The Treasure of Gwenlais, page 156
part #1 of The Rienfield Chronicles Series
“I am not hungry mo chroi. I am feeling too anxious to eat,” she explained in a small voice, as she began to pick at the roll.
“There is no reason to be anxious. I do not blame you for being excited, but you are not going to last all day with only a few sips of tea and you know it. You would have breakfast every morning before you went to your duties at Gwenlais that is not going to change while you are here. Now indulge me please and eat your roll. This will be me my first day without you since the wedding, and I do not wish to worry about you,” Caleb expressed in a loving warm voice, as he gently kissed her lips.
“As you wish Sire,” Laurel smiled back at him taking a bite of the roll.
They were soon on their way to the Infirmary, when they arrived Caleb helped Laurel off her horse and walked her into the main entryway. Master Elphin was happily waiting for her, as he walked up and took her hand.
“Good morning Prince Caleb, and Princess Laurel. Are you ready for your tour my dear?” Master Elphin asked warmly, his pale blue eyes twinkling as he spoke.
“Yes I am. I am most eager to begin,” Laurel answered with a nervous light laugh.
“Wonderful. Will you be joining us Prince Caleb?” Master Elphin asked, looking over at him expectantly.
“No, I shall be leaving my Bride in your capable hands Master Elphin. Send word my love when you are ready to leave,” Caleb said, as he lightly kissed he cheek, then watched her walk away with Master Elphin who was then joined by two other Physicians.
Laurel turned and smiled at him once more, Caleb raised his hand in a wave, smiling back at her lovingly. Laurel was led away down a long corridor and soon out of sight. Caleb turned to leave the Infirmary, smiling and shaking his head.
Several hours later, Caleb looked up from the desk in the study as he had been working on the Guards training schedule. He felt her undeniable presence, and heard her soft footsteps coming closer.
“Hello my love. I did not expect you home so early. Why did you not send for me?” Caleb asked in warm voice, as Laurel walked into the study.
“I wanted to surprise you. I did have an escort, so do not concern yourself. I was only given a tour of the Infirmary and shown where my private study will be, and where they placed my cabinet. Everyone was so very kind and helpful. Master Elphin made such a fuss over me. I admit I was a bit overwhelmed by all of the attention,” Laurel giggled happily.
Caleb smiled at her adoringly, as he leaned back in his chair from behind the desk.
“I am sure you were. I have no doubt they were all very excited to have you there. I however, have not had one bit of your attention since early this morning. So, why do you not come over here and remedy that,” Caleb said, with a seductive grin.
Laurel smirked at him, but remained in the doorway, as Caleb looked at her with an expectant grin, waiting for her to walk over to him.
“I feel Sire you have become quite spoiled by all the attention I have given you this past week or so,” Laurel replied with mock haughtiness, as she placed her arms behind her back and leaned against the doorway.
“Do you now? And what exactly do you intend on doing about that?” Caleb asked her in a low ardent tone, as he pushed his chair out slightly.
Laurel noticed this, and bit her lower lip, trying to suppress a giggle. She inched her way towards the doorway leaning a bit more towards the opening into the corridor. Caleb’s eyes catching her movement, as he grinned at her slyly, pushing his chair out a little further.
“I feel you should have to work a bit harder to receive my attention, as you always expect me to come over to you as soon as you request it,” Laurel answered, trying to maintain her impertinent demeanor, though unable to help from giggling.
“Of course I expect it, and rightly so. Now are you going to come over here, or am I going to have to…persuade you to do so?” Caleb asked grinning wickedly, as he already knew her answer.
“Um…no. I feel you are the one who needs a bit of persuasion,” Laurel smiled at him impishly, and then turned suddenly and ran down the corridor laughing.
Caleb smiled broadly has he came from behind the desk, to pursue her, running just fast enough to see her run into the Library. Laurel turned and laughed shrilly as she saw Caleb making his way towards her, quickly shutting the door. Caleb was at the door a moment later, and laughed quietly to himself, as he realized she had not locked it. He wondered if she had done so purposefully or had forgotten to, in her rush to get into the room. Caleb walked into the Library slowly and noiselessly, as he closed the door and turned the lock. He leaned against it, smiling and listening for a moment, not speaking. He then walked over to the first large oak table where two large pillar candles had been lit by the servants, as it was now in the afternoon. Caleb blew them out, and then made his way across the room stealthily, towards the floor length windows.
Laurel pressed herself against the bookcase, placing her hand to her mouth suppressing a nervous giggle as she saw the front of the Library was a bit darker. She could smell the spicy smoke from the candles and surmised that Caleb had blown them out. There was a loud hiss of the heavy drapes being quickly drawn shut, which made her gasp softly in surprise as the entire room was suddenly much darker. Putting her hand to her mouth again to stop herself from laughing, Laurel waited a moment, allowing her eyes to adjust and listening for any approaching footsteps.
What was I thinking, he is a trained hunter. He is only toying with me, Laurel thought to herself.
She then inched her way slowly down the row of book cases, and was just ready to turn the corner, when a sudden noise made her stop moving. She listened for a moment, her heart pounding in her chest. Though not afraid, the suspense was both intimidating and exhilarating. There it was again, the small noise just in front of her and to the right, sounding almost like a small object landing on the floor. She peered carefully around the book case, but could only barely make out the outline of the heavy tables and chairs just ahead, as the room was quite dark. Laurel listened again, but could hear nothing. She had no idea where Caleb was, but could once again feel his presence in the room. She wondered if it had anything to do with her sharing experience with the Rabkin female, Eira. Since then she had been able to tell if Caleb was nearby or in a room without even seeing him. She had still not mentioned this to him, as the experience was fairly new, and she was not yet accustomed to it. She smiled nervously as she looked around her, feeling him even more acutely, though still unable to see where he was. She made her way slowly backward away from the noise, and then suddenly felt an overwhelming presence behind her, she turned quickly, then felt her arms being gripped tightly.
“Did you really think you could hide from me silly girl?” Caleb asked in a deep low voice, barely above a whisper.
Not waiting for a reply he quickly threw her over his shoulder, making Laurel gasp softly in surprise, as he carried her over to the other side of the room.
“Caleb, what are you doing? Put me down,” Laurel said as she began to struggle a bit in his grasp, which only made him laugh softly.
Laurel was not sure where he was taking her until he lay her gently on the plush couch they had shared the day before their wedding. After placing her on the couch, he was not quite as gentle, as he began to kiss her fervently and deeply, caressing her possessively, tugging at the laces of her Ollam tunic. Laurel murmured in surprise of his ardent attentions, not quite expecting this reaction to her teasing him. She felt his hands pushing her tunic up around her waist as he began to tug and pull at her undergarments.
“Caleb what…what are you doing?” Laurel asked in a breathless whisper, as he moved his mouth to her neck.
“What do you think I am doing?” his answer being given in a question, as he laughed lightly continuing his passionate affections.
“But here? In the Library?” Laurel continued to ask in a breathless soft voice.
“Why not here mo ghra? No one is about. Aiden is out with Deaglan and Aaron, and Mother and Father are riding their horses. This is the room I first fully expressed my love for you at the Festival. And besides, did you not tell me I should have to work a bit harder for your attentions?” Caleb asked with a wry grin, before kissing her neck once again.
Before Laurel could answer, she could feel Caleb touch her ardently, causing her to whimper her pleasure at his touch. She brought her hands up to the back of his neck, her fingers grasping his hair.
“I am quite enchanted by your game. Now that I have caught you, my little mouse, I intend to fully enjoy the spoils of the hunt,” Caleb said in a soft deep voice, as he resumed kissing her face and neck.
“Caleb, what if we are discovered?” Laurel asked in a small voice, as she felt the last of her resolve melt away with Caleb’s continued attentions.
“Do not worry mo stor. I have locked the door, and no one is here. Just relax mo chailin milis. Enjoy how much I adore you. Is your Prince not good to you?” Caleb asked her smiling, his voice husky with his passion for her.
“Oh yes mo chroi. You are indeed very good to me,” Laurel replied, as Caleb smiled at her reaction to him, then kissed her passionately.
Queen Alana made her way from her room to the sitting room were King Fergus waited for her. They always enjoyed a private casual supper together after their weekly ride, and then played several games of Tablut, before retiring early to spend the rest of the evening in their private quarters. She stopped for a moment in the corridor, unsure of what she heard as she looked over to her left. She then smiled knowingly and continued on her way. As she entered the sitting room, King Fergus looked up from the Tablut board he was arranging, to smile at her warmly.
“So mo stor. Have you found out where Caleb and Laurel have gotten off to? Lucas said they did not leave the Lodge,” King Fergus enquired.
“They seem to be spending an enjoyable time in the Library,” Queen Alana replied smiling back at him as she took her seat.
“Strange way for newlyweds to spend a late afternoon, reading together in the Library,” King Fergus smirked, as he moved his piece forward on the board.
“I said they were spending an enjoyable time in the Library, mo ghra. I did not say they were reading,” she said looking up from the game, smiling enticingly at him.
King Fergus studied her expression for a moment and then chuckled shaking his head.
“Caleb. There is something I wish to share with you,” Laurel said softly, as she leaned against his chest in the warm water.
Caleb brought his hand up from the warm bath, to caress her cheek, leaning his head slightly kissing her temple.
“What is it my love?” Caleb asked in a calm soft voice, though slightly concerned by the seriousness of her tone.
Laurel sat up slightly to look at him, her face relaxed but serious.
“When I was hiding in the Library, and waiting for you to come in, something very….unusual happened, and it was not the first time,” Laurel began to explain, her fingers lightly tracing his chest.
“What happened dearest?” Caleb asked, sounding very concerned at this point.
“When you walked into the Library, I was actually able to feel you were in the room. I can also feel when you are close by. I can always tell, even if I do not see or hear you, I know you are near. I can still be surprised by you if you suddenly show up, but I still am able to…well sense when you are close. I have been able to do this since sharing with Eira,” Laurel replied almost shyly.
“Why did you not tell me this before Laurel?” Caleb asked her, smiling lovingly.
“I was not sure at first what I was feeling. I was not sure how you would feel about this,” Laurel explained, with a shaking sigh.
“Can you sense anyone else? Or is it only me?” Caleb asked her gently.
“Only you,” Laurel stated, watching his expressions.
“There is nothing to be concerned with my love. It is a very common trait among the Rabkins. They can sense each other when they are nearby, not communicate, simply feel when another of their Kindred or own kind are in close proximity. There is nothing mystical about it. It is purely a physical ability they have. Because you have shared with Eira, I can feel you as well, which is why I was able to find you so easily, plus I am able to see in the dark very well. I should have told you, but I was not aware of you being able to sense me as you do,” Caleb explained reassuringly, as he caressed her face again.
“How does this happen Caleb?” Laurel asked her voice sounding less concerned, and more curious.
“It is as I explained earlier. Much like a side effect when given medicine, as you had described to me before. The Rabkins have nothing themselves to do with it and were completely unaware how it would affect us. Again my dearest, we are the only two humans the Rabkins have ever shared with. Apparently when a human shares with a Rabkin, their bodies quite literally share with ours, in that we receive some heightened ability or sensitivity from them. It is not that we are suddenly able to do something our bodies could possible not do, our own natural abilities are simply improved upon. I have always had excellent hearing and vision, it was simply enhanced. You have a wonderful knowledge of the healing properties of plants and herbs, your knowledge was just enlarged. Sensing each other, is just one of their natural abilities. Does this put your mind at ease mo stor?” Caleb asked, in a soft and soothing tone.
“Yes Caleb, I feel much more at peace with this now,” Laurel answered with a deep sigh, turning and leaning against Caleb’s chest once again.
They finished bathing, and after dressing in warm night clothes, had a light supper in their room. They later played a game of Fidchell, climbed into bed taking turns reading from an amusing book of old limericks and riddles, some of which they both admitted were quite difficult. They finished their evening as they often did with Caleb reading a favourite poet, finally falling asleep peacefully in each other’s arms.
32: THE MISSIONS
Caleb sat at his desk finishing the Patrol duty schedule, his mood becoming more discontent as he realized the time to depart was nearly upon them. The time had gone by more quickly than he thought it would. Aiden had urged him to not join them on this mission, in order for Caleb to have more time with his new Bride. He had to admit the temptation to not go was almost too impossible to resist. Yet he felt compelled to be the example and not use his position to take advantage. Three other Sentinels were also recently wed and they too would be on this mission, one was about to become a new father. They would have to endure with being separated from their brides for a fortnight, so then he would do the same. Asking someone to fill in for him would be asking them to be away from their family for at least a month’s time. He was happy that Laurel seemed to be adjusting rather easily to her life there in Heathwin. She was quite close to both of his parents, his mother in particular, and adored Aiden. His cousin Imagin was the perfect choice for Laurel’s personal attendant, she was young, sweet natured, and Laurel had already become quite fond of her. Laurel’s friendships with Ione, Kerrie, and Eavan were flourishing and very important to her. Laurel had become more comfortable in her and Caleb’s personal relationship. She was no longer timid, and her shyness around him had all but abated. Though she still remained modest, feeling comfortable walking about their private chambers without some kind of covering for only a moment. He smiled at that thought, realizing that was something she would probably always do. She was warm and loving every night, when he joined her in their bed. He was grateful for the fact that she enjoyed his passionate attentions. He was completely caught unaware by his own need to be with her. Even though he had been married before, and had other lovers, his feelings for Laurel were unlike anything he had ever experienced. He adored her like no other, and when he made love to her, he felt whole and complete, not just satisfied and placated. She was polite and gracious to all the servants, and anyone else she would meet during her walks about the city. The people were fascinated and enchanted by her friendly open nature, and she still received gifts of flowers, or handmade trinkets, which she accepted with charming enthusiasm. Caleb was still astonished by her asking mercy be given to Leland for attempting to take her life by the use of a Scimitar cat. That act of graciousness had won her the hearts of the people and the Clann Chiefs as well. He chuckled to himself as he remembered how her fiery temper had been what had truly endeared her to the four Chieftains, as she cursed at them in perfect Kedesh, in defense of her beloved counselor. Her turning on him however, as she saw him laugh at her temper, was something that he still did not find amusing. She was indeed a presence to be reckoned with, no matter how delightful he found her. He heard the door to their room open, followed by light footsteps, once again feeling her undeniable presence.
“There you are! I have been looking for you,” Laurel said cheerfully, as she approached him.
He smiled at her bright mood, but did not look up from his work, dipping his quill in the ink well, continuing his task. She walked up in back of him, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing the side of his face.
“You have not been looking in the right place mo ghra, I have been here for well over an hour,” he said, as he continued to work.
“Well there are quite a few places you could be, I just chose to look here last,” she paused for a moment, puzzled by his sullen mood. “What are you working on so diligently?” she asked her arms still around him.
“I am finishing the Patrol schedule,” Caleb answered dryly.
“What is that exactly?” Laurel asked, smirking at his ill mood.
“The Patrol schedule is used to divide the Patrol up into three different groups. We split up, Patrol our designated areas, and then meet back up again before we return home. This way we all know where we are going, and about how long it should take, barring no unexpected occurrences or mishaps,” Caleb answered.
