tax collector. Nothing indecent actually happened but the whole town claimed the man had tried to take advantage of the farmer’s daughter but he did not. Unfortunately the depravity of such a claim was good enough to do the work of truth in this case.

Regardless, the rebellion began with much momentum. Rex volunteered his services to the Earl for support, but he was kindly dismissed when he claimed that the farmers were not mere rabble, but organized and trained by himself. The Earl’s forces were quickly dispatched under the command of Captain Linus Roache, who had not yet denounced Rex. He was soundly beaten and taken prisoner by the rebels.
The Rebels had consolidated almost three thousand men, where they had gotten such numbers was beyond Rex. The militias of several towns were called to arms, but needless to say, none of them answered, most being part of the rebellion. A task force of 1200 soldiers was sent to relieve the Earl’s forces that were besieged in his fortress at Leicester. Rex waited for the task force to arrive and to his chagrin the leader was a friend of his.

“Captain Larson,” Rex greeted the newly arrived head of the detachment.

“My God!” Aaron Larson looked in consternation at Rex Trevalion.

“Leave us,” Rex gestured to the other officers, who quickly left. Larson stared at him, mouth gaping and utterly speechless, “Greetings, brother.”

“What?!? How?!? REX?” Aaron managed, “Is that you?”

“Yes it is,” Rex smiled at his fellow Brother of the Blood.

“Piss and shit on me, what the hell are you doing here?”

“I am a soldier, a colonel,” Rex replied, “and we have a rebellion on our hands and there is precious little time for surprise.”

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!!!?” Aaron yelled at him.

Rex sighed and spent the next several hours explaining to his friend what he had been up to for the last couple of years. After that business was all done and gone, Rex recalled the other officers to his tent and they hammered out a plan to face the rebels.

In the end, Rex’s plan would be the one they implemented to fight the rebellion. It was basically the plan Hannibal used to defeat Rome at Cannae. He positioned his men in a crescent moon formation to face his adversary. He formed his archers behind his main line and cavalry on his flank. This is when Rex received word that his father was sending him troops led by the Prince of Wales. This great momentous news drove Rex into battle more expediently, not wanting his whereabouts to be known, nor was he too keen on being tried for treason for housing Nathaniel’s aunt, Cadence.

Rex’s plan worked marvelously. The rebels attacked him straight on, and Rex’s flanks moved in to close the gap and encircle the rebel force. The only problem was that with the deficiency of men Rex had, he needed a way to stem the full force of the Rebels. He solved this problem by having his archers fire straight into the crowd. This both lessened the men and caused wide spread upheaval within the ranks. The strategy worked like a charm and within a few hours of fighting the farmers surrendered. Rex quickly wrapped up his business, negotiated a peace and fair treatment of the farmers and then returned to Cadence at his farm.

Things seemed to return to normal for a while until one day Rex returned home from market and found a crowd of men surrounding his house. “What is the meaning of this?” he asked the man blocking the doorway to his home.

“Do you live here?” the man asked him.

“Yes. This would be my domicile,” Rex said a bit angrily, “Who are you?”

The man signaled and within seconds Rex was surrounded. “Richard Edward, we hold you under arrest.”

Oh shit, Rex thought as he gripped his dirk. “On what charges?” Rex asked with a false smile. These men seemed like soldiers dressed up in disguise, but for what reason Rex knew not.

The men put drew their spears on him and he returned by unsheathing his sword ready to fight. He measured up every one of them and he knew he could easily take them all. Fortunately, no blood needed to be shed that day as Nathaniel exited the house, “Richard Edward, is it?” He smiled, “It has been entirely too long.”

“Nate, what are you doing?” Rex asked with surprise in his voice.

“Refer to him as †˜Your Majesty’, swine,” the soldiered snarled.

“I am looking for my aunt,” Nate smiled, “And I have found her as well as you.”

“How fortunate,” Rex said sarcastically, knowing that his game was over and that he may even have to face charges for not reporting Cadence.

“Yes,” Nate agreed, “How fortuitous indeed. I have done what most people in the realm could not do: find my aunt who has run away from home and my childhood friend who left his family worried and bewildered for the last two long years.”

Rex walked up to Nate and hugged him fiercely, “It is good to see you well, Nate,” Rex acknowledged almost crying.

“And you, Rex,” Nate relinquished the hug, “But I must ask: why are you here?”

“I needed to prove to myself I could make my own way without my family,” Rex told him truthfully.

“Why did you not report my aunt missing?” The Prince asked, “What has she to do with your path?”

“I could not report her missing without seeming the worst kind of hypocrite,” Rex replied in earnest, “That and,” Rex lowered his voice, “I do have feelings for her.”

“And?” Nate followed.

“I swear to you, Nate, nothing inappropriate happened here,” Rex assured his friend.

“I know,” Nate laughed, “The Virgin Duke.”

“I am not a Duke,” Rex corrected, “and do people really call me that? It’s quite a bad name”

“There are some that do,” Nate replied, “Here, join me in your †˜estate’” he joked.
Rex walked into his house where he saw Cadence and several royal guards, “Who are those there?” Rex asked.

“Those are my personal guard,” Nathaniel replied.

“Dressed as mercenaries?” Rex asked.

“To better blend in,” Nate assured his friend, “Now, I am sure you know what you did was treason, and that the sentence is death.”

“I am,” Rex said unwaveringly.

“And you probably know that I will not allow such judgment to be passed on you, My Lord,” The Prince clarified out loud.

“My thanks, Your Majesty,” Rex bowed, “Your mercy and beneficence abounds.”

Nate banged the table “I HAVE DISCOVERED REX TREVALION!” The Prince smirked, “And you KNOW as well as I do I cannot keep this a secret from the court, the best I can do is bury it in the past.”

“What do you propose?” Rex asked curious.

“I will burn down this place; you will go to your estate in Shoreborough where you will await to be summoned.”

“Summoned? By whom?” Cadence asked, scared for her friend.

“Why, me of course,” The Prince said, “The Royal family is very pleased with the colonel’s work, he will be promoted to General,” Nathaniel looked at the two of them, “at court.”

“Nephew, you cannot do that!” Cadence begged knowing how much Rex valued the anonymity he had now.

Rex’s eyes widened. His life journey had finally come to an end, faster than he had thought it would. “Yes, he can,” Rex replied, “I have run my course, and my goals are done. If I am to be a General then I have finished my objectives. I just never thought it would happen this quickly.”

“It is settled Auntie,” The Prince spoke with satisfaction. He led the two out of the house under guard and signaled his men to raze the house.
Rex held back the tears of joy that ran through his body at this moment. He has not felt this way for a long time. This chapter of his life was over and thus another chapter would begin, and this one would be full of adventure and intrigue.