Graves arrived at the Harding Manor. It was small compared to other nobles but the attention to detail in it was much greater. Being led through the garden, Graves smiled as he looked at the plants and decorations, feeling relaxed as the fresh air entered his nose.
The butler led him to a canopy, underneath Harding at small dishes with a woman holding a baby. Graves walked up to them, a gentle smile on his face, poking the baby's cheek. "I see you've let my godson get fat Emilia," Graves said taking his seat. The women laughed gently rocking the child.
"You look better than the other day." Graves nodded in response to Harding as he ordered the servant to get him a drink and food.
"I listened to your advice. Decided to just relax and treat myself. I finally feel like I can think properly now."
"I'm glad to see my husband is so ready to help you, Graves. If only he was willing to put in the same effort for the little one." Emila threw a jab towards Harding, but her eyes betrayed her, filled with affection. Harding put his hands up trying to express his innocence, only receiving laughter from the others.
An hour passed as the three talked and caught up. "I'll see you later Graves. I'm gonna put this one to bed and have a sleep myself." Emilia stood up tired as Harding ran over to support her. With a peck on his cheek, she walked off leaving the two men alone.
"Leave us," Harding ordered the servants away. Once all were clear from view, the aura around the two changed as their faces became cold. Graves reached into his pocket pulling his pipe out, lighting it.
With an exhale of smoke, he was the first to speak. "The King is hosting a banquet in two days." He leant back on his chair crossing his leg, taking another deep inhale of his pipe. His voice was icy, but a hint of ambition could be heard in it. "It could be our chance to finally figure out what's happening."
"We have to take these things slowly. Whilst the banquet is being held for Raven's ascension to Arch-Bishop there could be more to it." Harding took a pause, placing his hand on his chin. "You know anyone who could know more about what's going on."
Graves shook his head in disappointment. "Most of the people in this Kingdom are idiots who only focus on themselves and the short term. Whilst there are some who might have a clue about what's happening I don't have a clue who they would be other than those above us."
"In that case, I guess it's just us two." Harding's voice full of self-pity, lamented about the situation. "In that case what do we already know? The first is the Crown. It's small but he has been consolidating power. Taking soldiers from the nobles for himself. he says it's to streamline the protection of the Pope, but no. It's too quick and too much."
"Don't forget his whole agriculture revolution. Honestly, it was a great way to curry favour with the nobles introducing three-crop rotation, but he has been abusing this. And from the rumours I heard from the spies that were in the palace before the clean-up, he is trying to create a new academy and university within the capital." Graves cut it shaking his head.
Despite his dislike for what Alfred had been doing, he had to admit that the coming harvests after the implementation of the three-crop rotation were expected to be the highest in recent memory. It was such a simple thing but it was a surprise it took a twelve-year-old boy to figure out. And his idea for a new academy was something that the man could get behind.
Harding nodded in agreement and understanding. "Let's not get sidetracked now. Those three have raised their armies which is the most dangerous thing. I've asked around the other nobles and it seems that Flanders is spreading them around the north. They said it wasn't too different from his usual movements other than the sparseness they have deployed in."
"Raven is moving south and east with his troop whilst the Godwins have moved across the west. All nobles I have spoken to have said it is just small divisions that have been placed to defend the lands due to the Pope's visit, as the Nobles will have to bring their trained forces to the capital for protection, the north being the exception."
"A good excuse to spread like a plague." Graves said with annoyance. "I've also brought my best but I didn't hear anything about troops moving into my land. What about you?" Harding shook his head. "Strange. What could the reason be? A mass robbery would be suicide to those three, they couldn't afford to make enemies with the entire kingdom."
"I have a plan. It's risky but it could answer our questions." Harding blurted out with Graves looking at him in expecting eyes, waiting. "I will talk to the Duke at the feast tomorrow and just ask him. Or the Duchess. Someone who has been acting weird."
Graves looked at his friend like an idiot as he spoke with such confidence in his plan. His mouth opened and closed a couple of times, so stunned he couldn't even speak. "It's the best we've got. I'm sorry Graves but me and you have the facts, but we couldn't guess what's about to happen. I'm not doing this for no reason. The fact that me and you don't have troops in our land may be for a reason, one that protects us for some reason. If my gamble is right, I will be safe."
Graves looked at the man with pained eyes. He could see that his friend had made up his mind and that his stubbornness would refuse to budge. "Just don't put Emilia or John in harm."
"I know my friend. If this backfires, I know you will help them. I know this is stupid but me, you Emilia or John could be in danger if I don't act." Harding looked to the floor, a bitter smile on his face. The two sat in silence, the sound of the wind blowing between them.
Alfred looked down the steps, his face lent against his fist in boredom as nobles one after the other came over to give their greetings. The banquet had fully started with his arrival but now that he had to deal with the nobles and their fake pleasantries he just wanted to get back to work. He looked toward the double doors at the end of the hall, waiting for Raven to show up so he could leave.
Harding watched the King on the throne, his bored expression showed how much he hated the entire event. His vision quickly scanned towards the old man beside his son. With a deep breath, he steeled himself walking towards the old man.
"Duke Flanders. It's an honour to meet you. I was wondering if I could have a moment of your time, to discuss a certain matter. Preferably in private." Despite his flattering smile, the sweat on his back betrayed him. Harding's mind was clouded with fear, wondering if this was truly the correct move to make. He prided himself on someone smart but realised he must have become brain-dead for doing this.
William looked at the man small stocky man next to him. His eyes squinted as he tried to figure out who it was but quickly changed into a smile. "Count Harding. Whatever you wish to discuss can be said in front of my son." He looked at Harding's eyes that scanned the room. "But I believe you want a more private location." With Harding's nod in response, the Duke led the man away to a room at the side.
The disappearance of the Duke didn't go unnoticed by the nobles or Alfred, who watched the interaction with interest before they were out of view. Alfred whispered into his servant's ear who walked off into the crowd, returning with an old man.
"Esmond. Make sure those three are undisturbed. I don't know what's going on but I can see the vultures already wanting to flock over." Esmond gave a deep bow before following the three men, quickly disappearing into the background.
"What is it you want Count?" Outside the sight of others, William's demeanour changed. Issac watched with interest as he observed his father wondering what he would do.
Harding gulped. He knew the man in front of him could kill him easily and that fear grew as he stood in the room. "It's just a question. What is the strange movement currently happening around the Kingdom?"
His face froze after answering the question. Even he couldn't believe he asked so bluntly as he already imagined his own death. William looked at the man in front of him in surprise before signalling his son to lock the door. The order frightened Harding even more who thought he truly was about to die. He wanted to say something or even scream for help but not a sound could leave his throat.
"What do you know?" William's eyes turn cold as his body tensed, fist clenched. Harding felt his hands go wet with sweat, truly believing he had messed up.
"Only..."