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An Illustrious Visitor
Wolfenberg, Saxony
Count Dieter von Wolfenberg hurried into the chilly courtyard of his manor house to welcome Duke Lothair as he dismounted. He bade his illustrious visitor enter. “Let’s get you out of this wind, Euer Gnaden,” he said. “It looks like we’ll have to wait a little longer for spring.”
His Gracestomped the snow off his boots, handing his fur hat, ermine-trimmed cloak and leather gloves to Dieter’s valet. “Ja,” he agreed, rubbing his hands together before accepting a tumbler of mulled wine. He swigged the warming liquid down in one. “Gut,” he exclaimed, his breath lingering in the frigid air of the entryway. “I am always assured of a genuine welcome at Wolfenberg. This isn’t the best time to be traipsing around Saxony, but we must discuss the latest developments.”
From the outset of their relationship years ago, Dieter had been impressed by Lothair’s down-to-earth attitude and jovial nature. The duke was always willing to listen to the opinions of others and never made those of lower rank feel inferior. Dieter ushered the guest he considered a friend into the library and closed the door. “It’s safe to talk here.”
The duke surveyed the collection of books and manuscripts. “You’ve added more since my last visit,” he remarked.
“Ja, I was lucky enough to obtain chronicles by Adam von Bremen and Bruno of Merseburg.”
“Impressive. Bruno’s accounts of the Saxon wars are essential to understanding the conflict. I take it you’ve heard the news?” the duke asked as he sat heavily in an upholstered chair near the hearty fire and stretched out his legs. Wisps of steam soon rose from his wet boots.
Dieter held his palms to the heat of the flames, relaxing as the chill left his body to be replaced by a certainty Lothair was about to give him an important role in their campaign to oust the tyrant. “Ja. Heinrich is to marry a princess, the young daughter of Henry of England.”
Lothair steepled his fingers. “It’s a strategic move he evidently hopes will bring him a powerful ally in his quest to be crowned Holy Roman Emperor.”
“And a very large dowry, I expect,” Dieter added sarcastically.
“Ten thousand marks in silver, I’m told.”
Dieter’s hackles rose. He could think of a hundred better ways to put such a princely amount to use, but the duke hadn’t come to discuss financial matters. “I imagine King Henry is also happy about the alliance.”
The duke snorted. “Why else would he betroth the eight-year-old Matilda to a man in his twenties?”
Taken off guard, Dieter pondered the question that came too close to the bone. His parents had betrothed him to the daughter of a prominent noble Saxon family when they were both children. The marriage had turned out to be a catastrophe with fatal consequences. Now, solely responsible for their son’s welfare since his wife’s death, he was fiercely determined not to condemn Johann to a similar fate.
However, in these troubled times, none of these personal concerns were of interest to the duke. Swallowing the bitter memories, he clenched his jaw and forced his attention back on the matter at hand. “Have you learned where the betrothal will take place?”
His guest grinned. “Of course. Heinrich foolishly trusts me. He is on his way to Liège to meet Matilda and take charge of the dowry that will swell his coffers considerably. Measures for protecting the coin are more extensive than those for the princess herself. I am expected to be there.”
“So, he suspects nothing of our plotting?”
Lothair clenched his jaw. “Heinrich thinks I am his loyal servant. You are among a select few privy to our ultimate goal.”
“To be rid of a tyrant and free Saxony from the imperial yoke.”
“Ja, though it may take many more years and a great deal of careful planning.”
CountDieter owed fealty to Duke Lothair who’d granted him the title of Graf and the lands he governed. But the reason for his commitment went beyond duty. The yearning for independence had simmered in the hearts of Saxons for generations and he believed Lothair had the makings of a better ruler than Heinrich.
However, he admitted inwardly there was more to it. He often felt restless tucked away on his comfortable estate in the relative safety of the Saxon countryside. His country needed him and the prospect of involvement in intrigue fired his blood. He’d never been a man to sit back and let others do what had to be done. “What happens after Liège?”
“The cavalcade will journey on to Utrecht for the betrothal ceremony.”
Dieter grew more confident as he watched the duke toy with his perfectly trimmed mustache for several minutes, not surprised when His Grace finally explained what was on his mind. “It wouldn’t hurt if you were to accompany me to Liège. Your ability to speak Norman French might prove to be an asset and your presence would serve as proof of your loyalty to Heinrich.”
Chuckling, they shared the irony as Dieter escorted his guest to the dining hall where Johann and his grandfather waited. He wasn’t looking forward to a long ride to Liège, especially as it meant leaving his son, but freedom for Saxony was of the utmost importance and he intended to play his part in attaining it.
True to his nature, Lothair gave all his attention to Johann as the meal progressed. “Your son is a credit to you,” he told Dieter before lowering his voice. “Pity about his mother. My sympathies.”
It was Dieter’s first indication the duke was aware of the tragedy that had befallen the von Wolfenberg family, but he doubted Lothair knew the full extent of the trauma. He preferred not to discuss what had happened in front of his shy son. “Danke,” he said. “Johann is a good boy. I’m proud of him.”
“Rightly so.”
