Page 34 of Enamored
“I should have known you would have no trouble unlocking the box,” I finally said.
“I admit, I’ve already opened it once.”
“You have?” He’d been home such a brief time. When had he come down to the Stavekirche?
“Rasmus has been studying it in his chambers.” Maxim seemed to read my unasked question. “He required me to decipher how to open it.”
“For what purpose?” As soon as the question was out, I already knew Maxim’s answer.
“He’s attempting to help you find a solution to your dilemma.”
The night of my coming-of-age ball, Rasmus had indicated that he was investigating the laws and texts for other options and that he was close to finding help. Was the Sword of the Magi his assistance? And was he using Maxim to deliver the help?
“Tell me how such a sword will aid me with picking my husband.”
“The engraving on the sword is an ancient language that reads ‘For a worthy king.’”
I studied the archaic markings but had never seen the language before. “So the bearer of the sword is worthiest to be king?”
“Of course, Holy Scripture doesn’t speak of the sword. But ancient literature from the eastern wisemen says that only the man worthy to be king will be able to pull it free.”
“Free from the case?”
“Yes, or perhaps from whatever is confining it.”
I reached for the hilt, tugged at it, but the sword wouldn’t budge from the box. I was well versed in history and knew about King Stefan, the first Oldenberg king, releasing the sword from its confinement and using it to defeat his enemies. Tradition stated that the sword imparted a blessing that made the bearer more powerful while wielding the weapon in battle.
But I’d never heard it had the ability to determine who was worthiest to be king. Perhaps no one had ever been able to read the engraving until now. “Rasmus would have the twelve noblemen attempt to dislodge the sword. Whoever is able to pull it free will become my husband?”
“Yes.”
The workmanship was magnificent, from the rare jewels all the way to the tiny engravings. Was it really blessed by Providence? “What do you think, Maxim? Is this, then, the answer to my dilemma?”
“It could be.” Maxim’s voice held a note of doubt, one I needed to explore.
“Tell me all the implications of using this test. I need to know every consideration before I consent to it.”
Maxim hesitated, as though debating how much to divulge.
“I pray you will hold nothing back. Tell all.”
“’Tis possible none of the noblemen will be able to wrest the sword loose, that even after pouring their strength to the weapon, none will be found worthy.”
“Or simply not strong enough?”
“Strength of character is more important than strength of body.” The ancient words of wisdom rolled off Maxim’s tongue.
“If none of my suitors can successfully dislodge the sword, what then? Must I wait to be named heir apparent until we find one who can loosen it?”
“It would be a risk.” He paused and stared at the relic as though deep in thought.
I stared at it too. If the sword could decipher the worthiness with such certainty, wouldn’t the risk be worthwhile? “If I delay in choosing a husband, King Canute might grow more aggressive in seeking a union for himself.”
“But if a worthy man frees the Sword of the Magi, Canute would be foolish to persist in his endeavors. He would surely know the legend of King Stefan’s use of the sword and the great victories he accomplished in battle.”
“So, this relic might bring an end to King Canute’s threat?”
“In the end, ’tis my hope you will wed the best man in the kingdom and remain safe from Canute’s wiles.” This time, Maxim’s tone was filled with a sincerity that told me he truly had my best interest at heart.
