The Treasure of Gwenlais, page 165
part #1 of The Rienfield Chronicles Series
“Yes she is. The poor thing was completely heartbroken at my being angry. I cannot bear to see her that way. So we just talked about what priorities needed to be set. You will not be seeing my Bride for the rest of the week Master Elphin, as I intend to keep her all to myself,” Caleb said, as he stood and began to walk out of the room.
“I certainly cannot blame you for that, Prince Caleb, enjoy your evening,” Master Elphin spoke in a relieved voice, happy the Prince was no longer angry.
The servants were nearly finished with arranging the Grand Hall for the Return Banquet, Laurel stood on the balcony, watching the final arrangements being completed. Laurel startled slightly as she felt a hand touch her shoulder. She looked up and saw Caleb smiling warmly at her.
“Where were you just now mo ghra?” Caleb asked in a soft low voice, leaning over and kissing her forehead.
“Oh, just thinking about how much has gone on in the last fortnight. I was also thinking of the young woman I tended to. Master Elphin said she and her infant are doing well, but I have not yet had the chance to see them,” Laurel smiled at him, but her eyes were still sad and emotional.
“Perhaps tomorrow dearest, we can go to the Infirmary together. Then you can set your mind at ease,” Caleb mentioned caressing her cheek.
“Thank you Caleb. That means so much to me. She suffered greatly, I was not sure if she would survive the night. It was one of the most difficult circumstances with a patient I have had to deal with. When the young man died so suddenly, I was lost for a moment. I…I have never lost anyone before. This was the first time,” she looked at him, her eyes emotional.
“Be comforted with the knowledge dearest that your efforts were not for nothing. I see that the guests are beginning to arrive, I promise we shall talk more about this tonight when we are alone. Now however, my love, we must be the Prince and Princess of Heathwin. Come, let us go downstairs, and meet with the Sentinels and their families,” Caleb held her hand, and began to lead her down the staircase.
As they made their way to the Grand Hall, the first to greet them was Tolemais and his wife, soon followed by Rian and Ione. Laurel began to relax as Ione always made her feel at ease. Ione then began to introduce her to the other wives, as she knew many of the families being both a Sentinel and the wife of a Sentinel. The families were warm and friendly and enjoyed asking Laurel questions about her work as an Ollam. Soon after much to Laurel’s delight Cinnie and Quinlan arrived. Laurel soon was smiling and laughing with the others, and enjoying the warm conversations that ensued.
The announcement was made that dinner was served and everyone then went to the elegantly set tables. Laurel took her place next to Caleb at the head table and as she sat down, Caleb leaned over and whispered in her ear and then stood up, before everyone began their meal.
“My friends I wish to thank you all, for the tremendous effort everyone put forward on this mission. Especially for the valiant effort by all, for putting up with me and my less than agreeable disposition,” Caleb said with a wry grin, when Quinlan’s hearty “Here, here,” could be heard in the Hall. “And with that, let us all enjoy our evening,” Caleb spoke with a charming smile.
Dinner was hearty and generous, as all the Return banquets were. They were held the end of each Patrol season, to thank the Sentinels for all their hard work. A wide variety of dishes were served, from succulent roast beef, and gork, to delicate roasted quail. Thick rich soups, roasted root vegetables, several types of fresh baked breads, various preserved and pickled vegetables and fruits, and of course cider and fresh apples, cooked in a variety of ways. The King and Queen did not make an appearance until dinner was over, as this was not the King’s Patrol mission. They walked among the Sentinels and their families to thank them for all their hard work and to thank the wives and husbands for their support. Laurel though tired, found herself enjoying the banquet, as it seemed more a social event then a duty. She sat at the table and watched how Caleb and Aiden interacted with the other Sentinels in this relaxed atmosphere. She smiled observing them both laughing and joking, rank no longer being considered. It was more a gathering of close friends or family, all just enjoying each other’s company. Laurel began to see that is truly how the Sentinels felt about each other, they were a large extended family, relying on each other for support, and even survival, depending on what their missions would entail. She began to see Caleb in a different light. He was not just their Prince and Commander, but also their friend and brother. She smiled with new found pride as she watched him from her seat, her eyes glistening with happy tears, happy to be able to see this side of him, for the first time. He looked over at her as he felt her gaze, then excusing himself from the group he was speaking with, walked over to her.
“Are you alright mo stor? Is something wrong?” he asked her with concern as he sat down next to her.
“No my dear Caleb. Nothing is wrong. I am just a bit emotional. I was just watching you talking with the other Sentinels, I found it moving how much you all care for each other,” Laurel replied sniffing back tears, and smiling shyly.
Caleb smiled at her warmly and kissed her temple, as he stroked her hair.
“You are so very sensitive my love. Come with me, I feel the need to show off my Bride a bit, you are looking too fetching to sit here at the table,” Caleb said as he took her hand, and led her around the Hall, introducing her to those she had not met as yet.
She was happy to meet Gawain once again and his new bride Iris from Gwenlais, who was giddy at meeting Laurel for the second time.
“I cannot thank you enough your Highness, for sending my father that lovely letter in Gawain’s behalf. I will admit I was prepared to run off and marry my dear Gawain either way, but after having my father’s blessing because of your letter, well it made it that much sweeter,” Iris gushed.
“You are most welcome Iris. I was more than happy to do it. Your husband is a brave and valiant man, as all the Sentinels are. Our people need to appreciate that, and all that they do for Gwenlais,” Laurel said, with pride and conviction.
“They do indeed your Highness. I could not agree more,” Iris answered back, entwining her arm with her husband’s as they smiled at each other warmly.
Suddenly Aiden walked up to Caleb, mentioning he needed to speak with him for a moment, as they both excused themselves and walked away to talk. Laurel watched them curiously as they both looked over at her and then to the Grand Hall entrance. Just then Queen Alana walked up to Laurel, smiling benevolently at her.
“Mother, what is going on?” Laurel asked her, as she noticed others were also looking at the entrance and then glancing over at her.
“My dear, there seems to be a few people who wish to speak with you. As you can see, Caleb, Aiden and Fergus are speaking with them now. Do you see Chieftain Remy with them?” Queen Alana asked.
“Yes. Why would he wish to speak with me?” Laurel asked becoming concerned.
“My dear Laurel, did you forget Chieftain Remy’s Clann is from Larne? The young woman and infant whose lives you saved, are the daughter and grandchild of the village Elder. Her father and husband wish to thank you, as well as Chieftain Remy,” Queen Alana informed, her eyes warm and filled with pride. “Caleb is coming over, I have no doubt to bring you over to them,” she said looking over as Caleb approached.
“It would be mo ghra you were far busier that I thought. The village Elder and his son-in-law, as well as Remy wish to thank you personally dearest, for what you did for his daughter. Come, let them thank you,” Caleb said in a warm loving voice, as he noticed Laurel’s eyes becoming emotional.
He smiled at her adoringly as he took her hand and led her over to the small group that had gathered around the three men. As they approached, Aiden and King Fergus smiled at her warmly, seeing her face looking a bit anxious.
“Good evening your Highness. I wish to present to you Ultan, the Elder of Larne, and his son-in-law Feidhelm, who you already know. They wished to thank you my dear lass, for the kindness you bestowed upon their beloved Brona,” Remy said with undisguised admiration, his eyes twinkling.
As he stepped back and the tall and distinguished looking village Elder stepped forward smiling kindly, he bowed his head with respect, before speaking.
“Your Highness, I wish to thank you for what you did for my daughter and grandson. Master Elphin himself admitted he was unsure if they would survive. My family truly feels blessed that you came to us that dreadful day.
I shamefully admit your Highness, that I did not have much confidence in your abilities, as all the Physicians here are only men. I have also only believed the Ollams based their medicine on superstitions and myth. I stand before you, humbly corrected,” Ultan, said with a warm smile.
Laurel smiled back, covering her mouth shyly, surprised at his words. Caleb placed his arm around her and smiled down at her lovingly, as Feidhelm then stepped forward to speak.
“Your Highness. I again wish to thank you for saving my family. Brona was actually able to hold our son today, it was truly a beautiful thing to behold. I wish to present to you a gift, that Ultan and myself worked on all night, to give it to you,” the young man said, smiling brightly as he and Ultan stepped back and picked up and placed in front of she and Caleb, a beautifully built and ornately carved cradle. “It is the very same cradle we built for my son, that I am most grateful, will be occupied, when my dear Brona can return home,” Feidhelm said, with happy tear filled eyes.
Laurel knelt down, lightly gliding her hands over the cradle, smiling as she examined it. She looked up at Caleb, who was smiling broadly at her.
“Thank you Feidhelm, and Ultan. This is truly a very thoughtful gift, and Caleb and I will treasure for many seasons to come. I look forward to the day when our child will sleep peacefully in it,” Laurel replied her eyes shining with the thought of her child sleeping in the beautiful cradle.
“You are most welcome your Highness. Know that you have the gratitude of our entire village,” Ultan answered bowing his head again in respect.
“Aye lass. You have the gratitude of the entire Clann Athdara. May the Maker bless you in your endeavors as a healer,” Remy spoke with gratitude as he took her hand.
“Thank you Chieftain Remy. Thank you all. I am quite overwhelmed by your graciousness. I can only say that I only did what was needed, and am very happy it all worked out to such a joyful conclusion,” Laurel replied, her voice shaking with emotion.
“Now my friends, let us all sit and relax and have a bit of cider as we end our evening shall we,” King Fergus suddenly spoke up, as he saw that Laurel was becoming emotional.
He then guided everyone to a nearby table for refreshments and nodded back to Caleb knowingly, as Caleb embraced Laurel for a moment as everyone began to disperse. Aiden walked up to them smiling at Laurel charmingly.
“Well they have gone and done it now love. Mother will now be pestering Caleb constantly, to have an occupant for that cradle. You will never have any peace,” Aiden said winking at her, as she laughed and blushed brightly.
“Yes, well sadly you are not far from the truth. It will be all she will talk about for days now,” Caleb said shaking his head and smirking. “Come along mo stor, let us bring this upstairs and call it a night. Make yourself useful and help me bring this upstairs,” he said addressing Aiden.
Aiden smirked at him and as they both lifted an end they looked at each other in surprise.
“By the Maker! This thing weighs more than a small horse,” Aiden complained as they began to carry it across the Hall to the staircase.
“Yes it does. Do not drop it!” Caleb directed emphatically, as they made their way slowly up the stairs.
“I am not going to drop it! Just mind yourself and stop telling me what to do,” Aiden grumbled back.
“Well lift your end higher. You are putting all the weight of it on me,” Caleb growled back.
“I am not! Stop your complaining and be glad I am helping, you ungrateful bastard,” Aiden scowled back at him.
Laurel just laughed at them as they continued to struggle and complain, carrying the heavy cradle up the long staircase. When they finally arrived at the room, Laurel quickly walked ahead to open the door for them.
“Now where do you want the bloody thing?” Aiden asked in an annoyed voice.
“It does not matter. Here just put it on the side of my desk there. Yes, right there. That was ridiculous. When you find the actual spot for it Laurel, then that is where it is staying. We will not be moving this too many times,” Caleb said taking a deep breath, and running his hand through his hair.
“Well let me know when you plan to move it again so I will not be here. Goodnight. I am going back downstairs to have some cider,” Aiden said with a deep sigh, then walking over to kiss Laurel goodnight.
Laurel said goodnight and thanked Aiden as he left the room, and closed the door. Laurel then looked over at Caleb as she walked over to admire the cradle once again. Caleb walked over and knelt down beside her, putting his arm around her, as he held her closer. They both just smiled at each other at first, not speaking as they knew the other was imaging the same thing, the image of the tiny occupant of the cradle.
“We should probably move the cradle to my side of the bed, well eventually. It will be easier for me that way to nurse the baby in the night,” Laurel spoke up first, in a soft dreamy voice.
“So you shall not want a wet nurse then?” Caleb asked, with a wry grin.
“Of course not. My mother nursed me. I could not think of having anyone else nurse our child,” Laurel said a bit indignantly, until she noticed Caleb’s expression. “Oh, you are just teasing me,” she said hitting his arm.
“Yes I am. I am sorry, I was too tempted to see your expression. Wet nurses are not really used by the women in Heathwin. Only if it is required,” he said smiling at her, a he gently caressed her cheek. “I am very proud of you Laurel. What you did for that family was truly wonderful. I will go with you tomorrow so that you may see the mother and child. I do hope however you realize I still do not wish for you to travel to care for others. I wish for you to remain here in the city, for your own safety,” Caleb said, his voice still sounding concerned.
“Of course Caleb. I understand. Now more than ever. I realize my life is not my own any longer. I need to think of how it will affect you, and well our future. I hope that perhaps I can teach others some of what I have learned, perhaps some of the attendants, who normally travel to aide others,” Laurel said reassuringly.
“That is a wonderful idea mo stor. You will have to speak with Master Elphin, concerning this. I am sure he will agree to it. Come now let us get ready for bed. We have had a long day. I would like you to get some rest tomorrow. I have something planned in the next day or so, I think you will enjoy very much,” he said smiling as he helped her to her feet.
“Really? What is it?” she asked smiling happily.
“Oh you will see. You should find it very interesting as I am also inviting your pet Scribe and my cousin Addis to join us,” Caleb replied, smiling at her secretively.
“Alright I shall just wait then. I cannot imagine if you also asked Wendell and Addis. So I shall not try and guess,” she said with a yawn.
“Come along let us go to bed before you fall asleep standing up,” he smiled at her as she yawned once again.
They both changed quickly and got into bed laying comfortably in each other’s arms, allowing the peace they felt to begin to overtake them.
“What do you wish for first? A boy or a girl?” Laurel asked, in a drowsy voice.
“Seeing as we cannot choose it does not matter. Either one would be just fine. As long as it has all the right amount of fingers and toes, and all the other essential parts, I will be happy,” Caleb answered laughing lightly, as he kissed her temple.
“I hope we have a boy first, and that he looks just like you. That way he will be a protective older brother,” Laurel said, her voice sounding sleepier.
“Hmm. Protective or bossy?” Caleb asked with a grin.
“I suppose you cannot have one without the other,” Laurel replied yawing once again.
“I have always thought that to be true,” Caleb remarked laughing.
He turned and looked at Laurel when he heard her breathing heavier, seeing she had fallen asleep. He kissed her lightly and then becoming comfortable, he placed his hand gently on her stomach, and as he began to drift off, imagining what it would be like to feel a life they had created, growing inside of her. He smiled at the thought before finally succumbing to sleep.
34: SAD NEWS FROM GWENLAIS
“Caleb you have still not told me where we are going,” Laurel said as she looked over at him smiling coyly, as they were having tea and rolls at the desk.
“I know and I am not going to. You will begin to realize further along into the ride there,” Caleb replied with a wry grin, standing and leaning over to kiss her. “Now finish your breakfast, I need to be sure your pet Scribe is ready. If Addis is not here we will be leaving without the twit,” Caleb said as he walked out of the room.
Laurel giggled as she finished her tea. Excited and happy to have had two full days with Caleb. He did not speak much of his Patrol mission, only telling of the slaver attack on the village, which she found very upsetting, as this was something out of the ordinary for Gwenlais. She was happy to hear however that the Sentinels had stayed to help the villagers and her father was finally taking security measures more seriously. She was also happy and delighted that Caleb had joined her yesterday in going to see Brona and Feidhelm’s new infant son at the Infirmary. Brona was recovering quickly and would finally be able to return home by week’s end. They would be staying with her father Ultan until a new cottage could be made for them in the Planting season. Laurel finished her tea, then putting on her short boots and the warm cape she had been given from the weavers of Ardara, made her way downstairs to meet Caleb. She found Aiden, Wendell, and Addis talking with Caleb by the Hall entrance. Imagin ran up to Laurel, embracing her warmly, as Caleb had also invited Owain and Imagin to join them.
