Child of the Kindred, page 15
part #2 of The Rienfield Chronicles Series
Fraoch then spoke a few words in the Kedesh language, gesturing over to the fiddle players who began the lighthearted music once again. Aiden then looked up, smiling sadly at Marina, who did her best to smile back, as she stood trembling, her eyes tear-filled.
“Come my dears. Let us show our brave Sentinel friends how well you dance and also have a bit of refreshment. Come along now,” Fraoch spoke up in a happy tone, as he began to walk back over to the fire.
Rian stepped forward picking up Jamison and taking Oriel’s hand, “I could use a bit of refreshment. Show me where that would be mo daor,” Rian suggested to Oriel with a charming smile, as he began to walk with Fraoch back to the fire, glancing over at Aiden briefly.
Seamus followed him, smiling at Marina, and placing his hand on Aiden’s shoulder as he walked past.
Aiden waited a moment longer, for the children to walk out of sight back to the happy group by the campfire. He then stepped forward, taking Marina into his arms, pulling her tightly against him, his hand at the back of her head as she wrapped her arms around his neck. She immediately broke down into heart-wrenching sobs, calling his name.
“Oh, Aiden! She is gone. Mother is gone,” Marina sobbed miserably into his shoulder.
“I know mo daor. I know. I am so very sorry, my poor darling,” he whispered back, kissing her temple, his heart breaking, feeling her body shuddering in grief.
“Why? Why would my uncle do this? How am I supposed to tell the children? “Where are we to go? How are we…” Marina stopped abruptly, as Aiden took her face in his hands and kissed her.
Marina murmured in surprise at first. Then becoming caught up in Aiden’s passionate response, to her grief-stricken questions, becoming lost in the moment. Marina found herself responding to him, kissing him back with the passion brought on by her grief and fear of the past two days. Aiden continued to kiss her until he felt her body relax, then slowed his rate until he looked at her, smiling warmly, brushing the tears gently away from her face.
“Shh. It is alright dearest. It is over. Whatever you must face, you will not face it alone, I promise you. Now, let us go to the fire and relax for a few moments. Then we shall have the children go to bed, and I will hold you all night. I am here now, you are not alone, love,” Aiden whispered, still holding her face gently in his hands, brushing her trembling lips with his thumb.
Marina nodded her acknowledgement, placing her hand over Aiden’s as he smiled at her gently. Then taking her hand, walked her over to where the children were sitting, with Rian and Seamus. Aiden was surprised with how the Kedesh were so very hospitable and generous, as large wooden trays with sweets baked in a honey syrup, and spiced, along with fire roasted apples and a tangy cheese was placed in front of them. The Kedesh camp was warm and filled with laughter and singing. All of the Kedesh wore brightly coloured garments, and for the first time, Aiden noticed Oriel and Jamison wore the brightly coloured and comfortable clothing the Kedesh children wore, along with silk, jewelled slippers. Oriel was talking animatedly with two of the Kedesh youngsters. A young female was happily brushing and braiding red silk ribbons into Oriel’s hair, another young Kedesh male, though still appearing older than the children, seemed to be translating for Oriel and her little friend. Aiden was very impressed with how well the young male spoke common, as many Kedesh did not speak it. He smiled in spite of himself, as the children seemed happy and distracted, enjoying their new companions. An older female Kedesh suddenly appeared in front of Aiden and Marina, speaking quietly in their language, introducing herself as Cadha, mother of Fraoch, handing them both mugs of steaming tea. After taking the tea from her, Cadha smiled and spoke softly to Marina again, gently stroking Marina’s hair, imploring her to drink the tea.
“Please, my pretty one. Please drink the tea. You have not eaten anything since being with us. Please, Sire, she grows weak and pale. Perhaps you can persuade her,” the older Kedesh female spoke to Aiden, looking sad and concerned as she continued to gently stroke Marina’s hair.
Marina only smiled back at her in a kind and forlorn way, not understanding what she was saying, though appreciating her compassion.
“Drink your tea dearest, and have a bit of this lovely skillet bread. Cadha is just worried for you. I know you are not hungry, but it will do much to ease her concern, and mine, if you eat at least one piece of bread,” Aiden said to Marina with a warm worried voice, handing her a piece of bread.
“Very well Aiden. They have all been so kind and compassionate, especially to the children. Please tell her I said thank you,” Marina replied, reaching over and putting her hand on Cadha’s shoulder, then taking the bread from Aiden.
Aiden relayed Marina’s sentiment, then Cadha smiled back and placed her hand on Marina’s cheek for a moment, then turned and began to serve tea and bread to others in the group. Soon the camp became more subdued and quiet, as family groups began to retire to their individual tents, all of them saying goodnight to Aiden, Marina, and the children. Fraoch directed Rian and Seamus, to a smaller tent that had been placed next to the one that was used by Marina and the children. Fraoch said goodnight to the group once again, then he too went to his tent for the night. Aiden then stood, and picked up Jamison, telling them it was time for bed.
“We will have a busy morning as we ride back home, so we all need to get some rest now,” also taking Oriel’s hand and directing them all to the tent.
Once inside and laying down on their sleeping mats, the children once again began to question Aiden concerning their mother. Covering them up, only telling them not worry about her, he kissed them both on their foreheads and told them quietly to go to sleep, as it was now very late. They soon drifted off, as they had been given warm goat’s milk with their sweet bread, feeling more content and peaceful. Aiden removed his boots and coat, and laid down with Marina, covering them both with the warm, soft quilts.
“It is alright love, there is no need to hold in your pain any longer, they are sleeping now. Release your sorrow dearest, I have you,” Aiden whispered, holding Marina against him, feeling her body tremble and shake in his embrace.
Occasionally, her breath would catch, or she would softly moan her grief, but soon she became exhausted, unable to cry any longer. Aiden would whisper terms of endearment and comfort to Marina, in old speak, though she did not understand the words, the sentiment was clear. He held her in his arms, rocking her gently back and forth as they lay closely together until he noticed she had surrendered to her grief and exhaustion. Sighing in relief that Marina had finally fallen asleep, Aiden kissed her face softly, then fell into a weary slumber moments later.
The young mother was rocking her infant in a soothing, steady rhythm, softly humming a lullaby. She stared into the firelight in the broad hearth of the comfortable, warm room. She looked sadly at the large bed, still not turned down, feeling too anxious to lie in it. She was actually relieved when her infant daughter woke up, wanting to nurse and be rocked to sleep, as it made her worrying for her beloved husband, less consuming. Looking down upon the sleeping face of her infant, she smiled, as tears softly slipped down her cheeks. News had been spread of the King and Princes of Heathwin, along with Deaglan, reclaiming the city. No word yet had been given, as to how her beloved had fared through the conflict. The house of her in-laws had been filled with mourning and despair, as her young brother-in-law had died during the siege, defending Gwenlais against the mercenaries. The only thing giving her mother-in-law comfort was being able to hold and care for her first grandchild. Sighing deeply, she stood up, placing the infant in a cradle next to the bed, adjusting the soft blankets.
“Such a beautiful sight to greet me. My two lovely ladies, all ready for bed,” a soft, warm voice suddenly spoke up, as the young woman turned in surprise.
“Oh, Logan. You have returned,” she whispered tearfully, as she hurriedly walked over into his waiting arms.
They kissed each other passionately at first, then embraced, holding each other tightly.
“Shh. It is alright my darling Sara. Do not cry my love, I am here,” Logan whispered, kissing her face again, and brushing her tears away.
Gently stroking her long, soft, deep gold-hued hair, Logan smiled, content to just gaze at her sweet lovely face. Even though he was only three seasons older, he would often tease her, saying she looked more a young girl than a new Bride and mother. Their daughter Sadie was an unexpected, but joyful surprise to them and their families.
How he had missed her, he thought, as he gently caressed her face, brushing her hair back.
“I was so worried my darling. Your poor mother has been so utterly heartbroken,” Sara whispered, as she wiped her eyes with the back of her hand.
“Yes, I know. I spoke to my father briefly before coming upstairs. He requested we stay for a fortnight, as you and our sweet Sadie, have given her much comfort,” Logan replied, his eyes now looking tired and sad.
“Of course my love, we will stay as long as need be,” Sara answered, placing her hand on his cheek, her beautiful brown eyes, warm and loving.
“I am happy you feel this way, my sweet Sara, for I have most distressing news to tell,” Logan said, his voice breaking with emotion.
“What is it, Logan? The Princess? Is she alright?” Sara asked, her lips beginning to tremble, unable to imagine what else could have befallen the royal family.
“Thankfully, our beloved Princess is now safe in the arms of her Prince. No, dearest, it is more personal. I went to our home before coming here, and well...it is no longer habitable. During the siege, many homes in the city were ransacked, or burned beyond repair. Our home was one of them. Everything…most everything has been destroyed. I was only able to salvage this,” Logan explained with a devastated voice.
Reaching into his pocket, pulling out a small cloth doll, dirty but still intact. Sara took it from him, looking into his tear-filled eyes, she drew closer and Logan leant down, welcoming her soft kiss.
“The doll I made for Sadie,” Sara whispered, smiling through her tears.
“I am so sorry my darling,” Logan whispered back in a crushed tone, holding her face as he tenderly kissed her forehead.
“Do not be, my dear husband. For there are many of our friends who will not be welcoming their husbands, sons, or brothers, home this night. I am most grateful to be able to welcome you home, wherever that be. We have each other, our family is still together. That is all that matters. All those other things can be replaced,” she answered softly, as he kissed her once again.
“I shall be back in a few moments. I wish to wash the weariness, of the last two days away from me,” Logan replied softly, as he caressed her cheek.
“Do not be long, for I wish to love away, the weariness of the last two days from you,” Sara remarked, as she smiled at him, laughing at her lightly for her retort.
“Oh, how I have missed you,” Logan said, still laughing as he took her in his arms, kissing her again.
Laurel sat up, gasping for breath, as she placed her hand on her chest holding the front of her nightgown in a clenched fist. Caleb sat up quickly, reaching over and began stroking her hair causing her to jump in alarm, looking over at him with frightened eyes.
“It is alright my darling. Shh, come mo ghra, lie back down. You are here with me, there now mo chailin milis, it is alright,” Caleb’s deep rich voice whispered soothingly in the still darkness of the room.
Laurel shuddered softly as she felt Caleb’s warm embrace engulf her, her trembling lips brushing against the bare skin of his chest exposed by the opening of his loose tunic. Caleb continued to whisper words of endearment in old speak, as he would lightly kiss her face, tasting the tears on her cheeks while softly stroking her hair. When she was finally able to stop trembling, Laurel looked up at Caleb, seeing his loving and warm smile by the pale light of the twin moons.
“Do you wish to tell me, mo stor? Do you wish to tell me of the darkness which troubled your heart?” Caleb asked as he kissed her face gently.
“I was in the tower once again. Warrick was there mocking me, telling me he would kill you as he had done to Father and Ellos. Telling me, he would continue to hurt Tulla if I did not give into him. I saw him stand Jamison before me, bringing a knife to his throat, that is when I woke up. Oh, Caleb…it was so real,” Laurel sobbed into his chest.
Caleb closed his eyes for a moment, drawing Laurel even closer, feeling her heart pound against him. As her sobs began to subside, Caleb lifted her face to his, and after brushing the tears from her cheeks kissed her gently and slowly.
“Nothing like that will happen my love. Shh. I am with you, soon all of this will be a sad but distant memory,” Caleb paused for a moment, as he felt her shudder once again in his arms. “Mo stor, my sweet Laurel. Let me take your pain from your heart and mind, if just for tonight,” Caleb spoke in a soft deep voice, while he continued to kiss her face gently.
“Yes, yes my Prince. I need you, my dear Caleb,” Laurel whispered, her voice trembling, as she choked back her tears.
Caleb smiled down at her, brushing her hair back, then kissed her passionately but still with tenderness and patience, as he did not wish her to feel overwhelmed. Caleb then turned Laurel on her side, wrapping her in his strong embrace, her body flush against him, moving his leg partially over her hip. He then began to softly kiss her ear and neck, one arm drawing her closer, as she felt her back against his chest. His other hand, slowly moving under her nightgown, caressing her leg and hip.
“My darling,” he whispered softly. “Take a breath, and just relax now. Let your Prince show you, how much he loves you. All that I care about is taking away your pain, filling your heart with the joy of our love. That is all that matters at this moment. Nothing else,” Caleb whispered once again, as he continued to kiss the side of Laurel’s face and neck.
Laurel’s breath caught for a moment, as she felt the delicious warmth and tension begin to build inside of her, as Caleb’s gentle caress became more amorous and sensual. Laurel began to tremble uncontrollably, whimpering softly, her passion growing.
“Oh Caleb, I missed you so much. I know it was not a long time, but it felt an eternity,” Laurel whispered as Caleb turned her to face him.
“I could think of nothing else but holding you, touching you, seeing that lovely smile once again,” Caleb whispered back, his voice soft and rich as if caressing her. “There it is,” Caleb said smiling back, as Laurel beamed at him lovingly.
Placing his hand on Laurel’s face and taking her mouth tenderly at first, until he could no longer hold back his passion, and began kissing her deeply, moving her gently beneath him. Laurel sighed as Caleb began to kiss her neck, she moved her hands to his shoulders, feeling his hands move underneath her nightgown.
“Yes, mo stor. I only wish to feel you against me, to hear your beautiful voice sighing with happiness at my love. Just relax and allow yourself to be at peace. Let me give you comfort Laurel, that is all I desire,” Caleb replied, his rich, deep voice thick with passion, as he began touching and kissing her now more intimately and ardently.
Soon the overwhelming feeling of wellbeing and euphoria enveloped Laurel, as she pressed her head against the pillow, tears of release slid softly down her cheeks.
“I love you,” Laurel said in a trembling whisper.
“Ta ghra agam ort. Mo cailin milis,” Caleb whispered back into her ear, as he reclaimed her as his love.
His heart filled with elation, as he felt her body joyfully giving back her love to him, softly calling his name.
“Here now my sweet girl, turn over to me and I will hold you. Close your eyes and go back to sleep mo stor. Should your heart be troubled again, remember I am with you,” Caleb spoke softly as Laurel turned, laying her head against his chest, feeling his lips softly kiss her forehead as she drifted off.
Marina opened her eyes slowly, still not quite believing the nightmare was finally at an end. She had not slept for almost two days, since the tragic death of her mother. Though welcomed and cared for at the home camp of the Kedesh, it all seemed very surreal and dreamlike. Marina sat up from her sleeping mat and found the children still asleep, but not peaceful, as they tossed and turned and whimpered in their dreams. Just then the sound of someone walking into the tent caused her to turn around, meeting Aiden’s warm smile and soulful blue eyes looking back at her.
“Good morning love. Will you be ready to depart soon?” Aiden asked in a quiet voice, as he kneeled down in front of her, kissing her forehead.
“Yes. I suppose I am,” Marina answered in a small, tired voice, pausing for a moment looking over at Oriel and Jamison still sleeping restlessly. “I do not look forward to telling them about Mother,” she said, her voice breaking with emotion as tears slid down her cheeks.
“You will not have to, mo daor. Caleb has already told me he would do this. We need only bring the children into the sitting room. I am sending Seamus ahead so that Caleb and Laurel will be waiting for us. My mother will no doubt be there as well. We will all be there to help you and the children through this, love. You will not be alone, Caleb will not abandon you and the children dearest. Come now, let us wake them up. The Kedesh have made you all a bit of breakfast before you leave,” Aiden’s warm voice and charming smile helping to calm Marina’s frayed nerves.
Aiden walked over to where the children were sleeping, kneeling down, he gently touched their shoulders, talking to them quietly as they stirred. Blinking sleepily, they smiled, happy to see Aiden.
“Are we going home now Aiden?” Oriel asked as she began to sit up.
“Yes, we are love. Let us go and have some breakfast your Kedesh friends have made for you, and then we will go home,” Aiden answered smiling at them, helping Jamison to stand up.
