The Maid's War (Kingfountain 0.5)

“I did, my lady,” Ankarette said. “You will be pleased to learn,” she said, holding back a smile, “before the herald arrives, that a treaty of peace was signed by your husband and King Lewis yesterday. There will not be a war.”

“Thank the Fountain!” the queen gushed in relief. “I’m sure Eredur is disappointed. He always loves a good duel to prove how strong he is. But to be honest, he is getting older. Our sons are so young; they need their father.”

“I agree, my lady.” Ankarette mentioned Severn’s reservations and recounted his admonition and warning.

The queen’s countenance darkened. “I fear that man,” she whispered. After a moment, her eyes brightened and she said, “Tell me about the duke. I’d like to hear his story.”

“I don’t want to bore you with the details.”

“You couldn’t find a more willing listener, Ankarette. Please, tell me all.” She clasped Ankarette’s hands and looked into her eyes. They were dear friends and had been for many years. Ankarette did not like to deny the queen, and she would have heeded her even if duty hadn’t demanded it. The solitude of the tower would have to be postponed.

And so Ankarette told her of her mission, but as she had done with Eredur, she held back some of the private details of Alensson’s life. It was as if she sensed the Fountain wanted her to keep them secret.

When she finally finished, Ankarette patted her hand. “Well, my lady. I am weary from the journey. I will leave you to your letters.”

“Yes, you may rest, but only for a little while,” the queen said, rising from the bench. “Speaking of letters, one came recently from the Duchess of Westmarch. Her pregnancy isn’t going very well.”

“I didn’t know she was pregnant again,” Ankarette said.

“She is,” the queen answered, returning to the table and searching for a letter amidst the heap. “Ah, here it is. Poor dear. She’s had several stillborn children already.”

The word struck Ankarette like a lightning bolt. She felt the Fountain’s magic start to stir inside her, coming unbidden. Her pulse raced unnaturally with a sort of giddiness.

“Yes, m-my lady?” Ankarette stammered, suddenly distraught.

“The babe is due this month. I’d like you to go to Tatton Hall, Ankarette. You are one of the best midwives in Ceredigion.”

“If you think so,” the poisoner said demurely.

“You are too modest. I would like you to go offer some comfort to the duchess. It may be another boy, after all, though they have two already. Their oldest will make a fine heir, but you can never guess at the future. I think it would ease her mind greatly if you were there to help in the birthing. Whatever is wrong, Ankarette? You look a little pale suddenly.”

“I’m just tired, my lady,” the queen’s poisoner said softly, thinking about the Maid’s prophecy.

The heir of La Marche would soon be born.

And Ankarette needed to be there.





AUTHOR’S NOTE



While I was in college studying medieval history, I read about the trial of Joan of Arc. That began my fascination with this episode of history. I later read a biography about her while writing The Blight of Muirwood, and was inspired by one of the characters in her story to create the Earl of Dieyre. I’ve since read Helen Castor’s excellent biography on Joan and watched her documentary about her as well as another excellent film done by BYUtv.

As I created the world of Kingfountain and wrote about its many Fountain-blessed individuals, I referenced the Maid of Donremy many times. This book is loosely based on the actual events of Joan of Arc’s life, some of which were so amazing and curious that it felt like reading fiction. She did jump out of the tower after first being imprisoned and landed in a dry moat. She directed people to uncover a sword in the monastery of Fierbois. But my favorite character is the Gentle Duke, whom I didn’t know about until reading Castor’s version Gentle Dukeof the events. So while The Maid’s War book is a work of fiction, many of the characters and details about the setting actually happened.

It was fun bringing Ankarette back as a character and tying this story in to The Queen’s Poisoner. I’ve also written this book to bridge the events between the first three books of the Kingfountain Series and the next three books. The story of Joan of Arc continues to inspire me, as it has for other authors and historians for centuries.

She is someone who helps us continue to believe in miracles.