Part 9 (1/2)
”Despite all I could do to prevent it, those savages killed and stole on their pa.s.sage. To bring them here to the center of Burgundy, and then send them out again in some other direction, according as the requirements of the war may demand or the facilities for provisioning may require, would be to expose the territories that may have to be traversed to untold and unnecessary disasters. Such afflictions may fan the spark of rebellion among our people--because, as you know, madam, the people are growing restive even on this side of the frontier of Burgundy.”
”Yes--at the instigation of the traitors who have gone over to Fredegonde's son, there are some seigneurs who are seeking to raise the people in rebellion against me--against the 'Romish Woman,' as they call me. Oh, seigneurs and people will feel the weight of Brunhild's arm!”
”The enemies of Brunhild will always tremble before her; nevertheless, I fear to increase their number by exposing our people to be victimized by the barbarism of our new allies. I doubt not that the territory where I have had those troops encamp will be laid waste, but the evil effect of their conduct will be at least limited to the spot. Moreover, the location is central enough to enable us to expedite these auxiliaries in whatever direction the movements of Clotaire II may render necessary. As you see, I have acted with foresight.”
”What is the temper of the army?”
”It is full of ardor; it only asks to be led to battle. The remembrance of the last two victories of Toul and Tolbiac, above all, of the immense booty, the large number of slaves that the troops carried away--all that fires them with the desire to fight the son of Fredegonde. These, madam, are the good tidings that counterbalance the evil ones. Is Brunhild still of the opinion that Warnachaire has conducted himself like a traitor, and does she still entertain the idea of having him stabbed to death?”
”A man whom one has sought to do away with, who learns the fact, and who still comes back--Oh, Warnachaire, that needs careful attention!”
”Brunhild is quick to suspect and to punish, but she is magnificent towards those who serve her faithfully.”
”You have, then, a favor to ask of me?”
”Yes, madam; but only after the war is ended, or, rather, I expect it after the victory that I shall win over Clotaire II, when I deliver him to you tied hands and feet.”
”Warnachaire!” cried the Queen thrilling with wild delight at the thought of having Fredegonde's son in her power; ”if you deliver Clotaire a prisoner in my hands, I shall challenge you to express a wish that Brunhild will not gratify, and--” but recollecting herself, she suddenly stopped short, cast a somber, scrutinizing glance at the mayor of the palace and proceeded: ”Can it be your purpose to spread a snare for me and lull my suspicions? Warnachaire, if your purpose is to betray me--”
”Madam, you look upon me as a traitor. If you but ring that bell, instantly your chamberlains and equerries will rush in and kill me before your very eyes. So that you may consider me dead. But who is the man whom you do not suspect? Whom will you take for your general? Duke Alethee, perchance, or Duke Roccon?”
”No! Neither the one nor the other!”
”Sigowald, perhaps?”
”You are mocking! He is my personal enemy.”
”Perhaps Eubelan?”
”I have not yet forgotten his criminal relations with Arnolfe and Pepin--the two traitors! He no doubt is considering how to follow their example, and to go over to the enemy. No; I will not trust Eubelan! He also is an enemy.”
”Yet, madam, they are all capable of captaining the army; they are all experienced and brave chiefs.”
”Yes, but I have not proposed to kill them--at least they do not know that I had any such intention--while, as to you, I have ordered your death, and what is more to the purpose, you are aware of it.”
”You think me animated with a sentiment of revenge towards you because I know that you meant to have me stabbed to death. If it is the hope of vengeance that has brought me back to you, what is there to prevent me from laying my hand upon this bell, and depriving you of the means to give the alarm?”
And the duke did what he said.
”What prevents me from drawing this dagger?”
And the duke held the glistening weapon before the eyes of Brunhild, whose first impulse was to throw herself back and her arms forward.
”What, in short, prevents me from killing you with one blow of this dagger, which is poisoned as were the daggers of Fredegonde's pages?”
And as he uttered these words, Warnachaire drew so close to Brunhild that he could strike her before she was able to utter a single cry.
Excepting a first movement of surprise, the Queen did not even wink her eyes; her indomitable orbs remained resolutely fixed upon those of the mayor of the palace. With a look of disdain she pushed aside the dagger's blade, remained pensive for an instant, and then observed regretfully:
”One is bound to put faith in something. You could have killed me--that is true; you have not done so--I can not deny the fact. Your purpose is not to take revenge upon me--unless you mean to reserve me for a fate more terrible than death. But that is not likely. The man who hates does not resort to such hazardous and refined schemes. The future belongs to none. If the opportunity offers to strike an enemy, the blow is dealt hard and firmly. I therefore conclude that you are not animated by secret hatred toward me. You shall keep the command of the army. Listen, Warnachaire, Brunhild is implacable in her suspicions and her hatred, but she is magnificent towards those who serve her faithfully. Let Fredegonde's son fall into my hands, and my favor will transcend your expectations. Let us forget the past, let us be friends.”