The Study
The rest of the day had nothing to it, it was filled with polite gestures. The duke and his household were shown to their side of the keep, which was the chamber of the count and family. While Márton moved to the less fancy Eastern wing in recognition of the guests. The duke and court excused themselves and took their leave as they had a long trip behind them. Márton excused himself as well and went to his study, were he planned to spend some time to think about the wedding and the preparations. He had Kristóf coming over with a man that knew the laws. He was a man from the capital and knew much about the different laws and regulations, and Márton was planning something, he just didn’t know if it was viable. He was also expecting Kupán as discussed earlier. He was curious, Kupán never dared speak in front of him before and now he approached him, this must be something really important. The moon was shinning in through the window, just like on that day in June, when it all began. As he was beginning to relax he heard shouting just outside his door, he immediately recognized the voice of Katalin and Antal, who was responsible for not letting anyone in. He smiled; Antal sometimes took his word a bit too rigidly.
The ‘study’ of Count Márton in Szombathely. Notice how the scribes accidentally wrote Antal on the seat of Márton. In later versions, this was rectified.
He went to the door, opened it and looked outside. Immediately Katalin stormed in – „You should really teach that brute some manners. I’m your wife aren’t I?”
Márton waved to Antal – „You may go, I won’t be needing your services tonight” – he trusted Antal but did not want to intimidate his visitors that night.
„HMPH” – was the only reply he received, Antal picked up his sword and left.
He closed the door and went back into the room.
„Don’t do this” – Katalin began – „You have to stop this”
„Stop what?”
„Didn’t you see Gottfried? You can’t have Margit marry someone... someone like that”
„He is of a noble house. His father is duke and he is next in line to be duke. Looking at his father, that won’t be too long” – he grinned – „If Margit does what she is told we can easily have a very strong ally within the HRE. With the current situation this is a prospect that we can ill afford to lose. He will be a direct vassal to the Emperor; do you understand what that means?”
„I can see the political reasons behind. You’ve ruined the life of one of our girls. Don’t do the same...”
„Ruined? Ruined you say?! How dare you? She shouldn’t have gone laying with peasants, the Lord almighty knows how many”
„Just because you don’t lay with anyone, myself included, doesn’t mean...”
„I will not tolerate this!” – his temper was getting the better of him – „I will not speak with or of Anna, its over. As for Margit, she shall marry Gottfried tomorrow and that’s my final say. Don’t even try any machinations”
„I’m asking you for the last time, please...”
„Shut up woman! Don’t you dare question me. And now get out! I’m tired of your machinations”
„You will regret this” – she sobbed
„Get lost”
Katalin left the room and Márton leaned back in the chair, still fuming. As was the case his temper got the better of him, but in minutes the anger was gone and he realised he made a mistake. Katalin knew him, knew his temper but this was too much. Something was broken, he felt it. No matter, he’ll speak to her tomorrow and try to do it right, but Margit will marry Gottfried and that’s it.
There was a knock on the door.
„Come in!”
András stepped in, elegant as always with his blue eyes reflect the moon light. He looked like a ghost. Beside him stood a man in elegant clothes. The man was neither tall nor short, he had books and papers under his arms and could hardly move. His skin was pale, like people who spend more time in the libraries than they do in the wild. Márton looked down on this man, he didn’t really trust him, in his mind a real man went hunting when his time allowed.
A picture of the bookshelf in the study of Count of Vas. Most of these books were the basis of the reconstruction of this story as it contains the personal journals of Márton which he wrote on his death bed.
„Gábor. It is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance” – the man introduced himself, trying to free up one of his hands for a handshake. A handful of parchments fell to the floor. András couldn’t help smiling in the background.
„Have a seat” – Márton pointed to the chair – „You too András”
„Thank you sire”
„I’ve called you here because of a very delicate issue. No one in the county can solve this problem of mine. Has András filled you in? I told him of the details, he’s the only one who knows”
„Not yet sire”
„Well András, could you fill him in?” – Márton looked at András
„Gábor, we would like to keep everything discussed in this room private, I hope that is clear” – András started – „I will get to the point. We would like to know... erhm... theoretically, what needs to be done if we would like to change the succession laws to Agnatic Primogeniture?”
„Erm, you mean you would not like your daughters to inherit?” – Gábor looked straight at Marton
„As András mentioned, it is theoretical sir. Do not question my motives!” – Márton snapped
„Of course, apologies my lord. Well first of I need to ask some question”
„Go ahead” – Martin grunted
„Have you changed the succession law before?”
„No”
„Good, good. Are you at peace?”
„If skirmishing doesn’t count then yes”
„Excellent. Your vassals are also at peace, yes?”„Yes” – this was getting tedious
„Marvellous” – Gábor was writing everything as they speak – „What are the vassals’ opinions of you, would they agree to such a request?”
„Both Kristóf and Salamon are happy with my rule” – the thought of them disagreeing with him made him smile
„Excellent. One last question, how long have you been in office?”
„In office? You mean when I officially became count? Last year”
„Oh”
„What do you mean by, ’oh’” – Márton asked
„I believe sire, you should be more patient. The crown laws state that only after 10 years of reign is a noble eligible to change the succession law”
„What? Why? It’s my county I do as I please!”
„Well, if you want the blessing of the crown, then you don’t” – Gábor added dryly
„Is that it? I wait and that’s it?”
„Well... erhm... no. The last bit is that you need a high crown authority to enforce Primogeniture. With the current state of affairs in the capital, that is currently not possible”
„Then why waste my time in the first place with your stupid questions” – Márton fumed – „I’m finished with you. You may go!”
Gábor picked up his parchments and left the room. Márton was still perplexed, he looked at András
„I’m sick of these crown laws. Why on earth can I not change it?”
„My lord, although I completely agree with you. This is not the time to anger his majesty or his court against us; we need their neutrality for the matters ahead”
„You are right. Let’s leave it at that, for now. Thank you András”
„Thank you my lord”
„Oh András, about the mercenary reports, let’s talk tomorrow. We’ll decide on which if them to speak with tomorrow”
„Yes my lord, good night”
No sooner was the door shut behind András it was opened once again. Márton looked up to see who dared enter his room without permission. In the door stood a giant, he had to lower his head to enter the room. Márton has never seen this man before, but it took him a mere second to realise who it was. The man was black as night, his eyes and perfect teeth were the only things that broke the monotony. His clothes were plain, without fancy embroideries, but even the untrained eye could see that it still cost a fortune.
Anna’s husband, George, went to the chair recently used by András and sat dawn. He looked straight into the awed eyes of Márton and waited.
King George, husband to Anna Ják. Their marriage took place in late 1066 without the presence of Anna’s family.
Márton didn’t know what to do. Should he throw him out? Well he couldn’t on his own, that was clear. Márton was a man of the sword but this giant in front of him was pure muscle he couldn’t even try. Perhaps if Antal was here, they could try... but he sent him away. Should he ignore him and leave? Well he was his son-in-law and a prince. But what finally convinced him to stay was his curiosity.
„Yes?” – he finally asked
„George” – the man said – „You no like me. But I help Márton” – he said in Hungarian. Anna has thought him well, in merely a year he was able to have a conversation, although on a basic level. The man was not only strong but smart.
„Yes, I realised. You are prince George...”
„King George” – the man corrected with a smile – „Father died, me king. I help Márton”
„How can you help me?”
„Márton not good spy. Many things Márton not knowing. I know the spy, I know the plan with Fejér. I give you gold for plan. I help you come duke”
„Oh, I don’t need your help. I’m perfectly fine”
„No. You will realise tonight and tomorrow” – the man said – „so many things you no know. So many things I help you can”
„As I said I don’t need your help” – Márton said, this time a little less confident. His curiosity got the better of him – „But, let’s say I did agree, what would you like in return?”
„Easy. Márton no change succession law and accept me son legitimate” – the man smiled
„How on earth do you know about this?” – Márton was shocked
„I said already, many thing Márton no know” – his smile was a real grin by now. He stood up and headed for the door – „Márton need help. My man, his name is Qasad. He stay in Vasvár, the Kardok tavern. If you agree my proposal, meet him”
He reached the door and left without a word.
Márton fell back into the chair. This was too much for him for one night. He never really was the thinking type; he’ll have to go tell Katalin, she will know what to do. Then he realised that wouldn’t work, not now. The council session will be 5 days from now. He’ll summon Kristóf and András and discuss with them tomorrow. It should be easy to promise succession to George, as George didn’t know he couldn’t change the succession laws even if he wanted to. I’m not as dumb as everyone thinks, maybe I’ll agree. Yes that would be best, he thought, we’ll decide tomorrow. Kupán should be here by now, what’s keeping him.
Suddenly he heard noise from his back just by the window inside his room. He spun around to see Bátor smiling at him, with a grin on his face.
„Hah, got you father”
„Son!” – Márton gave him a big hug – „I haven’t seen you for a while.”
„Yes I know, it’s good to be back”
„How are you faring?”
„Well that’s what I wanted to talk to you about” – Bátor’s voice saddened – „Someone is working against us from inside the castle”
„Yes, I know, he is from Szekesfehervar. He knew of our plans when I sent the request to Salamon”
„Well yes and maybe no” – Bátor added mysteriously – „You know the details I send you and the council weekly?”
„Yes”
„Well I noticed someone in Fejér knows about them. Last time I sent that there were no men on the western tower and the door was open. Next time I went there, there were two guards waiting and the door was locked. I nearly got caught. And I have numerous example... I’ve now been sending false information to you for the last couple of weeks and it seems to pay off” – he smiled again
Márton looked shocked. He looked at his son, pride took the better of him, maybe it was only time he needed. He was good on the field; he was good in the face of danger. But then rage took over, someone within his council wanted to kill his son! He will catch him. He will kill him. But before he does, he will...
„Father. What is it?”
„Nothing. Go to your room, have a rest and we’ll speak tomorrow”
„No” – Márton looked reluctant – „You know the ten men you sent with me?”
„Yes?”
„Well, David the last of them was my cup bearer. The others died earlier. David died this morning, from a poisoned water we had at a tavern, which was meant for me. They think I’m dead. I wouldn’t want to show myself on the ceremony, I can work easier if no one knows I exist”
Márton thought for a moment – „Ok, be it so. You know where to stay?”
This time Bátor laughed out loud – „If the whole county came searching, they wouldn’t find me. I’ll speak with Margit separately tomorrow, to congratulate her. I’ll tell her to keep it a secret”
With that he jumped out the window and left in the middle of the night.
Before Márton could even realise what’s happening with him that night there was a knock on the door. It was so subtle that he first wasn’t even sure he heard it correctly. Then it was repeated.
„Come in”
The door opened ever so slowly and the small rat-like face of Kupán appeared.
„My lord, I humbly apologies for disturbing you at such a late hour. Please forgive me”
„Kupán, we discussed your coming. You don’t need to apologies for everything”
„Yes my lord. I won’t my lord. Sorry my lord”
Márton rolled his eyes – „What is it? Get on with it”
„My lord it pains me to inform you that the spy you are looking for is within your own family. It is Katalin!”
„What??!!”
„I apologies sire, please listen to all I have to say. The count of Szekesfehervar and the count of Fejer already know of your plans to take over Fejér”
„Yes, yes I know that”
„Well, as the spies of Fejér would be caught they came up with a plan to have Szekesfehervar spy and provide the information to Fejér. Otto, the count asked his daughter to play the part, it is my information that she has agreed”
„Why would she do that?” – Márton looked shocked, but it did make sense and Katalin did know of the plans
„Sire, if you are done with Fejér what’s next? Szekesfehervar correct?” – Kupán continued – „Well Otto will not give you his allegiance, hence you would have to go to war with him or your possible conquest of Fejér was for nothing”
„True, but surely he would not harm his own son...” – he was trying to find straws he could grasp to
„Do you not find it strange sire that all the men around him are dead with his exception” – Kupán looked up from the floor for the first time since the conversation began –
„I understand your pride, but there is more to it than that”
„She has shattered my dreams” – Márton felt a bitter coldness and sadness run through him.
„She only wants the status quo. She does not wish to harm you nor your son in any way. As she does not wish to harm her father and brother either” – there was a slight sneer on his face
„Her intensions do not matter, she has conspired against me! How sure are you of this?”
Kupán looked up once again – „My lord, would I dare approach you with such information if I wasn’t sure? My life hangs in the balance and I’m known to be a coward”
„True” – Márton said, pain ran through Kupán's face. Pain that only those understood who have been humiliated time and time again.
Kupán remained quiet; Márton thought for a few minutes then looked at Kupán as if just realising this nobody was in the room – „You may leave”
Kupán left the room as quietly as only he could. What Márton did not see was the gloating smile on Kupán’s face. The first step in his plan was done, Kupán thought to himself. Once I’m done with you, no one will dare call me a coward or think of me as one.
Márton wanted to talk to Katalin immediately, but realised that would not end well. He knew his temper and his lack of good judgement. Furthermore, tomorrow was wedding day. No, he will be patient, he will talk to Otto first and corner him into admitting there is a spy. Yes, that’s what he will do. He was feeling lonely, he never had to make decisions on his own, there was always someone beside him. This was too much for him tonight, he stood up to leave the room and make his way to his chamber.
„Good evening my lord”
He spun around to see the man in the dark hood, who he’d seen in the streets standing just beside the old oak bookshelf. Was he here the whole time, or did he just come in? Who is he by the way? I’ll have to put guards by the window, this is completely unacceptable, they could murder me like this. Especially since he now had enemies, real enemies unlike before. From now on Antal will be with him. Always. He’ll also have to speak to Kristóf on when the funds will be ready for the palisade, this is simply not acceptable.
„I wish you no harm my lord” – the man under the hood said – „You are having a busy night I see” – Márton couldn’t see his face but could ’hear’ his smile
„Who are you?”
„That is unimportant my lord” – he said – „ I came to give you this.” - A letter from within his gown appeared and he handed it to the count.
Márton took the letter and nearly dropped it. It had the seal of the house of Arpad on it, the seal of King Salamon’s house, the royal bloodline of the kingdom from the first king Istvan. What could they want from him, a nobody, a low level count.
„You have now delivered it, leave my premise” – he said trying to gather the remnants of his dignity
„I’m here to ensure you burn the letter once you read it” – the man said, his voice more cynical than ever, Márton could swear he was mocking him from beneath the hood.
„Very well” – He sat down, pulled the candle as close to the paper as he could. He gently tore open the seal.
It read:
Márton gasped. Prince Géza was Duke of Slovakia, Duke of Nyitra, Count of Orava and Nyitra, with countless vassals above his personal demesne. He was the second most respected person in the realm after the king himself. Many even believed he should be king rather than young king Salamon. He was known to be reckless but an open minded vivid person who always kept his promises.
Márton re read the letter to memorise every word. He then looked at the hooded man, who was still starring at him.
„Now you can burn it” – the man said, there was no treat in his voice, he was just stating a fact
„You know this is treason?”
„Burn it” – the man replied dryly and Márton knew he didn’t have much of a choice, the letter would get burnt in the worst case over his dead body.
He turned to the candle and burnt the letter. The man watched until the last bits of the paper turned to ash, then without saying a word he jumped out the window.
Similar to Bátor he disappeared into the dark.
This was more than he could digest for a night. He stood up with his head buzzing, thoughts racing through his mind. He needed to get a rest, tomorrow is wedding day and he needed to parole with the duke all day, although he wished for nothing less. However the next day was nothing as he had anticipated.
Welcome, relax and enjoy!
