The Treasure of Gwenlais, page 111
part #1 of The Rienfield Chronicles Series
“Do not worry for anything mo ghra. My conversation with your father will not cause you to feel fretful. I am simply going to discuss our future plans with him, that is all,” he said, helping her to her feet.
He took her hand and walked with her to the house, Cahir kissed her warmly once more as Eavan turned and walked up the stairs to her room, to pack her bag for the evening. Cahir then walked through the spacious foyer and entered Chieftain Phariss' study. Cahir was happy to find him sitting at his desk, looking over firewood distributions. The Chieftain smiled at Cahir as he entered the room. Phariss had become quite fond of him. He knew how much Cahir had suffered as a youth of only thirteen seasons. He had lost his entire family as a result of a violent village raid, from the Rabkins. His father had been the village Elder. As he was training to be a Sentinel and was Prince Caleb’s best friend, King Fergus made Cahir his ward. He overcame his pain as much as was able, and had ended up becoming a well-trained and respected Captain of the Sentinels. He enjoyed the favor of the royal family as well as the favor of many a fair lady. Then one day while helping Caleb with village visits of the individual Chieftains, did the sweet and lovely Eavan catch is his eye. She was eight seasons his junior, but her calm and charming demeanor, utterly enchanted him. Caleb himself found her in his words, ‘quite adorable,’ encouraged his interest. Cahir found Eavan calmed his sometimes, intense personality, as she was very mild spirited most of the time. The only issue Phariss had with Cahir, was he thought him to be a bit possessive and jealous, concerning his daughter. He did not like to share her attentions, even with her mother, and had no tolerance whatsoever for her brothers. They all found him to be intimidating and unsociable, as Phariss’ five sons were all lighthearted and enjoyed frequent visits to the taverns of Welstone.
“Well good afternoon my lad. I was hoping to see you before you left. Come sit down. Can I get you a spot of brandy? I am about to have one myself,” Phariss said smiling broadly.
“No thank you Phariss. I came in to speak with you for a moment, concerning Eavan,” Cahir spoke in a low and serious voice.
“Oh, by your expression you seem to be quite concerned. Has the lass gone and sassed you again? I told her mother it was all her fault, and it was bound to happen one day. Her mother is a bit of sassy one herself. When we were first married I cannot tell you how many times I had to take her across my knee. Those lasses from Gwenlais all have that temperament, so she gets it honest,” Phariss said smiling wryly.
Cahir shook his head and chuckled lightly at Phariss’ remark.
“No, no. Nothing like that. Though I do wish to mention that particular time. I feel I was too harsh in how I treated her. Eavan is quite sweet and sensitive, and I should not have reacted as I did. She was simply reacting to being upset, not trying to be spiteful. I apologized to her and promised I would never raise my hand to her again. I wished for you to know this,” Cahir said, with heartfelt conviction.
“Well I do appreciate you telling me this, though I do not feel you needed to. I have this feeling you have been talking to Prince Caleb. Am I correct?” Phariss asked, with a sly grin.
“Yes I have. We had a most insightful conversation,” Cahir answered smiling back.
“I do admire Caleb’s respect for his father’s opinions, and admire his attitude towards the fairer sex. I feel though, he may want to change his mind from time to time, with his little Princess. She is a fiery one, she is,” Phariss laughed, as he remembered Laurel’s display of temper.
“Yes, I completely agree with you, concerning her Highness. She can be very charming, but if there is anyone in need of a good paddling, it is most definitely her. I nearly spanked her myself, as I was her escort while in Gwenlais. But Caleb adores her and he will not be convinced to do so,” Cahir grinned sardonically. “That however, was not my main reason to wish to speak with you. Eavan has brought it to my attention, that her mother has once again, delayed the day of our wedding,” Cahir spoke, now sounding impatient.
“Ah, yes. I was made aware of it only yesterday. I am sorry Cahir, with all of Maiwen’s plans. I feel she is just trying to keep her little girl as long as she can,” Phariss smiled sadly.
“I do appreciate Maiwen’s love for her daughter, but you must understand
Phariss, I too, love Eavan. We love each other. We can no longer be without one another. It is causing us both a great deal of frustration, and I do not feel that is helping Eavan's, sudden bouts of temper. She told me herself only a few moments ago, the wedding did not matter to her, she only wished to be with me,” Cahir said, leaning forward in his chair, his eyes intense and filled with emotion.
Phariss smiled at him, a sense of relief filling his heart and mind, with seeing the love that Cahir had for his daughter.
“Tell me what you have in mind my lad,” Phariss said patiently.
“I had Eavan tell her mother that she would be going to spend the evening with me. I am bringing her home Phariss, I will not be bringing her back as just your daughter. The next time she returns she will be my wife. I wish to marry her tonight, with only a Scribe, and Caleb and Laurel present. Maiwen can have her lovely wedding feast, as I have no objection, only in that it was preventing Eavan and I from finally starting our life together. I have much to offer Eavan, I no longer feel it is fair for us to continue to wait for it to convenience her mother’s moods,” Cahir spoke, trying to be understanding.
“I have no doubt of your love or what you have to offer my lass. The home Fergus gifted you with, is grander and lovelier than the one she grew up in.
I do appreciate you informing me of your intensions, as it was not necessary.
Eavan is well within the age of consent. You do not need my permission,” Phariss said, with respect in his voice.
“I am aware. I simply wanted to be respectful to you as her father. I have already had the Marriage Agreement signed by King Fergus, who gave his blessing over a week ago when I told him of my intent. I have had a Scribe waiting for me to summon him, and Caleb has been doing the same,” Cahir said smiling warmly.
“Well you have my blessing as well my dear lad. Allow me to say goodbye to my daughter, and do not worry, I will not tell her mother until breakfast,” Phariss said, standing up and extending his hand to Cahir.
Cahir stood up and shook Phariss’ hand. “Thank you sir. I will care for and love Eavan with all my heart,” Cahir spoke, with choked back emotion.
“I have no doubt lad. I see your lass waiting for you by the stairs. Let us not keep her waiting,” Phariss said, with twinkling eyes as he led Cahir out into the foyer.
As they walked towards the stairway Eavan smiled contentedly. As she was happy to be spending the evening with Cahir, and leaving the tense emotions of her mother, who refused to come downstairs, not happy Eavan was spending the night with her betrothed.
“Have a lovely evening my dear, and remember your Papa loves you very much,” Phariss said, smiling with tears in his eyes, as he kissed her tenderly on both cheeks.
“Goodnight Papa. I love you too,” Eavan hugged her father, looking at him with confusion.
Cahir smiled at them both and taking Eavan’s hand, led her out the door, to Cahir’s horse. As they walked out of the front gate, Cahir hugged her to him tightly, then kissed her with a quiet passion, he had never done at her family’s home before. The kissed left her breathless, as she smiled at him in surprise. He took her bag from her and tied it carefully to the saddle, then lifted her easily on to his horse. He got up in back of her, in one fluid motion, as he pressed his stallion into a quick canter on to the wide path, which led back to the Lodge. They spoke quietly, discussing the evening together, as Eavan was very excited to be seeing her new home once again. Time passed quickly as the conversation flowed comfortably, Cahir was more relaxed when they were not in the constant presence of Eavan’s family. He found her brothers irritating, and her mother’s constant interruptions just made him impatient.
“Here we are mo stor, our new home. I cannot wait to show you the entire house. You will be most pleased with it, my love, as it is spacious but very warm and comfortable. This is the very house that Laurel and her family would stay in,” Cahir said smiling warmly as he lifted Eavan down from the horse.
“Oh Cahir, I had forgotten how grand it is. I am so happy you suggested I stay tonight. Where shall I be sleeping? Have you already chosen a room for me?” Eavan asked, her eyes bright and happy.
“Yes, I have mo chroi. I will take you there now,” Cahir answered, in an ardent and soft voice.
Taking Eavan’s hand he led her into the beautiful and elegant house. It was built adjoining the Great Lodge so its structure and styling was an exact match. It was possible to reach the Great Lodge from the house without having to go out of doors, as they were joined by a large and spacious corridor. When they entered the house they were both greeted by Grady.
“Good evening Sire, Miss Eavan. Am I to believe this is to be a special evening tonight?” Grady asked pointedly.
Cahir had informed Grady, who then informed the rest of the household, their Master's intentions. If he was seen bringing home Eavan once more, it was most assuredly to bring the new Mistress of the House, home.
“Yes, indeed it is Grady. Will you please have someone go and inform Prince Caleb that he and her Highness presence will be requested this evening, and also the friend who has been waiting, will no longer have to,” Cahir said, smiling at Eavan’s curious expressions.
“Very good Sire, I shall have the cook begin dinner arrangements at once,” Grady said smiling warmly at Eavan, before he disappeared through a side door, leading into the kitchen.
“Come mo stor, let me show you where you will be sleeping,” Cahir spoke warmly, as he led her upstairs.
“You have asked Caleb and Laurel to join us for dinner?” Eavan asked in delight, as they walked up the stairs.
“Yes, I have mo stor. This is to be a special night for you and I, and I wished for them to share it with us,” Cahir answered softly, as he led her to the top of the stairway.
“I suppose it shall be, as we will be having our first dinner in our new home, and I have never spent the evening here before, only at the Lodge,” Eavan spoke smiling brightly, her eyes dancing and happy.
“Well you will be spending more nights here from now on dearest. Here is where you will be staying,” Cahir said in an ardent soft voice, as he opened the door in front of them and walked into an elegantly furnished spacious room.
Upon entering, Eavan looked about with a bemused expression, as she recognized the room she was in.
“Cahir, is this not your room?” she asked holding her breath, her heart not daring to believe what was happening.
“No mo ghra. This is our room,” Cahir answered in the same quiet voice, placing his hand on the side of her face. “I am granting your wish my dear Eavan. Our wait is over. I spoke with your father before we left and he has given his blessing. My father has already signed the Marriage Agreement, we will be wed tonight mo chroi. As of right now, in the eyes of the marriage laws of Heathwin, we only need sign the agreement ourselves, and we are considered already married. The vow ceremony in front of the Scribe is just that, a ceremony,” Cahir spoke, with quiet passion.
Eavan covered her mouth, to stop her lips from trembling, as tears streamed down her face.
“Are you all right mo stor? Are you not happy?” Cahir asked with concern, as he gently stroked her soft brown hair.
“Oh yes mo chroi. I am very happy,” Eavan whispered, smiling through her tears.
Cahir smiled at her lovingly, as he took her in his arms and kissed her passionately, more passionately than he ever had before. His mouth exploring hers gently, feeling Eavan warmly complying with his will. Eavan wrapped her arms tightly around Cahir's neck. Wrapping his arms about her waist he lifted Eavan off the floor, and carried her to his bed, placing her down gently, as he lay with her.
“My sweet Eavan, I cannot believe that finally we shall be together mo ghra. Ta ghra agam ort mo stor,” Cahir said passionately, as he continued to kiss her tenderly, caressing her body, as he felt her tremble at his touch.
“Ta ghra agam ort Cahir. I am so very happy, that tonight we shall begin our life together. But mo ghra,” she asked sweetly, placing her fingers on Cahir’s, searching lips, “should we not wait just a bit more, until tonight to share our love? Will not Caleb and Laurel, as well as the Scribe be here in only a few hours?” smiling at him lovingly, as she saw the passion in his intense blue eyes. “I have brought a pretty dress, as you asked. You have not seen it yet. I wish to look beautiful for you tonight. For our wedding night,” Eavan said smiling, lovelier than Cahir could recall, as he smiled back at her adoringly.
“Of course mo stor. What is a few hours, when compared to a lifetime? I shall have the servants ready a bath for you, than you can make whatever preparations you need to,” Cahir said softly, as he kissed her forehead.
He stood up from the bed, taking her hand to help her sit up, and kissed it lovingly.
“There are a few things I still must prepare myself, so I shall be back soon,” he said as he turned and left the room, turning once more to smile at her before he closed the door.
Eavan smiled again as she sighed deeply, laying back down against the pillows. She looked about the room, and then laughed out loud, at the thought of what the evening would bring. Cahir smiled happily as he walked down the stairs, his heart and mind feeling at peace and contented with his decision, especially at seeing his beloved Eavan's reaction. As he reached the bottom of the stairs, he was again met by Grady, the tall but portly man, with a soft grey beard, and pale blue, kind eyes.
“Have you sent word to Price Caleb, Grady?” Cahir asked, his voice relaxed and happy.
“Yes, Sire I have. The front sitting room is also being arranged as you instructed. I have a question from the cook Sire, as we are not yet familiar with the young lady’s taste. The cook wished to make Miss Eavan’s favourite dessert, but he is unaware of what that would be,” Grady smiled at Cahir warmly, sensing his young Master’s peaceful mood.
“She is quite fond of pudding with sponge cake and berry cordial,” Cahir answered.
“Very good, Sire. Is there anything else I can arrange to make the evening, even more special for you both?” Grady asked, his eyes filled with happiness for them.
“As a matter of fact, you can Grady. Have a bath prepared for Eavan. I would like the maids to put clean bed linens on the bed, as well as have fresh flowers brought to the bedroom. Eavan is very fond of roses as well as lilies. She loves all the colors of the Harvest season. I would like a lovely bouquet made for her this evening. Would it be possible for you to arrange this?” Cahir asked, with happy expectation.
“I will see to the flowers personally Sire. I shall be back as soon as possible. Will there be anything else?” Grady asked.
Cahir paused thoughtfully for a moment, and then smiled and shook his head.
“No, I suppose not. I have planned this for several weeks now, all that is left for me to do is to be patient and allow my dear Eavan her privacy to allow her to prepare for the evening,” Cahir said laughing lightly.
“I well know how that can be Sire. My wife was late for our wedding, as she needed more time to prepare herself. I was a complete wreck by the time she arrived, I had feared she had changed her mind,” Grady replied laughing heartily. “Ah yes, but to my good fortune she did not. We have been together for over thirty seasons now. A fine woman she is, much like your dear young lady, sweet and mild tempered. We have been blessed with three children, two daughters and one son, my youngest. I do believe my son has just been assigned to your Patrol, Sire, as he has just finished his training,” Grady mentioned with pride.
Cahir smiled at Grady sharing a bit about his life with him. He was becoming fond of the head servant. Grady had made the home comfortable and was very efficient at running the household. He treated all the staff kindly, but did not allow any slacking of duties. Cahir knew that he would be patient and understanding in helping Eavan to learn of all the duties in running the large house, as he was trained by Lucas himself, the head of the household staff of the Great Lodge.
“What is your son’s name Grady? I will be meeting with the new graduates next week.” Cahir asked.
“Kyran, Sire. After his great, great, grandfather,” Grady answered with pride.
“Kyran? Kyran the Keeper?” Cahir asked in surprise.
“The very one Sire,” Grady said his eyes twinkling.
“That is most impressive Grady. The stories of Kyran the Keeper are legendary. I look forward to meeting your son, and guiding him along,” Cahir said, fascinated to know the lineage of his head servant.
“Thank you for that, Sire. Well, I shall be leaving now to attend to my errands. Concern yourself no longer, I will see that all will be finished for you at the scheduled time,” Grady said warmly, and then walked back into the kitchen to inform the staff of Cahir’s request.
Cahir smiled to himself with a satisfied grin, knowing Eavan's pompous instructors would be the ones to arrange the flowers and the bouquet for her.
“Laurel. Darling are you still in there?” Caleb asked, as he knocked lightly on the bath door, adjacent to his room.
“Um...yes. I shall be finished in a moment,” came the soft reply.
“Very good. When you are done, please come in here, I need to talk with you,” Caleb answered her back, as he walked over to his wardrobe.
A few moments later, Caleb turned to see Laurel coming into his room, her hair in a loose braid, still damp from her bath, wearing a simple tunic dress. He smiled at her bemused expression, as she walked towards him.
“Is something wrong Caleb?” Laurel asked, with a bit of concern.
“No my love, not at all. I have just been given word that the event that Cahir has been planning for the last several weeks is finally going to take place,” Caleb said, smiling warmly as he pulled out a formal jacket from his wardrobe.
