The Baron's Plan: round 3, episode 1

Baron Awn of Ymris carried a heavy burden on his aging shoulders—although he had been a relatively minor nobleman when the realm was whole, he was now the most powerful man in Erlenstar Mountain, responsible for the care of the last children of the Earth Masters. Even as the days began to lengthen in to Spring and the children reached the beginning of their adult lives, the Baron knew that his own days were waning. It was time to put his plans into action.

The Baron saw no reason why his grandchildren should not play a starring role in the life of the kingdom to come. After all, he had two grandsons, due back from Caithnard on the first boat once the river thawed—and he also had a granddaughter. Awn dreamed, picturing his descendants firmly positioned in every great house in the realm. Even before leaving the city, he had negotiated a betrothal between the tiny Prince Tirunedeth and Lady Eriel of Ymris. It was only necessary to wait until the children were old enough for the marriage to be formalized and consummated. When his granddaughter was old enough to understand, Baron Awn spoke with her about her future.


Although startled at first, Eriel was not truly surprised—growing up in her grandfather’s care, she had been surrounded by political maneuvering since her earliest moments. And in truth, who else could Tirunedeth marry? She was the obvious choice. With a dutiful kiss, she agreed that she would do as the Baron wished.

Now the Baron turned his attention to his grandsons. Lord Heureu, the eldest, would inherit the Barony upon Awn's death. If he married the Duchess Raederle of An, or Countess Kia of Meremont, his inheritance would become a mere tithe of their larger and more important holdings—and that was unthinkable to Awn. Ymris must remain independent and grow in power and influence. That meant that Heureu must marry a younger daughter—and only Meremont had one available.

Baron Awn approached the young Countess Kia, and obtained her agreement that her sister, Lady Auber, would become Baroness of Ymris in the fullness of time. It seemed to Baron Awn that now the only course of action would be for his younger grandson, Lord Astrin, to marry the Duchess Raederle. At that point, Ymris would have its fingers in all the noble pies of the kingdom, and Baron Awn’s descendants would hold the reins across the realm.

These happy daydreams lasted only until the young men returned home, however. Lord Heureu, who had spent his years at university yearning for a family and a brood of children, agreed willingly enough to his grandfather’s plans. However, Astrin had other ideas. He had been struck by the courage and resilience Kia of Meremont had shown on the long and difficult journey to Erlenstar Mountain, and he knew that she was the only girl for him.

In vain, Baron Awn argued that their house would already be allied with Meremont, through Heureu’s marriage, and it would be much more expedient for Astrin to marry into An. His arguments fell on deaf ears. Turning his back angrily on the old man, Lord Astrin rode straight to Meremont and flung himself and his heart at his lady’s feet. Countess Kia, who had loved him since the journey as well, accepted his offer even knowing that she would displease Baron Awn by doing so.

Once the decision was made, the lovers saw no reason to hesitate, and the wedding was held during the early days of spring. As the folk gathered at Meremont Hall on a lovely spring evening, they wondered whether Baron Awn would attend the ceremony, or whether his anger at having his plans thrown awry would keep him away.

The Baron, however, had no intention of missing the event. After all, it was still important that Heureu’s alliance with Lady Auber go forward as planned. When he saw Duchess Raederle, though, he couldn’t help reflecting bitterly that Lord Astrin was marrying the wrong girl.

Nonetheless, as the ceremony unfolded, even Baron Awn was touched by the devotion radiating from the young couple.

And later that evening, after the feast, the young bride sought out her new grandfather-in-law to beg his pardon, and ask him to accept her into his family. Even the old Baron couldn’t resist her gentle apology and they were reconciled with a kiss of peace.

When the guests had gone home at last, Countess Kia and her new husband withdrew at last to their own chamber, feeling that all was well with the world.

Next post: http://kerrysims.blogspot.com/2007/05/goodbyes.html