The Sword Maker by Robert Barr

R >> Robert Barr >> The Sword Maker

Pages:
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26

"We will suppose the Grand Duke Karl elected," Mayence said at last.
"What then?"

"Why then, my Lord, the three differing bodies of troops at present
occupying Frankfort would be withdrawn, and the danger line crossed over
to the right side."

Mayence now asked a question that in his own mind was crucial. Once more
he would tempt the young man to state plainly what he actually knew.

"Can your Highness give us any reason why you fear danger from the
presence of troops commanded by three friendly men like my colleagues
and myself?"

"My fear is that the hands of one or the other of you may be forced, and
I can perhaps explain my apprehension better by citing an incident to
which I have already alluded. I had not the slightest intention of
burning Castle Furstenberg, but suddenly my hand was forced. I was
responsible for the safety of my men. I hesitated not for one instant to
fire the Castle. Of the peaceful intentions of my Lords the Archbishops
there can be no question, but at any moment a street brawl between the
soldiers, say, of Cologne and Treves, may bring on a crisis that can
only be quelled by bloodshed. Do you see my point?"

"Yes, your Highness, I do, and your point is well taken. I repose such
confidence in our future Emperor that voluntarily I shall withdraw my
troops from Frankfort at once. Furthermore, I shall open the Rhine, by
sending along its banks the ultimatum you propose, not supported by my
army, but supported by the name of the Archbishop of Mayence, and I
shall be interested to know what Baron on the Rhine dare flout that
title. Will you accept my aid, Prince Roland?"

"I accept it, my Lord, with deep gratitude, knowing that it will prove
effective."

His Lordship rose in his place.

"I said this was not an Electoral Court. I rise to announce my mistake.
We Electors here gathered together form a majority. I propose to you the
name of Prince Roland, son of our late Emperor."

"My Lord, my Lord!" cried Roland, raising his hand, "you do not know
all."

"Patient Heaven!" cried the irritated Archbishop, "you make too much of
us as father confessors. Do not tell us now you have been guilty of
assassination!"

"No, my Lord, but you should know that I have married the Lady
Hildegunde, Countess von Sayn, whom you have already rejected as
Empress."

"Well, if you have accepted the dame, the balance is redressed. I am not
sure but you made an excellent choice."

It was now the turn of the amazed Archbishop of Cologne to rise to his
feet.

"What his Highness says is impossible. The Lady von Sayn has been in my
care ever since she entered Frankfort, and I pledge my word she has
never left my Palace!"

"We were married yesterday at three o'clock, in the chapel of the
Benedictine Fathers, and in the presence of four of them. We left your
Palace, my Lord, by a door which you may discover in the wall of your
garden, near the summer-house, and my wife is present in the adjoining
room to implore your forgiveness."

Cologne collapsed into his chair, and drew a hand across his bewildered
brow. The situation appeared to amuse Mayence.

"I wish your Highness had withheld this information until I was sure
that my brother of Treves will vote with me, as he promised. My Lord of
Treves, you heard my proposition. May I count on your concurrence?"

Treves' house of cards fell so suddenly to the ground that under the
compelling eyes of Mayence he could do no more than stammer his
acquiescence.

"I vote for the Prince," he said in tones barely audible.

"And you, my Lord of Cologne?"

"Aye," said Cologne gruffly.

"The Count Palatine?"

"Yes," thundered the latter. "A choice that meets my full approval, and
I speak now for the Empress as well as the Emperor."

"Durnberg!" cried Mayence, raising his voice.

The doors were instantly opened, and the cringing Romer-meister
appeared.

"Is the banquet prepared?"

"Ready to lay on the table, my Lord."

"The wine for the fountains?"

"Needs but the turning of the tap, my Lord."

"Order up the banquet, turn the tap; and as the new Emperor is unknown
to the people, cause heralds with trumpets to set out and proclaim the
Election of Prince Roland of Frankfort."

"Yes, my Lord."

The Archbishop of Mayence led the way out into the grand Kaisersaal, and
the new Empress rose from her chair, standing there, her face white as
the costume she wore. Mayence advanced to her, bending his gray head
over the hand he took in his own.

"Your Majesty," he said gravely, and this was her first hint of the
outcome, "I congratulate you upon your marriage, as I have already
congratulated your husband."

"My Lord Archbishop," she said in uncertain voice, "you cannot blame me
for obeying you."

"I think my poor commands would have been futile were it not for the
assistance lent me by his Majesty."

The salutations of the others were drowned by the cheers of the great
assemblage in the Romerberg. The red wine and white had begun to flow,
and the people knew what had happened. In the intervals between the
clangor of the trumpets, they heard that a Prince of their own town had
been elected, so all eyes turned to the Romer, and cries of "The
Emperor! The Emperor!" issued from every throat. The multitude felt that
a new day was dawning.

"I believe," said Mayence, "that hitherto only the Emperor has appeared
on the balcony, but to-day I suggest a precedent. Let Emperor and
Empress appear before the people."

He motioned to Herr Durnberg, and the latter flung open the tall
windows; then Roland taking his wife's hand, stepped out upon the
balcony.

THE END

Pages:
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26