The Queen's Secret Servants

 

Maddock started as the court's first birdmaster after Queen Juliska (then, a young princess) encountered a dashing ranger with a fresh scar and an owl companion. The owl was so in tune with the young ranger it was like they could speak to each other.

It took several interviews, but Princess Juliska finally found Maddock, a retired ranger with his own bird companions and his own scars that he never discussed.

Maddock had been living in a stone hut a few miles from her castle when he was invited to join the court.

"Milady, too many years of battle have made me fond of solitude," he had said. He petitioned the queen to let him stay "in my little home."

She had agreed, saying, "In light of your service to our realm, we grant you ten acres of forest surrounding your hut for as long as you draw breath. Your duties at court will be to present your birds for our entertainment and education."

And that was that.

He received a monthly wage - a princely sum of three silvers - to improve his dwelling and care for a growing flock of friends. He was summoned for festivals and private audiences where he let the court's favorites-of-the-moment twitter over his "wild creatures."

Eventually, Princess Juliska had observed enough of Maddock's interactions to finally ask, "Master Maddock, tell us truly. Do you speak and hear the bird speech?"

"Yes, milady," he had said.

"Can your birds watch the realm and report what they see?"

"Yes, milady, after a fashion. Like people, some are more observant than others."

Thus was born the queen's secret service of birds, and Maddock's new title of Royal Adviser fetched another silver each month.

///

Copyright