The Treasure of Gwenlais, page 147
part #1 of The Rienfield Chronicles Series
“Your family is most amusing Caleb. I had forgotten that Gavin is as big as a mountain,” Laurel laughed.
“Yes, he is quite intimidating when he wants to be. His skill with a double battle axe is truly terrifying, Gavin was a Sentinel for twenty seasons. He is for the most part retired now, he just leads the Clann’s small army on drills once a month. He prefers to run his pub and enjoy his grandchildren,” Caleb explained, with a cheerful smile.
“Will he and Marvina and their children be at the Family gathering this winter?” Laurel asked returning his smile.
“No dearest. It is too far a trip to make in the winter. Most of the roads become too difficult to travel and it is much too cold,” Caleb explained, remembering Laurel was not familiar with the winters of Heathwin. “This is why we all come together at Loch Tay in the Growing season, to give everyone a chance to catch up with each other. We are almost home, just around this bend here,” Caleb pointed forward, as the road gave way to a small clearing.
Laurel looked ahead and gasped lightly in surprise, as the ruggedly beautiful home stood before them. Caleb had been modest in describing it. It was two stories but wide and had large floor length windows in the front. The porch of the home was larger than that of the Inn. The double doors were massive and ornately carved with a depiction of a hawk, its wings spread wide, holding a cross bow in one talon, and a long broad sword in the other. This was the crest of Clann Seigine. Two beautiful life size wooden sculptures of horses on their hind legs, guarded either side of the front stairway, leading up to the porch. They stopped their horses just in front of the grand and lovely home.
“Welcome to Hawk Haven my love,” Caleb spoke warmly, reaching over and squeezing Laurel’s hand, smiling at her expression.
A young man of about Owain’s age, walked up to the group as they began to dismount in front of the home. Leod smiled as he walked over, and the two young men embraced each other.
“So Brody, have you been staying out of trouble?” Leod asked him, hitting him roughly on the arm.
“Only as much as you do,” Brody laughed back. “Mother wishes to know if you will be staying at the house tonight. What should I tell her?” Leod’s younger brother asked, with a wide grin.
“I shall tell her myself when I arrive with you. Now make yourself useful and bring Princess Laurel’s things up to their room,” Leod, replied in mock arrogance.
“Of course sir,” Brody answered back sardonically. Then looking over at Caleb and said, “Good to see you again Caleb, and I am very happy to make your acquaintance Princess Laurel.”
Laurel smiled at the tall handsome young man. He had black hair like his brother, and muscularly built as well, but different as it appeared to come from hard laborious work, and not from constant training and conditioning.
“Thank you Brody. I am pleased to make your acquaintance as well,” Laurel stated charmingly.
“The house looks good Brody. Daideo and Maimeo have been keeping you busy I see,” Caleb said with a smile, as he handed Brody the saddle bags.
“Aye, indeed they have Sire. I planted another garden in front of the house for Maimeo, as requested, and did some repairs to the porch and barn as well,” Brody smiled back at him.
“How are they doing? Daideo was grumbling about the horrible winter as usual, back a few months ago. Though the ale and venison Aiden and I brought him, seemed to help his mood,” Caleb mentioned, with a laugh.
“Quite well for their age, and thank you for that, it helped his mood considerably,” Brody replied, with a laugh.
Just then loud barking could be heard from the porch as two enormous, tall, black and white, bushy haired dogs came thundering off the porch towards them. Laurel’s eyes went wide as she grabbed fearfully onto Caleb’s arm, who smiled warmly down at her.
“It is alright dearest. They will not hurt you,” Caleb stated calmly as they continued towards them. “Hey now Beck you old scoundrel! Got your missus pregnant again I see,” Caleb laughed, as the big hairy dog leaped up, putting his front paws on his shoulders, as the dog was nearly eye level with him.
Following closely was his mate, a very pregnant female version of Beck, as they were nearly identical in appearance.
“Poor Kalie,” Leod said with a sad smile, as he gently petted the female’s shaggy head. “He never leaves you alone does he?” he asked sympathetically.
“She should be having her pups in a fortnight. Your Father was thinking about taking one,” Brody informed Caleb.
“I am not surprised seeing he owned this big monster’s father,” Caleb replied rubbing Beck’s head with both of his hands, having the dog stand on all fours. “Here Laurel, go ahead and pet his head. He really is just a big hairy sop,” Caleb said, as he smiled at the dog affectionately.
“Hello there Beck,” Laurel spoke in a small voice, as she reached over to pet the dog’s head, her small hands looking smaller in comparison.
Beck looked to be smiling, as his big tongue lolled out, as Laurel continued to smile and pet his head. Becoming overcome with love and affection for this newcomer, Beck suddenly jumped up attempting to give Laurel the same gleeful welcome he had given Caleb. Laurel gave a small shriek of surprise, as the dog knocked her to the ground before Caleb could stop him.
Beck however just stood over her, licking her face fervently, as Laurel attempted to push him away. Both Brody and Caleb grabbed at the dog, but he refused to move, clearly enjoying showing his affections.
“Beck! You big hairy beast! Get off her,” Caleb yelled and laughed, at the same time.
“Beck! Ya stupid idjit! Git off her!” a tall and stately looking old man yelled out, as he came off the steps.
At the old man’s command, the dog did immediately as he was told, running up to him and bounding about like a puppy barking happily. Caleb and Brody helped Laurel to her feet, the Sentinels looking on with surprised but amused faces.
“Are you alright dearest?” Caleb asked, trying his best not to laugh, as he gently wiped the dirt and dog saliva off her face.
“Yes….I…I am just a bit overwhelmed,” Laurel answered, with wide eyed breathlessness.
“Sorcha! The damned dog just mauled the Princess!” Killian yelled to his wife, as she walked out to the porch.
“Beck you terrible brute! You poor dear. Are you alright?” Sorcha asked, in alarm as she walked off the porch.
“Oh, ya poor wee thing. Now how are ya feeling?” Killian asked with concern, as he put his hand on Laurel’s shoulder, his soft blue eyes, kind and warm.
“Really I am fine. I was just not expecting such a friendly welcome,” Laurel replied giggling shakily, as Caleb and the Sentinels began to laugh.
“Now do not laugh at the poor lass Caleb. Here ya be, bringing your Bride home to meet us, and what happens? She gets a mauling from Beck. I will warn ya now dear lass, the boy here will be telling everyone, and they will all have a good laugh at yer expense,” Killian informed her, with a twinkle in his eyes.
“Indeed he will. Shame on you boys. At least let me take the poor dear in the house before you all laugh at her. Now come over here and give your Maimeo a kiss, so I can do just that, you too Leod,” she scolded gently. “How nice this is, we just had a lovely visit with Fergus and Alana. Not quite a fortnight ago Cahir brought his lovely new Bride here as well. Now Caleb, you show up with your beautiful Bride. It is wonderful, so much activity,” the lovely old woman said, kindly smiling at them.
“Hello dear Maimeo,” Leod walked up to her first, kissing her affectionately on the cheek.
“Hello my sweet boy. Your mother will be so pleased to see you. She is making a special dinner for you and all your fellows. So do not keep her waiting too long. As soon as Brody is done you should be on your way,” Sorcha informed him, touching the side of his face lovingly.
“I will Maimeo. Do you hear that boys? My mother is an exceptional cook like her mother here, as Gawain can attest to. You are all in for a real treat,” Leod said, as he looked over at the other Sentinels, smiling broadly.
“Well hurry up there Brody, I am starving,” one of the Sentinels called out.
Brody just looked over and smiled at him as the others laughed.
“Hello Maimeo,” Caleb then greeted her warmly as he leaned over and embraced her, kissing her cheek as well. “This, as you have already guessed, is Laurel,” Caleb smiled, as he introduced her.
“So nice to finally meet you dear. Why you are even prettier than Alana said you were,” Sorcha said, in a warm voice.
“Thank you Sorcha. I am so happy to meet you and Killian as well,” Laurel smiled happily, as she could not help but feel affection for them already.
“No, no dear. In this house, all who are younger than us, call us Daideo and Maimeo,” Sorcha directed, in a warm and loving voice.
“And that is damn near everyone,” Killian laughed heartily, as the others laughed with him.
Sorcha just smiled at her husband shaking her head, then taking Laurel’s hand began to guide her to the house.
“Come dear let me show you to your room. Brody do please bring Caleb and Laurel’s bags upstairs,” she told her grandson kindly.
“Yes, Maimeo,” Brody replied, still laughing at his grandfather.
As they walked to the house, Killian looked at them until they went inside.
“So, Caleb. Did you catch the sons of bitches that would dare try to harm your Bride?” Killian asked, in an angry tone.
“No Daideo. Only one son of a bitch, and he killed himself, before we got anything out of him,” Caleb answered in frustration.
“Aye, when I hear things like that it makes me regret retiring,” Killian said sadly, as he shook his head.
Caleb and Leod smiled at each other and then looked over at Killian warmly.
“Come now Daideo, you know as well as I, Father and I have no skills whatsoever with gardening or repair, and Aiden has even less,” Caleb’s last comment elicited much laughter from the group. “Without you and Brody the house would be in shambles, and my mother would be beside herself,” Caleb said kindly, putting his arm around the old man’s shoulders and walking towards the house.
“Aye lad that she would. She tells me each time she visits how much she loves this house, and that one day, she will make Fergus give up the throne to you, and make him live here again. I dare say, now that you have that sweet Bride of yours, that day may be coming sooner than he thinks,” Killian replied with a laugh.
“You are probably right Daideo,” Caleb laughed back.
A short time later, after Brody, Leod and the Sentinels left for dinner at the brothers’ family home, Gavin and his family showed up. Bringing all the lavish fare needed for the dinner Gavin and Marvina wished to prepare for them. After Caleb greeted Clodagh and Liam warmly, he went upstairs to check on Laurel. He walked into their handsomely furnished room, the beautiful focal point being a richly carved four poster bed. Each post having what appeared to be climbing ivy carved into each one. The bed was covered in an expertly made quilt of all the colors of the harvest season. He walked into the private bath and found Laurel relaxing in the large copper tub, much like they had in Heathwin. She smiled happily at him as he entered the room, as he brought a chair over to sit beside her, putting his hand in the warm water, caressing her arm.
“You look deliciously comfortable mo ghra. Unfortunately for me Gavin and his family have already arrived. They have just taken over the kitchen, and Maimeo and Daideo are happily playing with the Clodagh and Liam’s little ones. Gavin and Liam are already arguing how the lamb should be cooked. You should hear them during the fortnight we spend at Loch Tay. They do all of the cooking and there is a constant stream of cursing when they do not agree on how something should be done, which is most of the time,” Caleb explained with a smile, at Laurel’s amused reaction.
“Maimeo and Daideo are so adorable Caleb. I never knew my grandparents on either side of the family. It must have been wonderful growing up knowing yours, and the ones who just volunteered to be,” Laurel replied laughing happily.
“Well in all honesty dearest, I was not particularly close to Father’s parents, and I barely remember Mother’s. In fact it is because of my grandfather, King Niall, that Aiden and I became so close to Killian and Sorcha,” Caleb said bringing his hand up from the water to touch Laurel’s face.
“Why is that Caleb?” Laurel asked in a soft voice, seeing the sudden sadness in his eyes.
“When I was a young boy of seven seasons, and living at the Lodge, such as we do now, I had a very unfortunate experience with my grandfather. My mother was very pregnant with Aiden, and understandably a bit short tempered. My father was on his way home from Patrol, and I was feeling bored and lonely that day. I was walking about the Lodge and ended up in the study. For whatever reason, there was my grandfather’s dagger laying there on the desk. I had been warned by him never to touch it. Well, being only seven and bored, it was far too great a temptation. So I walked over and only touched it at first, but then a few moments later I picked it up and examined it with childish fascination. At that moment my grandfather walked in the room,” Caleb paused for a moment looking sad and far away.
“What happened mo chroi?” Laurel asked gently, reaching up and holding his hand.
Caleb looked at her smiling warmly, loving her for the concern in her eyes and voice.
“He beat me with a strap, quite severely. My back and bottom were covered in welts. My mother was furious and my father no less so when he found out that night. My mother told me, Father and my grandfather had a terrible argument. Two days later we moved here. A week later Aiden was born. Killian and Sorcha moved in permanently, and we became very close to them. We lived here for seven seasons, only returning to the Lodge, for short stays in the Growing season. Cahir actually lived here with us for a season, when he became orphaned. As I was saying, they were very upset with what my grandfather had done. Mother and Sorcha never forgave him for it. My mother also could not stand my uncles, as she felt they were mean and barbaric. It was not until my uncles were killed in a raid upon the Rabkins, did we return. But this house will always feel like home to me, and Killian and Sorcha, will always be Daideo and Maimeo. It is here that I do not have to be the Prince of Heathwin or Commander of the Sentinels. I am just Caleb,” Caleb related with a sad smile, wiping a tear from Laurel’s cheek.
“I am so sorry my dear Caleb. It is no wonder Sorcha loves you so much, or that your mother loves them and this house. Sorcha told me how much your parents still come here and how happy your mother is when she is here,” Laurel said, in a tearful voice.
“Do not be sad mo ghra. It was a very long time ago. After going through that I feel it will help me to be a good father, such as my father was. He did spank us occasionally, but never harshly. Never more than a few swats on the bottom and never bare bottomed, and he only used his hand. He wanted to be sure he was not hurting us, only a few sharp swats to make a point if we needed it. I dare say Aiden always needed it more than me. He was very stubborn and enjoyed cursing. Addis went through a brief stage like that, shortly after his mother remarried, when he was twelve seasons. I took him with me on the northern Patrol for the first time. I told him he had to collect firewood for the camp that night, and he felt he was too privileged to do that. I told him otherwise and he cursed me out in front of everyone. Midhir another cousin, was with him as well, so he felt very bold with his best friend there. Aiden, and Cahir of course just laughed. So I told Addis to stop his nonsense or I was going to give him a good spanking. He told me as he was now twelve seasons, he was too old, and what I could do with myself. I proved him very wrong. My point is, I was not brutal about it. I just took him across my knee in front of everyone, gave him a few swats and then told him to collect the wood. When he was finished, I made him and Midhir go to his tent the rest of the night, Midhir because he was laughing and spurring Addis on. Addis was mortified but he never pulled that nonsense again. Now that he is older of course, he would never think of doing that. I just have to put up with his attempting to be amusing,” Caleb grinned mordantly, as he was happy Laurel giggled at his recounting this story about Addis. “I will never be harsh or unfair to our children Laurel. I will never do what was done to me. You will never have to worry about that. If anyone should get spanked, it would only be because they deliberately disobeyed us, or were mean or disrespectful. I will not put our children through anything cruel or unnecessary,” he told her, with heartfelt honesty.
“I have no doubts that you will be a loving father Caleb. I see how you are with the little ones in your family, and how much your younger cousins love you. I have seen how you are with Oriel and Jamison. They both hugged you goodbye so tightly it brought tears to Ellos’ eyes. No, my husband, I am not worried,” Laurel replied in a soft voice as she leaned over and put her face up to him, as he kissed her lovingly.
“Thank you mo stor. Thank you for letting me share that with you,” Caleb smiled adoringly at her. “Well, I need to go back downstairs. Do not be too long dearest, as they will send me back up to fetch you. And in all honesty if I have to do that I will just end up throwing you on that enormous bed and then we will be harassed and teased all evening,” Caleb said as he smiled roguishly at her, as he stood up and left the bath.
Laurel smiled and shook her head as she finished bathing. She dressed quickly, as she noticed Caleb had packed her the rose colored tunic dress she first wore when she returned to Heathwin. It was comfortable and easy to wear. As she made her way down the long wide staircase, Laurel looked about, noticing the similarities between the family home and the Great Lodge. Both had impressive vaulted ceilings and beautiful woodwork. The home however had chandeliers made of antlers that held thick candles, instead of being made of iron. Heavy woven rugs covered the floors as they were intermittently placed throughout the home. It was spacious, yet warm and inviting, filled with light from the large windows in the front of the house. Laurel entered the large and open front room, Beck being the first to greet her, this time in a more subdued manner, gently licking her hand as she petted his massive head. Clodagh came up to her and embraced her warmly.
