The Treasure of Gwenlais, page 123
part #1 of The Rienfield Chronicles Series
A few moments later as promised, Clare returned smiling brightly as ever, as she carried in a large tray with steaming bowls of stew. She passed each one a bowl, again lastly with Wendell, as she smiled at him demurely, his eyes filled with unhidden affection, as he looked up at her.
“Ahh, I have been waiting for this all week,” King Fergus said, as he took a bite. “My dear Clare. Tell your father, excellent as always,” the King complimented, as he took another bite of the rich stew.
“I will be happy to Sire. Will there be anything else I can get for all of you?” Clare asked, in a cheerful voice.
“More ale and bread love, but not for Wendell. He has had plenty, he has not yet finished his second tankard,” Aiden answered her, as he hit Wendell’s arm lightly.
“Oh…really? Perhaps I should then,” Wendell mentioned, as he began to reach for the second tankard in front of him.
“Eat your stew Wendell,” Caleb directed him, shaking his head.
“Oh…alright then,” Wendell replied, as he lifted his spoon to take a bite of stew. “You are most delicious my lady. No…no, I mean the stew is most delicious,” Wendell said, amongst much laughter.
“Thank you Wendell. I shall inform my father of your opinion,” Clare said with a giggle, as she left to fetch more ale and bread.
Marcus reentered the dining room, helping Clare carry in the bread and ale, and his own bowl of stew as he sat down to join the group.
“The wedding only being less than three days away, do you have a case of the nerves yet, Prince Caleb?” Marcus asked, as he sat at the table.
“No, my friend. I only wish it to be done with. All this planning has become tedious,” Caleb answered, with a light laugh.
“And how be your beloved after that bit of drama at the Council Chamber? I cannot believe an assassin would dare try to be here, well knowing how you would go to great lengths to protect her,” Marcus said, with disbelief.
“Is it not amazing how fast bad news travels?” Phineas asked, shaking his head.
“I feel Marcus that indeed is the problem. Obviously, those who do not wish for our union to take place, have no idea how much I do love her. Leland himself felt our union was only happening for our family to acquire wealth. He had no idea of our feelings for each other. I am most grateful for your help in bringing the assassin to our attention,” Caleb answered, with a bitter tone.
“You are most welcome Sire. I shall never forget that day at the trial, her Highness standing before the Tribunal, all bruised and battered. When the Queen herself came to stand by her Highness’ side, putting her arm around her, well I am not ashamed to say I wept. Then when the little lass gave that passionate plea to spare that wretch’s life…..I still get choked up just thinking of it,” Marcus spoke, with a sad smile. “She won the hearts of Heathwin that day Sire. Now pay no mind to the grumbles you may hear from some, that the wedding is not accessible to the public. I told all I heard complaining, that is was your right and yours alone, to do what you felt had to be done, to keep your Princess safe,” Marcus said straight forwardly.
“Thank you for that Marcus. I very much appreciate it,” Caleb responded, smiling at him warmly.
“It is no trouble at all Sire. In fact in honor of your wedding day, I am having all first drinks on the house. I will admit it is good for business, as they have one, they will pay for another. The venison stew will be the special of the day, and in honor of our new Princess, Tess will be baking honey lavender cakes as well,” Marcus announced smiling broadly.
“I wish I could have been there to record it myself. She must have looked beautiful standing there. Humble and yet triumphant,” Wendell suddenly spoke up, in a sad and wistful voice.
“She was,” Caleb stated simply, as he smiled back at Wendell.
“Come over the day after the wedding young Scribe. It falls on the day of Prayer and Reflections, the pub is always closed that day. I shall then relate to you all that happened, one Scribe to another,” Marcus said with a warm smile. “Now my friends,” Marcus announced, with a clap of his hands. “I shall go and see if dessert is ready. Prepare to be amazed, as my dear Tess, outdid herself,” Marcus said with a bright grin as he stood and left the room.
Within moments several servants entered the dining room to clear away dishes, Wendell held on to his second tankard possessively. Clare once again reentered with deep bowls and spoons, as well as a small pitcher of cream. Marcus then came in holding an enormous steamed pudding, which he put in the center of the table. He then took a long thing stick and after catching the tip on fire, he touched the pudding which then caused it catch aflame. The pudding burned a brilliant blue for just a few seconds, then Marcus covered it with a copper cover, which extinguished the flames instantly. After lifting the cover, the entire room was filled, with the fragrant smell of the sweet spicy pudding and the rich brandy it was soaked in. Marcus then cut everyone a thick slice, while Clare poured cream over each slice and handed everyone a bowl. The various sounds of approval made Marcus beam with pride.
“Marcus, this is truly the most exquisite dessert I have ever had. Your wife is a true artist,” Phineas said, with a satisfied smile.
“Yes Marcus, I must agree. It is the most wonderful confection your Tess, has ever served us. Please ask her to come in so that I may thank her personally,” King Fergus, graciously requested.
“I would be happy to Sire. I shall be back in a moment,” Marcus smiled, as he and Clare walked out of the room.
A short time later, Marcus and his wife and daughter walked into the dining room. It was clear where Clare got her voluptuous goods looks from, as Tess and her daughter, resembled each other quite closely. Tess smiled at the King shyly, her cheeks flush with her efforts from the kitchen, her hair pulled back tightly in a long braid, a small cap on her head.
“My dear Tess, I just wanted to thank you myself, for making this such a wonderful evening,” the King said graciously, as he stood up and took her hand.
“You are most welcome Sire. Tis truly a privilege to cook for you and your sons. Many a patron comes here knowing this is the King’s favourite pub,” Tess mentioned graciously.
“May I also say Madame, that this has been a lovely meal made even more so by your sumptuous daughter,” Wendell, said with a crooked happy smile.
Everyone snickered or smirked at Wendell’s misworded compliment, as Clare giggled, and her mother raised an eyebrow at Wendell.
“I do believe this is Wendell’s first time to a pub dear,” Marcus leaned over and informed his wife.
“The first time anywhere!” Wendell exclaimed happily.
“Thank you Wendell. I was told you had a way with words,” Tess replied, with a wry smirk, as Wendell just smiled the same crooked smile.
The evening ended on a happy note with good conversation all around, which was interrupted by the unfamiliar and loud sound, of Wendell’s snoring, as he was slumped over against Aiden’s arm.
“The poor sop has had a long day, what with him almost losing his head and all,” Aiden explained with a smirk, as he looked at Marcus and Tess.
“How did the poor lad almost lose his head?” Tess asked clearly distressed.
“Caleb threatened he was going to cut it off,” Aiden answered grinning, as everyone looked over at Caleb.
“And why would you want to cut the poor lad’s head off Sire?” Marcus asked chuckling.
“That Marcus, is a story for another time. So with that, I feel we should say good night,” Caleb said with a smile, as he stood up.
After all the evening salutations were said, the group made their way out of the pub. With Wendell being half carried and half dragged out between Caleb and Aiden. It was the same as they reached the Lodge, Caleb and Aiden leading Wendell up the stairs and back to his room.
“Are we almost home?” Wendell asked, in a weary frail voice.
“We are home Wendell, we are bringing you to your room,” Caleb answered him with impatience, as Aiden began to laugh.
“I do not remember the corridor being so long,” Wendell said, with a whine.
“You are utterly pathetic Wendell,” Caleb replied, with the same tone.
“Yes, I know Uncle,” Wendell answered, in a weepy voice.
“Uncle? I am not your uncle, you twit,” Caleb said brusquely, as Aiden laughed even louder.
“Oh yes…that is right. You are my friends…my dear, dear friends,” Wendell’s voice becoming more emotional, as he smiled with a sleepy expression.
“We are not your friends either,” Caleb told him, in the same tone.
“Do not listen to him Wendell, of course we are your friends,” Aiden replied, still laughing.
“This has been the happiest day of my miserable life. I found the Princess, I have friends, and now I am in love. I am so happy,” Wendell said, beginning to weep openly.
“By the Maker! Good, we are finally here at your room,” Caleb mentioned with an aggravated sigh.
“My room?! I have never had a room of my own. At Uncle’s I slept under the table in the kitchen….with the dog when it let me,” Wendell exclaimed, continuing to weep pitifully.
This admission only made Aiden laugh louder and Caleb roll his eyes in exasperation.
“Let us put this pathetic sop to bed and be done with it!” Caleb said, as he grabbed Wendell roughly up in his arms and then threw him on his bed, throwing the covers over him.
“Goodnight dear friends,” Wendell’s muffled weepy voice, could be heard from under the covers.
“Goodnight Wendell,” Caleb said with annoyance, as he shut the door, while Aiden continued to laugh.
“Now that we have put the Scribe to bed, I am calling it a night as well,” Caleb said, shaking his head.
“Really? It is not that late,” Aiden mentioned noticing Caleb’s grin. “You dog! You have her waiting for you in your room.” Aiden said, clearly making a statement, not an assumption.
“Yes I do, which is why I am calling it a night,” Caleb replied grinning wryly.
“And what do you expect me to do? Father and Mother are in their room. Phineas is asleep already and I am not tired yet,” Aiden spoke, mildly irritated.
“How do I know? Try reading. Either way it is not my problem. I will see you in the morning,” Caleb replied hitting Aiden on the arm, and continued on his way to his room.
Upon entering Caleb was surprised to find Laurel still awake, sitting up in his bed looking at a book.
“Hello dearest. I am surprised you have not fallen asleep as yet,” Caleb said in a soft voice, as he walked over and kissed her forehead.
“I was too restless. I also promised your mother I would look over the wedding journal here, and make sure everything is the way I wish it to be,” Laurel said, with a weary sigh.
“Dearest you do not have to look through the whole journal,” Caleb remarked in a sympathetic voice, seeing how tired she was.
“I promised her I would,” Laurel replied, with a pout.
“Let me ask you this then. Do you wish to change anything that has been planned and adjusted?” Caleb asked her with a warm smile, brushing his bent finger against her cheek.
“No. Nothing,” Laurel remarked, with a sleepy voice.
“Well, then you are done,” Caleb answered taking the journal from her, and bringing it over to the desk.
Just then there was a knock on the door.
“Whoever it is go away,” Caleb answered rudely, causing Laurel to laugh.
“You know who it is,” Aiden answered back, walking into the room.
“Yes I did, precisely why I told you to go away, not that it did any good,” Caleb retorted, as he pulled clothes out of the wardrobe. “What do you want?” Caleb asked him, in the same rude manner.
“I cannot sleep. We need to play a game of Tablut,” Aiden answered as he retrieved Caleb’s Tablut board and pieces out the cupboard.
“Laurel is tired. Mother has been exhausting her with wedding plans all evening,” Caleb said attempting to make excuses, as he watched Aiden begin to set up the board.
“It is alright Caleb. I will just lie here and watch you both play,” Laurel said with a giggle, as she snuggled into the covers.
Aiden looked over smiling warmly and winked at her.
“Fine, I shall be right back,” Caleb spoke with a sigh, and then walked into the bath to change.
When he returned he found Laurel had fallen asleep, as Aiden grinned over at him. Caleb walked over and kissed Laurel lightly on her temple, moving the covers up around her chin.
“I hope you are happy with yourself,” Caleb grinned at him mordantly, as he sat down to play Tablut.
“I most certainly am. It was the plan all along. I am as yet without pleasant distraction, so I felt you should be as well,” Aiden said moving his piece on the board. “At least for the time being,” saying with a wry grin.
26: THE FAMILY ARRIVES FOR THE WEDDING
“Well good morning Wendell. Or should I say good afternoon?” Laurel asked with a light laugh, as she met Wendell in the corridor.
“Oh….good afternoon your Highness,” Wendell replied back, in a tired and embarrassed voice.
“I am so happy you had an enjoyable evening. Your visit to the pub last night was all everyone talked about both at breakfast and the midday meal,” Laurel said, as she placed her hand on his shoulder.
“I do hope I did not cause any embarrassment last night,” Wendell spoke, with a concerned tone.
“I am sure you did not Wendell, as everyone was quite amused whenever they mentioned you. I hear you were quite taken by the pub owner’s daughter,” Laurel giggled once again, as she led him past the balcony and towards the sitting room.
“Yes, her name is Clare. She is….well…a vision your Highness. Just so lovely and sweet natured. She has the most adorable little gap between her front teeth, and the most beautiful smile,” Wendell explained, with a dreamy eyed expression.
“That is wonderful Wendell. When will you see here again?” Laurel asked, with bright enthusiasm.
“I am not sure my Lady. Most likely never,” Wendell replied, in a sad voice as they entered the sitting room.
“Well why not?” Laurel asked, in bemused look of surprise.
“Clare may not wish to see me again after my bout of drunkenness. What if perhaps she now finds me distasteful?” Wendell asked, his voice even sadder than before.
“Oh, do not be silly Wendell. She works in her father’s pub. I have no doubt she has seen plenty of fellows in a drunken state. Besides, everyone found you to be most entertaining,” Laurel reassured him, as they sat together on the couch, looking over at Phineas and Owain playing Tablut.
“So, why does her Highness find you to be silly Wendell?” Phineas asked, as he and Owain looked over at them in amusement.
“Wendell feels that the object of his affections will not wish to see him again because he had a bit too much to drink,” Laurel answered for Wendell, as she smirked at him.
“I have no doubt my young friend, that your fair Clare would be happy to see you again. You were actually quite well spoken for one in your inebriated condition,” Phineas remarked with a smile, as Owain laughed lightly.
“I appreciate your encouragement, I truly do. I do not have a way to again return to the pub, in fact I cannot remember how to get there. The roadways all look the same to me, what with the trees and all,” Wendell explained, with a sheepish grin.
“I would be more than happy to bring you Wendell. Marcus is as pleasant a fellow as you could ever meet. I have not been to the Standing Bear, since the early Planting season. Caleb and Aiden brought me there before going to Gwenlais, when I entered my twentieth season. So when would you like to go?” Owain asked with a charming smile, and gleam in his eye.
Wendell smiled thoughtfully for a moment, thinking about Owain’s question, feeling excited and nervous. Laurel looked at him, completely enchanted, by seeing this side of her friend.
“You do realize Wendell, that as my personal Scribe, you are allowed one guest to accompany you to the wedding?” Laurel inquired, with an impish smile.
Wendell looked up from his thoughts to smile at her in surprise.
“What say you Wendell? Shall we go and visit the pub so you may ask the fair Clare to the wedding?” Owain questioned with a broad smile, as Phineas laughed at the young Scribe’s expression.
“Do you really believe she will accept my invitation?” Wendell queried, with growing excitement.
“Of course she will Wendell. You are one of the most charming men I have ever met,” Laurel answered smiling kindly, as she placed her hand on his.
“Look at it this way Wendell, at the very least she will wish to come to the wedding,” Owain said with a wry grin, while Laurel looked over and smirked at him.
“Alright then. I will do it! I will invite Clare to the wedding as my guest,” Wendell announced in a decisive voice, after a brief pause.
“Excellent! Come along then my friend, we should leave before Caleb returns and finds something for me to do,” Owain expressed as he stood up, and began to walk towards the door, gesturing for Wendell to follow him.
“My Lady, perhaps you would care to join us?” Wendell asked, smiling at Laurel excitedly, suddenly feeling very confident.
“Oh, no I am afraid that will not be possible, as much as I would like to. I promised Caleb I would not leave the Lodge until he felt it was safe to do so. He as well as Aiden, Cahir and Father, are meeting with Chieftain Argon at the Sentinel Headquarters, to go over more security details. I do not wish to even think about his reaction if I were to go with you and Owain,” Laurel explained with a sad smile, as Phineas and Owain chuckled knowingly.
“I am well aware what his reaction would be. He would pummel me to unconsciousness for letting you go, and well…we all know how he would react with you,” Owain smiled, roguishly at her.
“Yes, so for that reason alone, I will just sit here and play Tablut with my dear counselor and wait for my betrothed to return,” Laurel remarked with a grin, as she walked over and sat in front of Phineas to resume he and Owain’s game.
