Hakon III Eriksson Crovan
Emperor of the Crovan Empire, Pontifix Maximus, The Shield of Olaf
In Which New Maidservants Are Hired
(26 December 1513 – 1 September 1514)
In Asta’s apartments, two more applicants are trying on the new palace maidservant uniforms
“So, Princess Asta, do we get the jobs?”
“You’re damn right you get the jobs. Wendy, you will be assigned to Crown Prince Gunnar’s chambers. Helga, you will work in Prince Hakon’s rooms. Keep them neat and tidy, and never forget to dust the lower shelves…often.”
The two girls blushed and tittered, “thank you Mistress, we won’t disappoint you.”
A lean, dark, dangerous looking man slipped into Asta’s rooms. He slid behind the Princess, who did not seem to notice him as she watched two more applicants struggling into the maidservants uniforms. He hissed his words. “It would seem there are many benefits to being on the Imperial Staff.”
The corners of Asta’s mouth turned up in a smile. The rascal had tried to startle her, but she’d been following his progress from the moment the door opened. “Aslak Bolt. The Mercenary General of Bolt’s Company.”
“My father had much use of you in his wars. He made you quite rich, I would imagine.”
“Indeed he did, Princess, rich enough to buy my own Kingdom, if I wanted one. Still, things have been quiet in Scandinavia since your brother’s nose was bloodied by the Bohemians, but you Crovans never stay quiet long. Who is the target? Denmark? Mecklenberg in Brittany? Maybe another go at Bohemia?”
“I assume you need me to raise new regiments, which won’t be a problem. I can have up to 12,000 men under arms within…”
“I’m going to stop you there Aslak. There is no campaigning afoot. At least, no military campaigning. And my spies have appraised me of your true financial situation. You lost your entire fortune investing in Christopher Columbus’ plan to sail to India.”
Aslak’s face turned red behind his beard. Angrily he sputtered, “look, it made sense at the time. The Earth is round, we are at the far north and India is in the south. Based on his calculations of the size of the planet, it should have only taken a few weeks sailing north and presto, the spice trade would be ours. I don’t know why none of us thought about how he’d get around the ice sheet, I guess we were all just too excited at the prospect”
“Now now Aslak, no need to get angry. I’m offering you financial rewards that are guaranteed this time, and a few serving maids of your own. My brother wants to reorganize the army. The problem is that the two men in charge are always at each others throats and nothing gets done. You are an expert strategist and tactician, you have a sterling reputation and you can get things accomplished.”
“I want you to be Hakon’s greatest assistant. Make all his dreams come true. Make him your friend and confidant. Once that happens, I will have a real mission for you, mercenary.”
Aslak nodded. Then he bowed low. “I will accept this offer, Princess Asta, and I will not forget who I really work for.” The old Mercenary General had dealt with Hakon during the Bohemian War. Whatever plots Asta was assembling, he had no doubt the ruthless Spymistress would have the upper hand on her brother.
Like a good mercenary, Aslak planned to fight for the winning side.
Later on, in Hakon’s throne room
“My dear sister, I have exciting news! Gunnar is to be married! The Lutheran Prince of Hanover and I have arranged a marriage between my boy and his daughter. Of course, the girl will convert to Olafism immediately, but this will certainly strengthen the Protestant League!”
Asta smiled broadly, “indeed brother, this is very exciting news. Soon, you will have little grandchildren, new heirs running about the palace. I shall make sure to stop by the twin’s apartments and offer my congratulations.”
Hakon had been reveling in his new, improved relationship with his sister. Now his heir was to be married. Truly, everything was coming up Crovan, but there was one concern. “Asta, before you go, three quick things.”
Asta curtsied low. “Of course, my brother, how can I assist you?”
“Well, first off, thank you for hiring Aslak. He’s been a real boon to me. The soldiers’ morale is up, never been higher in fact,”
“and he’s helped me keep the standing army in line with our manpower resources and budget. I mean, he’s right. If we need to get back to 100,000 men for a war, we can always bring in mercenaries!”
“Of course, but you are stalling Hakon. What is it you really want to say?”
Hakon blushed. He was rather uncomfortable with this topic. “Well, it’s the new maidservants.” Hakon scratched his lower lip nervously, wondering how to proceed.
Asta’s face took on a look of total innocence. “What about them, dear brother? Are they not performing their duties appropriately? Let me know who has disappointed you and I shall dismiss them at once!”
“No! No! They are all delightful girls, very nice and all. It’s just their uniforms. Do they have to be so…revealing?” Hakon’s face was red.
Asta smiled indulgently. “Dear brother. Of course they do. Why, protecting your safety is my principle job as Spymistress. These new uniforms are perfect for women with access to yours and the princes’ private chambers, I mean, there isn’t a spot to hide a weapon anywhere in those outfits.”
To Hakon’s shrugged agreement, Asta quickly replied, “excellent. So the uniforms stay. And as to your third request, dear brother, you don’t even have to ask. I shall personally escort Gunnar’s bride here safely. Now give me leave to speak to the boys and I shall head for Germany tonight.”
So Hakon had no clever schemes. This should surprise no one. Asta’s scheme continues to unfold. Find out what happens next on the next exciting episode of